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Reviews
Bewitched: The Battle of Burning Oak (1969)
No laughs.
If you look at the casting on IMDB for the whole *Bewitched" series it's hard to find many people of color casted. Seems a bit hypocritical to this episode's message of inclusion.
Not much of any humor that "Bewitched" is so known for in this episode. There's a token snob spell cast on Darrin (Dick York) by Endora (Agnes Moorehead). Not much focus really on the spell. Creates a minimum amount of humor. But, not much if any.
Wasted appearance by versatile and talented actor Edward Andrews as J. Earl Rockeford who is lead actor in some classic "Twilight Zone" episodes. Harriet E. MacGibbon as bland Jessica Morton nothing like her funny portrayal of Mildred Drysdale in "The Beverly Hillbillies".
I'm rewatching the Endora casts a spell on Darrin (Dick York) episodes. This is the final and without question the worst of those.
Father Brown: The Devil's Dust (2013)
All the elements of a good story.
One thing I've noticed about "Father Brown" mysteries is they don't have the obligatory British mystery dreadfully boring case buildup. These can drag out sometimes up to half of a story before it gets interesting.. Father Brown mysteries are thankfully fast paced from beginning to end.
"The Devil's Dust" dealt with a horrible subject matter and it's effects on innocent people. The tie in to radioactive panic really made me think about the level of fear in people at the time, how intense it was and how widespread.it stretched.
At times kind-hearted Mrs McCarthy (Sorcha Cusack) was a nasty fear monger here. Nice touch that Father Brown wouldn't stick up for her in the end.
Bewitched: Samantha, the Sculptress (1969)
The two talking busts were the biggest laughs of the series.
There are classic sitcom episodes that are not memorable that you forget over time. This isn't one of those. Watch this episode and you'll never forget the gut busting funny two talking busts. Not only were the busts funny on their own merit but the awkwardness and reactions they created were hilarious.
Some of the best Larry Tate (David White) scenes. When he and Campbell (Cliff Norton) first hear the busts talk then as the episode progresses it's pure comedy magic. Nice writing twist that everybody denies what they're hearing. Transferring the busts to the den was also brilliant.
No political correctness here. The overindulgence of alcohol was overdone but necessary to tie into the spectacle's "What's happening" explanation. Cliff Norton was okay but the part of Campbell could have probably been better cast.
Definitely in my top 10 of all time funniest classic sitcom bits.
Father Brown: The Bride of Christ (2013)
British detective mysteries always have a nun episode.
Excellent production quality of this episode. The story reached its goal of an all around creepiness to the unraveling of the surely certain dreadful truths revealed. Mark Williams as Father Brown again is terrific portraying his character.
Little comical that the nuns can attract a beauty queen like sister Mary Magdalene.to join a selfless, austere, and life of much sacrifice. All the actresses playing nuns were fabulous. I especially liked voluble Sister Boniface. Seeing she has her own spin-off series. It will be a must see to check out. Will be interesting to see if it's dragged down being made in the woke politically correct 2020s.
The episode was a fun view. I had a problem with the villainess clues being revealed a bit too early. That hindered it from being a great episode.
Bewitched: One Touch of Midas (1969)
Just wasn't funny
Nothing clicked. The doll spell theme never worked. When a sitcom episode has an unfunny premise there's nowhere to go but down. The supporting non-regular actors all were bland. All the actors noticeably struggled with the lame script. It was never explained who really was the Cliff Norton character. A creation of Endora (Agnes Moorehead)? We know he's tied in to Endora. But, he just pops up out of the blue. Not one of Cliff Norton's more memorable roles.
Bright spots were the performances of Dick York and Elizabeth Montgomery. Though they appeared to be struggling with the scenes bombing. Also a cute epilogue but it couldn't save a time waster episode.
Bewitched: Instant Courtesy (1968)
Classic Dick York and David White comedy team.
This episode was truly a treat. Loaded with non-stop big laughs. Dick York (as Darrin Stephens) again shows his ability for zany humor. Though the instant courtesy is over the top each scene Dick York is in pours out the comedy and nothing is forced. Just pure comedic genius.
Also, the episode was a true gem for David White (as Larry Tate). Classic signature flip-flopping of his stance going whichever way suits his needs best. Larry's home looks surprisingly meager for an advertising business owner/partner. The couch Larry was sitting on looks so tiny and uncomfortable.
It's really funny when Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) intercepted people's thoughts and controlled what they said. One of the funniest parts for me was when people said things against their will because of a spell saying out loud wondering "Why'd I say that?"
Herb Voland as Charlie Traynor was his usual excellent. Bland Mala Powers as Adrienne Sebastian could have been cast better.
Bewitched: Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall (1968)
"The Dick York Show"
A wonderful vehicle to showcase how versatile and truly talented Dick York (as Darrin Stephens) was. Dick York is such a natural sometimes I take for granted how unique his acting abilities were. Second Darrin Dick Sergeant could of never pulled off what Dick York did comedically in this episode.
I'm rewatching the Endora (Agnes Moorehead) puts a spell on Darrin episodes. Interesting how Elizabeth Montgomery lets Dick York do his thing and stays in the background quite a bit. The Tabitha character wisely is rarely seen in these episodes.
Excellent performance by a rattled Larry Tate (David White) as Dick York's straight man.
Bewitched: Samantha's Wedding Present (1968)
Funny, but missed opportunities.
Some big laughs of course but the whole picked up by the garbage truck, and Dick Wilson finding little Darrin wasn't particularly funny. The hilarious Gladys (Sandra Gould) should have had more interaction with little Darrin. Now that would have been funny evidenced by the one time she did see him.
Funniest parts were Darrin shrinking next to Larry (David White) with Larry's funny disbelief in what he's seeng with his very own eyes. Then, of course the big laugh of Gladys seeing little Darrin scrambling to get in the house from the driveway and his car.
Creepy side of the classic episode was the horrible treatment Darrin endures from vile Endora (Agnes Moorehead). Then, despite everything Darrin endures during the episode he's made to apologize to his monster mother-in-law. Great episode. Just took a wrong turn at the end with Dick Wilson and the whole garbage thing.
Bewitched: Man of the Year (1968)
Strong episode.
The thing that made the spell Endora (Agnes Moorehead) cast on Darrin's (Dick York) people he interacted with funnier was the mortals losing it and wondering why they felt and said that they did. The looks on their faces in confusion was hilarious. David White's (as Larry Tate) forte is his bewildered state.
Some great trivia. Roland Waters (a rare McMann appearance) the most memorable Charlie Chan. George Ives was brilliant as a hard nosed client turned Darrin marveller.
The special episode had a wonderful comedic flow. Nothing was forced, or outrageous. Lots of funny facial expressions by the confused Darrin worshippers.
Bewitched: My What Big Ears You Have (1967)
Big laughs.
One of.the series' funniest episodes. A huge home run whoever thought of the ears getting bigger each lie. The Kravitz's (George Tobias as Abner, Sandra Gould as Gladys) are always hysterically funny. The second Gladys is almost as good as the first unlike the two Darrins. The best laugh was Gladys freaking out when she sees the big ears.
A treat to see the stunning Joan Hotchkis (Dr. Nancy from "The Odd Couple") as Alice Swanton. Casting of Myra De Groot as Hazel Carter was ok. The classic episode's only tiny flaw was was the casting of vanilla Thomas Browne Henry as Grayson who didn't add anything..
Bewitched: Birdies, Bogies and Baxter (1967)
Better than I remember it.
First thought is McDonald Carey (as Joe Baxter) in a sitcom? But, his comedy actually wasn't too bad. His acting though surprisingly seemed a little stiff for a veteran seasoned actor like himself.
Not a hilarious episode. Best parts are on the golf course. All three actors McDonald Carey, Dick York, and David White all appeared to have some golfing experience. All three had somewhat respectable swings. The writers must have had limited football knowledge. McDonald Carey in one of his stale football stories referred to a snap from center to the quarterback as a pass. Odd that Samantha wore a big winter coat at the end to the movies. But during the day it was hot evidenced by the country club swimming pool being open.
Overall, a fun episode to watch.
Father Brown: The Eye of Apollo (2013)
I like the one huge clue that dangles for you to grab formula.
Finished "Lewis" which was very good. Tried "Vera" and "Blue Murder". Bailed out on both as they were not satisfying viewing. Highly flawed with inferior writing. Am starting "Father Brown" on the fifth episode because I watched a few early episodes years back I didn't rate or review. I'll backtrack to those eventually.
I absolutely loved this episode. Brilliant performance by Michael Maloney as lunatic
Kalon. Mark Williams is masterful in his role with his cadence, and delivery of his lines. His facial expressions and how he carries himself is perfect for his character. Funny how British detective mystery delusional occult groups always attract the most gorgeous of females. Stunning Kasia Koleczek as Susie Jasinski lit up the screen.
The episode clicked all the way through with witty writing. Not a big fan of one suspect with limited red herrings stories but this one worked really well. Looking forward to the next episode.
Bewitched: Business, Italian Style (1967)
A great episode.
The casting and performancees of the two Italians (Renzo Cesana as Mr. Arcarius, Freddie Roberto as Mr. Romani) was brilliant. They worked extremely well with David White and Dick York.
I thought the episode was only going to be average after the excellent reveal of Dick York first speaking Italian. The twist that really invigorated the comedy was Dick York not being able to speak or understand English. Then, the hilarious comedy really took off. Definitely one of Dick York's best Bewitched episodes and performances.
I don't know if it was intentional or not but Endora (Agnes Moorehead) seems a little more likable. Some great confused facial expressions not only by Dick York but also David White.
Bewitched: There's Gold in Them Thar Pills (1967)
Only ok.
Surprisingly, the episode wasn't big time funny. Even with favorites of mine Bernard Fox as Dr Bombay, and Martin Frome as Mr Hornbeck. My favorite Martin Frome work was when he was Aunt Bee's shady boss in "The Andy Griffith Show".
It's funnier when Endora (Agnes Moorehead) puts a spell on Darrin (Dick York). Great together Dick York and David White seemed to struggle until the salesmen appeared. Then it picked up with David White going on a funny comedic roll.
Surprised Darrin even let's creepy Endora in the house let alone babysit. Just an average classic sitcom episode like this is still much better than any US PC TV sitcom made today.
Bewitched: No More Mr. Nice Guy (1967)
Has some funny moments.
The creepy. Endora (Agnes Moorehead) character has to be one of the most despicable characters in classic sitcoms. Though, her character is probably a necessary evil with all the stellar comedy she brings out of Dick York as Darrin with the spells she casts on him. She invades privacy and is pretty much a monster with no admirable qualities.
Quite a few classic sitcom character actors who make their way through many of the shows were in this episode. One of my personal favorites George Ives as the psychiatrist didn't click too well here. His most memorable roles were in "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Green Acres".
If you can get by the Endorra creepiness this was a pretty decent episode. Excellent casting of the company clients and the pretty model.
Bewitched: I Remember You... Sometimes (1967)
Excellent Dick York performance.
After a flimsy build up to Endora's motives a funny, and witty script. Dick York was comedically rolling throughout the episode. He's at his best when he's under an Endora spell. Here he was very comically annoying to everyone around him. Bad 60s toupeed Dan Tobin (Gentleman Jim "The Andy Griffith Show") as know-it-all client Ed Pennybaker nailed his part. Very 60s that pretty Kasey Rogers as Louise Tate tolerated that she didn't have access to the family funds. Having to beg husband Larry (David White) for her shopping money.
The episode was very snappy and fast-paced. Excellent casting of Dan Tobin as the client. "Bewitched" has an impressive history of excellent casting of the company's clients. Having the right actor really adds a lot to the chemistry of the ensemble cast.
Bewitched: Junior Executive (1965)
A bit flat.
I'm rewatching through the Endora (Agnes Moorehead) casting a spell on Darrin (Dick York) episodes. Most are outrageously funny. This one was only okay. Only funny scenes were the Lttle Darrin reveal. Then, Little Darrin going on a rampage with the squirt gun.
The highlight of the episode were the one-time supporting actors. After some research John Reilly who was Billy on "The Andy Griffith Show". Rory Stevens slightly older from hiis "Leave it to Beaver" work. Always a treat to see anything Billy Muny is in. Stuffy client bland Oliver McGowan as Mr Harding could have been better cast.
Fun episode to see again despite mostly not clicking The flipping of Big Darrin and Little Darrin got a little old after a while.
Blue Murder: Hit and Run (2004)
Below average even with homelife filler reduced.
I thought with shorter one part stories the quality might improve. So I gave the second story a try. Though a tighter and crisper script the writing was still mostly weak. The second story was actually more boring than the dragged out the first story loaded up with homelife filler.
Very few red herrings with not many possible villains. Having a wide variety of possible villains is a classic trait of quality British detective mysteries that this was lacking.
The theme that Caroline Quentin as single mother DCI Janine Lewis could juggle raising four young children with a demanding 24-hour on call job just doesn't seem feasible.
Paul Loughran as DS Butchers jeopardizing his career giving the names of possible suspects to an angry grieving father was ridiculous. The modus apperondi of the series is lieng witnesses being broke down to tell the truth through tough interrogation. Pretty much a dead repetition of the first story. The half a minute surprise identity villain reveal was the only interesting part of the story.
For me this isn't a series to watch all the way through. It lacks the quality, intrigue, tension, mystery and stellar writing of the true classic British detective mysteries. A shame the writing is so inferior because the series actually has some decent actors playing the recurring main characters.
Two and a Half Men: Phase One, Complete (2003)
Time waster saved by Rose.
The episode was doomed with an unfunny storyline main theme. Nothing was remotely witty or funny until the pretty (well put together) Rose (Melanie Lynskey) Scrabble scene. Up until then each scene bombed.
All the actors (especially Charlie Sheen) appeared to struggle delivering weak lines that didn't work. Jake (Angus T Jones) wasn't used right and it showed how he looked uninspired.
Myndy Crist as Wendy was only ok. Could of used better casting. But maybe she'd be better with a more favorable script.
This stinker broke a streak of some very good episodes. Hopefully this is an outlier and the quality picks up again.
Two and a Half Men: Twenty-five Little Pre-pubers Without a Snoot-ful (2003)
Quite a funny episode.
They could of used a couple of Charlie's (Charlie Sheen) mindless jingles which would have been fine. But, what's great about this episode is they had the comedic guts to go heavy with the funny jingles. The sound quality could have been a little better in the classroom. It was a little difficult to make out the words of the singers.
I really liked the obligatory life lesson Charlie helped Jake (Angus T Jones) with, "It's ok to be sad" was extremely quick and painless to the viewer. The emphasis of the episode was comedy not teaching life lessons.
Stunning Miss Tuttle (Deena Dill) was definitely a highlight even with a limited appearance. A stellar episode that caught me off guard how zany it was.
Blue Murder: Cry Me a River: Part 2 (2003)
Pt1 5*, Pt2 6*
Definitely has potential. Has a lot of intriguing qualities. Caroline Quentin as DCI Janine Lewis is excellent in the lead role. David Schofield as pain in the neck DCS Hacket provides tension with his nervous pushback. The two male detectives under Lewis added an aggressive aspect using any means in their digging for information..
The decent episode's ending was the best part. The ham star witness was comical with a touch of overacting but very good. Lewis' right hand man's bad toupee was mildly distracting.
Writing was at times repetitive with rehash suspect's interviews. I had a big problem how dragged out the too long story was overloaded with home life fillers. Future episodes thankfully I see are much shorter which motivates me to hang in there to check out at least one more story.
Vera: Hidden Depths (2011)
Really disliked it at first.
Coming off of "Midsomer Murders" then more recently "Lewis" this was certainly a jarring contrast. No beautiful homes, architecture or rubbing elbows with the upper crust. No bevy of beautiful glamorous starlet actresses.
I was only going to watch this episode and bolt up until The 3/4 mark of the episode. The wall to wall gloominess then kicked in to a fairly decent final 1/4. It will be interesting if future episodes are less depressing. The ending topped off a very creepy plot theme.
Brenda Blethyn and David Leon are quite good together. But, in general the episode lacked personality and went very heavy on police work and gloom. I'll give at least one more episode a try and go from there if I continue with the series. I usually like my detectives to have more of a zest for life.
Two and a Half Men: If They Do Go Either Way, They're Usually Fake (2003)
Everything works well.
The episode clicked well with very good humor. The comical awkwardness of the three main characters living together is really gaining steam. The "I undertand" remark and breast implant humor though repeated multiple times got funnier each time. The series was fortunate to be on before political correctness took hold able to be comically disrespectful and irreverent without restraints
Terrific casting of pretty Kristin Dattilo as Cindy who brought not just her beauty but was a nice comedic addition. The writers as early in all series' seem to be experimenting to find what's the funniest and how to get the best out of the three main stars.
I thought Angus T. Jones as Jake wss at his funniest so far ealy on in the series. Delivering some funny remarks topping off uncomfortable situations.
Lewis: What Lies Tangled: Part 2 (2015)
Just make the trip shorter?
A very good finale to the series. Lewis and Hathaway can be bland. Hathaway especially can be in a depressed state in his own world. But, both are "turn over every stone' style cops I like and as the series progressed we did get some interesting insight into what makes them tick.
The introduction of Steve Toussaint as CS Joseph Moody again as here energized the series. Disappointing somewhat that he like Innocent went full in hero worshipping Lewis pulling back on his pushback.
A stellar 2 part episode that nearly all the characters were possible villain candidates leading up to a very satisfying ending. I thought wrongly the ending would lay an egg being impossible to match the excellent story's buildup. Kevin Whately has had a sometimes comical double digit toupee count. Apparently they couldn't settle on one. Looking stunning Clare Holman had more welcome screentime in this story again showing a wide acting range.
I rated the series episodes an average 8* out of 10 which surprised me how high it was. I enjoyed reading the viewer reviews. But, as one mentioned the repetitive series' previous episode's history and how to replace the two stars C, C & P'd served no point.
Fun series that I'm glad I chose to view. Bittersweet I'm done with it. But, now on to the next British detective mystery series or maybe I'll jump around.
Lewis: Magnum Opus: Part 2 (2015)
Pt1-7*, Pt2-10*
A very, very enjoyable episode to watch. Extremely tight script that kept getting better, and better. Again using the "Midsomer Murders" oddball niche theme. Little problem with this is the unlikelihood of finding people to give up their whole lives and unite with other oddballs to follow a lunatic belief. Many of these niche themes aren't harmless but mostly bizarre and life path altering.
The steller group of supporting actors all gave fine performances and were very believable. I epecially enjoyed the stunning Honeysuckle Weeks as Carina Beskin who shines in all her roles. Steve Toussaint as Ch. Supt. Moody added much needed pushback. Hathaway's sister not understanding the demands of his job was somewhat uneven. Paul Greenwood as Father Placid nailed his role.
Again British detective mysteries use Christianity as their religion of choice to invent lunatic fringe .They don't seem to have the courage to use any other religions.