Watch Dark Shadows: The Beginning

Dark Shadows: The Beginning is a gothic drama television series that aired on ABC from 1966 to 1971. The show consists of the first 209 episodes of the supernatural soap opera Dark Shadows. Starring Jonathan Frid, Grayson Hall, and Alexandra Isles, Dark Shadows: The Beginning takes viewers back to the year 1795, where the origins of the Collins family curse are explored.

The show follows the turbulent life of Barnabas Collins, a 200-year-old vampire who is awakened from his coffin by the Collins family servant, Willie Loomis. Barnabas soon returns to Collinwood, the family estate in Collinsport, Maine, where he meets the beautiful young governess, Victoria Winters. But as Barnabas tries to adjust to the changes in the world since he was buried, he finds himself embroiled in a web of family secrets and supernatural occurrences.

The core of the show's narrative revolves around the Collins family, which is steeped in history and tradition. The matriarch of the family, Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, has kept the family together since the death of her husband, Paul. Her brother, Roger Collins, is the black sheep of the family, who only cares about money and his own interests. David Collins, Elizabeth's young son, is traumatized by the disappearance of his mother's friend, Burke Devlin. Meanwhile, Victoria Winters searches for the truth about her birth and uncovers unexpected ties to the Collins family.

Barnabas Collins, the central figure of the show, is introduced in episode 210 of Dark Shadows, but his origins are explored in Dark Shadows: The Beginning. At the beginning of the series, Barnabas is sentenced to an eternal sleep by a jilted lover, Angelique. But when Willie Loomis breaks into the Collins family mausoleum, he inadvertently awakens Barnabas, who is determined to exact revenge on Angelique and the entire Collins family.

As the show progresses, Barnabas becomes entangled in the lives of the Collins family, particularly Victoria and his distant cousin, Josette. Barnabas's thirst for blood is portrayed as an addiction, which he struggles to control. He is alternately depicted as a villain, a victim, and a tragic hero. The show's exploration of Barnabas's character, as well as its depiction of his relationships with other characters, set it apart from other supernatural dramas of the time.

One of the hallmarks of Dark Shadows: The Beginning is its use of supernatural elements. The show features ghosts, witches, werewolves, and other creatures of the night. The characters encounter séances, spells, possession, and other supernatural phenomena. The show's use of moody lighting, eerie music, and suspenseful storytelling created an atmospheric and immersive viewing experience.

Dark Shadows: The Beginning was also notable for its use of time travel. Victoria is transported back to 1795, where she meets the original Barnabas, Josette, and a host of other characters from the past. The show's exploration of the Collins family's history through time travel added another layer of depth to the show's mythology.

In terms of production value, Dark Shadows: The Beginning was a low-budget show, which sometimes resulted in technical glitches and continuity errors. However, the show's creative and innovative storytelling, as well as its talented cast, overcame these limitations.

Overall, Dark Shadows: The Beginning was a groundbreaking and influential show that paved the way for future supernatural dramas. Its exploration of character, mythology, and the supernatural set it apart from other shows of its time, and its enduring legacy continues to captivate audiences today.

Dark Shadows: The Beginning is a series that is currently running and has 6 seasons (206 episodes). The series first aired on June 27, 1966.