Bewitched

Jeannie and Bewitched have to be two of the most formulaic and predictable shows ever aired on TV. Every episode of Bewitched had ,in different orders and combinations, the same formula of Endora zaps something to muck up Darrin, and it pays off in Darrin's favour; witchcraft of some sort interferes with Darrin's work and he gets fired, then re-hired, when the witchcraft again pays off, or is foiled. While in the meantime, Gladys Kravitz, Mrs Stavens, or some unsuspecting extra is baffled by it all, and theres always some unbelievable explanation at the end of it all which the long suffering cast members swallow. With that in mind, its bizarre that it still rates in re - runs, and its bizarre that I've taped about 7 blank tapes worth of the show from TV that I watch again and again. I can't get enough of it. So. obviously the show has a lot of appeal which allows viewers to look beyond, or perhaps enjoy the formula. I think the appeal lies in alot of things. First, the magic is a huge and fascinating drawcard. Wouldn't we all love to be able to make things appear and disappear with a twitched, and wouldn't we all love Barbara Eden as our Genie who's madly in love with us? We all would (males, anyway RE Barbara Eden), and thats what draws us to the shows. Its also brilliant and magical itself to see the special effects being done nearly forty years ago without computers or complex editing machines. That really put a smile on my face. The characters were all so far - out an exotic, all kind of like British aristocrats who had lost all air of conservatism, and lived carefree lives zapping from the Riviera to lunch in Shanghai. They were so funny, fantastic and appealing. I loved the conflict too; Endora and Darrin, Darrin and Larry; Darrin and Serena etc. And the actors of course were all brilliant, and having a tremendous time playing their roles, and fun roles they were. The chemistry on set between York and Montgomery was so believable and real, the flamboyance and gestures of Endora and Dr Bombay was loads of fun, and the comic timing of York was always perfect. Yes, Betwitched and Jeannie have to be my two favourite TV shows of all time, because they're just unpretentious, lightweight and appealing entertainment, and thats why they've lasted so long, because who would take a show about witches seriously anyway. And thats its charm.

The 1960's was a great time for TV comedy-we had The Munsters, The Addams Family, I Dream of Jeannie and my personal favourite-Bewitched.

The late Elizabeth Montgomery played modern day witch Samantha Stevens who was married to Darrin Stephens. The episodes were very formulaic-Darrin would mess something up and through a sequence of events Samantha would put it right with a twitch of her nose whilst trying not to arouse the suspicion of the neighbours/friends etc.

The funniest thing about this show was how true to life it was. I think it's safe to admit that us males usually need a woman to sort out any problems we have. Okay, she may not literally do it with the twitch of a nose but a woman is always good at sorting a problem out. That was the crux of Bewitched. Darrin was always making mistakes and getting into a predicament but he could always depend on his wife Samantha to sort things out. In fact, he would have been lost without her.

All in all, a great comedy show with some truly hilarious episodes particularly any featuring Agnes Moorehead as Endora.

When I was a little girl I loved watching Bewitched. It was such a great show and the thought of someone having them powers was so exciting. Like many other people I also liked Jeannie, but not as much as Bewitched. Because Samantha was married and had children, and she seemed so in love with Darrin, she really tried so hard not to use her powers out of love for Darrin, but of course she couldnt help it once in a while, when all of her relatives would always do something to get her or Darrin into trouble specilly Endora, I really liked her. She was such an evil mother in law, but arent they all? ha ha ha. And what about Aunt Clara, the poor thing never got a trick right. And Esmeralda, Dr. Bombay, Cousin Serena, Aunt Hagatha, Maurice, Uncle Arthur was such a clown, and all the others who just pop in and out with out an invitation, is a surprise Darrin didnt run away LOL

All of the actors who played on this show did a great job, for a show that was from the 60s it sure had some great scenes, all that magic it was just so much fun to watch, I think we all wished Samantha was our mom, the things she could have done for us. I am an adult with children who learned to like the show also, and is too bad they took the re runs off the air. Shows like that can go on for ever and you never get tired of watching them. Elizabeth, Dick, Agnes and all the others you will be missed. :(

`Bewitched' is one of my favorite shows of all time. `I Dream of Jeannie' did indeed have its moments, but I truly dreamed of Samantha! `Bewitched' offered lighthearted comedy while staying true to the `escapist' themes of the 1960s. Additionally, it was well written, and one of the few shows able to work seamlessly through numerous cast changes.

Elizabeth Montgomery WAS Samantha. No one will ever take her place. She was stunningly beautiful, creative, talented, and convincing in her role. Personally, I don't think she knew how great she really was as an actress. Likewise, Dick York WAS Darrin (yeah, I like 'em neurotic). The chemistry between York and Agnes Moorehead was one of a kind - and the chemistry between Montgomery and York was quite memorable, too. All three were at the top of their game in my two favorite episodes, `Double, Double, Toil and Trouble' and `If They Never Met.' Don't get me wrong, though - Dick Sargent deserves a lot of credit for coming in and taking over a role that had tough shoes to fill. In addition, Paul Lynde also offered some memorable moments - it would be a crime not to acknowledge his contribution to the show.

I have no doubt that I'll be `bewitched' for the rest of my life. We miss you, Liz!

Very few actresses could gulp, snivel and whine better than Alice Pearce. Her Gladys Kravitz' nasal voice resounded irritatingly over her husband George Tobias as Abner. "Abner! Abner!" made an entire television audience laugh as she ran back into the Kravitz home every week. Alice Pearce was a trouper until her death in 1966, and she never let us know she was ill. Sandra Gould took over the Gladys role, but I'll always recall the face, that gulp, that bug-eyed expression of Alice Pearce. So few actresses have become so identifiable by their voice in television, and fewer will ever be known for just one line like "Abner! Abner!". Applause to the late Alice Pearce, who deserved her Emmy Award!