TV Show Review: Bewitched

I promised a long time ago to do this and I am a woman of my word.

Usually when you go into a marriage you know everything about your loved one, in the case of Bewitched there may have been a thing or two left out when the couple exchanged vows. From 1964 until 1972 this supernatural comedy, airing on ABC, took a marriage and added in a little bit of magic (not a figure of speech). Spoilers ahead as usual. I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURE.

Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) meets and falls in love with Darrin Stephens (Dick York seasons 1-5 and then Dick Sargent seasons 6-8 after York’s back injury got worse). The two would marry in the pilot episode, and Samantha would let Darrin in on a little secret: she is a witch. At first perplexed, Darrin accepts Samantha for who she is, with Samantha promising to not use her powers, which usually require a nose twitch. Unfortunately Sam can’t keep her promise. This is because of her family, who disapproves of her mixed marriage and does what they can to make their lives as chaotic as possible. Most notably Samantha’s mother Endora (Agnes Morehead); she plays tricks on Darrin (or Dum-Dum, What’s his name and other wrong names she frequently calls him) that often make him look crazy or unfaithful. Other members of Sam’s family that show up are her clumsy Aunt Clara (Marion Lorne), wacky Uncle Arthur (Paul Lynde), her look alike mischievous cousin Serena (Montgomery) and her thespian father Maurice (Maurice Evans). Sam and Darrin would have two children in the series: Tabitha (Erin Murphy) and Adam (David Lawrence) both of whom have powers over the course of the series. Other characters include Larry Tate (David White) Darrin’s longtime friend and boss, Larry’s wife Louise (Irene Vernon and then Kasey Rogers), Gladys Kravitz (Alice Pearce and then Sandra Gould after Pearce’s death) the Stephens neighbor who believe Samantha is hiding something which her husband Abner (George Tobias) never believes, Dr. Bombay (Bernard Fox) a witch doctor always annoyed when he gets called for an emergency and Esmeralda (Alice Ghostley), the Stephens’ clumsy witch maid.

Considered to be one of the best television shows, not just of the 60’s to 70’s but of all time, Bewitched is everything I expected it to be and more. Montgomery is so perfect as the beautiful witch Samantha and, if I am being honest, the only sensible one in the room no matter the episode. I loved York as Darrin and while there was nothing wrong with Sargent, whom I also enjoyed, I always felt there was something missing with the relationship between Sam and Darrin when Sargent took over. Morehead is so good as the not good but not bad Endora. However my favorite character, outside of Sam, has to be Paul Lynde as the hilarious Uncle Arthur. Bewitched regularly airs on TV, try one of the classic channels you may have, and I would recommend it; maybe not top of the must watch list but somewhere in the middle. Get ready to be bewitched (OK a little sorry at that remark) by the magic of Sam, Darrin, Endora and so many more colorful characters; ironic since the first two seasons are in black and white but still wonderful.