New to Dark Shadows

[Brad Filippone]

Hi, I've been aware of the existence of Dark Shadows for many years
but had no reason to check it out. Then one day a couple weeks ago I
was browsing the DVD section of the library and noticed Volume One
sitting there, so I thought, why not?

I've just started on Disk Four and I'm enjoying it. Just now I
discovered this group, so I thought I'd come onboard even though I'm
sure a few plot points will get spoiled for me.

I'm mainly wondering if there are any plans (or perhaps it's already
happened) to release the first 200+ episodes. I realize the show
really took off after the addition of Barnabus, but I feel like I'm
missing important plot information. David told Barnabus, for
example, that he had met the ghost of the girl in the portrait. That
sounds like a pretty good story. Too bad I can't see it.

Brad

[Kishin]

Post by Brad Filippone
Hi, I've been aware of the existence of Dark Shadows for many years
but had no reason to check it out. Then one day a couple weeks ago I
was browsing the DVD section of the library and noticed Volume One
sitting there, so I thought, why not?
I've just started on Disk Four and I'm enjoying it. Just now I
discovered this group, so I thought I'd come onboard even though I'm
sure a few plot points will get spoiled for me.
I'm mainly wondering if there are any plans (or perhaps it's already
happened) to release the first 200+ episodes. I realize the show
really took off after the addition of Barnabus, but I feel like I'm
missing important plot information. David told Barnabus, for
example, that he had met the ghost of the girl in the portrait. That
sounds like a pretty good story. Too bad I can't see it.
Brad

Welcome to "Dark Shadows." The first 200 episodes have, indeed, been
released as "Dark Shadows: The Beginning," in 6 sets. The series starts
off kinda slow, but I enjoy it all. Once the supernatural elements are
introduced, it really picks up, IMO. One viewer started with the first
episode, and has been blogging about the series. He usually posts
updates about it here.

I hope you keep enjoying the show!

--

Kishin

[Brad Filippone]

Post by Kishin

Post by Brad Filippone
Hi, I've been aware of the existence of Dark Shadows for many years
but had no reason to check it out.  Then one day a couple weeks ago I
was browsing the DVD section of the library and noticed Volume One
sitting there, so I thought, why not?
I've just started on Disk Four and I'm enjoying it.  Just now I
discovered this group, so I thought I'd come onboard even though I'm
sure a few plot points will get spoiled for me.
I'm mainly wondering if there are any plans (or perhaps it's already
happened) to release the first 200+ episodes.  I realize the show
really took off after the addition of Barnabus, but I feel like I'm
missing important plot information.   David told Barnabus, for
example, that he had met the ghost of the girl in the portrait.  That
sounds like a pretty good story.  Too bad I can't see it.
Brad

Welcome to "Dark Shadows." The first 200 episodes have, indeed, been
released as "Dark Shadows: The Beginning," in 6 sets. The series starts
off kinda slow, but I enjoy it all. Once the supernatural elements are
introduced, it really picks up, IMO. One viewer started with the first
episode, and has been blogging about the series. He usually posts
updates about it here.
I hope you keep enjoying the show!
--
Kishin- Hide quoted text -

Thanks for the info. Now I'm wondering if I should seek out those
sets, or just continue from where I'm going. Am I correct in assuming
that Josette's ghost was a separate story before Barnabus entered the
scene?

Here's something you can help me with. I've been wondering what kind
of hold McGuire has on Elizabeth Stoddard. Is it simply a case of
possessing damaging information on her?

Brad

[Kishin]

Post by Brad Filippone

Post by Kishin

Post by Brad Filippone
Hi, I've been aware of the existence of Dark Shadows for many years
but had no reason to check it out. Then one day a couple weeks ago I
was browsing the DVD section of the library and noticed Volume One
sitting there, so I thought, why not?
I've just started on Disk Four and I'm enjoying it. Just now I
discovered this group, so I thought I'd come onboard even though I'm
sure a few plot points will get spoiled for me.
I'm mainly wondering if there are any plans (or perhaps it's already
happened) to release the first 200+ episodes. I realize the show
really took off after the addition of Barnabus, but I feel like I'm
missing important plot information. David told Barnabus, for
example, that he had met the ghost of the girl in the portrait. That
sounds like a pretty good story. Too bad I can't see it.
Brad

Welcome to "Dark Shadows." The first 200 episodes have, indeed, been
released as "Dark Shadows: The Beginning," in 6 sets. The series starts
off kinda slow, but I enjoy it all. Once the supernatural elements are
introduced, it really picks up, IMO. One viewer started with the first
episode, and has been blogging about the series. He usually posts
updates about it here.
I hope you keep enjoying the show!
--
Kishin- Hide quoted text -

Thanks for the info. Now I'm wondering if I should seek out those
sets, or just continue from where I'm going. Am I correct in assuming
that Josette's ghost was a separate story before Barnabus entered the
scene?

Yes, the Josette story was introduced before they thought up Barnabas,
and she was portrayed all along by Kathryn Leigh Scott, who will play
her in the 1795 flashback. It's not till that flashback, though, that
you get the whole story.

Post by Brad Filippone
Here's something you can help me with. I've been wondering what kind
of hold McGuire has on Elizabeth Stoddard. Is it simply a case of
possessing damaging information on her?
Brad

Yes. McGuire knows what really happened to the late Mr. Stoddard.

--

Kishin

[vince garcia]

Post by Kishin

Post by Brad Filippone

Post by Kishin

Post by Brad Filippone
Hi, I've been aware of the existence of Dark Shadows for many years
but had no reason to check it out. Then one day a couple weeks ago I
was browsing the DVD section of the library and noticed Volume One
sitting there, so I thought, why not?
I've just started on Disk Four and I'm enjoying it. Just now I
discovered this group, so I thought I'd come onboard even though I'm
sure a few plot points will get spoiled for me.
I'm mainly wondering if there are any plans (or perhaps it's already
happened) to release the first 200+ episodes. I realize the show
really took off after the addition of Barnabus, but I feel like I'm
missing important plot information. David told Barnabus, for
example, that he had met the ghost of the girl in the portrait. That
sounds like a pretty good story. Too bad I can't see it.
Brad

Welcome to "Dark Shadows." The first 200 episodes have, indeed, been
released as "Dark Shadows: The Beginning," in 6 sets. The series starts
off kinda slow, but I enjoy it all. Once the supernatural elements are
introduced, it really picks up, IMO. One viewer started with the first
episode, and has been blogging about the series. He usually posts
updates about it here.
I hope you keep enjoying the show!
--
Kishin- Hide quoted text -

Thanks for the info. Now I'm wondering if I should seek out those
sets, or just continue from where I'm going. Am I correct in assuming
that Josette's ghost was a separate story before Barnabus entered the
scene?

Yes, the Josette story was introduced before they thought up Barnabas,
and she was portrayed all along by Kathryn Leigh Scott, who will play
her in the 1795 flashback. It's not till that flashback, though, that
you get the whole story.

Post by Brad Filippone
Here's something you can help me with. I've been wondering what kind
of hold McGuire has on Elizabeth Stoddard. Is it simply a case of
possessing damaging information on her?
Brad

Yes. McGuire knows what really happened to the late Mr. Stoddard.

or rather, what did not happen to him :)

Post by Kishin
--
Kishin

[Z***@yahoo.com]

Post by Brad Filippone
I'm mainly wondering if there are any plans (or perhaps it's already
happened) to release the first 200+ episodes.

Don't you have to be a member of EMI's Dark Shadows to get the 200
early episodes?

[Kishin]

Post by Z***@yahoo.com

Post by Brad Filippone
I'm mainly wondering if there are any plans (or perhaps it's already
happened) to release the first 200+ episodes.

Don't you have to be a member of EMI's Dark Shadows to get the 200
early episodes?

No. I think you did when they were first released, but you can get them
now at Amazon and elsewhere.

--

Kishin

[Brad Filippone]

Post by Kishin

Post by Kishin

Post by Brad Filippone
Hi, I've been aware of the existence of Dark Shadows for many years
but had no reason to check it out.  Then one day a couple weeks ago I
was browsing the DVD section of the library and noticed Volume One
sitting there, so I thought, why not?
I've just started on Disk Four and I'm enjoying it.  Just now I
discovered this group, so I thought I'd come onboard even though I'm
sure a few plot points will get spoiled for me.
I'm mainly wondering if there are any plans (or perhaps it's already
happened) to release the first 200+ episodes.  I realize the show
really took off after the addition of Barnabus, but I feel like I'm
missing important plot information.   David told Barnabus, for
example, that he had met the ghost of the girl in the portrait.  That
sounds like a pretty good story.  Too bad I can't see it.
Brad

Welcome to "Dark Shadows." The first 200 episodes have, indeed, been
released as "Dark Shadows: The Beginning," in 6 sets. The series starts
off kinda slow, but I enjoy it all. Once the supernatural elements are
introduced, it really picks up, IMO. One viewer started with the first
episode, and has been blogging about the series. He usually posts
updates about it here.
I hope you keep enjoying the show!
--
Kishin- Hide quoted text -

Thanks for the info.  Now I'm wondering if I should seek out those
sets, or just continue from where I'm going.  Am I correct in assuming
that Josette's ghost was a separate story before Barnabus entered the
scene?

Yes, the Josette story was introduced before they thought up Barnabas,
and she was portrayed all along by Kathryn Leigh Scott, who will play
her in the 1795 flashback. It's not till that flashback, though, that
you get the whole story.

Ah, and she also plays Maggie. Interesting.

Brad

[D***@webtv.net]

Hello, and welcome! You will not miss out on a whole lot by starting
with the Barnabas episodes. The early months were interesting in their
own right, and gives some good background to the Collins family, but
personally I think if you're new to DS, jumping in where it *really*
gets interesting - Barnabas' arrival - is a perfect place to start.
There's a reason MPI began releasing the episodes from that point...

Those early episodes might be a little slow-going for someone without
the perspective of the rest of the series, but is probably better
viewed afterward to fill in some blanks, Just my opinion,

Diva

[dbwindhorst]

Hello, and welcome!  You will not miss out on a whole lot by starting
with the Barnabas episodes.  The early months were interesting in their
own right, and gives some good background to the Collins family, but
personally I think if you're new to DS, jumping in where it *really*
gets interesting - Barnabas' arrival - is a perfect place to start.
There's a reason MPI began releasing the episodes from that point...
Those early episodes might be a little slow-going for someone without
the perspective of the rest of  the series, but is probably better
viewed afterward to fill in some blanks,  Just my opinion,
Diva

That's a good point. I never saw the PreB. eps until catching them on
SciFi eight or nine years ago, and in the context of already being
familiar with most of the eventual story arcs, was able to enjoy them
despite their somewhat plodding pace early on. Had they been my first
exposure to that universe, I might have lost interest early.

dw

[Oberon]

Hello, and welcome!  You will not miss out on a whole lot by starting
with the Barnabas episodes.  The early months were interesting in their
own right, and gives some good background to the Collins family, but
personally I think if you're new to DS, jumping in where it *really*
gets interesting - Barnabas' arrival - is a perfect place to start.
There's a reason MPI began releasing the episodes from that point...
Those early episodes might be a little slow-going for someone without
the perspective of the rest of  the series, but is probably better
viewed afterward to fill in some blanks,  Just my opinion,
Diva

That's a good point.  I never saw the PreB. eps until catching them on
SciFi eight or nine years ago, and in the context of already being
familiar with most of the eventual story arcs, was able to enjoy them
despite their somewhat plodding pace early on.  Had they been my first
exposure to that universe, I might have lost interest early.
dw

Hello and welcome! A lot of us here were the kids or teens that ran
home every day to see this show when it originally broadcast. Many
fine folks here.

Oberon

[sctvguy1]

Post by Oberon
Hello and welcome! A lot of us here were the kids or teens that ran
home every day to see this show when it originally broadcast. Many
fine folks here.
Oberon

Got out High School around 2:10, jumped on the bus, and was watching DS by 3
CST. I was the only one of my friends who watched it, couldn't get them to
even get interested.

[Brad Filippone]

Post by Kishin

Post by Kishin

Post by Brad Filippone
Hi, I've been aware of the existence of Dark Shadows for many years
but had no reason to check it out.  Then one day a couple weeks ago I
was browsing the DVD section of the library and noticed Volume One
sitting there, so I thought, why not?
I've just started on Disk Four and I'm enjoying it.  Just now I
discovered this group, so I thought I'd come onboard even though I'm
sure a few plot points will get spoiled for me.
I'm mainly wondering if there are any plans (or perhaps it's already
happened) to release the first 200+ episodes.  I realize the show
really took off after the addition of Barnabus, but I feel like I'm
missing important plot information.   David told Barnabus, for
example, that he had met the ghost of the girl in the portrait.  That
sounds like a pretty good story.  Too bad I can't see it.
Brad

Welcome to "Dark Shadows." The first 200 episodes have, indeed, been
released as "Dark Shadows: The Beginning," in 6 sets. The series starts
off kinda slow, but I enjoy it all. Once the supernatural elements are
introduced, it really picks up, IMO. One viewer started with the first
episode, and has been blogging about the series. He usually posts
updates about it here.
I hope you keep enjoying the show!
--
Kishin- Hide quoted text -

Thanks for the info.  Now I'm wondering if I should seek out those
sets, or just continue from where I'm going.  Am I correct in assuming
that Josette's ghost was a separate story before Barnabus entered the
scene?

Yes, the Josette story was introduced before they thought up Barnabas,
and she was portrayed all along by Kathryn Leigh Scott, who will play
her in the 1795 flashback. It's not till that flashback, though, that
you get the whole story.

Here's something you can help me with.  I've been wondering what kind
of hold McGuire has on Elizabeth Stoddard.  Is it simply a case of
possessing damaging information on her?
Brad

Yes. McGuire knows what really happened to the late Mr. Stoddard.

Hours after I posted the question I happened to watch the episode on
Disk Four of set one, in which he and Elizabeth speak of the events of
"18 years ago." Maybe all my questions will be answered eventually.

However, I'll ask one now anyway. Everyone keeps talking about Willie
as if he's done something very bad. What exactly did he do in the
episodes preceding his breaking open Barnabus' tomb? I admit, he
seemed a shady character.

Brad

[D***@webtv.net]

Everyone keeps talking about Willie as if
he's done something very bad. What
exactly did he do in the episodes
preceding his breaking open Barnabus'
tomb? I admit, he seemed a shady
character.

Willie was indeed the sleazy, lecherous low-life in those early days.
He harassed Carolyn and Vicki quite inappropriately, and teamed up with
Jason McGuire in his scheming against the Collins family. He was
basically a punk kid out for himself.

It really was after encountering Barnabas and becoming his servant that
Willie became a sympathetic character and grew a conscience. In the
revival series, they made him Mrs. Johnson's nephew, which was an
interesting twist.

Diva

[Wind River]

Post by Brad Filippone
Hi, I've been aware of the existence of Dark Shadows for many years
but had no reason to check it out. Then one day a couple weeks ago I
was browsing the DVD section of the library and noticed Volume One
sitting there, so I thought, why not?
I've just started on Disk Four and I'm enjoying it. Just now I
discovered this group, so I thought I'd come onboard even though I'm
sure a few plot points will get spoiled for me.
I'm mainly wondering if there are any plans (or perhaps it's already
happened) to release the first 200+ episodes. I realize the show
really took off after the addition of Barnabus, but I feel like I'm
missing important plot information. David told Barnabus, for
example, that he had met the ghost of the girl in the portrait. That
sounds like a pretty good story. Too bad I can't see it.

Welcome to the newsgroup, Brad. Glad you found us.

WindRiver

[kitekrazy]

Post by Brad Filippone
Hi, I've been aware of the existence of Dark Shadows for many years
but had no reason to check it out. Then one day a couple weeks ago I
was browsing the DVD section of the library and noticed Volume One
sitting there, so I thought, why not?
I've just started on Disk Four and I'm enjoying it. Just now I
discovered this group, so I thought I'd come onboard even though I'm
sure a few plot points will get spoiled for me.
I'm mainly wondering if there are any plans (or perhaps it's already
happened) to release the first 200+ episodes. I realize the show
really took off after the addition of Barnabus, but I feel like I'm
missing important plot information. David told Barnabus, for
example, that he had met the ghost of the girl in the portrait. That
sounds like a pretty good story. Too bad I can't see it.
Brad

I'm close to my 2nd viewing of the entire DS. This time I watched all 6
volumes of Beginnings. My first time through was when they introduced
Barnabas.

I love the show so much that I bought every volume.

[Anim8rFSK]

In article

Post by Brad Filippone
Hi, I've been aware of the existence of Dark Shadows for many years
but had no reason to check it out. Then one day a couple weeks ago I
was browsing the DVD section of the library and noticed Volume One
sitting there, so I thought, why not?
I've just started on Disk Four and I'm enjoying it. Just now I
discovered this group, so I thought I'd come onboard even though I'm
sure a few plot points will get spoiled for me.
I'm mainly wondering if there are any plans (or perhaps it's already
happened) to release the first 200+ episodes. I realize the show
really took off after the addition of Barnabus, but I feel like I'm
missing important plot information. David told Barnabus, for
example, that he had met the ghost of the girl in the portrait. That
sounds like a pretty good story. Too bad I can't see it.
Brad

Hey Brad (waves)

[Brad Filippone]

Post by Anim8rFSK
In article

Post by Brad Filippone
Hi, I've been aware of the existence of Dark Shadows for many years
but had no reason to check it out.  Then one day a couple weeks ago I
was browsing the DVD section of the library and noticed Volume One
sitting there, so I thought, why not?
I've just started on Disk Four and I'm enjoying it.  Just now I
discovered this group, so I thought I'd come onboard even though I'm
sure a few plot points will get spoiled for me.
I'm mainly wondering if there are any plans (or perhaps it's already
happened) to release the first 200+ episodes.  I realize the show
really took off after the addition of Barnabus, but I feel like I'm
missing important plot information.   David told Barnabus, for
example, that he had met the ghost of the girl in the portrait.  That
sounds like a pretty good story.  Too bad I can't see it.
Brad

Hey Brad (waves)

Hi Anim. You're here too? lol I'm very much a newby to Dark Shadows,
unlike Star Trek.

Brad

[Brad Filippone]

Looks like I'll be a few weeks getting to the second disk set. The
local library only has one copy and it's out on loan, which one person
already having had it reserved ahead of me. The loans are for three
weeks, so I'll have to keep that image of Barnabus rising from his
coffin and smiling at Maggie, as the last episode on Set One ended,
until then.

I thought I've give one more observation. I love how the obviously
low budget both enhances and takes away from the "illusion." But
mostly enhances, in the sense that the mere simplicity of the setting
and the scenes is part of the charm. By takes away from, I refer to
the moments when the low budget accidently becomes obvious. I don't
refer so much to the numerous line flubs. They actually make the
actors sound more human (or vampiric?), since very few people don't
stumble over their words on occasion. Take the final episode on Set
One for example. At one point, Maggio, having mostly come to her
senses, overhears Barnabus and Willie speaking about the former's plan
for her. She is leaning against a brick wall, and she is shaking.
Then amazingly, the wall shakes with her! I'm not criticizing, mind
you, I find moment like this understandable, but nevertheless amusing.

And why, when she dropped the stake, did it clang like metal? lol

Brad

[Kishin]

Post by Brad Filippone
Looks like I'll be a few weeks getting to the second disk set. The
local library only has one copy and it's out on loan, which one person
already having had it reserved ahead of me. The loans are for three
weeks, so I'll have to keep that image of Barnabus rising from his
coffin and smiling at Maggie, as the last episode on Set One ended,
until then.
I thought I've give one more observation. I love how the obviously
low budget both enhances and takes away from the "illusion." But
mostly enhances, in the sense that the mere simplicity of the setting
and the scenes is part of the charm. By takes away from, I refer to
the moments when the low budget accidently becomes obvious. I don't
refer so much to the numerous line flubs. They actually make the
actors sound more human (or vampiric?), since very few people don't
stumble over their words on occasion. Take the final episode on Set
One for example. At one point, Maggio, having mostly come to her
senses, overhears Barnabus and Willie speaking about the former's plan
for her. She is leaning against a brick wall, and she is shaking.
Then amazingly, the wall shakes with her! I'm not criticizing, mind
you, I find moment like this understandable, but nevertheless amusing.
And why, when she dropped the stake, did it clang like metal? lol
Brad

Actually, DS, for its time and daytime TV, was very advanced. The sets
are much better than other soaps of the time.

--

Kishin

[Brad Filippone]

Post by Kishin

Looks like I'll be a few weeks getting to the second disk set.  The
local library only has one copy and it's out on loan, which one person
already having had it reserved ahead of me.  The loans are for three
weeks, so I'll have to keep that image of Barnabus rising from his
coffin and smiling at Maggie, as the last episode on Set One ended,
until then.
I thought I've give one more observation.  I love how the obviously
low budget both enhances and takes away from the "illusion."  But
mostly enhances, in the sense that the mere simplicity of the setting
and the scenes is part of the charm.  By takes away from, I refer to
the moments when the low budget accidently becomes obvious.  I don't
refer so much to the numerous line flubs.  They actually make the
actors sound more human (or vampiric?), since very few people don't
stumble over their words on occasion.  Take the final episode on Set
One for example.  At one point, Maggio, having mostly come to her
senses, overhears Barnabus and Willie speaking about the former's plan
for her.  She is leaning against a brick wall, and she is shaking.
Then amazingly, the wall shakes with her!  I'm not criticizing, mind
you, I find moment like this understandable, but nevertheless amusing.
And why, when she dropped the stake, did it clang like metal? lol
Brad

Actually, DS, for its time and daytime TV, was very advanced. The sets
are much better than other soaps of the time.
--

Probably. I haven't seen other daytime drama of the period. I didn't
get into daytime drama until General Hospital in 1979.

Brad

[Anim8rFSK]

In article

Post by Brad Filippone

Post by Anim8rFSK
In article

Post by Brad Filippone
Hi, I've been aware of the existence of Dark Shadows for many years
but had no reason to check it out.  Then one day a couple weeks ago I
was browsing the DVD section of the library and noticed Volume One
sitting there, so I thought, why not?
I've just started on Disk Four and I'm enjoying it.  Just now I
discovered this group, so I thought I'd come onboard even though I'm
sure a few plot points will get spoiled for me.
I'm mainly wondering if there are any plans (or perhaps it's already
happened) to release the first 200+ episodes.  I realize the show
really took off after the addition of Barnabus, but I feel like I'm
missing important plot information.   David told Barnabus, for
example, that he had met the ghost of the girl in the portrait.  That
sounds like a pretty good story.  Too bad I can't see it.
Brad

Hey Brad (waves)

Hi Anim. You're here too? lol I'm very much a newby to Dark Shadows,
unlike Star Trek.
Brad

I've been fans of both since '66. :)

[Artys]

Post by Anim8rFSK
In article

Post by Anim8rFSK
In article

Post by Brad Filippone
Hi, I've been aware of the existence of Dark Shadows for many years
but had no reason to check it out. Then one day a couple weeks ago I
was browsing the DVD section of the library and noticed Volume One
sitting there, so I thought, why not?
I've just started on Disk Four and I'm enjoying it. Just now I
discovered this group, so I thought I'd come onboard even though I'm
sure a few plot points will get spoiled for me.
I'm mainly wondering if there are any plans (or perhaps it's already
happened) to release the first 200+ episodes. I realize the show
really took off after the addition of Barnabus, but I feel like I'm
missing important plot information. David told Barnabus, for
example, that he had met the ghost of the girl in the portrait. That
sounds like a pretty good story. Too bad I can't see it.
Brad

Hey Brad (waves)

Hi Anim.  You're here too? lol  I'm very much a newby to Dark Shadows,
unlike Star Trek.
Brad

I've been fans of both since '66.  :)
--
"Please, I can't die, I've never kissed an Asian woman!"
Shego on "Shat My Dad Says"

I began watching As the World Turns in '65 or '66, when in high
school.
I began Dark Shadows almost at the beginning. I almost dropped it,
but was able to see the first time Barnabas ascended from the coffin.
Truly an epic episode. Then I went off to college, and planned my
classes around my soap operas. That was a problem, almost missed
an exam.