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Post by Trace on Apr 9, 2017 23:05:35 GMT
I enjoyed my re-listen of The Book of Temptation. It echoes the long-held contempt that Angelique has for Josette, because Angelique sees her in Maggie...not only does she look like her, but as she tells Quentin, "I don't like her! Barnabas cared for her!" She's torn between helping Quentin and Barnabas (and Maggie), or trapping her in the book for all time!
I love the scenes between Willie and Maggie as I pointed out before. Their deep friendship was never more evident--and their mutual connection as Barnabas's first two victims in the series. Or if not the first two actual victims, they were certainly the first two that he held in thrall.
I love the character of Charlotte, and it's always a treat when the legendary widows of Widows Hill make an appearance. One does have to wonder though, why didn't someone just burn the book at the very start? Because there would be no story, of course!
Looking forward to The Christmas Presence and The Rage Beneath. They are my favorites of the first series, with the final chapter having a slight edge!
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Post by omega on Apr 12, 2017 9:41:26 GMT
1.3: The Christmas PresenceReleased September 2006 SynopsisThe spirit of Christmas comes to Collinwood, but does it wish good will to all men?As Christmas approaches, Quentin issues an arcane invitation into the unknown. Meanwhile, as children are reported missing across Collinsport, the festive season brings Collinwood new terrors, when a persuasive spirit seeks to divide and conquer... Written By: Scott Handcock Directed By: Gary Russell CASTDavid Selby (Quentin Collins); Lara Parker (Angelique); John Karlen (Willie Loomis); Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans); Andrew Collins (Barnabas Collins); Toby Longworth (The Visitor); Thomas Grant (The Child); Rita Davies (Grandmother) Technical DetailsWritten By: | Scott Handcock | Director: | Gary Russell | Sound Design: | Joseph Fox | Music: | Joseph Fox | Cover Art:
| Stuart Manning | Number of Discs: | 1 | Duration: | 76' 23" | Physical Retail ISBN:
| 1-84435-245-5 | Production Code: | BFPDSCD03 | Product Format: | 1-disc CD (jewel case) |
Behind the ScenesCHRONOLOGICAL PLACEMENT:This story takes place after the 1971 Present Day storyline. Chapters:Part 1 | 23' 38" | Part 2 | 23' 56" | Part 3 | 26' 41" | Coming Soon - The Rage Beneath | 2' 00" |
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Post by omega on Apr 12, 2017 10:02:51 GMT
The first episode is very much like an episode of the Original Series. There's people talking, but not much incident until the point of the episode cliffhanger.
Another observation I noticed evoking the spirit of the original series was Willie and Maggie. Willie is being ineffectually protective of Maggie around Barnabas, and Maggie is drawn to Barnabas. At least this time he has no desire to harm her. Maggie and Barnabas in the tunnels reminded me of Maggie's escape from when Barnabas first kept her prisoner, and him chasing her around the same bit of set.
One of the biggest things I noted was that this was the first direct character recast the audios did, with the late Thayer David's role of Professor Timothy Eliot Stokes being played by Toby Longworth here. I'm surprised he hasn't popped up again, but that could be because Kingdom of the Dead and Bloodlust didn't have a place for him. It's certainly in character for Stokes to dabble and not help matters.
It's a pretty happy ending for a Dark Shadows story. The threat has been neutralized with no one dying or coming to long term harm. Another familiar face returns to Collinwood and there's a lovely letter from Carolyn (recorded by Nancy Barrett at a Dark Shadows festival) to give further hope: Another great character touch was Barnabas finally moving past Josette, and saying a final farewell to her. Barnabas shows great personal maturation in this story actually, not being antagonistic and being good for Quentin. The main antagonism from a main character comes from Angelique, who is winding Willie up for kicks.
The only negative I have with this story is that like House of Despair we aren't given any background on returning characters, in this case Stokes.
Next week: attack of the vengeful pirate ghosts in the season finale.
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Post by Zagreus on Apr 12, 2017 16:46:34 GMT
Realized I never posted anything last week. I actually think Book of Temptation is the weakest of this first season. Not that it's bad, mind you. This might be an issue in retrospect, rather than of the production itself, but various preview trailers and stuff within the episode made come to the conclusion that Charlotte was Gravenor's lover or something, and that she had had a hand in summoning him back. I don't know if that was just me not having a great grasp on the series as a whole in those early days or what, but I found the complete and utter lack of any sort of linking back to previous threads slightly irksome. These incidents in the fist season all play after each other one by one and aren't really talked about again, aside from the occasional mention that the rest of the family isn't yet back from wherever.
I don't know. I guess I don't actually have much to say about Book of Temptation in and of itself. It's got some wonderful Maggie/Angie interplay, and we get Maggie "meeting" everyone out of the way, but I wasn't terribly engaged with the actual plot of it.
As for The Christmas Presence... I really loved this one! I actually really like stories that delve into the origins of modern Christmas tradition, and this dives right in in creepy Collinwood fashion. Hogfather does that quite good as well, and this release reminded me of that in several places. Having not really gotten much into the original series at the time, I wasn't at all bothered by the new Stokes voice, as I had no idea it was trying to sound like Thayer David, whom I didn't even know of at the time. Listening to it again, I really think Longworth still gets the character down, though I guess there's a bit of leeway given that it's actually something else posing as Stokes. Still, we get the "real" Stokes at the end, and I must confess I'm a bit baffled as to why he hasn't shown up since.
We get some lovely moments with all the principle cast members, our guest of the month is great, we get some creepy Christmas shenanigans... a lovely bit of Dark Shadows all round.
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Post by kimalysong on Apr 12, 2017 18:10:35 GMT
I actually liked Book of Temptation the best so far. Although The Christmas Presence had a wonderful creepy atmosphere, perfect for the Holiday season (or April whenever you happen to be listening).
For me Barnabas' character was the standout in this story. I loved getting glimpses of his regrets for the loss of the man he was before. Although I also loved the scenes Angelique letting out her feelings of bitterness & loneliness. It's impossible to dislike Angelique because she is so human despite it all and I find myself identifying her with in some ways the most of all.
In an odd coincidence I ended up listening to this the same day I read another wonderful creepy Christmas story by Robert Shearman called Cold Snap. Well there is never a wrong time for a wistful Christmas story.
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Post by barnabaslives on Apr 12, 2017 19:42:51 GMT
I rather enjoyed my re-listen to The Christmas Presence, I think maybe the most of the series so far. There are still a number of sticking points in the story for me - Angelique's complete ignorance of Christmas customs (although I adore Quentin's philosophies on the magic of Christmas that he shares with her), the kitchen scene (I still cannot picture how this would have looked on the OS without falling over laughing), and last but by no means least the re-casting of Stokes, who I still cannot begin to make myself believe I'm listening to - but I'm adjusting to all of the above well enough by now that on this listen I just sort of floated over those obstacles instead of running head first into them.
It really is a fine production (and one that seemed particularly well served by the music score on this listen) although yet again I really wish each of the stories in this series had had another hour of storytelling to work with, but I'm sure a story seeming like it was over too soon constitutes a complement more than a complaint. Still very much enjoying Willie and Maggie getting to be friends, and for that matter I'm just really enjoying hearing more of the amazingly talented John Karlen in these early stories. The reading of Carolyn's letter was also very touching, an absolutely perfect addition to the story in my opinion.
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Post by Trace on Apr 15, 2017 4:48:37 GMT
It's still one of my favorites! Scared me again, even on this umpteenth go-round! Isn't that grandmother just about the creepiest Gram ever? That poor kid!!
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Post by omega on Apr 15, 2017 4:56:58 GMT
It's still one of my favorites! Scared me again, even on this umpteenth go-round! Isn't that grandmother just about the creepiest Gram ever? That poor kid!! There is that enigmatic line she has at the end, where she knows the boy (played by Thomas Grant, who plays Benny's son Peter in her range) has been to Collinwood.
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bobod
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Post by bobod on Apr 18, 2017 8:35:41 GMT
There are still a number of sticking points in the story for me - Angelique's complete ignorance of Christmas customs Yes, that is really odd. Like there had been some kind of misunderstanding of what Angelique was.
Has anyone ever written 'How Angelique Got Her Powers'? Other than Lara, of course. (I've not read that yet and I've not seen all the TV show yet.)
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Post by omega on Apr 18, 2017 9:00:39 GMT
There are still a number of sticking points in the story for me - Angelique's complete ignorance of Christmas customs Yes, that is really odd. Like there had been some kind of misunderstanding of what Angelique was.
Has anyone ever written 'How Angelique Got Her Powers'? Other than Lara, of course. (I've not read that yet and I've not seen all the TV show yet.)
I know you've disqualified Angelique's Descent (I'm referring to the audio reading that kick started the Dramatic Readings range, not the novel it was adapted from), but that states she reached some kind of communion with the Dark Lord, or Diablos, and that allowed her to tap into the black arts. Both in that and Path of Fate she's weary to use her powers because she's avoiding his attention and futilely tries to avoid returning to his service. This does make sense with the original series, in that Nicholas Blair, who was also in service to Diablos, was able to neutralise her power and turn her into a vampire (Rev Trask's exorcism may account for her weakened state when Nicholas first appears anyway).
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bobod
Chancellery Guard
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Post by bobod on Apr 19, 2017 16:22:05 GMT
Anyone heard The Rage Beneath yet?
I'm listening now.
I suppose we need our divider up.
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Post by omega on Apr 19, 2017 20:00:36 GMT
Anyone heard The Rage Beneath yet? I'm listening now. I suppose we need our divider up. I listened to it yesterday and will post tonight. I'm on the bus to work at the moment.
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Post by Trace on Apr 20, 2017 3:46:46 GMT
I did half of it yesterday while driving...other half to go!
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Post by omega on Apr 20, 2017 9:35:07 GMT
1.4: The Rage BeneathReleased January 2007SynopsisAs Vengeance draws near, the Collins family face their final days.When a storm rages across Collinsport, ancient forces are disturbed throughout the town. The waters of the ocean hold dark secrets for the Collins family - secrets that must be revealed once and for all. As a malevolent power makes its mark, Barnabas and Quentin find themselves facing a deadly adversary... Written By: Scott Alan Woodard Directed By: Gary Russell CASTDavid Selby (Quentin Collins); Lara Parker (Angelique); John Karlen (Willie Loomis); Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans); Andrew Collins (Barnabas Collins); Robert Rodan (Oswald Gravenor); Jamison Selby (Ed Griffin); Ursula Burton (Susan Griffin); Toby Longworth; Marie Wallace Technical DetailsWritten By: Scott Alan Woodard Director: Gary Russell Sound Design: Joseph Fox Music: Joseph Fox Cover Art: Stuart Manning Number of Discs: 1 Duration: 73' 55" Physical Retail ISBN: 1-84435-246-3 Production Code: BFPDSCD04 Product Format: 1-disc CD (jewel case)
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Post by omega on Apr 20, 2017 9:41:18 GMT
The Legend RebornReleased May 2007SynopsisKathryn Leigh Scott hosts a backstage look at the rebirth of a television legend. Discover how the cast and crew recreated the series thirty-five years on, how Barnabas was reborn, and get a sneak preview of what's in store in Season Two. With candid interviews, outtakes and studio rushes, The Legend Reborn is the perfect companion to the new dramas. Also includes an exclusive bonus CD featuring Joseph Fox's haunting music scores, plus previously unheard material. CASTKathryn Leigh Scott (Host) Technical DetailsSound Design: David Darlington Music: Joseph Fox Cover Art: Stuart Manning Number of Discs: 1 Duration: 100' approx Physical Retail ISBN: 978-1-84435-283-8 Production Code: BFPDSCDDOC01 Product Format: 2-disc CD (jewel case)
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Post by omega on Apr 20, 2017 9:59:04 GMT
There's a big feeling of a season finale. Maggie's opening speech goes over the previous three stories while bringing up fresh dire portents for this one. The hook from the end of Book of Temptation and Maggie's curse also comes back.
In the story itself a number of familiar Dark Shadows tropes come up, such as the Collins' dark history coming back to haunt them and Barnabas facing a foe for whom it is personal. Ed and Susan Griffin make their first returning appearance since House of Despair, and indeed it's the first story since then not to take place in or close to Collinwood. Robert Rodan, who plays Oswald Gravenor in this story, used to play Adam the teen Frankenstein in the original series. In the scene when people start coming out to see the Lorelei. Marie Wallace can be heard in the background remarking about Quentin!
Another trope I can't believe Dark Shadows didn't do on TV, pirates! Vengeful ghost pirate with undefined powers, but pirates! The stakes (no pun intended) get higher than ever as Quentin, Angelique and Barnabas have no way to fight back and Gravenor along with his crew easily get into Collinwood, subdue everyone in Collinsport and steal Barnabas's coffin. The fact that Maggie falls under yet another influence doesn't help matters even if Quentin were to investigate on that front. The first episode cliffhanger with Barnabas and Angelique almost drowning is an effective one. However the biggest cliffhanger is of course at the very end, where Quentin and Barnabas are trapped on the burning, sinking Lorelei and Angelique knocks Maggie out of her trance to tell her that she set the ship alight. This must have been even more of a killer cliffhanger at the time as it took four years to get resolved in Kingdom of the Dead.
If you enjoyed these four stories and haven't heard The Legend Reborn, get it and have a listen. It's a great look at what went on behind the scenes and the disc of Joseph Fox's scores is incredible. Don't know why Vicki appears on the cover, when Maggie is in all four stories,
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bobod
Chancellery Guard
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Post by bobod on Apr 20, 2017 12:37:27 GMT
Um... that IS Maggie.
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Post by omega on Apr 20, 2017 20:22:38 GMT
On The Legend Reborn cover. Unless it's a picture that looks a lot like Victoria Winters but is actually Maggie. It is certainly Maggie amd Quentin on the cover for The Rahe Beneath.
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Post by Rob Morris on Apr 20, 2017 20:46:10 GMT
No that is definitely KLS as Maggie on the Legend Reborn cover. I see it clear as day.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2017 21:32:40 GMT
Yeah, I don't see any resemblance to anyone BUT Maggie. Well, maybe Josette, Rachel et al. But it's 100% pure KLS.
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