For my money, THIS episode of DARK SHADOWS is the single most important simply because it introduces the character who would become the backbone of the show and one of the most memorable characters in television history, Barnabas Collins. James Karlen as Willie Loomis becomes, in essence, the Renfield to Jonathan Frid's Dracula. The episode, beautifully directed by Lela Swift, carefully eases the audience into the family crypt where Willie will unwittingly unleash a new and truly terrifying Supernatural Horror on Collinwood. Although we don't actually get to meet Barnabas face to face until the next episode, we DO catch a glimpse of the soon-to-be renowned ring he wears. In the documentary CASTING SHADOWS, Jonathan Frid (like George Reeves and Leonard Nimoy, among others) expressed misgivings about the way the character he brought to life on television seemed to cling to life even after the series had run its course, but he also admitted that, in retrospect, he saw the value in playing such a part. The show may be long gone, but for those of us who have always loved it, it will live Forever.
Review of Episode #1.210
