David, I support your column, and I support getting the full run of the original series back on a well-supported cable network.

I feel obliged to state for the record that I personally have zero interest in seeing a new series, or new product in general to further "the franchise."

For those who are interested, may all your dreams come true (and turn into delicious nightmares, as appropriate!).

G.

I agree, Cousin.  I think we're meant to take it that Stokes and Roger did give the man the message in good faith and he just took his time delivering it, but one does wonder...

G.

That's really too bad, MB.  But so typical of various stories I have heard about DC and how he operated over the years.

I know it's common to give Curtis all the credit for Shadows having been as fabulous as it was, but at least where the original series (which has my heart) is concerned, I've said before and I'm saying now--the project attained greatness DESPITE the "input" and interference of Dan Curtis.  The best periods were often when he was away working on other projects--such as the introduction of Barnabas (and maybe the preceding Laura Collins storyline, too).

G.

I agree that Pfeiffer was the best part of the Burton/Depp film.  I have no interest in seeing the film itself ever again but I would enjoy seeing a reel of Pfeiffer and HBC's outtake scenes, if such were ever released (seems unlikely).

I thought Jean Simmons was utterly wasted in the 1990 redaction.  She's a gifted actress and there could have been some wonderful moments for her, but with DC calling the shots, it became all about how much gore, fanging, and carnage they could get away with in each episode. DC would have loved the current era of HBO and other network serial killer dramas with all the loving slo-mo close-ups of manglings, stabbings, dismemberments, gougings etc.

Just my two drachmae.

G.

Nicky, I started buying 16 magazine in late June or early July of 1968.  I remember the photograph you love so much being prominently featured in the mag.  I was hooked, bigtime.

Roger Davis as Barnabas really would be horrifying.  I think I need to lie down just at the thought...

dom, that's so sweet that you wanted to name your daughter Cassandra.  Whenever I meet someone with the name, I wonder (if she is of the right age) if her Mom was a DS fan.

G.

Another fabulous episode.  I just love it when Barn asks Cass if her college major is Witchcraft.  MEEEOWW. And the scene with Stokes is beyond priceless.

Just another reason why 1968 is my personal favorite of ALL the storylines.

G.

Another Lara Parker novel--now that's horrifying!

Off to pray for what's left of American literature...

G.