Bewitched Review
by Ishmael Williams

What many don't know is that I'm a big fan of this television series. Or at least, was. I barely find time to watch current television shows, let alone syndicated installments of nostalgia. But I made time for a few episodes in order to answer the question in fairness.

Let's get right to it, I love this show. It's premise is simple. A witch named Samantha, played with much grace by Elizabeth Montgomery, marries a mortal named Darrin, played to bumbling effectiveness by both Dick York and Dick Sargent. Recognizing what an unfair advantage the witch's powers are, she promises to try and avoid using witchcraft in her every day life, and sets about trying to be the very model of a 60's housewife. Her family, however, has other ideas, and often times what they do forces Samantha to cast a spell, usually to bail her hapless husband out of some situation or other.

Sargent and York are great as the put-upon mortals besieged by magical powers. The show comes from a time when every sit-com needed a bumbling buffoon, and these two men do fill that bill. But they bring dignity, charm and intelligence to this character device. never do you feel that they don't know which end is up, even when the witches change that orientation. And Darrin, played by either man, has the patience of Job.

Rounding out the immediate star cast is Agnes Moorehead, who plays Samantha's mother, Endora. A veteran of stage and screen, Ms. Moorehead brings a lot of talent to a good cast. Endora has no truck with her daughter's choice of husband, and plays many a magical prank to try and convince Samantha what a poor choice in husbands she has made. Darrin can't compete with things that come and go in the blink of an eye, but Samantha doesn't care, despite Endora's machinations. The scenes with mother and daughter pitted against each other are treats to behold.

But the heart and soul of the show is Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery). With a twitch of her nose, she tries to make right what Endora has put wrong, and to balance her magical family with her mortal realities. Samantha is beautiful and brainy, and does a masterful job at not taking sides between her husband and her family, despite wishing to abide by his wishes of no witchcraft.

By the way, the show was a host of cameos from names like Paul Lynde and Bernard Fox, all as part of Sam's family. And another stunning note: a Junior High School class once toured the set and met the actors. As a thank you, the class wrote a holiday episode, which they sent to the producer. The episode was so well written, they filed and aired. it, and it is available for sale.

The show is dated, it's true. It reflects the desire of the times: a house in the suburbs; a husband & father who went to work and the wife who took care of the house; battling in-laws; nosy neighbors. But somehow, many of these ideals don't seem dated, or even hokey. In retrospect, I felt a certain fondness for the simplicity of those ideals. it is because, I know, Montgomery and the York\Sargent team presented that lifestyle with respect, and dignity, and without over-playing the hominess of suburban life.

Does it hold up well, I was asked? I grew up watching this series, almost from end to end. It's an old friend who reminds me of warm nights curled up on my grandmother's couch, laughing and generally felling good about things; relishing in being in love with the most beautiful witch I'd ever met. I realize now that it's old and dated and probably very hokey. But for me and my memories, my answer is yes. It holds up well.

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