The Coolest Vampire Ever
Hello Kiddies,
In what has been a week for us losing icons, actor Jonathan Frid passed away, ironically only weeks before the character he brought to life returns from the grave once again. Dark Shadows had been on the air almost a year, as a somewhat gothic, occasionally mysterious show. The decision to add supernatural elements was the right one because the show really took off after that.
You know believe it or not, once upon a time, vampires really were the bad guys. They reveled in their evil doings without a conscience or a soul. Before Nick Knight, before Angel, there was the original angst filled, guilt ridden vampire, Barnabas Collins. On daytime TV no less! My Mom remembers watching Dark Shadows with Ronnie, and when it came back in reruns in the early '80's I did too. Barnabas was aristocratic and suave, Frid played him without a hint of irony or camp. He was also downright scary when he wanted to be! There were more than a few Barnabas-inflicted nightmares as a kid. Especially after watching the immensely scary "House of Dark Shadows" film. So Rest in Peace Barnabas, and thanks for making our lives a little more scary. Here's one of my favorite Barnabas moments, literally scaring miserable busybody Abigail Collins to death. :)
In what has been a week for us losing icons, actor Jonathan Frid passed away, ironically only weeks before the character he brought to life returns from the grave once again. Dark Shadows had been on the air almost a year, as a somewhat gothic, occasionally mysterious show. The decision to add supernatural elements was the right one because the show really took off after that.
You know believe it or not, once upon a time, vampires really were the bad guys. They reveled in their evil doings without a conscience or a soul. Before Nick Knight, before Angel, there was the original angst filled, guilt ridden vampire, Barnabas Collins. On daytime TV no less! My Mom remembers watching Dark Shadows with Ronnie, and when it came back in reruns in the early '80's I did too. Barnabas was aristocratic and suave, Frid played him without a hint of irony or camp. He was also downright scary when he wanted to be! There were more than a few Barnabas-inflicted nightmares as a kid. Especially after watching the immensely scary "House of Dark Shadows" film. So Rest in Peace Barnabas, and thanks for making our lives a little more scary. Here's one of my favorite Barnabas moments, literally scaring miserable busybody Abigail Collins to death. :)
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