Ep 17. `A' Is for Aardvark

Darrin Stephens, a young advertising executive, has his hands full when he marries Samantha, a beautiful and charming woman who also happens to be a witch. Together, they navigate the challenges of married life with a humorous twist, as Samantha tries to keep her magical abilities a secret from her nose-twitching, unsuspecting mortal husband.

In Bewitched Season 1 Episode 17, titled "A' Is for Aardvark," Samantha finds herself in a bit of a pickle. Her mischievous and meddling mother, Endora, decides to play matchmaker and uses her magical talents to conjure up a charming, yet overly persistent suitor for Samantha. This prompts Samantha to come up with an ingenious plan to teach her mother a lesson about meddling in her love life.

The episode kicks off with Samantha and Darrin enjoying a peaceful evening at home when Endora suddenly materializes in their living room. She wastes no time in letting Samantha know that she has found the perfect man for her. Samantha, aware of her mother's tendency to interfere, tries to brush it off, but Endora is relentless. She conjures up a handsome gentleman named Rex Barker and insists that Samantha should go on a date with him.

No matter how hard Samantha protests, Endora refuses to give up on her plan. In an attempt to discredit her mother's matchmaking skills, Samantha suggests a challenge. She proposes that Endora must first find a word beginning with the letter "a" that is not associated with anything romantic, and if she can do so, Samantha will go on a date with Rex. Endora readily agrees, confident in her abilities.

Meanwhile, Darrin is completely unaware of the magical events unfolding around him. As an unsuspecting mortal, he remains clueless about Samantha's witchcraft and her family's magical interventions. Samantha discreetly tries to keep the chaos under control, knowing that Darrin might not appreciate the magical meddling as much as she does.

Endora, determined to win the challenge, begins exploring words that start with "a," all with a romantic twist. From aphrodisiacs to ardent admirers, she always manages to connect them back to romance. Samantha anxiously watches her mother's efforts, knowing that if she fails in finding a non-romantic "a" word, her date with Rex becomes inevitable.

Desperate to come up with a solution, Samantha seeks assistance from her Aunt Clara, another practicing witch in the family. Clara, known for her befuddled manner and eccentricities, unwittingly offers some unusual suggestions. Though her ideas might seem peculiar to mortals, Samantha sees a glimmer of hope in them.

As Samantha and Clara brainstorm together, it becomes clear that the definition of a non-romantic "a" word is subjective. Samantha decides to present Endora with an "a" word that is far from romantic and yet evokes a sense of adventure and excitement. She decides on "aardvark," a word that signifies unusual creatures and captures a whimsical spirit.

With her plan in place, Samantha waits for Endora's next attempt to find a romantic "a" word. When confronted, Samantha confidently offers her mother the word "aardvark." Endora, baffled and amused by Samantha's choice, immediately concedes defeat. She realizes that her daughter has once again outsmarted her, using her magical talents to turn the tables on her meddling mother.

In the end, Samantha's plan succeeds, and she avoids going on the date with Rex Barker. The episode concludes with Samantha and Darrin enjoying a quiet evening together, free from the interference of Endora's matchmaking. Samantha's clever strategy not only taught her mother a valuable lesson but also reinforced the strength of her own wit and resourcefulness.

"A' Is for Aardvark" is a delightful episode that showcases the wit, charm, and magical adventures that make Bewitched a beloved classic. With its clever storyline and humorous twists, the episode offers a lighthearted and entertaining exploration of the challenges faced by Samantha as a witch married to a mortal. So, tune in and join Samantha, Darrin, and the eccentric cast of characters as they navigate the enchanting world of Bewitched.