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Bewitched: Samantha's Magic Sitter (1972)
Lions And Esmerelda And Bears, Oh My!
While this is a re-worked episode based on a much earlier in the series Aunt Clara storyline, it is different enough that it can be viewed as something fresh.
This is a delightful episode highlighting Alice Ghostley as Samantha's Yoo-Hoo Maid, Esmerelda. The character gets to shine in all her whacked-out faulty-witchery way. Most stunning is the appearance of not only an actual Mountain Lion, but also an actual Black Bear! Earlier in this 8th season, the production chose to use a very fake Gorilla costume as a transformed Darrin. (This, in the era of the Oscar-winning "Planet of the Apes" Gorilla, et al., make-up.)
Speaking of Darrin, this episode highlites the very much softer nature of actor Dick Sargent's version of the character. So often, viewers (and reviewers) of the entirety of the Bewitched series claim that Sargent's version of Darrin is much harsher, nastier and angrier than Dick York's original take on the character. The opposite is actually the case. All one has to do is simply watch the show. In this episode, Sargent's Darrin is mostly bemused by the mess of witchy magic Esmerelda casts upon pretty much everyone in sight. The concluding moments of the episode even show Darrin smiling and indeed inquisitive regarding Esmerelda's final witchy mishap.
Oddly though, there are a couple instances, one including the Mountain Lion, in which Elizabeth Montgomery's Samantha expresses unwarranted negatives and facial expressions towards her mortal husband. For the most part though, Montgomery is her usual wonderful self in the role.
An unfortunate "leftover" of the original Aunt Clara version of this episode, is the word "Aunt" itself. Numerous times during the second half of the episode, characters speak of "Aunt Esmerelda". The character had never been referred to as an Aunt, previously.
Special mention for actor Jeanne Arnold as the main meanie Mother of the episode. She comes across as even nastier to Samantha than how Samantha's own Mother, Endora, usually reacts around Durwood. (Darrin!) Arnold's character is terrificly witchy all her own.
A lovely episode with some terrificly funny moments, especially during Esmerelda's out-of-control magic show. A rating of 9/10 from me.
Bewitched: TV or Not TV (1971)
A Very Usefull Episode
Every episode of every television show can be avoided if no one writes it, produces it or watches it. What's the point of pointing out that any episode can be avoided? If you don't like a television series, then don't watch it. Atop that, don't write negative reviews negating a television show if all you do is write negative reviews about it.
Besides, this episode of Bewitched is in fact, very useful. It calls to attention violence not only in any television show, but here, in a children's television show. Upon viewing the violent act Punch is inflicting upon Judy on the TV screen, little Adam inflicts a similar violent act upon his sister, Tabitha. Tabitha chooses to call out the puppets, and childrens television shows, on those violent acts. As Samantha would say, "Good!"
Though this isn't a very comedic episode, it's certainly acceptable as a piece of televisual fare. It is original in it's main concept. There are some oddities about it, certainly. The sponsor could have been Grandfather to young Robin. Robin herself did seem to be too old for a puppet show which seemed to be aiming for very young viewers. Also, when Tabitha and Adam watch the show on their TV, the show is presented "live". Yet, when Tabitha is hired as a co-star, the show is now being taped. Plus, there is no studio audience as the script has Darrin claim.
The sponsor's use of a "pull my string to make me talk" gag is cute, and it's also cute that the device annoys others. However, the same device had been used by Uncle Arthur on a previous episode. Perhaps not memorable to it's original 1971 viewing audience, but definitely recognizable in the modern rerun binge-watching era.
Still, a fun episode. 7/10 stars rating from me.
Bewitched: Samantha's Lost Weekend (1970)
Elizabeth Montgomery "Milks It" For All It's Worth
Elizabeth Montgomery certainly carries the episode looking as though she's having a blast stuffing food in her mouth. It makes one wonder if there was a "bucket" very close by for when the Director yelled, "Cut!"
The scene in the grocery store is terrific. Though it certainly is a very small and very oddly arranged grocery store at that. The bit with the hip dude and his lettuce (which Samantha takes a chomp out of) is funny enough, but Sam and Darrin's encounter with a little old lady and the contents of her shopping cart, is absolutely hysterical. Most unexpected is Darrin's sudden feigned ignorance as to who the strange blonde lady with the aggresive appetite is!
It is odd that Abner is the Kravitz who encounters Samantha chowing down on peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. Then also later, Sam falling off to slumber every 20 seconds. He's been experiencing a number of oddities of his own at the Stephens household lately. This should have him second-guessing his diagnosis of lunacy on the part of his wife, Gladys. Actor Sandra Gould must have been off on another acting job during this episodes filming.
Also have to mention the scenes of Esmeralda seeking the help of actor Bernie Kopell's apothecary character. There's a lot of great funny stuff going on there. It's interesting that both he and Bernard Fox as Dr. Bombay appear here in the same episode, though unfortunately, the two characters never meet. The old warlock geezer chasing Esmeralda, seeking a kiss, is downright adorable.
There is the minor quibble of the spell that Esmeralda puts on Tabitha's milk. If Tabitha had drank it, would she have started jamming every piece of food in the house down her own throat? That's certainly what Samantha did. Perhaps a line added that Samantha drinking the milk meant for Tabitha, caused the spell to go haywire. Too bad the writer didn't realize that outcome.
A terrific episode loaded with lots of fun. A rating of 10/10 from me.
Bewitched: Weep No More My Willow (1968)
Every Little Breeze Seems To Cause Great Laughter
A "fairly unremarkable" episode, says the earlier review (timewise) here? Huh?
This episode is wonderful! 75% of that wonderful goes to Elizabeth Montgomery who is obviously having a blast, first bawling her eyes out, then laughing her head off! The crying and laughing required by the script gives the show's star something truly different to play and enjoy. Her delight comes beaming through the television screen.
All of the other actors involved are terrific as well. David White, as Darrin's boss, Larry Tate, gets to do some of his own beyond-the-norm characterizing. He gets to show Larry honestly deeply caring about someone other than George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Alexander Hamilton, Andrew Jackson, Ulyses S. Grant or Benjamin Franklin. (In return, they must all be "green" with envy of Samantha!)
The Larry Tate character is given some great scenes and some great dialogue. He also gets what might be the most risque line in the entirety of all 8 seasons of Bewitched. ("Risque" for 1968, that is.) As Larry sits opposite of Samantha in the Stephenes home living room, he tries to comfort the tearful Samantha. Trying to get to the root of what is making Samantha cry so drastically, Larry questions Darrin's faithfulness to her. "Is it another woman? ... Another man?!" Shocking. And hysterical!
An absolute laugh riot of an episode. A rating of 10/10 from me.
Bewitched: One Touch of Midas (1969)
Here Come The Fuzz! There Go The Fuzz!
A cute episode featuring a "toy craze", the equivalent of the hula-hoop (as mentioned in the story) and the at-the-time Troll dolls. Those are the ones with the head-full of shapely hair.
It sort of makes one wonder about (then) future toy dolls such as Cabbage Patch dolls, furbys and Tickle-Me-Elmos. The incredible popularity of these actual mass-selling toys makes you wonder if a spell had been cast on them as well, to make them so much sought after. Then too, there's the even later Beanie Babies. Those came with the "promise" of Tremendous Value for profits on future resale. That "spell" on the toy-buying public came to a crashing end as well.
A delightful aspect of the episode is a much expanded role for Jill Foster as Darrin's secretary, Betty Wilson. She's the first to be enchanted by The Fuzz doll and is the one to bring it to Darrin's attention. She even gets a trip out of the McMann & Tate offices to the Stephenses residence. Unfortunately, this is Jill Foster's last appearance in the role.
We do get a bit of incite into the inner workings of Darrin's strive to provide the best for his wife and daughter. Darrin himself is not under any spell. He's actually being himself in his reactions to his success. He exudes "greed" all on his own. However, the story doesn't try very hard to set any focus on that fact, which is unfortunate.
Special mention, once again, to the adorable and rather professional-already, Erin Murphy as little 4-year Tabitha. (Formerly 'Tabatha'. Why was this changed in the credits? Just an unnoticed mistake?) Erin and Elizabeth Montgomery make an exceptionally wonderful daughter/mother team. The beaming smiles they share seem to exceed the script's requirements.
It's nice to see a reactionary Darrin not blowing his top when the revelations are made clear to him. It's also a nice comeuppance for the usually diabolical boss, Larry Tate. Even though he does succomb to an initial happy-feeling from the doll, his deep-rooted business sense procludes him from getting involved with what he deems a 50/50 chance of success marketing of the toy. He's wrong, of course. Then he does himself one big one wrong when he does get in on the craze - at the wrong time - by handing over 10% of the profits of Darrin's accounts to Darrin in exchange for a piece of the Fuzz action. It's great to see the oft-Darrin-firing brown-noser getting what he really deserves.
Oddly, the episode's conclusion does not bring back Endora's accomplice, the Professor. It would have been good to see him pay a bit for what he took part in. Hundreds of thousands of The Fuzz purchasers might agree! A 9/10 rating from me.
Bewitched: A Majority of Two (1968)
A Majority of Bizarre Choices by the Bewitched Writers and Production Staff
One can say or think what one wishes regarding the casting of a caucasian actor to play an asian character. This episode was filmed in 1968 and the practice was common for the time. Other comedy shows such as Get Smart did it; dramatic shows such as Mission: Impossible did it. The British series, Doctor Who, did it some eight years later with it's "Talons of Weng-Chiang" storyline.
More bizarre here, is the writing which has Samantha twitching up a witchly-arranged relationship between the elderly Mr. Mishimoto and a pretty airlines stewardess some 38 years his junior! (Going by the ages of the two actors involved.) Even in 1968, such an age difference presented a major "ick factor".
Another oddity of the script has Aunt Clara acting way out of character. She ditches the gentlemanly Mishimoto for a three-timing old beau. The ancient (like Clara) warlock, Octavious, or "Ocky", has cheated on Clara numerous times. Yet she goes zap-zipping off to return to his side immediately after exclaiming what a wonderful day she's just had, cavorting all over New York City with the man (Mishimoto) she announces is planning to ask a "very important question" of her that very night. A terribly forced situation via thoughtless writing.
Strangest of all though, is the back and forth between Samantha and Darrin's boss, Larry Tate. Of course the script had to be hurriedly adapted due to actor Dick York's failing health. Lines meant for the missing Darrin are instead spoken by Larry. The sloppy rewrite (or minimal attempt of one) has Larry confronting or confiding in, Samantha. This takes place in cringe-inducing intimate moments and locales. There's a feeling of great unease when Larry follows Samantha into her kitchen, for the purpose of berating her for allowing her Aunt Clara to get close with client Mishimoto. It's a scene written for Darrin but thrown at Larry. The alteration of the characters involved makes for great discomfort.
Elizabeth Montgomery and David White do their utmost professional best to get through the episode. Perhaps the guest actor playing Mishimoto does so as well, but he is given odd, stilted dialogue and directed to play the character akin to that of a regal, wooden plank. His portrayal comes off as simply awful. The extremely weird and very failed special effect of Samantha's face going blank during the airport scene only adds to the negative aspects of the episode.
The worst episode of the first five, "Dick York Darrin" years of Bewitched. 3/10 stars.
Bewitched: The Crone of Cawdor (1967)
Agnes, Endora, Edith Head & Polly Ester
The other earlier (date wise) reviews here all indicate what a wonderful episode of Bewitched this is. I just want to remark on a few of it's stand-out moments.
At the top of the episode, you get Darrian (Darrin!) being non-typically pleasant to Endora, which she finds absolutely nauseating. Then we're treated to the sights of Terry Warbell's classy mid-60's Corvette Convertible. Atop that, there's Dagwood's (Darrin's!) awesome Camaro!
A whole lot of fun comes when the real Terry (in the crone's body) turns up at Gladys Kravitz's front door. Gladys is, by this point in the series, so used to bizarre oddities happening in her home's immediate vicinity, that she knows to straight-off contact Samantha via the phone. Most shockingly amusing though, Samantha pops straight into the Kravitz front room before either party ends the call! Wonderful writing here and marvelous acting and direction.
Most fun of all though is Agnes Moorehead. While always terrific as Endora, Ms. Moorehead shines extra-bright when she gets to play Endora as Endora gets to play a McMann & Tate Fashion Design employee. Her take on Endora as Endora's take on famed Hollywood Industry Fashion Designer Edith Head, bursts with delighted, exhuberant hysterics. (The thick, black, horned eyeglasses were a sort of "trademark" for Edith Head.) Agnes Moorehead is obviously having a ball playing so out-of-character. Plus the "Designer Polly Ester" trap/joke is simply brilliant.
One of the absolute best, most classic episodes of Bewitched.
Bewitched: Witches and Warlocks Are My Favorite Things (1966)
A "Favorite" Episode of Bewitched!
Have to write a review in response to the earlier (date wise) two reviews of this episode. Both reviews are (imo, yes) extremely far off the mark.
Warlock Maurice, Samantha's father/Endora's (estranged) husband, is never - through-out the entire series - "cowed" by Endora. From his first appearance in the first season of the series, Maurice is shown to be an extremely powerful warlock. He remains so through-out the show's run.
Endora is not overtly "evil" in this episode either. She is characterized in this episode as being very concerned with Granddaughter Tabatha's upbringing and "witchly" education. She is also very upset with daughter Samantha's insistance and agreement with Derwood (Darrin!), that Tabatha be raised in a 100% mortal manner.
This is a terrific episode which interestingly leans far into a dramatic light, unlike the normal comedy tone of the series. The guest characters Enchantra, and especially Hagatha, are actually quite frightening. Hagatha moreso as she is rather nice to begin with, then turns mean quite quickly when she doesn't get her way. Enchantra is more threatening straight from the start.
There is never any attempted "kidnapping". If the three witches had gotten their way, Samantha and Darrin would still have been Tabatha's parents. Fortunately, Samantha's "Daddy" would have none of it, finding their decision to implement Tabatha into Hagatha's School For Witches against the wishes of his daughter and son-in-law, simply contemptable.
Aunt Clara is fun here as usual, taking Samantha and Darrin's side as could be expected. Then being frustrated by not getting in on the coven of the three other witches decision making process. It's also quite wonderful to see Maurice being so enchanted at Clara's bewildered presence. (As in his guest spot in the second season episode of Bewitched, "My Grandson, the Warlock", actor Maurice Evans "steals the show" as Samantha's father.)
All the actors are obviously having a ball with their roles and the situation of the story. It's also fun to see Macbeth, the ancient automobile, present in the Stevens's living room. Dick York delights as Darrin as he guides the defeated witches into the car's passenger compartment. Being so gentlemanly as he holds the door open for them so as to get them out of his house all the faster!
Oh, and mention must be made of little Erin Murphy's adorable performance as Tabatha. She's wonderful and looks a bit bewildered herself as "Tabatha" causes objects to float around the room. Such a delight!
A more dramatic episode, yes. Still one of the best of Bewitched. A 10/10 rating!
Bewitched: The Moment of Truth (1966)
More Moments of Truth, Discovery and Reaction Would Help
A bit of an odd episode. That oddity is strictly due to a script that perhaps needed some touching up and revisions.
Every actor involved here is wonderful. That includes little Diane and Erin Murphy as Tabatha. (Whichever of the two is on screen at any given time.) Tabatha's reactions are perfect and her expressions, adorable.
While Darrin certainly gets his moments of discovery and bewilderment, those moments are somewhat rushed. Much more time is spent, unnecessarily, on Darrin's boss, Larry Tate. The early scenes of him ruining an end table and then having trouble in the kitchen, are fine. Quite funny, actually. Later though, expansive time spent on Larry proving himself sober, is just not needed.
Then too, there's the inclusion of Aunt Clara who stops by for what is pretty much just an extended cameo appearance. She pops in at the front of the story, departs before the main storyline kicks in, then returns only for the episode's conclusion. Most strange though, is that Samantha keeps the truth of Tabatha's witchcraft experimentations to herself. The neglect of this useful information leads to Clara despairing in elderly depression. Clara's inclusion and self-doubt is simply forced by the script.
Marion Lorne is delightful as Aunt Clara. Dick York is terrific as usual. His range of facial expressions is always fascinating to watch. Elizabeth Montgomery is just lovely in all aspects of herself and her talents.
More of Darrin's discovery of, and reactions to Tabatha's witchly abilities, as well as less of Larry's declarations of sobriety, most likely would have resulted in an episode rated higher than (my own, granted) a rating of 7/10 stars. Which is still pretty good!
Bewitched: My Grandson, the Warlock (1965)
Maurice Evans Steals The Show
I want to oppose the other negative reviews here for this episode with my own positive review. I find this episode to be one of the best of the second season of Bewitched.
Straight off though, this episode might make for a good drinking game. Take a shot for every contrivance in the storyline and you'll end up just as giddy as Gladys Kravitz does by the end of the episode. Regardless of any delightful alcohol consumption, this is still a fun episode.
Every misguided action taken could be avoided if someone would just speak the obvious, but no one does. Well, except Abner Kravitz at the top of the episode who informs his freaking-out wife that Samantha is only 3 months pregnant. Of course, that doesn't stop Gladys from going ahead and believing that Samantha can deliver a 6 month premature baby in only 2 hours, then bring that same 25 pound baby home straight-away. Which leads to Gladys giving Samantha's father a whole lot of wrong ideas.
Samantha's father, whom she does call "father" through-out this episode (that will become the more cherished "daddy" in later episodes) is quite welcome in his most regal return. Contrivances lead him to believe that the Tates' son is his own grandson. Without a whisper to his daughter, Maurice takes up the baby, heading off to London England to show off the little "warlock" at his Gentlemens Warlocks Club.
Maurice Evans steals the episode. His character's sparkling smile when encountering Mrs. Kravitz lights up all the more when greeting his daughter. He then runs the gambit of delighted Grandfather to embarrassed warlock. His return to the Stephens' household, finds him in absolute miserable pouting mode. Evans is simply terrific through-out.
Samantha and Endora searching the planet to the west and to the east, separately, comes off as just silly. Wanting to show-off his grandson to other warlocks and witches seems obvious. Both Samantha and Endora know of the Warlocks Club, so they should really have gone straight there. Of course, doing so would shorten the episode quite a bit.
One major problem with the script here is having the Tates make it home to New York so fast. (Practically in the twitch of a nose!) Especially after having just had the couple in London where Louise actually spots the stranger (Maurice) with what she motherly-instictually knows is her baby boy.
Duncan's (Darrin's!) many modes of stalling the Tates on their way to reunite with their baby, are all very funny. His sabotaging of boss Larry's suitcase is accomplished wonderfully. (That an airport is located, seemingly, in a busy "Downtown" area is odd. Airport signage regardless.) Larry spotting lip-shaped "red oil" on Dobbin's (Darrin's!) cheek is brushed off easily with the honest answer that he had just been necking with Samantha under the hood. Funny stuff.
Ultimately, it's the entire cast that holds the episode together. The concluding moments are quite surprising. Gladys Kravitz gets 100% proof of witchcraft (or warlockcraft) taking place in the Stephens' household. However, Maurice's jumbo-sized martini (hysterical and understandable under the conditions presented) will blotten out Gladys's memory of the truths she has witnessed.
A sweet, delightful and comically entertaining episode. Contrivance-loaded or not!
Bewitched: Love Is Blind (1964)
Samantha Gets Nasty
Of the first 13 episodes, I rate eight of them at 10/10. This episode is unlucky number 13. While well acted, directed and produced, it's the writing that brings the episode down to a 5/10.
Samantha's friend Gertrude is beyond a "plain Jane". She's downright boring. What Darrin's coworker, Kermit sees in her never comes to light. Meanwhile, Kermit's old friend, Susan, is given a quick introduction to viewers, and in it, she comes across as quite lovely, spirited and caring. Qualities which Samantha doesn't appreciate. At least, that's how the episodes writers choose to have Samantha react.
In a restaurant scene featuring Samantha, Darrin and Kermit, Susan shows up at Darrin's invitation, to the surprise of Samantha and delight of Kermit. But Samantha has invited plain-Gertrude to show up as well. So Susan's appearance aggravates Samantha.
While Susan is truly sweet and wonderfully happy to see Kermit again, Samantha will have none of it. She wants Gertrude to win Kermit's heart and doesn't want Susan's competition. Therefore Samantha uses her witchcraft to make Susan mean and spiteful. Samantha's magic induces Susan to storm out.
It's very shocking behavior on Samantha's part. Behavior not seen in the previous 12 episodes. Then too, after Susan has stormed out of the restaurant dining room, she returns, obviously looking as though she has no idea why she had become so vicious towards Kermit. Samantha sees that Susan is already back, obviously wanting to apologize for her sudden strange - witchcraft induced - behavior. So Samantha zaps the shoulder straps of Susan's pretty dress, causing embarrassment, sending Susan scurrying away, out of Kermit's life forever.
This is most likely the worst thing Samantha does in the entire series. (Though she does take part with Endora in causing a flood later in the series.) It's a misstep on the part of the writers. The show's producer, William Asher, should have caught this. Perhaps he and wife Elizabeth Montgomery did so later, upon seeing the episode on screen. Had this been recognized prior to production, the Susan character could have been written as being shallow and simply out for Kermit's money. As is, it seems that Samantha may have obliterated true love between Kermit and Susan in favor of her hopeless plain-Jane friend.
Also, it's unfortunate that Gertrude had never been seen or spoken of in the first 12 episodes, nor is she or Kermit ever seen again. Of course, Kermit later divorced Gertrude anyway, and moved himself and his money away from New York City, to a place called Gotham. But that's another TV show. Same Bat-Channel (the ABC Network) though!
Doctor Who: The Legend of Ruby Sunday (2024)
Doctor Who ??? --- DOCTOR WOW !!!
Fantastic! Brilliant! Alons-y! Am I a good man! Brave heart, Tegan! I'm a genius! Come along, Chesterfield! No more! And not a moment too soon! Geronimo! Unlimited rice pudding! Aroon-araan-aroon! I'm half human, on my Mother's side! Alons-y, again! Give me the lovin! Would you like a jelly-baby!
This episode of Doctor Who is just awesomely amazing. Right up there at the very top alongside the likes of Vincent and the Doctor, Horror of Fang Rock, Remembrance of the Daleks, Heaven Sent, Spearhead From Space and yes, Pyramids of Mars.
The episode moves non-stop. I honestly had chills during the concluding minutes. Writer/Showrunner Russell T. Davies can certainly run the range. He can give us silly and childish - and he can give us thrilling and powerful. Horrifying and wonderful. "The Legend of Ruby Sunday" is off-the-charts.
Can and will part 2, Empire of Death, top this?
10/10.
Doctor Who: Rogue (2024)
A Rather Rushed Rogue
Rush. It's cool if you like great rock music from a trio of progressive musician/song-writers from Canada. It's not so cool if you're trying your best to keep up with a 45 minute episode of a British science fiction television series.
Being rushed is my main problem with this episode of Doctor Who. "Rogue" is a whole lot of fun in a whole lots of ways. But the story telling here speeds through each scene and shoves full-blown relationships into miniscule moments of near absolute non-development.
One moment the Doctor is detecting signs and evidence of non-19th century mechanical influence. The next he's confronting the rogue responsible. The next he's wanting to show this new love of his life the wonders of the Universe via an invitation to travel in the TARDIS. (Which the TARDIS seems to get grouchy about?) Suddenly... Bam! Bam! Kerblam! (And Boom!) The Doctor gets all smoochy with this guy he just met.
Love at first sight? Perhaps. But there's no fun here in the pursuit. Like the episode, "73 Yards" two stories back, "Rogue" could easily have been a 2-parter. It would most certainly have benefitted. Maybe even just rounding the episode to a full 60 minutes would have helped. Even Ruby's budding friendship with the young Lady needed more development time.
Besides that, my only other real negative of the story would be the designs of the "backup" bad birdies. They were not as well realized as the main invading, angry birds. At first, I was wondering why the blue businessman muppet from Sesame Street was part of the cosplay players. Though his whiskers(?) provided evidence that this character only accidentily resembled that Sesame civilian. (To me, that is.)
Ncuti Gatwa was outstanding! After two straight episodes for which the show title could have been altered to "Doctor Where?" due to the lack of the Doctor's presence, Gatwa is back in full force. His energy and enthusiasm for his character carries through his portrayal, beaming a delighted and delightful smile, bouncing and refracting off the corners of the television screen.
Millie Gibson as the thought-provoking Ruby Sunday, continues her demonstration (made clear in the aforementioned "73 Yards") of budding and building to bountiful, acting talent. She mesmorizes with her shine and charm.
One more slight negative. The Doctor breaking down into tears for what he thought was the destruction and death of companion Ruby, would have been much more powerful and gut-wrenching for this viewer, if the Doctor had not already been seen blubbering in nearly every one of his stories so far. Blubbering sometimes with very little reason.
As I write this, knowledge is widespread that Ncuti Gatwa's 2nd series (the "Doctor Who 15th/41st series - confusing, isn't it?) is already filmed and in the can. So, perhaps for the 3rd/16th/42nd series, plans can be put into place for expanding Doctor Who episodic story-telling to a full 60 minutes. Modern televisual viewing habits can handle it and indeed on some occassions, demand it.
Because the story was so rushed, leading to a lack of development of the Rogue character, as well as a lack of evidenced reasoning for the Doctor's starry-crossed eyes, I can only rate this episode at a 7/10.
The Andy Griffith Show: The Big House (1963)
Wonderful Gomer Pyle Goofiness
This is an absolutely terrific episode filled with many funny moments as well as great performances from the regular cast and all the guest actors.
One of those great performances comes from actor Jim Nabors as acting-deputy, Gomer Pyle. Gomer's bumbling as a deputy manages to out-do Barney's bumbling. Well... almost out-does him anyway. When you take a moment to consider all the bumbling deputy goofiness, you start questioning Sheriff Taylor's patterns of decision making.
IMO, the Gomer Pyle character was so much better as well as so much more endearing, here on The Andy Griffith Show than how he was written (and performed, frankly) on Nabors' own spin-off series, Gomer Pyle U. S. M. C..
One of my favorite silly images of all TAGS episodes, is the sight Andy and Barney see when they are standing outside the Courthouse and look up to the building's roofline. There they see Gomer's legs jutting out from over the roof as Gomer (apparently) enjoys a nice lie down for an afternoon's nap. Then, after Barney yells up to the slumbering Gomer, rousing him awake, Gomer's deputy's rifle comes flying off the roof, falling to Andy and Barney's feet.
There is the glaring "goofy" moment when Barney, who one moment is standing up on the roof of the courthouse, suddenly shows up, impossibly, in the alley behind the two FBI agents he mistakes as being crooks. Perhaps he borrowed a transporter from Star Trek's USS Enterprise! Afterall, Captain Kirk and crew "borrowed" the town of Mayberry on several episodes of that series.
Another goofy moment comes toward the end of the episode when the four crooks are outside, escaping the jail. They come running out of the jail and Sheriff Taylor discovers them and yells for them to stop. Then Gomer's rifle falls from the roof (again!) followed by a bunch of big Christmas decoration lightbulbs that smash on the sidewalk, sounding like a machine gun rattling off a round of bullets. The goofy part is that as this incredible commotion is occuring, a citizen of Mayberry can be seen, reflected in the window behind Andy, casually taking a nice, pleasant stroll along the sidewalk across the street from the courthouse. He's not the least bit interested in or concerned by all the incredible action that's taking place right there and then!
This "citizen" might be an extra on the set. Or he might be a member of the show's film crew. Whoever he is, he's not paying attention to the filming on the set. Regardless, this man's reflection in the window is obvious and an instant distraction. There would have been no way at the time for anyone on the set to see that this refection had occured and that it was on film right over Andy Griffith's shoulder. So, just an interesting (again IMO) goofy moment.
Oh. Just one more thing. Another reviewer of this episode, vitoscotti, writes that they are curious regarding the episode title. They write that Barney mentions, "The Rock", which pertains to the infamous prison, Alcatraz. Then they wonder if "The Big House" is ever mentioned. Yes, Barney does indeed say it. He does so toward the end of the opening scene. So prior to Gomer's initial debut in his deputy uniform.
A very memorable and very excellent episode of The Andy Griffith Show. 10/10.
The Dick Van Dyke Show: Like a Sister (1962)
Good Episode, But Wives Beware!
Not the best episode, certainly. However, it's nothing terrible. It's good to see Sally getting a storyline that is upbeat. There are a couple Sally-centric episodes that really cast her as a bit of a sadsack. Here, she's having a great time.
Vic Damone is terrific as a highlighted guest character. There's nice singing to be heard alongside the office's magical piano. When Rob then Sally play it, it produces all sorts of different instrument sounds!
The writing is rather pedestrian for an episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show. When, as a viewer, you start questioning, "Why such an elaborate plan/scheme", that tells you the writing is lacking.
There is a stand-out moment in this episode, but it's not a good one. It's the final line which is spoken by Buddy to Rob, "I think we ought to go home and beat up our wives." (The laughtrack thinks this is hysterical.) I'm writing this in 2024, but even by 1961 standards, this was a terrible line to put into a TV script as a (excuse the irony) punchline. Especially for a family-friendly and sophisticated TV show like this. Besides that, the line doesn't even make sense in context of response to what Rob had just said.
In further regarding this line; surprisingly, this episode was written by the show's Creator and Producer, Carl Reiner. That explains why the shows Producer (Reiner) allowed the scriptwriter (also Reiner) to keep this misfire of a line in. I'm surprised that no other member of the production or even Dick Van Dyke himself didn't insist on a more appropriate closing line. Also a line that was funny as well.
To finish this review on a positive, guest star Vic Damone seemed to enjoy his character and looks as though he's having a blast when his character fakes being drunk. The regular cast is, of course, their usual fantastic selves.
Hogan's Heroes: The Witness (1969)
She's Not Annoying At All, Poopsie!
This is a fun episode featuring not only actress Nita Talbot in her recurring character role of Marya, but also actor Gavin Macleod as yet another teetering-on-insane enemy character.
When I was a child watching Hogan's Heroes, the female Russian agent was a downer for me. She always seemed to be working against Colonel Hogan while throwing herself at him at the same time. I didn't need all that kissy-kissy, smoochie-smoochie back then. I wanted my Hero and his crew to get the job done and have a fun time doing it.
Now, some 50 years later, I have much appreciation for the Marya character. She's highly intelligent, conniving and funny. Oh yes, and she's always throwing herself at Colonel Hogan! Who, unusually for him when it comes to beautiful women, wants as little as possible to do with her.
Another reviewer for this episode writes that they find the Russian woman annoying. They also can't understand why the HH producers kept bringing the character back. For the sake of those who may read these reviews and who may not be aware - actress Nita Talbot received an Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of the Marya character. The nomination was for her performance in the previous year's episode, "The Hostage". If the Emmys gave her such recognition, then she must have been doing something right! That nomination would have solidified a return appearance on the show. "The Witness" was the 4th episode to feature the character. She would appear in another 3 episodes in the following years.
How could you not love Marya in this episode? She has Gavin Macleod's furious General wrapped around her smoking-stick. She annoys Hogan relentlessly, yet he can't resist some of that smoochie-smoochie time with her. She's hysterical as she sends Klink running in fear, declaring Hogan was "just about to break" during her interrogation of him. This due to the increasing pressure she was applying to him with her forceful lips!
I can't wait for the next episode in which she is featured. I'm sure it will be yet another blast, Poopsie!
M*A*S*H: Hanky Panky (1977)
Farrell, Swit and Burghoff... Acting!
A decent episode, though as the other reviews here say, both storylines are a bit contrived. BJ is simply to straight an arrow to stray from his vows to the love of his life back in California. Then too, he's also such a nice guy that he might just feel bad about rejecting Nurse Donavan's advances!
Margaret's terrorizing of Radar is a bit over the top. She does come across a bit out of character. However, the character's psychotic outbursts do give actress Loretta Swit some nice out-of-her-norm acting moments. Plus, actor Gary Burghoff gets to have some great reactionary fun showcasing Radar's horror in suffering the Major's wrath.
I want to take a moment to correct a "goof" for this episode that is not a goof. This involves a scene between BJ and Nurse Donavan in the Mess Tent. The "goof" says that when BJ gets up and exits the scene, he steps outside the tent and then just stands there a moment, not moving. (As if the actor believes himself to be out of camera shot.) What actually happens is this: As BJ exits, he is carrying his food tray. When he opens the tent door, a garbage can is visible just outside the tent. BJ stops at the garbage can and swipes his unwanted food off the tray into the can. Actor Mike Farrell is doing exactly as the script requires - he is continuing to act! So again, not a goof at all.
Not one of the best episodes of MASH, but certainly not a bad episode at all.
Hogan's Heroes: No Names Please (1968)
Of Shoes And Chutes (Parachutes)
A terrific episode of Hogan's Heroes. It's an interesting and alarming idea to have the Heroes efforts thwarted, as it were, by someone who thinks he's doing the Heroes a "favor". The Heroes have saved this journalist's life, and in attempting to thank them via a later published newspaper article, he instead threatens not only their top secret operation, but also their lives.
Much fun is always had when Kommandant Klink goes up against Gestapo Agent Major Hochstetter. Hogan has a very funny line in which he laments breaking up their beautiful friendship.
An oddity in the script has Hogan hiding a radio meant for the Underground in the barracks. He's worried about the Heroes being caught with it. Why keep it in the barracks when there's an extensive secret tunnel system running underneath the barracks and in fact, the entire Stalag itself?
One of the "Goofs" for this episode mentions Hogan ordering one of the extras to bury a shoe. This concerns the opening scene in which the Heroes rescue the journalist who has suffered a sprained ankle after parachuting from a crashing plane. This goof is itself a goof. Hogan says nothing about a shoe. He orders the extra, who Hogan names as Olson, to bury "the chute". As in the journalist's parachute which is seen hanging from a tree. As the scene concludes and the regular Heroes and the journalist depart, Olson can be seen (though with some difficulty in the dark background) beginning to climb the tree so as to remove the "chute/parachute". Again, Hogan says nothing about any shoe. That would be silly.
Just one more thing. John Banner as Sergeant Shultz is his usual absolutely hysterical self!
Green Acres: A Girl for Drobny (1971)
A Grating Contempt For Drobny
Adding a review here as I found this episode a bit better than the other reviewers here. I'll readily say however, that I am not a fan of Drobny the Duck at all whatsoever. Arnold the Pig was a wonderful character in the Green Acres Universe. His lone presence as an animal of great intelligence in Hooterville was enough, (Ellenor the Cow not withstanding.) An additional "animal" being given full episode stories was definitely not needed, and Drobny proves more bland than entertaining.
There are a small number of humorous moments scattered through the episode. Arnold's realization of a language barrier between himself and Drobny revealed the Pig's wee (wee-wee) bit of familiarity with the Japanese language. The visual joke of the Japanese subtitles was a pleasant, funny little surprise. It always provides a smile when Oliver answers a "knock, knock, knock" at the door only to find a snorting pig waiting on the porch.
The best scene (imo) plays out between Oliver and addle-brained, Hank Kimball. Hank shows up with concern for Ellenor's health. When he attempts to get the cow to say, "Ahhh", she responds with a most unexpected (to Hank) and continuous, "Mr. Kimball!" Of course, it's Oliver who's saying that, but the County Agent is unaware of Oliver's presence in the barn, even though he had just walked right past him. A secondary concern by Kimball of Oliver's throat is also delightfully funny.
There was a moment of concern (by I, the viewer) for the sake of the actor duck portraying Drobny. In one quick moment shown of Drobny dancing to some Hungarian Gypsey music playing on a phonograph, it appears that the production crew had possibly attached wires to the little critter. This so as to present the duck to appear to be dancing to the music. It actually looks as if it's being tortured.
Eddie Albert gets in some usual terrific moments of angered exasperation as Oliver deals with the situations at hand and never-ending disruptions to his attempts at figuring his year's taxes. Eva Gabor looks absolutely ravishing throughout even as her Lisa Douglas character continues to become more incompetent and irritating.
Not anywhere near the best of what Green Acres could offer, but not as tedious as one of the show's "Good Old Days" reflections, either.
Green Acres: The Free Paint Job (1971)
Hooterville = The Twilight Zone
As a kid watching "Green Acres", I had a theory that the farming community of Hooterville (or 'Hootersville' as Hungarian Princess Lisa Douglas would say) was firmly located within a backwater corner of Rod Serling's "Twilight Zone". If there were one episode of GA which goes furthest in proving that theory, it's this, "The Free Paint Job".
In it's 6th season, Green Acres had perhaps lost a little of it's lustre. Every few episodes though, the writing and production could really hit the mark, and this episode proves that there was still a lot of originality to be presented. While it's certainly a shame that the show was denied a 7th season due to CBS's then new Top Man, Fred Silverman and his "Rural Purge" (every CBS series featuring a tree was canceled regardless of it's success and top ratings), maybe it was an ideal happenstance that Green Acres went out while still teetering atop of it's game. Like the way another CBS stalwart, "The Dick Van Dyke Show" had done, voluntarily, a few years prior.
"The Free Paint Job" though, is Green Acres at some of it's surrealist best. Straight from the top, we encounter cooking-challenged Lisa explaining to husband Oliver how to prepare the delicacy of Stuffed Kangeroo-Tail (how could Oliver have not guessed HOW one stuffs a Kangeroo tail?!) Then we share in Oliver's astonishment at the sight of Lisa's attempt at cooking up a massive wad of severely boiled spaghetti. Later in the episode, more spaghetti experimentation leads to a possible attack by a related kin of Steve McQueen's 1950's horror film co-star, The Blob.
It's always added fun when other members of "Real World Society" find themselves trapped alongside Oliver within the lunatic existence of the unidentified asylum that is Hootersville. Exactly that is what happens to three Real World employees of the Luster Paint Company. They want to use the Douglas farm house in a "Before and After" marketing campaign of their product. First though, the advertising man with the paint company is subjected to a pig that not only answers the door upon which he has knocked, but also "meows" at him. Later, a paint company employed photographer attempting to capture the farm house in all it's dilapidated glory, has to put up with addle-minded County Agent Hank Kimball wanting to get in on the view. Most perplexed by his encounter with the Douglas homestead, is the worker tasked with actually applying the paint to the structure's wooden boards. The house's reaction to the application of the paint, would be enough to send any normal-minded individual scurrying to the nearest "funny farm".
Down at the General Store, Sam Drucker gets in some great, though unintentional pot-shots at Oliver. Eventually, con-man extraordineer Mr. Haney (who performs an impression of the Douglas house!) gets to provide some previously unknown factoids regarding the makeup of the type of wood of which the Robert E. Lee birth-place replica hovel has been built.
There's some great stunt work action concerning Oliver, the result of a careless pig who has enjoyed a delicious banana. Then there's a moment of "How did they do that?!" when Oliver, inside the house, receives a face full of spray paint which seeps immediately 'through the wall' as the painter - outside - attempts to apply a fresh coating.
The level of surrealism "goes to eleven" when the paint company advertising man eventually is able to present Oliver with a painted sample of the house's wooden board pieces. Due to 'sealed pores' within it, the wooden board struggles mightily to breath, gasping in utter desperation for air. Fascinating and hysterical!
Truly one of the best and most bizarre episodes of Green Acres ever to grace the televisual Universe. A terrific example to show to a novice viewer and entrap them... in the Twilight Zone... of Hootersville.
Make Room for Daddy: Danny Meets Andy Griffith (1960)
Welcome To Mayberry... Now Pay Your Fine.
Just to clear up a couple of things mentioned in two other reviews here, one from 2008, the other from 2012. (I'm writing this in 2024.) Both actors Will Wright and Rance Howard (Ron's father) are credited for this episode and both do indeed appear.
As pointed out in the 2012 review (correcting the 2008 review) Will Wright plays the part of the misery renter of mens suits, Mr. Johnson. This is a lengthy segment. "Lengthy" in comparison to Rance Howard's appearance.
Rance has one of those, "Blink and You'll Miss Him" moments. That moment comes at the 23:41 mark. He plays a member of the TV crew. He even speaks two lines! "That's it. Okay, wrap it up, fellas." (Speaking those two lines would have made him some good money as opposed to the non-speaking crew member roles, like the camera operators.)
As for reviewing the episode itself? To be honest, this is the one and only episode of The Danny Thomas Show I've ever watched. Obviously, for the fact that it is the pilot for what will be The Andy Griffith Show.
I regard TAGS as one of the absolute best shows to have ever graced a television screen. Right up there with The Dick Van Dyke Show, Columbo and Doctor Who. All incredibly wonderful 10/10 shows, imo. As the pilot episode of TAGS, this is a "must-see", 10/10 episode in it's own.
By the way, there's another "Blink and You'll Miss It" moment. During Danny and Andy's conversation outside, you might spot that just like in the TAGS series itself, there is a Barbershop right next door to the Jail/Courthouse building. However, there's no Floyd present.
Green Acres: You and Your Big Shrunken Head (1969)
Odd End To The 3-Part Millionaire Arnold (The Pig) Storyline
A surprisingly uneven episode of GA. Odd, being that it has the usual writers and Director. It seems that, perhaps by this, the last of a 3-episode story arc, the creators had grown weary of their commitment. Indeed, some of the jokes run so flat, that the Laugh Track doesn't even bother to respond.
It's certainly not all bad though. There is a terrific stunt when Oliver is sent tumbling out the back of the Cannonball Express passenger car. Another stunt later in the episode sees Oliver accidentilly traversing his hovel's living room via Arnold's abandoned skateboard.
The story features Arnold the Pig's little cousin, Jimmy. Jimmy's inclusion is entirely unnecessary. The Arnold character is hysterical all his own and needed no companion or competition. Especially as Jimmy merely copies Arnold's abilities.
Oliver comes across a bit more cross than usual. His anger is through the roof, even bellowing a hope that he never has to see Arnold ever again. Perhaps it's somewhat understandable seeing that Oliver has to put up with the unwanted recognition that he is the "famous pig lawyer".
The Hank Kimball character continues his downward spiral into completely hopeless incompetency. Here, he can't even remember Oliver or Lisa's last name even as it's spoken countless times in front of him. It's just not a funny topic for Kimball-inspired idiocy.
A very surprising moment occurs when Oliver takes a phone call atop the Douglas's telephone pole. Unlike any previous or future times atop the pole, this scene is actually filmed outdoors. An actual blue sky is above Oliver and the scene is lit by the sun. A different and very real shingled-roof is shown and the leaves of a tree in the background are seen fluttering in a breeze. It would be very interesting to learn the reason why it was decided to film this momentary scene in the actual outdoors. There are however, many scenes filmed in the real outdoors this 5th season of the show. (As opposed to the usual indoor filming on studio-bound sets made-up to look as if the action were taking place outdoors.) In the upcoming episode, "The Road", extensive outdoor filming was done featuring Hank Kimball driving his orange Ford Bronco throughout the town of Hooterville, causing quite a dust storm.
Strangest of all, the entire 3-episode storyline of Arnold the Pig possibly inheriting 20 Million Dollars, ends with no revelation as to whether Arnold gets the money. Of course, subsequent GA episodes see Arnold continuing on in his usual farmland life. There's no 20 Million Dollars being tossed around. The lacklustre "conclusion" may indeed be attributed to the writers and the Director tiring of the 3-episode long storyline.
Green Acres: The Agricultural Student (1968)
Love American (Pig) Style
All those loud "thuds" heard during the course of this episode are the jaws of the men of Hooterville hitting the floor the moment they meet County Agent hope-to-be, Miss Terry.
The Hooterville men all take a wide step out of character as their tongues begin fluttering in the breeze as the lovely Terry swoops in. Eb completely forgets about his new love in life, Lorelei. Sam Drucker hauls out his seldom seen hideous toupee in hopes of impressing Terry with his newly evident youth(lessness) of age. Mr. Haney arrives out of character in that he has no previous awareness of Terry's presence in town. (Surely there was money to be swindled one way or another upon Terry's arrival in town. Haney would usually have no trouble sniffing it out.)
Very out of character is Hank Kimble who has apparently agreed to accompany Ralph Monroe to the dance. Previously, Hank has wanted nothing whatsoever to do with Ralph. Here, he breaks an unusual previously arranged date with Ralph so as to drool over the very attractive Terry. Then there's Fred Ziffel who acknowledges that he is merely to be Terry's "escort" to the dance, as opposed to the other men who are there with obvious hopes of getting in some sweet smooches with Terry by the end of the night. Still, with so many men already contending for Terry's hand, Fred could easily have backed out of the escortship and tended to the woman to whom he's long been married.
Thankfully, Oliver's heart (and eyes) remain true to the Love of his life, the always delightfully delicious, Lisa.
The absolute joy of the episode - and outright "cuddly cuteness" - is provided by non other than Arnold "the pig" Ziffel. Upon being recognized as the apple of Miss Terry's eyes, adorable little Arnold turns a literal shade of lovingly embarrassed "red". Arnold's sheer delight in capturing Terry's heart is true little screen wonderfulness. Love always knows the way. Arnold's continuous uncontrolled blushing provides this episode with a couple extra notches upward in it's numerical IMDB rating. (For me, anyway.)
Green Acres: School Days (1967)
A Green Acres School Daze
Not one of Green Acres' best episodes, but at least it's not another flashback to "the good ol days". Those can be rather tedious.
Not much in the ways of surrealism here either. There are some funny moments though. Such as the Home Economic teacher's reactions to Lisa telling her fellow female classmates that there are other ways of making a man happy other than doing so via his stomach. Principal Russell's consistent disgust with Oliver at each conference regarding Lisa's behavior is also a highlite. The quick cut to the window of the chemistry lab blowing out is a humorous surprise.
There are a couple moments that don't jive with the more usual Green Acres means of story telling and character considerations. Oliver telling Lisa that he's ashamed of her is much too harsh. Then there's a very unnecessary and humorless joke concerning a somewhat "plump" female classmate of Lisa's retrieving her humungous papersack lunch bag from the back seat of the Douglas's Lincoln Continental.
Then there's a very odd moment which could be considered a "reverse goof". In the concluding moments of the episode when Oliver informs Lisa that she's been expelled from High School, Lisa speaks the word "hotcakes" and says it correctly. Elsewise, Lisa always mispronounces the word with an extra "s" as in "hotscakes". Surprising that this wasn't noticed by the show's Producers and overdubbed.
Now then... Let's get back to square eggs, expensive jewelry as prizes in cereal boxes and a pig who loves watching cowboy movies on TV. Oh, and yes - all the other show regulars too!
Green Acres: The Rains Came (1966)
There Did Come Soft Rains...
It's a fun episode, as usual, but there are some anomilies in the script that stand out.
At the start of the trial, Oliver announces to the court his intension to prove that it was his wife, Lisa who made it rain - and not Mr. Haney. There is then a flashback in which Oliver discovers Lisa watering the sunflower plant, Rudolph. Lisa says that by watering Rudolph, Rudolph will grant one wish. The viewer is then led to believe through Eb's testimony, that Oliver asked Rudolph to make it rain - via the one wish.
However, in the concluding moments of the trial, Oliver declares it rained because the Indian Chief began to wash Oliver's car. "Everyone knows it rains right after you wash the car." There is no mention of Lisa having been the one who made it rain.
Oliver could also have noted that Mr. Haney had fired the Indian Chief precisely because the Chief hadn't made it rain. It also would never have been Haney who made it rain if the Chief had in fact made it rain. Haney never had a worthy case against Oliver.
Also, the Chief testifies at the end of the trial that he made it rain when he began chanting while washing the car. Oliver knew that the Chief began chanting only after it had started raining.
In the episode's final wrap-up scene, Oliver, after he won the case, seems to have forgotten about Lisa having earlier told him about Rudolph the Sunflower's ability to grant wishes - again negating Oliver's declaration in court that it had been Lisa who made it rain.
Of course, all of this can be chalked up to the usual absurdities of an episode of Green Acres. However, acknowledging those absurdities, Lisa could have spoken of how the show's writers had forgotten their own plotline. With Oliver responding with a puzzled look, questioning, "Writers? What writers?"