Despite being a younger viewer of 'Bewitched', with the show being aired well before my time, one doesn't need to have been born in the 1960s or before to feel that the 60s was a great decade for television, 'The Munsters', 'The Addams Family', 'Doctor Who' and 'Bewitched' being just a few very good to classic shows.
'Bewitched' may not be a perfect or completely magical show, but at its best (with the early seasons being better than the later ones) it was utterly bewitching viewing that puts a spell on fans and doesn't make the mistake of trying to put too much into the cauldron. A mistake that the frustrating missed opportunity that was the 2005 film based on the show committed.
The later seasons did have some overripe acting (Alice Ghostley for example) and some of the story lines lack the freshness of those of the early seasons, some being lacking in variety and feeling a little stale.
However, 'Bewitched' has production values that were clearly made with love and affection and the slick photography complements them well. For the 60s, the show does still look pretty good. The effects are not always special (particularly early on) and there could have been more of them but most of the time they are hardly slapdash, make interesting use of film techniques and have a good deal of charm, putting some effects seen on television these days, and in the past 30 years or so, to shame.
When it comes to the music, 'Bewitched' is unique especially in, as has been picked up upon in its critical reception, the synthesised sound of nose twitching. The theme tune is memorable. The writing is very funny, touchingly charming, very snappy, provokes thought and is very true to life. The early episodes narration delivered by an uncredited Jose Ferrer gave a lot of sociological insight into a witch adapting to life in middle class suburbia and her role in society.
Most of the story lines have a real magical charm and have a huge amount of humour and truth. That they do these so well more than makes up for the formulaic nature of them that one is willing to overlook. The sociological insight is fascinating, though nowadays viewers may find what is said and the sociological insights very of the time.
Particularly successful are the large assortment of likable characters and the large cast clearly having the time of their lives. A large part of 'Bewitched's' charm is the peerless acting of lovely Elizabeth Montgomery. Likewise with Agnes Moorehead, one cannot imagine anybody else as Endora (certainly not equalling her if tried let alone outshining, Moorehead was one of a kind).
Her chemistry with a splendidly neurotic Dick York is one of the best in the history of television, though York and Montgomery aren't that far behind either. Dick Sargeant does a valiant effort filling big shoes replacing York and does a good job, though he lacks York's spark. In secondary roles, the hilarious turns from Bernard Fox and especially Paul Lynde stand out.
In summary, utterly bewitching. 8/10 Bethany Cox
