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.

Bewitched is truly a magical classic 1960's sitcom with delightful characters such as the very beautiful and elegant Elizabeth Montgomery who sadly passed away in 1995,and hilarious plots based around the mishaps that come from being a nose twitching,broom riding witch. Elizabeth is truly a presence on screen as Samantha Stephens,a lovely blonde hair,blue eyed witch married to a mortal man,Darrin Stephens (Dick York,and later replaced by Dick Sargent)who's only request of his wife is to 'never use witchcraft'.Talented actress Agnes Moorehead portrays Samantha's 'bad witch' heavily made up,red headed mother Endora who does everything by magic,and detests her daughter's mere mortal husband 'Derwood' as she lovingly refers to him as.With Endora always 'popping' in to visit her daughter,but never using the front door,or any door for that matter,its a guarantee that Darrin will be blowing his top every time as he and Endora are always at each other's throats which makes for very entertaining viewing.But Darrin learns after awhile that his mother in law can and will turn him into an artichoke or a chimpanzee whenever they have a feud.Add a nosy neighbour determined to catch a witchy Samantha in the act,a bold and bossy employer,crazy and kooky witches and warlocks always causing trouble for the Stephens,occasional visits from deceased Benjamin Franklin's,and Darrin's nice and normal parents,and you've got this classic spell binding comedy that will bewitch you!

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

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. :(

The young executive of an advertisement agency, Darrin Stephens (Dick York) marries a beautiful woman, Samantha Stephens (Elizabeth Montgomery). In their honeymoon, Sam discloses a secret to him: she is a witch with magic powers. He makes she promises him that she will live like a mortal, without using witchcraft and spells in their lives, but sometime she uses her magic to help Darrin and herself. Sam's mother, Endora (Agnes Moorehead) does not accept her mortal son-in-law, hates him and hardly can speak his name correctly. In the suburb of Morning Glory Circle, where they live, their snoopy next-door neighbor Gladys Kravitz (Alice Pearce) suspects of Samantha, but can never prove the weird situations she sees to her husband Abner Kravitz (George Tobias). Darrin works in the McMahon and Tate with Larry Tate (David White), who is married with Louise Tate. Samantha frequently receives her witches' aunts in her house, specially her sweet elder Aunt Clara.

With these simple elements, but in great stories, "Bewitched" is certainly one of the best feel-good shows of television ever. When I was a kid, I loved this series. Last month, Sony released a colorized four DVDs box with the complete first season (36 episodes) in Brazil. It is amazing how perfect the colors are. With the exception of Stephens' blue car that changes the tonality in accordance with the episode, the rest is amazingly perfect. There is the participation of the famous guest stars, such as Adam "Batman" West (episode 13), Billy "Lost in Space" Mumy (episode 15), June "Lost in Space" Lockhart (Episode 6) among others. We can see the back of Rachel Welch in the role of a stewardess in episode 8. Yesterday I saw the last episode, and I am anxiously waiting for the next season of this delightful magical journey to my childhood. My vote for the whole season is nine.

Title (Brazil): "A Feiticeira" (The Sorceress")