 Skaaren 's first draft retained some of the more sinister characteristics of McDowell 's Betelgeuse , but toned down the character to make him a troublesome pervert rather than blatantly murderous . Betelgeuse 's true form was that of the Middle Eastern man , and much of his dialogue was written in African American Vernacular English . This version concluded with the Deetzes returning to New York and leaving Lydia in the care of the Maitlands , who , with Lydia 's help , transform the exterior of their home into a stereotypical haunted house while returning the interior to its previous state . 
