Dark Shadows - Liz needs Roger's Support

While episode 242 focuses on Dr. Woodard and a frustrated Burke (Sam is still obviously distraught over Maggie's disappearance) having a conversation about her odd blood, Elizabeth confronted by brother, Roger, about curious, worrisome withdrawals of disconcerting sums is also given some focus. Because of Barnabas and Maggie's excellent ongoing central story arc, McGuire's blackmail plot of Elizabeth had been cooled down considerably. I have to be honest in that the blackmail plot just really isn't all that significant to me but that isn't because Patrick doesn't make a great heel. He's devious, scheming, unavoidably opportunistic, taking advantage of Elizabeth's past to supplement his greed and desire for power. It's pure soap opera. But I'm just more interested in the Gothic soap. Barnabas is just dominant on the show. I imagined fans of the time watching this being disappointed. Burke and Woodard kvetch about the blood's mystery and bringing up Hoffman (mentioned as male before Grayson Hall would be cast later), a blood specialist. That's what they do...talky padding that really isn't atmospheric or all that thrilling. Liz remains elusive to Roger, who is helpless and discouraged, wanting to figure out why she's so unwilling to tell him what gives...why does McGuire have such hold over her? She tells McGuire no more money but he just irritatingly shrugs her off with nonsense about a poem, clearly amused by the blackmail. She tries to come off as stern and austere in her stance but McGuire has other plans he will not yet reveal. 2/5