MovieChat Forums > Bewitched (1964) Discussion > Perfect Episodes

Perfect Episodes

posted 8 years ago by [email protected] (1732)
15 replies | jump to latest

I realize this is highly subjective, but I thought it would be fun to start a thread on what
fans feel are truly "perfect episodes."

For me, one of the truly perfect gems is season three's "It's Wishcraft." Besides being a
plot point for Tabitha's "growth" as a young witch, it features the third great combination
of Endora and Darrin's parents (and the last for Endora and Robert F. Simon as Frank).

Besides the great cast, it has one of the zestiest, wittiest and energetic scripts ever
utilized on the show. Bursting with tons of physical zip from opening (Tabitha making her
bunny fly) to closing (Tabitha making the apple fly to her by just CONCENTRATING), the
episode never slows down, and the rapport (and insults) flow seamlessly. The argument
that ensues between Endora and Phyllis is actually quite serious in tone ("Since it's
obvious you and my son don't get along...." "I'm not accustomed to being told to leave
my own daughter's house."), which only grounds all the witch/wishcraft in this delightful
offering. And Montgomery is at her most beautiful here (that third season makeup and
honey-blonde flip - wow). The effects are also quite good (the raining in the office;
Tabitha's crib sliding back and forth - and no tracks are visible below!).

Everything about this charmer clicks "magically." Much credit should go to director Paul
Davis, who was Alice Pearce's husband. Nice of the Ashers to give him a job.

Lastly, this is really the last great showdown between Endora and Phyllis. Their scene
in "Samantha's Super Maid" is too short, and the chemistry between the two doesn't
come off in season five's dreadful "Tabitha's Weekend" or even in the superior "Samantha's
Secret is Discovered." The catty elegance and sophistication of "Wishcraft" simply
aren't there.

Anyone have any other eps they think qualify?

[–] [email protected] (6247) 8 years ago

This is a tough one. There are number of episodes which I'd deem perfect. But are they really "perfect" or just personal favorites? I can overlook a lot of flaws if I love an episode.

An episode that seems almost flawless is "Mirror, Mirror."

Though it's a fifth season episode and Dick York was showing signs of his illness and so very thin, he manages to turn in an energetic and hilarious performance as a modern day Narcissus. Vain Darrin's fashion choices (and hairstyles) are such a contrast to his normally buttoned down, conservative way of dressing. And he rocks each one. ha

Herb Voland played a number of McMann and Tate clients. He's at his best here as a grumpy, old fashioned guy irritated with a wife who wants him to "get with it" and get into the 20th century. As he calls her, " My wife , the nag..."

David White has some funny moments when he thinks Darrin's hippy routine is going to lose them a client. Darrin has his finger on the pulse of today, but as Larry threatens,"...and a FOOT on the unemployment line of tomorrow."

And Elizabeth Montgomery is simply smashing as she sparkles in silver.

Oh and yes, " It's Wishcraft" is one of the best. Endora and Phyllis have one of their best mother-in-law faceoffs!

[–] [email protected] (1732) 8 years ago

Oh, I have a number of faves that I don't think are "perfect", but are faves nonetheless ("Business Italian
Style", "Cheap, Cheap" come to mind). But I really feel that "Wishcraft is both, as is "Charlies Harper, Winner."

I enjoy "Mirror, Mirror", although it falls under the category of another spell placed on Darrin by Endora, so it's
not super original. Also, Herb Voland and Sara Seagar were very over-used, I think, although, as you wrote,
they are very effective. I really love the shows that bring us a different actor as a client ("I Get Your Nannie, You
Get My Goat", "This Little Piggy").

[–] [email protected] (6247) 8 years ago

Yes that actor was a client in a number of episodes. And Sara Seegar was in ten episodes! There were other actors who played several clients too. I read a criticism about that somewhere. I don't recall if it was in reference Bewitched or not. But it was pointed out that a lot of these actors were contract players, so their studio used them constantly in a variety of roles.

Steven Franken was in over a half dozen episodes. But he was so wonderfully talented I could overlook that. And he was in "A Gazebo Never Forgets" which is one of the best Aunt Clara episodes, another near perfect one.

I WAS going to include "Charlie Harper, Winner", but that one almost makes me want to cry instead of laugh. Sam's love for Darrin is so pure and sincere. It's such a sentimental offering. But super snob Daphne provided a couple of laughs. I think she may have been an even bigger snob than Sheila!

[–] [email protected] (1732) 8 years ago

Funny, I don't see Daphne as snobbish, as much as very insecure. She had to keep TOPPING Samantha.

DAPHNE: Who was your decorator?

SAM: You're looking at her.

DAPHNE: Well, you and Charlie should get together - he did a MARVELOUS job on our castle.

Oh, boy.

At least there is a touching center to Daphne in that it seems Sam and Darrin reminded her of what's
really important (Charlie and her triplets; not his MONEY). I doubt Sheila would ever be capable
of this kind of feeling. And her situation isn't insecurity, as much as ANGER that Sam won Darrin
over her.

[–] [email protected] (6247) 8 years ago

Sheila OR Daphne? Who is the snob? I just know I wouldn't want to be friends with either woman. HA!

I looked up a definition of snob- " a person with an exaggerated respect for high social position or wealth..."

The two women were quite different though, as you pointed out Sheila was motivated by ANGER towards Samantha.

Sheila was angry at Sam even before she met her. She intended to humiliate her when she told Darrin that her friendly "get together" was casual, knowing full well his "little bride" would arrive in the wrong clothes.
Sheila was raised in wealth. She knew important people with titles, like the Contessa whom she whispered to Darrin about during dinner.

We don't know about Daphne's background. But I'd guess that she didn't come from wealth but became enamored with money and "things" when Charlie made it big. She had to have the castle when she "fell in love with the moat." Sheesh!! She turned into a snob.

I'd agree that Daphne was insecure and Sam was able to teach her a lesson about values.

To get back to your OP, I'd say that the first episode was almost perfect. We were introduced to Samantha and Darrin, met the mother-in-law from heck, (lol), learned about the problems they would face and saw Sam use her powers when pushed against the wall.

In some ways I wonder why they compressed their whole courtship into a few minutes. We never even heard them speak until after they are married. A lot of story was thrown into the first episode, but it works.

[–] adamdurrance (60) 8 years ago

I hesitate calling anything perfect, but I always enjoy Uncle Arthur's first appearance.
He's just a nut and loved that Darrin fell for the whole gag and Sam's reaction to it.

Enjoyed how the episode started with Endora sitting down to dinner with the Stevens.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 8 years ago

When I say "Perfect", again, I'm being totally subjective. There are tons of mediocre eps I love, and some very
good ones that are fun, but flawed. I think it's possible BW only had 10 to 15 shows I would consider "perfect"
(all from the first four years).

And I would have to agree that Uncle Arthur's first appearance qualifies. It's solid from beginning to end, and
is one of the all-time funniest episodes.

[–] Galactus03 (4406) 8 years ago

Hard question to answer. I'm sure I have several I would consider perfect. I will have to give it some thought gbennett...

[–] [email protected] (6247) 8 years ago

I'd be curious to read what your perfect episodes are!

I thought about it and I have a few more. They are the first two episodes from season three. The first, ironically titled "Nobody's Perfect" and the following, "The Moment of Truth".

The show went to color and Elizabeth Montgomery looked wonderful in her new wardrobe. The (now blonde) Tabitha was adorably played by the blue eyed Murphy twins.

I love the way Darrin frets over the baby's checkup. Then he brags non-stop to Larry. Little does he know that his "perfectly normal" baby girl is a witch!

The scene at the photographer's studio is priceless.

Tabitha makes the genius photographer think he is losing his mind. Diego Fenman, I love that name.

"Uncle Diego should lay off the funny water when he has to work the next day." LOL

Endora is pretty decent in the first episode and shows some restraint. She really can't WAIT to tell Darrin that Tabitha is a witch, but for once she respects her daughter's wishes and doesn't spill the beans.

In the second episode, poor Aunt Clara thinks her powers have gone totally haywire. She has no idea that Tabitha is the cause of all the flying pots and pans.

The Tates are a lot of fun during the little anniversary party. Larry was having a great time celebrating. Too bad Samantha had to make him think he was "getting splashed" over a few glasses of champagne. His "sobriety test" is so funny.

Darrin's shock at finding out his daughter is a witch is so real and heartfelt. Elizabeth Montgomery plays the moment with such emotion and pathos.

All around,I think they are two perfect episodes.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 8 years ago

Yeah, those are real "book-end" episodes, although I prefer "The Moment of Truth", as I find it a hair less silly, and
much more dining room "sophisticated." Aunt Clara is cute when she's summoned and popped in with that ice
bag on her head.

Curiously, Erin and Diane did NOT look anything alike, and Diane shared the closeups during these early months,
before the producers realized that Erin should get the main "role", and Diane should be in distant shots or as
Erin's stand-in.

[–] [email protected] (6247) 8 years ago

I felt so sorry for Aunt Clara thinking that her powers had gone out of control. She had a complete "recovery" at the end when Sam told her it was Tabitha's doing.

Yes, Erin and Diane did look different, but I never noticed back then. Of course I didn't even know that TV shows used twins. I wonder if the rest of the audience noticed? But that was way before VCRs and DVD players. Every scene went by so fast and there was no rewinding.

I saw a Bewitched documentary which said they were fraternal twins and then I started to notice. In "Nobody's Perfect", I can see right away when they use Diane in the doctor's office.

She always seemed like the twin who was less happy to be there. I mean, she usually had a serious look on her face and didn't smile and engage with Elizabeth Montgomery the way Erin did.

[–] Mikwalen (12) 8 years ago

I don't think anyone will agree, but I love "Return of Darren the Bold" - we get Endora, Serena, and period costumes. What does bug me though is - we know the witches can go to the moon or the planets. Yet - they have to climb up a mountain to meet the wise old man because "the atmosphere is much too thin for levitation" (???) LOL!

[–] Mikwalen (12) 8 years ago

I agree GB about "It's Wishcraft". Another great aspect - after the bickering, it was nice to see them all around the table having dinner and being sociable.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 8 years ago

While I don't think this is a truly perfect ep, (and one I dismissed as a kid), it has grown on me over the
last five years or so. I've actually watched it frequently. Endora and Serena are delicious here (even if
Liz was just phoning in her work as Samantha by this point - and rather coldly, too). I love when Serena
smacks Darrin the Bold across the face ("WATCH what you're wishing for, BUSTER!"), then jumps all over
HIM! I also like the scene between Sam and Serena. The split screen work is terrific and Liz was soooo
good at making it seem as if these were two completely different women in two different bodies. If only
Liz was more of her old "lively" self as Sam.

[–] Tristan_Booth (405) 7 years ago

Tabitha makes the genius photographer think he is losing his mind. Diego Fenman, I love that name.

What I like about this episode is that Fenman is played by Robert Q. Lewis.