Bad Ass Birds

Dark Shadows, Volume 5, Disc 2 - Episode 10

Julie Duchaine — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 17:46:38 +0000

As the family mourns Jerimiah, Joshua learns that Barnabas plans to marry house maid Angelique. He offers to buy her off, but she refuses.

Barnabas sees Josette at Jerimiah’s grave. He takes full blame for his death, and they have a nice chat. On a roll, he attempts to tell her about Angelique, but she keeps shushing him.

Angelique agrees to honor the mourning period before marrying Barnabas, using her time to begin a campaign to drive Josette mad. Her first act is to raise the corpse of Jerimiah right in front of Josette. Drastic, but effective.

Refreshing Candor

Julie Duchaine — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 23:37:51 +0000

This bright-eyed bird is an absolute delight. Forthright but never cruel, he’ll grace your yard with songs of experience. Unfortunately, petty and resentful birds will be on him like a $20 suit. The ensuing fights leave most viewers traumatized. Endangered.

Dark Shadows, Volume 5, Disc 2 - Episode 9

Julie Duchaine — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 23:40:22 +0000

Barnabas reluctantly agrees to honor his promise to marry Angelique, although he reminds her that he still loves Josette. She is elated to have won her prize in spite of this.

Just to be sure that her rival gets no ideas, she convinces Josette that Barnabas hates her. Josette grows despondent. Later, she is awakened by the newly minted ghost of Jerimiah.

Ain’t no one happy ‘cept Angelique.

The Bronx Cheer

Julie Duchaine — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 16:16:25 +0000

Known for its disagreeable call and pugnacious manner, the Bronx Cheer cuts no slack. Pity the bird who finds that one is nesting near him. He’ll pick a fight just for fun and that’s the least of it.

Advice: Do not try to reason with him, he’ll only find it amusing. Pffffffffft!

Dark Shadows: Volume 5, Disc 2 - Episode 8

Julie Duchaine — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:04:57 +0000

Angelique sticks pins into Sarah’s doll in an attempt to make the 11 year old deathly ill. Barnabas and Naomi are moved by Sarah’s pleas to see Vicky, even though the child is a very bad actor and could well be faking it. Nonetheless, the ensuing meeting convinces Naomi that Vicky is too nice to be a witch.

Ben suspects that Angelique is behind the illness and searches her room for evidence. When she catches him, she admits to using Sarah as a pawn to win Barnabas.

Angelique tells Barnabas that she can cure Sarah with a cup of herbal tea if he promises to marry her. He agrees and she brews up a cup, but, more significantly, she removes the pins from the doll. This marks her most successful entrapment effort thus far!

The Flying Forgot It

Julie Duchaine — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 16:48:09 +0000

Its call of “Where’s-My-Nest” is shrill sounding, but also poignant. This poor forgetful fellow can’t find anything, including his hapless mate. Think of this bird the next time you lose your keys and you’ll have some small idea.

Dark Shadows, Volume 5, Disc 2 - Episode 7

Julie Duchaine — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:10:30 +0000

Angelique encourages Barnabas to believe that Vicky is a witch to take the heat off of herself. Sensing that he is vulnerable, she proposes that they get back together. He accepts, coughing a bit. (A little dry on the set?)

Trask confronts Nathan, threatening him with scandal if he doesn’t divulge Vicky’s hiding place.

He then alarms Josette with the assertion that she is bewitched. He discovers the pitchfork mark on her hand and convinces her that she is not responsible for her actions. When likes the idea of being guiltless until he suggests “cleansing her body.” Ick.

Barnabas happens upon the wretched scene and realizes that he still loves Josette. He confesses this to Angelique and offers her friendship instead of marriage. She wigs out and decides to kill his little sister. An extreme reaction, but then she is evil.

Bird Ass Birds: Gone Fishing

Julie Duchaine — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 16:53:13 +0000

I will be taking a two week break from the blog to take a much needed vacation. Please check this space on September 24 for more birds, film reviews and the thrilling saga that is Dark Shadows. Peace on you- Julie

The Downy Downer

Julie Duchaine — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 16:47:07 +0000

Perpetually depressed, even suet can’t cheer this guy up. He perches morosely on the sides of trees, trying to think of one good reason he should peck. Resist the temptation to offer comfort. This one is best left to professionals.

Dark Shadows: Volume 5, Disc 2 - Episode 6

Julie Duchaine — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 17:44:13 +0000

Not content with “proving” that Vicky is a witch, Trask insists that a coven of witches is involved. He is given license to run riot, interrogating family members and bursting into rooms.

Angelique spies Nathan stealing food for Vicky. Her smug look fades moments later under Trask’s ludicrous inquisition. When she denies having picnics (!) with the devil he is won over. She further curries favor with her “vision” of Nathan and Vicky consorting at Collinwood, the new family home now being completed.

Trask and Joshua catch Nathan at Collinwood. Vicky escapes through a window, leaving evidence of her presence. Close up of half eaten food, roll credits.