Ep 21. What Makes Darrin Run?

In the delightful sitcom Bewitched, season 6, episode 21, titled What Makes Darrin Run?, viewers are treated to another charming escapade that illustrates the complexities of a marriage between a witch and a mortal. This episode continues to explore the themes of love, trust, and the humorous contrasts between the supernatural and everyday life.

As the episode opens, the context is set around Darrin Stephens, played by Dick York, who is juggling his demanding advertising job along with the peculiar challenges that come with being married to Samantha, his loving witch wife, portrayed by Elizabeth Montgomery. Darrin is a hardworking, ambitious man who often struggles to manage the quirks that accompany Samantha's magical abilities. The relationship dynamics are on full display as the characters navigate their love for one another alongside the outlandish situations that unfold due to Samantha's powers.

The plot of What Makes Darrin Run? begins on a rather silly note when Darrin, overwhelmed with stress from work, decides to undertake an intense training regimen to get in shape for an upcoming athletic event. This journey into fitness soon becomes an amusing reflection on Darrin's determination and his often misguided attempts to prove himself in the face of adversity, particularly in relation to his witchy wife and her extraordinary family.

Samantha, noticing Darrin's newfound enthusiasm for exercise, is both supportive and slightly bewildered. She tries to bring her own unique perspective to his training, which unintentionally leads to a series of magical mishaps. Here, the comedic timing of Elizabeth Montgomery shines as she strikes a balance between the roles of a caring partner and an enchanted being whose well-meaning interventions often have unintended effects.

In a delightful twist, as Darrin becomes increasingly obsessed with his fitness goals, he starts to adopt the stereotypical traits of a competitive athlete. These changes begin to affect his behavior, relationships, and even his advertising work. Friends and colleagues start to notice Darrin's uncharacteristic enthusiasm for running, gym workouts, and the diet fads he embraces. The episode's storyline humorously delves into what it means to take things too far and how the pursuit of an ideal can sometimes lead to irrational behavior.

The episode not only focuses on Darrin’s transformation but also highlights the contrasting dynamic with his boss, Larry Tate, who adds to the hilarity with his own brand of cynicism towards Darrin's new lifestyle choices. Larry's interactions with Darrin provide comic relief and further showcase Darrin's unusual determination to prove himself, even at the risk of embarrassing himself in the eyes of his co-workers.

As the episode progresses, it cleverly plays on the tension built from Darrin’s human limitations compared to Samantha’s supernatural capabilities. Situations escalate as Darrin, under pressure to excel, unwittingly commandeers some of Samantha's magic, leading to absurd and laugh-out-loud moments. The audience is treated to various comedic sequences that showcase Darrin’s escalating antics while Samantha does her best to support him without revealing the truth about her own extraordinary abilities.

Additionally, the episode incorporates subplots that enrich the main narrative. These storylines include the reactions of their nosy neighbor, Gladys Kravitz, who remains suspicious of Samantha’s unconventional ways and Darrin’s peculiar training habits. Her role amplifies the humor of the situation, highlighting how the mundane aspects of life often clash with the fantastical world Samantha inhabits.

As the story unfolds, What Makes Darrin Run? reveals deeper insights into Darrin’s character. Viewers see him grappling with the pressure of societal expectations and the continuous juggling act between his career ambitions and personal happiness. The episode ultimately poses a fundamental question about identity and the roles individuals play in both their personal and professional lives.

Through clever writing, warm performances, and a light-hearted exploration of relationships, this episode of Bewitched encapsulates the show's enduring appeal. It combines whimsical elements of magic with relatable human struggles, resulting in a narrative that resonates with viewers of all ages. The balancing act between Darrin's woes and Samantha's magic delivers classic sitcom humor, while also reflecting deeper themes of understanding and acceptance.

In conclusion, What Makes Darrin Run? is an entertaining episode that encapsulates the essence of Bewitched—combining humor, romance, and a touch of magic to engage viewers. This episodic journey not only highlights the comedic elements inherent in the clash of the mundane and the supernatural but also offers heartfelt moments that reinforce the bond between Darrin and Samantha as they navigate life's absurdities together.