Ep 3. The Second Greatest Con Artist in the World

In the third season of the beloved sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie," episode 3 titled "The Second Greatest Con Artist in the World" takes us on another whimsical and hilarious journey in the lives of Major Tony Nelson and his magical fiancée, Jeannie.

In this episode, Tony finds himself caught up in a comical web of deception when he unwittingly crosses paths with a renowned con artist, Henry Bascombe. Bascombe, played brilliantly by Milton Berle, is notorious for his slick tricks and convincing schemes, making him the self-proclaimed "second greatest con artist in the world."

The episode begins as Tony attends a party where Bascombe is the main attraction. Bascombe performs an elaborate trick, making his audience believe he can walk through solid walls. Impressed by the con artist's skills, Tony decides to invite Bascombe to his home to show off Jeannie's magical abilities.

Tony is eager to demonstrate Jeannie's powers, hoping to impress Bascombe and prove that he is capable of amazing feats as well. However, things quickly go awry when Jeannie, unaware of the plan, unknowingly foils Tony's attempts to deceive Bascombe. Despite her best intentions, Jeannie's magical misfires only make the situation more confusing and chaotic.

As Bascombe becomes suspicious of Tony's motives and Jeannie's seemingly impossible abilities, he starts to suspect a double-cross. Bascombe believes that Tony is enlisting Jeannie's magic to outshine him and discredit his reputation as the second greatest con artist in the world.

Meanwhile, Jeannie, blissfully unaware of Bascombe's suspicions, is excited to entertain their guest and show off her own skills. She conjures up elaborate magic tricks, such as transforming pencils into flowers, making objects disappear and reappear, and even attempting to walk through walls like Bascombe.

The comedic tension builds as Tony desperately tries to convince Bascombe that Jeannie's magic is genuine, while simultaneously attempting to convince Jeannie to ease up on her magic tricks. Tony's frustration grows as Jeannie's enthusiasm only leads to more misunderstandings and close calls, exposing her magical abilities further.

Amidst the chaos, Bascombe enlists the help of his assistant, Sally, who poses as a rival magician, to investigate the truth behind Jeannie's powers. Sally, played by Stephanie Powers, adds a delightful and mischievous dynamic to the episode as she becomes personally intrigued by Tony and Jeannie's mysterious relationship.

As the episode escalates, Tony finds himself entangled in a convoluted web of deception, trying desperately to protect Jeannie's true nature from Bascombe and Sally's prying eyes. With every misfire and misunderstanding, Tony's frustration grows, and he fears the exposure of Jeannie's magic could jeopardize their relationship and his military career.

However, as the episode progresses, the true spirit of friendship and camaraderie among the characters shines through. Despite the initial skepticism and misunderstandings, Tony, Jeannie, Bascombe, and Sally find themselves working together to uncover the truth and untangle the web of deception.

With clever twists and turns, witty dialogue, and the unique blend of magic and comedy that "I Dream of Jeannie" is known for, this episode delivers laughs and lighthearted entertainment from start to finish. As Tony navigates the hilarious chaos caused by Jeannie's magic and Bascombe's suspicions, he learns valuable lessons about honesty, trust, and the importance of embracing one's unique talents.

"The Second Greatest Con Artist in the World" is a delightful episode that captures the essence of the beloved sitcom. With its endearing characters, whimsical premise, and timeless comedic moments, this episode is sure to leave viewers entertained and longing for more magical adventures with Jeannie and Tony.