For a time in the seventies and eighties, the black and white episodes from the first two "Bewitched" seasons were only sporadically broadcast. They were never as popular in syndication as the post 1966 color ones and, not surprisingly, Sony sells more of the "colorized" versions on DVD than the original BWs. Thanks to Nickelodeon and TV Land, the BWs started enjoying a cult status in the nineties. Today, many fans say that first two seasons ape the final six and maybe they're right; there are fewer clunkers among these.
"The Joker Is A Card" has been popping into many Top Ten Lists of favorite TV shows. It is a classic combination of star power and great dialog, although the basic storyline (Uncle Arthur helping Darrin get back at Endora with a hokey spell) is less sophisticated than other episodes of the period. Yes, this is the one with the famous "Yaga suzi, yaga suzi, yaga suzi, zim" incantation; watching Darrin take Arthur's advice with intense seriousness is part of the fun.
This marked Paul Lynde's second appearance (his first was as a frazzled driving instructor) and his first as Uncle Arthur. According to the pregnant Samantha: "He's my favorite uncle. Do you know, when I was little, he taught me to make my first pony. I was only four. I couldn't get the spell right." Although all performers here are in top form, Lynde is the obvious star. A line borrowed from Grouch Marx is treated with Lynde's unique delivery and made twice as funny: "One morning I shot a lion in my pajamas. Now, what he was doing in my pajamas, I'll never know!" His appearance as a "head dish" is also priceless.
"The Joker Is A Card" has been popping into many Top Ten Lists of favorite TV shows. It is a classic combination of star power and great dialog, although the basic storyline (Uncle Arthur helping Darrin get back at Endora with a hokey spell) is less sophisticated than other episodes of the period. Yes, this is the one with the famous "Yaga suzi, yaga suzi, yaga suzi, zim" incantation; watching Darrin take Arthur's advice with intense seriousness is part of the fun.
This marked Paul Lynde's second appearance (his first was as a frazzled driving instructor) and his first as Uncle Arthur. According to the pregnant Samantha: "He's my favorite uncle. Do you know, when I was little, he taught me to make my first pony. I was only four. I couldn't get the spell right." Although all performers here are in top form, Lynde is the obvious star. A line borrowed from Grouch Marx is treated with Lynde's unique delivery and made twice as funny: "One morning I shot a lion in my pajamas. Now, what he was doing in my pajamas, I'll never know!" His appearance as a "head dish" is also priceless.
