Dick York

Samantha falls victim to "the Venetian Verbal Virus," which causes her to speak in nothing but rhymes. Unfortunately, her malady coincides with the arrival of Darrin's new client, Oscar Durfee (Larry D. Mann), a man who has grown sick and tired of rhyming jingles. Sara Seegar is featured in another of her innumerable "confused client's wife" roles as Mrs. Durfee. Written by Richard Baer, "Samantha the Bard" was originally telecast on January 30, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

When Samantha takes up sculpting, Darrin insists that she avoid using witchcraft in her hobby. Reacting with her usual hostile impulsiveness, Endora causes Sam's impressionist statue of Darrin to come to life during a dinner party. The ubiquitous Cliff Norton appears as Darrin's latest client, Mr. Campbell, who thinks that the double Darrins are a result of delirium tremens. Written by Douglas Tibbles, "Samantha the Sculptress" first aired on February 6, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

At the insistence of her social-climbing mother-in-law (Mabel Albertson), Samantha hires a maid named Amelia (Nellie Burt). Intending to fire Amelia before she can be a witness to witchcraft, Sam finds it impossible to do so: Amelia is too nice and too dedicated to her work, to warrant dismissal, nor will she allow herself to be fired. The story's unexpected solution is provided by hoity-toity dowager Mrs. Otis (Virginia Gregg). Written by Peggy Chantler Dick and Douglas M. Dick, "Samantha's Super Maid" first aired on January 2, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

At the insistence of his boss Larry Tate, a reluctant Darrin joins the snooty and exclusive Burning Oak country club. Believing that he has sold out his egalitarian values, Endora transforms Darrin into an insufferable, bigoted snob. Samantha straightens out the mess by revealing a few unsavory truths about the ancestors of "blue-blooded" club chairman J. Earl Rockeford (Edward Andrews) and his equally haughty wife, Hortense (Glenda Farrell). Taking time out from her duties as Mrs. Drysdale on The Beverly Hillbillies, Harriet MacGibbon is seen as Jessica. Written by Pauline Townsend and Leo Townsend, "The Battle of Burning Oak" was first broadcast on March 13, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Endora casts a spell on Darrin which causes him to vanish whenever he speaks Spanish. Trouble is, Darrin has been shipped off to Mexico City, where he has been hired to promote a product called "Bueno." Thomas Gomez guest stars as Darrin's client, Mr. Garcia. Written by John L. Greene, "Samantha and Darrin in Mexico City" originally aired on April 24, 1969, as the final episode of Bewitched's fifth season -- and the last episode to feature Dick York as Darrin Stephens. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

It's been a few weeks since Darrin demanded that Samantha stop using witchcraft, so now is as good a time as any for him to renew that demand. Petulantly, Sam agrees, just when everything goes wrong as Darrin tries to impress his new client, Dwight Sharpe (Arthur Julian). Watch for the great shot of Endora sitting on a cloud as she takes care of Tabitha. Written by Lila Garrett and Bernie Kahn, "To Twitch or Not to Twitch" originally aired on March 14, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Season five of Bewitched got under way on September 26, 1968, with the episode titled "Samantha's Wedding Present." Miffed at Darrin, Endora once again sets out to prove that her mortal son-in-law is a "small, small man." Accordingly, she casts a spell which causes Darrin to start shrinking -- on his wedding day. Before the mess can be straightened out, the teeny-tiny Darrin finds himself at the mercy of a dog, a brace of garbagemen (Jack Griffin, Art Metrano), and a greedy drunk (Dick Wilson, best known as "Mr. Whipple" of Charmin Bathroom Tissue fame). A comic variation on the sci-fi classic The Incredible Shrinking Man (complete with oversized props), "Samantha's Wedding Present" was written by Richard Baer, though some sources credit Bernard Slade. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Hoping that Samantha will abandon Darrin in favor of her former warlock boyfriend, Rollo (Ron Randell), Endora creates a love potion for Sam. Unfortunately, Endora downs the potion herself and instantly falls head over heels in love with Darrin's loutish client, Bo Callahan (Arch Johnson). Of course, Samantha takes a hand in resolving this crisis of the heart. Scripted by James Henerson and Ed Jurist from a story by Henerson, "Once in a Vial" first aired on January 4, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

With the exception of Marion Lorne, who passed away in the spring of 1968, the familiar cast members of the fantasy sitcom Bewitched are all back on the job as the series enters its fifth season. Heading the cast as always are Elizabeth Montgomery as attractive witch Samantha "Sam" Stephens; Dick York as her long-suffering mortal husband, ad executive Darrin Stephens; Agnes Moorehead as Sam's overbearing witch mother, Endora; and Erin Murphy (occasionally spelled by her twin sister Diane Murphy) as Sam and Darrin's daughter, Tabitha, who has obviously inherited her mom's special conjuring skills. Making more and more appearances during this season is Sam's funloving, hippie-like identical cousin, Serena, who is given a marvelous showcase in the two-part "Cousin Serena Strikes Again." As in previous seasons, the actress playing Serena is billed as "Pandora Spocks," though one would have to be extremely naïve or obtuse not to recognize her as Elizabeth Montgomery. Conversely, series co-star Dick York is noticeably absent from several episodes. The industry rumor at the time was that York was tired of playing Darrin Stephens, and was staying home to protest the sillier aspects of his character. The truth, which was carefully hidden from the public for many years, was that the actor was suffering from back injuries sustained years earlier while filming the theatrical feature They Came to Cordura. As it turned out, Dick York left Bewitched at the end of season five, paving the way for the legendary "Darrin Number Two," (aka Dick Sargent). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

After a botched sales meeting and a run-in with Larry, Darrin is convinced that he's been hexed by Endora and retreats to his bedroom, utterly defeated. Enter prankish Uncle Arthur, who gives Darrin a lucky charm which will supposedly make him immune to witchcraft. Chances are that this is another of Arthur's practical jokes, but Darrin won't find that out for certain until it's too late. Written by Ed Jurist, "The No-Harm Charm" first aired on April 25, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Despite her trepidations that Tabitha may try out her witchcraft on strangers, Samantha enrolls her daughter in nursery school. Though Tabitha tries to rein in her powers, the jig is up when her classmate, Amy (Maralee Foster), refusing to imitate a toad in a school play, insists she'd rather be a butterfly. Veteran character actress Maudie Prickett appears as long-suffering teacher Mrs. Burch. Written by Douglas Tibbles, "I Don't Want to Be a Toad" originally aired on December 21, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Mistaking Samantha for her lookalike cousin Serena, a jealous witch named Brunhilde (Barbara Morrison) zaps Sam back to 1868 New Orleans. Unable to remember who she really is, Sam will remain spellbound in the past until she willingly kisses a mortal. Jack Cassidy guest stars as Southern "gentleman" Rance Butler, who ends up challenging Darrin to a duel. Also in the cast is Isabel Sanford of Good Times fame as family retainer Aunty Jenny. Written by Ed Jurist, "Samantha Goes South for a Spell" first aired on October 3, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

With the help of a ouija board, Samantha and her daughter, Tabitha, accidentally come in contact with the ghost of self-made businessman Willie Baker (Harry Harvey Sr.). This leads to yet another dilemma when Willie begs Sam to stop his backward-looking nephew (J. Edward McKinley) from ruining the family business. Sam's efforts to grant Willie's wishes almost costs Darrin his job (again). Written by Robert Riley Crutcher, "Tabitha's Cranky Spell" (sometimes listed as "Tabatha's Cranky Spell") first aired on March 28, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide