Darrin Stephens (Dick York) is an ordinary man who wants what any other ordinary man wants - a happy life, a successful career, a home of his own - and a wife. When he first meets the beautiful, blonde Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) and they keep, literally, bumping into each other, a romance soon develops and a marriage follows quickly after. Everything appears to be fairytale-like and wonderful, except for one small thing that the new bride forgot to mention ... She is a witch.
On their honeymoon in a nice hotel, Samantha is preparing for bed and wishes to brush her hair, trouble is, her brush isn't handy, so, like all smart witches, she summons it to her and begins to use it. Whilst Darrin is waiting in another room for Samantha, (and sipping champagne) her mother, Endora, (Agnes Moorehead) quite literally, pops into the room. Dressed in a costume of purple and green, (which we come to see is a personal favorite) Endora is not pleased to learn that her daughter has married without her knowledge. The fact that she has married an ordinary mortal is even less appealing but she is not overly worried as she is absolutely confident that the union won't last, especially as Samantha has thus far neglected to mention to her new husband that she is a witch.
Whilst mother and daughter argue, Endora keeps poor Darrin away from the bedroom by magically sending him, dressed in his robe, down to the hotel lobby, which the concierge finds more than a little odd but which Darrin himself puts down to too much champagne.
Finally, Endora leaves and Samantha knows it is time to tell Darrin the truth about who and what she is. Naturally, at first, he doesn't believe a word of it, but when she demonstrates her powers, he reluctantly acknowledges and accepts that she is 'different.' In spite of Samantha telling Darrin that she is only capable of 'little things' when it comes to using witchcraft, we soon see that she is being more than a little modest!
This pilot episode superbly sets up the hilarious comedy and wonderful interaction between characters which were the cornerstones of the show, most particularly the ongoing issues between Darrin and Endora who just never seem to be able to tolerate each other.
One of the best of the 1960s - 70s sitcoms, very wholesome, funny and endearing. A great show for the family to watch and enjoy together.moreless






