The Dark Shadows Daybook: June 27

By PATRICK McCRAY

Taped on this date in 1969: Episode 790

Judith continues to be haunted by the ghost of Minerva. Trask feigns an inability to see his former wife, but only to drive Judith further insane. Meanwhile, an unseen Barnabas releases an amnesiatic Quentin from jail. Home, Quentin finds that his song begins to revive his memory, and he has almost convinced Judith of his true identity when Minerva’s ghost appears, brandishing a knife.

If only this had a laugh track. Jerry Lacy leaves no set piece unchewed as he Eddie Haskels his way through denying the sight of Minerva. A poorly animated halo would not have been out of place. As far as ghosts go, Minerva initially seemed to be hilariously inert. No one can terrify Judith by sitting in a chair like Minerva Trask. The reverend even tries to get Judith to sit on the ghost… yes, sit on the ghost. Judith demurs, but what would have happened had she agreed? Still, the inertia of Minerva (also the name of a band for which Clarice was a drummer) is a great setup for the last shot where she goes from gazing blankly to attacking with a spectral blade.

On this day in 1969, DARK SHADOWS enjoyed its third anniversary: On this date in 1966, they the first episode aired on ABC in most markets. What viewers have thought if a trailer for episode 790 had followed episode 1?