The point I'm making is that the widow spirits were not such a short or passing thing, as they often found their way into other DS plots. One can say that any "normal" plot that found its way into Collinsport would be subjected to the truly regular supernatural elements, which were always around. Really? Even Mrs. Johnson seemed to be a more caring / sympathetic character. Yes, and as mentioned, even in the Kirshner era, most of the band members were already contributing to those two Kirshner supervised Monkees albums, including a wealth of additional tracks that would only see release decades later (thank you, Rhino Records). Well, that's the thing--stock would have been the so-named "pin drop" or library music (such as the Captiol/Hi-Q library music) used in random films, TV, radio and commercials. For Dark Shadows, Robert Colbert created tracks specifically for use as radio/Blue Whale songs, so that's not stock. The only stock music used in this period was Canadian composer Robert Farnum's piece (actually in the ABC library) which became the first (short-lived) tune for Josette's music box, which in turn was replaced by Colbert's famous version. No, Jason's comment died with him. Regarding Vicki being the illegitimate daughter of Liz, here's Joan Bennett on the matter from a 1986 interview-- So what do you think the avoidance of the term stems from? It was used in TV before Dark Shadows, so what's the reason?
They were trying to be coy/subtle, and were usually successful, as I've repeatedly given them credit for...but in this case, sticking to that M.O. drew too much attention to itself.
Looks like Decades is doing an M:I Binge this weekend, too. Not sure what they had scheduled before, but it wasn't that. They're still skipping around, but they're including some that I needed.
And I've gone ahead and recorded the first half of Season 1. They're skipping the second half, no doubt because they'd recently covered it in a Daily Binge...which I now wish I'd recorded, but I'm sure that those will come around again eventually. _______ 50th Anniversary Catch-Up Viewing What was going on the week these episodes aired. _______ Batman "Black Widow Strikes Again" Originally aired March 15, 1967 "Caught in the Spider's Den" Originally aired March 16, 1967 Holy Google--The Dynamic Duo struggle with bad search terms on the Batcomputer! Yeah, those Halloween party spiders are hard to take seriously as a deathtrap. How many times have Batman and/or Robin been (or pretended to have been) mind-controlled now? Black Widow needs the Batcomputer to figure out which bank to rob next? Let your fingers do the walking, BW! When Batman's pretending to be under a villain's control, he gets no benefit of the doubt from Commissioner Gordon, even after Batman gives a warning about it; When Batman's actually under a villain's control, Commissioner Gordon assumes that Batman is springing a trap on the villain.... Black Widow's voice coming out of Robin is pretty creepy. Since when are the blue parts of Batman's costume purple? Over in the other thread, somebody brought up Identity Crisis in relation to the end. Now I never read that, but from what I've read of it, it sounds like DC was going the turnabout is fair play route by taking concepts from the Squadron Supreme miniseries and applying them to the original heroes. So throwing in that missing link, it's interesting to note that in Squadron, the controversial mind-altering device that was being used to "reform" criminals looked a lot like a hair-dryer...much like the device on Batman. And of course, in the comics Batman and Nighthawk were both opposed to the mind control. _______ The Wild Wild West "The Night of the Deadly Blossom" Originally aired March 17, 1967 A story about the importance of the Hawaiian Islands, complete with a reference to "Oahu's impregnable Pearl Harbor". Likewise, Japan's interest in the islands plays into the story. The main guest's character goes out of his way to tell us that he's Chinese, because he sure doesn't look it in that crappy yellowface makeup job. Maybe they could have given future Bond supporting agent Soon-Tek Oh more of a role--He's wasted here as a houseboy whom I wouldn't have recognized if not for IMDb. The anti-ship rocket is definitely more what I expect from Old West spy fi than that painting business. And that's the last of the WWW episodes that I recorded from the Decades Daily Binge. I'd be happy to include it in the coming season's 50th anniversary business if Decades airs some from that season in a timely manner, or H&I gets it back. _______ Tarzan "The Perils of Charity Jones: Part II" Originally aired March 17, 1967 Charity earns her keep when her organ playing saves her and Jai from the natives...but the chief wants to take her as a wife. And then Tarzan shows up and caims her as his woman, but has to fight for her; becomes the new king; and gets shot in an attack by the bad guys; Charity has to cut out the bullet; and when he's recovering from that, the three of them cuddle together for warmth, looking like a family...hey, there's a lot going on in this one! And of course, by the time Jai falls into the hands of the bad guys and Tarzan and Charity work together along with the tribe to free him and stop the bad guys, the pair have developed mutual respect and all that good stuff. Ultimately, Charity decides to start a new school for the tribe. So the bottom of the boat is filled with weapons and ammo....I'm still not sure that last week's Plan A, using an explosion to sink the boat, makes much sense.... Parting words from our guest... Some might be interested to know that Charity's from Massachusetts (but born in Tasmania). And she'll be back for another two-parter in Season 2. _______ Would you believe there wasn't a new Get Smart episode this week in 1967? Sorry about that. _______ Last Week's 50th Anniversary Viewing _______ Dark Shadows Episode 276 Originally aired July 17, 1967 This time our anonymous opening narrator is Kathryn Leigh Scott, though she's unrecognizable as Maggie...in fact, her delivery sounds a lot like Elizabeth's, but the voice is noticeably younger. Following the recap of last week's murder of Jason, Barnabas replaces his hand double to demand an explanation for McGuire's presence from Willie. After expressing his displeasure at what he sees as a betrayal of his security, Barnabas decides to dispose of Jason's body in the secret room of the Collins mausoleum. To his credit, Willie expresses remorse at his old friend's death, which gives the disapproving Barnabas an excuse to allude to Sarah...who appears in the basement after Barnabas and Willie carry the body out. At Wyndcliffe, Doc Woodard, believing Maggie to still be in danger from her anonymous abductor, insists to Dr. Hoffman that Maggie should be shown the sketch of Sarah. After some hesitation, Maggie identifies Sarah by name and relates some details of having met the girl during her captivity and escape. Pressed for more information, Maggie becomes hysterical again and is escorted out by Nurse Jackson, who first appeared in Episode 265. Meanwhile, Barnabas and Willie arrive at the mausoleum with Jason's body and bury it in the secret room. Barnabas's distaste for defiling his family tomb with McGuire's remains gives him another excuse to share some exposition about his family with Willie, most notably Sarah, who appears again after they leave, cradling the doll that Barnabas just related having mended for her. And that is officially the last we'll be seeing of Jason McGuire. Episode 277 Originally aired July 18, 1967 Alexandra Moltke is back on opening narration duty, but out of character and with a different, more abrupt delivery this episode. At the Old House, Barnabas shares with Willie his plans to lure in a willing replacement for Josette via the costume party. While at the Great House, Roger convinces Elizabeth to get out more now that the Jason plotline is over. The two also discuss McGuire's potential whereabouts, Roger having noticed that Jason left all of his belongings behind and that he'd last been seen with Willie.... Barnabas comes calling at the Great House, to be greeted by Victoria. They get into a conversation in which he waxes poetic about that nasty ol' sun. Brought into the main room where his cousins are, he formally extends his invitation to the clan. At first Liz doesn't want to accept, feeling uneasy with all of this living in the past (which is not unlike watching 50-year-old TV shows)...but her bromantic brother twists her arm. Oddly enough, the role that Barnabas has chosen for him is that of Joshua, his estranged father...while Liz will be Naomi Collins, and Victoria will be--Who else? Episode 278 Originally aired July 19, 1967 Alexandra Moltke sounds less out-of-character on narration than yesterday. Barnabas tells a skeptical Willie that his invitation has been accepted and orders him to bring a trunk of old clothing to Josette's room. Willie senses Barnabas's true motives and tries to discourage him from having the party. At the Great House, Elizabeth is still reluctant to participate, being uneasy about the idea of masquerading as her ancestors, though Victoria helps to convince her. At the Old House, Barnabas has an odd sensation when he brings Vicki to Josette's room to see the clothing...likely because Sarah's in the room, but they can't see her due to some artful camera blocking. Finding a dress that belonged to his little sister gives Barnabas the opportunity to engage in yet more wistful exposition about her. And of course, he expresses a desire to see Vicki immerse herself in the part of Josette. Back at the Great House, Vicki shares some insightful observations about Barnabas's character. While at the Old House, when Willie knocks on the door of Josette's room, it sounds like somebody else is doing his voice before he comes in. Seeing the the little girl's dress, Loomis recognizes it as being like that worn by David's playmate. And when he and Barnabas leave the room, there she is again, just off-camera from where they were, and happy to have finally found her blue dress.... Episode 279 Originally aired July 20, 1967 Carolyn and Vicki are having a nice moment playing dress-up with their antique gowns when Vicki pulls a Debbie Downer upon Carolyn's mentions of Josette Collins. Meanwhile down at the Old House, Willie is getting the house spiffy for the party while Barnabas cracks the whip in his general direction. Burke Lite pays a visit to Vicki and learns about the party. When she mentions that she's going as Josette, it's Burke's turn to play Debbie Downer, bringing up a seance from a pre-Barnabas storyline. Y'know, in this one, I am starting to see that resemblance to a Thunderbirds marionette.... Vicki goes to the Old House, where her compliments to Willie about his work are met with a veiled warning about Barnabas's plans for her, which is interrupted by Barnabas. See episode description for what happens next. After Vicki leaves, Barnabas conveys to Willie how this could be an opportunity to work out his issues with Jeremiah Collins. Episode 280 Originally aired July 21, 1967 Dressed for the party, Barnabas looks through a book of family portraits and shares some exposition about his family with Willie, particularly his hatred of Jeremiah. At the Great House, the contemporary Collins clan is also dressed for the shindig. Carolyn and Liz express reservations about the affair, while Roger reminds his beloved brandy who's daddy in the wake of Jason's departure, and also gets in a gripe about his old nemesis Burke having been invited. As they leave for the Old House, Vicki stays behind to wait for her date...while Barnabas obsesses over the long-dead woman whom she now represents to him.... Willie questions Barnabas about his plans for Miss Wintahs, but the master of the house goes down to meet his guests. After exchanging some small talk that borders on revealing Barnabas's true identity, Vicki arrives with Burke, who gets a tense reception from the host. Once everyone's present, the Collins women start freaking out about flickering candles, chills, and feeling like they've been touched. Roger seriously proposes that a ghost of one of their ancestors is trying to contact them and insists upon conducting a seance, which is met by protest from Barnabas...who'd definitely have his reasons for not wanting chatty spirits to share their knowledge with the living members of the family. As they proceed, Roger demonstrates that he knows his stuff as a medium. Candles blow out, doors blow open, and just as the men are getting scaredy-fraid of continuing, Vicki starts to go into a trance.... _______ 50 years ago this week: As one might have gathered from news items over the past few weeks, it wasn't the Summer of Love everywhere... New on the charts: "Fakin' It," Simon & Garfunkel (#23 US) "You're My Everything," The Temptations (#6 US; #3 R&B; #26 UK) And new on the boob tube: Dark Shadows, episodes 281-285 _______
The newness of Hawaiian and Alaskan statehood was part of the Zeitgeist in those days-- that's where the original Hawaii Five-0 came from, and it also fed into my nascent obsession with Puerto Rican statehood. Shout out to the most unspellable and unpronounceable state in the Union. Missed it by that much. Indeed not. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times-- the Age of Aquarius and the Eve of Destruction. The Summer of Love was the antidote for these ailments and the greatest tragedy is that the next generation discontinued the treatment. Simon & Garfunkel is one of my favorite artists of all time and had immeasurable influence on me as a writer and a person-- that said, this one is pretty forgettable. This is also not The Temptations best work, but it definitely has that smooth sound of the summery 60s.
Having M:I on in the background this weekend, I realized a simpler way of expressing my issue with Burke Devlin...he's the Willy Armitage of his show. Mississippi (former)? Missouri (latter)? The old "air a rerun or preempt the show for other programming" trick! I know where you're coming from, but there's an argument that the counterculture was more of an escape than an antidote when it came to issues like this. And the counterculture itself was about to take a more radical and violent turn in the following year. You don't usually say something like that about one of your favorite artists. I actually think it's fairly catchy for not being one of their better-known or high-charting singles. It has that smooth sound of the Temptations, which is good enough. But yeah, as touched upon previously, this is sort of an in-between era for them. Their psychedelic soul era isn't due to kick off until late '68. I'll grant that it definitely has a purplish sheen in some lighting, but it always looked primarily blue to me...especially next to Batgirl's costume, which is more definitely purple. _______ Kung Fu "The Way of Violence Has No Mind" Production no. 166215 Originally aired January 24, 1974 Good costume continuity: Caine's still wearing the bandage from a head wound he received in the previous episode. And he only gets his new shirt after his old one gets ripped up. OTOH, he uses the bandage for something else during the episode, then puts it back on when hitting the road at the end, so he seems to just be using it as a headband at this point. I'd like to think that there's a slight hint of Caine's Fugitive Premise lurking around in the fact that he doesn't volunteer that he's a Shaolin priest among Chinese, one of whom has learned kung fu from a priest. But they don't make a point of having anyone notice his arm brands when his shirt is off; nor is there a moment of recognition when Caine displays his own skills. The bandit who knows kung fu puts up perhaps too good of a fight against Caine, considering that he learned it second-hand, while Caine was raised in Shaolin monastery. "In Uncertain Bondage" Production no. 166216 Originally aired February 7, 1974 OK, this episode Caine's headwear is apparently just a bandana...maybe it always was...and he gives it away in the end. The mission of playing the spoiled rich woman who learns a lesson in humility was Linda Day George's...she must have chosen to accept it. "Night of the Owls, Day of the Doves" Production no. 166217 Originally aired February 14, 1974 Anne Francis! Running the best little whorehouse in...whatever state or territory the episode was set in.... They get some more use out of the fake but surreal swamp set in the opening of this one, with our now headband-less protagonist using it as a gateway to this week's adventure. For once, Caine brings a dead body into town and the locals don't jump to the conclusion that he's the killer. Here we have a Chinese prostitute who knows all about the Shaolin...quite a contrast with a couple of episodes back. And half of Caine's Fugitive Premise finally comes up directly again: Caine's search for his half-brother. Though it's barely lip service, paid well into the episode. "Crossties" Production no. 166218 Originally aired February 21, 1974 Ah, Harrison Ford--as Mr. Harrison! Alas, he's not playing to his strengths as a railroad company board member from Chicago brokering a deal. The epiosde also features Barry Sullivan, John Anderson, Denver Pyle, and Andrew Robinson. There's a hint of Caine's brother quest continuing...he enters the story looking for a specific person, so we might assume that he was following a lead in his brother quest, but it's not explicitly stated. Caine badass moment: Grabbing a gun that's being held on him to prove a point when he's already surrendered. "The Passion of Chen Yi" Production no. 166219 Originally aired February 28, 1974 This is where the series loses some credibility with me. Not only do we have yet another episode that centers on a former Shaolin acquaintance of Caine's just happening to be in the American West, but in this case Caine has no reason to believe that Chen Yi is near except that he has a feeling. So he goes to a Chinese mystic (James Hong, who always makes me giggle because I can't not see him in his legendary Seinfeld role) and learns that sure enough, Chen Yi is within walking distance of him! At the end, we also find out that Caine has managed to hold onto yet another momento from his past through all of his travels and adventures...in this case a carving of an insect that looks like it shouldn't have fared well being lugged around in his satchel. And speak of the devil, Soon-Tek Oh plays the titular character in this one. The flashback sequence deals with how Chen Yi was eventually made to leave the temple, but the way he's portrayed, one has to wonder how he ever got as far as he did there, given Kan's propensity for kicking out students for a single bad answer in other flashbacks. Chen Yi seemed to have too much of an attitude to have not gotten kicked out of the temple at a much earlier point...he was very proud and not at all humble. To say nothing of his crappy bald wig. Marianna Hill plays the object of Chen Yi's titular passion. Caine badass moments: The ploy mentioned in the episode description, which involves walking into a bank and calmly announcing that he plans to rob it; Slipping out of prison effortlessly to gather some info, then going back; Faking his next escape attempt to get most of the soldiers to leave the fort in search of him. CARTWRIGHT! CARTWRIGHT!!! _______
The babe? I actually always found Mississippi easy-- nice repetitive pattern. That was more of a justification that came along in later years-- the ideals of the counterculture were actually permeating mainstream culture almost everywhere you looked. And, yes, there were definitely some unpleasant fringe elements, unfortunately. Gotta be honest. Not that it's bad, just minor compared to a lot of their other stuff. Maybe he has a safety deposit box somewhere. Cool. I don't remember seeing Marianna Hill.
Seems kind of hypocritical and half-assed for Kung Fu to "honor" Bruce Lee's passing with a lousy shirt change after they hired a white guy to play the character that was created for him.
Not what I'd use. The mimbo, perhaps. (I actually used that one for Burke 2.0 in one of my reviews.) http://www.gocomics.com/bloomcounty/1982/05/02/ I wouldn't have spotted her if not for the opening credits and IMDb. She was sporting long blonde hair.
That was Breathed's parody of the "Reagan Revolution," fifteen years later. And the collapse of the Left Wing had definitely begun at that point, though it wasn't so obvious at the time.
The series was dead by this point, with West singing and kiddie Halloween decorations as death traps. The clearly ailing Bankhead (who passed on in December of the following year) was barely in the episode (meaning contributing much), and it was shameful of Dozier to even offer her the role. Robin has been mind controlled by the Catwoman and Marsha, Queen of Diamonds. Batman has only suffered mind control in this single story, but was not himself when his drink was spiked in the pilot. Commissioner in name only. He's only consistent in dressing down O'Hara for being a moron. Technically, parts of his costume had always been a blue/purple color, much like the body-suit was more of darker blue in the early season one period, but was washed enough to become light gray by late season 2/season3. Still going strong. Frid and Karlen's dueling performances was only matched by Frid and Grayson Hall for most compelling over the course of the series. I loved Willie snapping at Barnabas with the accusation of not knowing what a friend is. Again, Willie must be the first slave of the vampire to (occasionally) fight back and/or criticize his master. Barnabas' disgust at "soiling" the family crypt with Jason's corpse continues the initial storyline of Barnabas being offensive in addition to you know...killing people. Just as one scene sells the idea of Barnabas' problems literally being buried, the script wisely jumps back to what will so be a greater threat. Tension never lets up. Great villain, great send-off. Victim Number Two, but our resident undead cousin from England won't find romancing Vicki any easier (for different reasons) than his experience with Maggie... ..but of course, the voice of reason is ignored. Our first real scene of Barnabas made uneasy by the supernatural. His usual single-mindedness or confidence as a powerful creature of the night cannot offset the effect of someone just as untouchable as he is. Creepy (the dress just appearing as far as Willie is concerned) & sweet (this lost child still thinking of her long gone life) all at the same time. Ever the series straight man, he's never been a fan of the spooks and creeps. What did I tell you? One has strings, the other does not. I'll let you decide which one! Once again, the defiant vampire's slave. Certainly no insane, chattering Renfield. Kind of an odd way of just forgiving his uncle for something entirely not his fault (marrying Josette). Then again, at this point in the series, there was no Angelique who used witchcraft to make Jeremiah & Josette a romantic couple, so for now, Jeremiah is just some cad who betrayed Barnabas of his own free will. Respecting continuity with Roger still disliking Burke. On another series with less attention to detail, that point would have been forgotten as the supernatural elements took center stage. Gotta love the accent! Yes, and as mentioned earlier, he's unsettled by the presence of the supernatural--the one thing he's cannot threaten or manipulate. So, on the Barnabas Collins potential threats list, we have: Dr. Hoffman Sarah Collins Dr. Woodard. Sheriff Patterson ...and Burke, now that Barnabas is going to be less than discreet with his interest in Vicki. Interesting that ordinarily plain-as-a-paper bag Roger seems to be a bit more than interested/knowledgeable about the supernatural.....
But didn't he pretend to be mind-controlled on a couple of occasions? One of which was the time that Gordon lost faith in him too quickly even though Batman had warned him it was coming. Only one of those things is true...or was he actually a first-generation immigrant to the New World in his own period? When is the picture on the left from? He seems noticeably heavier than he is in the episodes I'm watching. I hate to say it, but I'm definitely starting to appreciate Mitchell Ryan. Now they're actually giving Burke something slightly meaty in the rivalry with Barnabas/Josette over Vicki, and I think that Ryan probably could have pulled it off better than George. George's delivery always makes it sound like Burke's about to burst into tears. I like how he's always basically trying to protect people from his master...hence variations of "You gotta get outta heah!" becoming his signature refrain. Can't say that I've ever seen Sheriff Patterson as a credible threat to Barnabas, unless that's still to come. At this point, he seems as clueless as anyone concerning what's going on in his town, and he mainly shows up for expository purposes. He's got a great wit when they write him a good line. I neglected to transcribe it myself when taking my notes, but there's a good one in one of this week's episodes about the suffering of his ancestors being his to enjoy.
50th Anniversary Catch-Up Viewing What was going on the week these episodes aired. _______ Batman "Pop Goes the Joker" Originally aired March 22, 1967 "Flop Goes the Joker" Originally aired March 23, 1967 It's a bit annoying how they don't use Alfred's surname when it would make sense to do so. Holy conspicuous and convenient setup with the newly painted Batpoles! The cowl is looking very purple these days, except for the ears and the darker piece around the eyes and nose; by contrast, the cape and other traditionally blue parts of the costume look quite blue. And now that I'm seeing the purple cowl, I can't un-see it. It sticks out like a sore thumb, reminding me a little too much of the radioactive pink cowl. It's odd that the Joker seems to stumble into his main scheme ass-backwards. If not for that artist speaking up about the brilliance of his work, his caper would have been over right there in the first act. Of course, whatever the artist thought, Joker still committed a crime (despite Batman's assertion otherwise), but don't let that stop the show. As previously covered in the MeTV thread, Baby Jane is kind of annoyingly loud and one-note, though I'd say she's just playing to the back of the room, not into the next one. She seems to be stuck in pep squad mode. OTOH, I've seen worse acting, and she isn't hard on the eyes. And at least Joker had the good sense to cleave-gag her toward the end. Once again, Bruce's fighting ability should draw suspicion...he even gets sound effect balloons this time! I'll give the fight choreographers credit in that they make a point of keeping Bruce and Robin separate, not having them perform teamwork stunts that would be too much of a giveaway. After the deathtrap they start to act in coordination, but Bruce lampshades the issue by letting the Joker's goon knock him around a bit to divert suspicion. And in the second part, Alfred works a bit too openly in coordination with the Dynamic Duo. Yeah, totally unconvincing deathtrap with the blades that aren't in danger of hitting Robin anytime soon--compounded by the fact that the blades are so fake-looking. He'd be in more danger slicing a tomato in Stately Wayne Manor's unseen kitchen. Or buttering toast for that matter. _______ Tarzan "The Circus" Originally aired March 24, 1967 This episode features a return appearance of Mr. Dutch, the not-so-bad guy from the "Cap'n Jai" episode, who we're told has been released from prison on probation and is now capturing animals for a circus that he's helping TOS guest Sally Kellerman (Dr. Elizabeth Dehner, "Where No Man Has Gone Before") to start. Needing to lead a dangerous manhunt, Tarzan not only decides that it's a good idea to leave Jai with this recent convict, but to just send the boy to him without asking in advance or even bringing Jai in person. Evidently Ron Ely's bookend duty is strictly limited this week. Tarzan does pop back up early enough to participate substantially in the climax, however. The fugitive for whom Tarzan is looking proves central to the main story with Dutch and Jai, and the boy actually holds a gun on him at one point. There's a bit of blackface in this episode, but it's Dutch and Jai disguising themselves in-story, FWIW. Surprisingly, we don't really see the titular entertainment venue in operation, other than a puppet show early on. I was expecting something more like that M:I episode that I've seen on in the background (which I believe is coming up in my back-viewing of that series), with the seemingly endless small-scale outdoor circus scenes. By-the-by, this is two-year-old business, but as I've been looking at the old Batman reviews and surrounding discussions in the MeTV thread weekly...there'd been some discussion of claims by The Green Hornet's producers that the show was cancelled despite winning its time slot. Actually, according to this Wiki page, Tarzan was winning that time slot...and between that and Wild Wild West, TGH was facing some pretty tough genre-oriented competition. Likewise, both shows running in that hour on ABC (the other being the first half of The Time Tunnel) proved to be one-season wonders. _______ Get Smart "Appointment in Sahara" Originally aired March 25, 1967 I got some half-decent smirks from this one, but nothing really stood out for me. Successfully running from ground zero of a nuclear blast in the desert on foot was just plain stupid. But kiss my grits, I never would have recognized one of the Arabian characters as Vic Tayback if not for IMDb! Smart seems to get suspicious when Tayback's character refers to him by name and he hasn't introduced himself, but it's not followed up on, at least not in syndication. _______ Last Week's 50th Anniversary Viewing _______ Dark Shadows Episode 281 Originally aired July 24, 1967 The week hits the ground running (in more ways than one), with Victoria giving a first-person account of Josette's fatal flight to the cliff...which is dramatically interrupted by Barnabas before she can reveal the identity of Josette's pursuer. After the seance has ended, Vicki sees Sarah on the stairs. Burke II: Candlelight Boogaloo goes home during the commercial and the Collins clan returns to the Great House, where Elizabeth expresses her disapproval of the evening's activities, which Roger wryly disagrees with before retiring for the evening... (As the episode has already disappeared from my deletion bin, I've taken the quote from Dark Shadows Before I Die.) Carolyn tries to engage Vicki in some girl talk about Burke, but Vicki's mind is elsewhere. After Carolyn goes to bed, Barnabas, having expressed his regrets to Josette's painting for needing to drive her away, comes over and gives Vicki the music box. Episode 282 Originally aired July 25, 1967 I'm assuming that the opening narration is Kathryn Leigh Scott this time...it's hard to tell, but it's not Alexandra, and Scott's the only other young female in the episode. She really does sound different out of character. At Windcliff, Maggie's on the couch recounting fragmented details of her captivity to Dr. Hoffman, including the memory of music. As the session continues, Hoffman presses Maggie for more details about the music. Maggie also remembers a sweet aroma that frightens her. And then the cemetery comes up. Hoffman later suggests that they should visit Eagle Hill, which produces a strong negative reaction from her patient. Meanwhile, at Stately Collinwood Manor, Vicki enjoys the music box and shows it to Liz. Vicki then ventures to the Old House during the day to return Josette's dress. Willie reacts with alarm when she tells him how much she's enjoying the music box. Vicki also makes a point of noticing Josette's jasmine perfume, helpfully reminding us what the aroma business above was about. Back at the Great House, Vicki expresses her intent to commemorate Josette's birthday by putting flowers on her grave, which concerns Liz, as she feels that Vicki is becoming too wrapped up in Josette-related business. And she won't be the last one to sing that tune this week...or even the next-to-last.... Episode 283 Originally aired July 26, 1967 Not sure who it was on narration today. It sounded sort of like Moltke, but might have been Scott. At the sanitarium, Doc Woodard confronts Dr. Hoffman about her avoidance of updating him on Maggie's progress. Along the way, he reminds us that Sam Evans and Joe Haskill are still characters on the show. His real reason for being there, though, is to serve as the object of Hoffman's exposition about her plan to take Maggie to the cemetery to jog her memories of captivity. At Collinwood, Vicki is still entranced by the music box when Burke pays her a visit. She tells him of her plan for Josette's birthday, which concerns him as it did Liz. He also reminds us of how they've been led to believe that Maggie is dead. Maggie gets upset at being forced to visit the cemetery, and I can't blame her--she probably suffers from claustrophobia, and the set looks so tiny. Maggie and Hoffman try to slip away when they hear Vicki and Burke coming their way, but they don't really have anywhere to go...only some camera work and dialogue indicates that there's supposed to be any distance between the two pairs as Vicki spots Maggie from "afar". Brought to the Collins family mausoleum, Maggie starts to panic. Hoffman doesn't seem at all familiar with the name Collins. Does she not know what town she's visiting...? Episode 284 Originally aired July 27, 1967 Today's narration sounded like it might have been Moltke. Dr. Hoffman hypnotically grills Maggie about Sarah Collins, and then about Collinses in general. Following the opening credits, Doc Woodard is upset over Hoffman wanting him to help her investigate the Collins clan. As usual, he capitulates to her. Nevertheless, he presses her about her knowledge of the unusual nature of Maggie's case, indicating that he's not that far behind her in his suspicions.... Cut to Vicki welcoming Undercover Hoffman at Collinwood. The other adult residents have earned a day off this week, so David, who's so often conspicuously absent from family gatherings, happens to be the only other one around. When he mentions his playmate Sarah, it piques the "historian"'s interest. She also starts to learn about Barnabas from Vicki...and that there's a connection with Josette, whose sarcophagus she saw in the mausoleum. Oddly, Vicki has the run of the Old House and goes straight into giving Hoffman a guided tour of Josette's room...though Hoffman does pay lip service to "that fellow who didn't want to let us in". I suppose that is a story beat that's burned into our brains by now. Anyway, it seems that even the unflappable Dr. Hoffman isn't immune to the supernatural goings-on in the house, as she starts feeling sudden chills. Back at Windcliff, Hoffman keeps her findings and suspicions from Woodard, but tests them on Maggie...getting a strong reaction when she invokes the name of Barnabas Collins. Episode 285 Originally aired July 28, 1967 Yeah, yeah, Victoria likes the music box a little too much, we get it....Anyroad, Vicki tells Carolyn how she saw Maggie, and then has to explain yet again that she was putting flowers on Josette's grave for her birthday, and how Barnabas gave her the music box. You'd think Liz and Carolyn would be talking more these days. Downstairs, visitors Barnabas and Burke are peeing on the furnishings when the former finds out about Vicki going to the grave, too...at least he already knows about the music box. But Barnabas gets a revelation of his own when he learns about the sighting of Maggie Evans--Duh-DUN! When Vicki comes down, she tells Barnabas about Undercover Hoffman's desire to meet him, though he's more reluctant about the proposition than she expected. Changing the subject, Barnabas gives Vicki an inscribed book...and then the boys whip their roosters out again. Following Barnabas's departure, Vicki and Burke get into a spat. Vicki goes to the Old House to apologize, and [see episode description]. Barnabas offers to send Willie out in the storm to tell everyone about the impromptu pajama party, but she doesn't want to put the producers to the trouble of paying him to be in the episode. Barnabas's sleeping accommodations stoke Vicki's Josette fetish...aaand credits. _______ 50 years ago this week: New on the charts: "You Know What I Mean," The Turtles (#12 US) "Heroes and Villains," The Beach Boys (#12 US; #8 UK) "San Franciscan Nights," Eric Burdon & The Animals (#9 US; #7 UK) "Funky Broadway," Wilson Pickett (#8 US; #1 R&B; #43 UK) "Ode to Billie Joe," Bobbie Gentry (#1 US the weeks of Aug. 26 through Sept. 16; #7 AC; #17 Country; #8 R&B; #13 UK; #412 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time) And new on the boob tube: Dark Shadows, episodes 286-290 _______
That's because it didn't exist yet. Alfred's surname Pennyworth wasn't coined until 1969. (Although some '40s stories had indicated that his name was Alfred Beagle.) Of course, the show wasn't fond of full names in general. It never mentioned Commissioner Gordon's or Chief O'Hara's first name, and most of the villains had no names other than their criminal names (there's even a joke in the movie about Catwoman being her real name).
Never a refrigerator around when you need one. I forgot about this one, because it's pretty forgettable. The Turtles did a couple of real nice songs, but this isn't one of them. An interesting experiment by the Beach Boys that never gets much in the way of airplay anymore. I think it's considered a classic, but it's not one of my favorites. I forgot about this one, too. The Animals were weird, man. I don't remember this one at all. Definitely a classic, but this song used to really creep me the hell out when I was a kid, and it still gives me that same feeling. Brrrr.
Or even a good trench.... Musically, 1967 has a sort of "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" vibe; lots of great, groundbreaking stuff going on; substantial new artists coming in; but lots of spotty efforts by established artists to keep up with the times, and many of them pretty much disappear from the charts afterward. This week's first four selections do seem to have sort of a "forgotten hits" theme going on. Sorry, what were we talking about...? From this point on, the Beach Boys are pretty much trying to recapture past glory, in my assessment. Their classic period has ended. Definitely also past their peak at this point, but they did some great, classic stuff '64-'66. Yeah, it's a good, enjoyable song in its own right, but it's not up there with his better-known hits in hindsight, and I don't think I ever heard it on oldies radio, despite it having charted in the Top 10. Compare and contrast with his signature songs, "In the Midnight Hour" and "Mustang Sally," both of which fell just short of the Top 20 in their day. This one, OTOH, became an oldies radio staple, and people are still trying to figure out what it was about. It has a very memorable sound and loads of atmosphere. Alas, it was her only major crossover single.
I believe the episode where Gordon lost faith was the Catwoman / Robin brainwashing episode with Lesley Gore. If I recall, the 1795 arc never makes it clear, so we can assume 1966 Barnabas--being a quick study--concluded that his ways were likely antiquated to a country that had aged nearly 200 years, so being "a cousin from England" (where his behavior was not as glaring) was the way to go. The 1795 arc. By that time, Anthony George had been a regular, eating actor on a popular series after 4 years of joblessness (if IMDB's credits are accurate...), so he was adding a couple of pounds with something more than the Woolworths' week-old salads. George was trying not to be so hard edged, adding a sensitive side that would make the audience believe there was a softer side--a reason Vicki would date him. But Mitchell Ryan read your post and sent-- Essentially, he's The Worst Employee Ever...but one of Dark Shadows' strongest (unsung) heroes. Patterson is a threat because he's investigating all of those attacks and/or drained bodies. Official attention is the last thing a vampire needs. It was dramatic. Makes you wonder what was really going through the minds of the participants that the spook factor jumped from 1 to 500 in the space of minutes--with people who are not known to have any particular affinity for the supernatural. That joke will cost you. Fix your eyes on... ...and so it begins. Despite Barnabas being a predatory, walking terror, the "romantic villain" character was slowly making its way into his characterization, which will go a long way toward making him the favorite of millions of women in the late 1960s. In reality, Hoffman's process of walking a person back through familiar places is a tool some psychiatrists have used to unearth buried or lost memories. As usual, Grayson Hall delivers a strong, interesting performance. ...a blinking Batphone? Nice attention to detail when Liz (and others have and will) see living in some dreamy past, or idealizing long dead people is not healthy. Vicki has no idea that she's sort of a conduit for not only external supernatural elements, but her own, uncanny fate (a year away). Other series would have dropped the ball with a Woodard-like character, dumping all of his story function to the new, big character, but to the series' credit, Woodard remains involved and bears an investigative concern that will last all the way to his series departure. By now, if Hoffman's research did not suggest vampirism, seemingly irrational reaction to the cemetery pushes theory over the finish line to knowing something sinister is definitely going on. Remember, at this point in series history, Hoffman is a self-concerned doctor who does not necessarily know or care about some small Maine fishing town centered around an Old Money family. To her, the patient simply hails from Collinsport, but it might not ring any bells to Hoffman. Solid use of Woodard--he's not the typical small town doctor, but someone who is willing to let his mind go toward the uncomfortable and impossible, along with suspecting Hoffman might be on the same path. Said it before, and I'll say it again: the series was great at building tension / pointing toward the coming conflict. Some believe that was Sarah's doing, but the house--and its history--strongly suggests its sort of trapped in a cursed void, dooming just about everyone who ever lived there--including one of the physical agents behind the bad events. I think there's still some leftover tensions. Neither can forget the things said to each other during the Jason/Buzz period. Anthony George is doing his best for his Burke mark his territory with all of the not-so-veiled resentment of Barnabas and all things Old House.