Serena Strikes Again

 On the crisp evening of January 9, 1969, *Bewitched* served up a sparkling blend of glamour, mischief, and sly female agency in the Season Five episode “Serena Strikes Again”—a fan-favorite installment that once again showcased Elizabeth Montgomery’s dazzling range as she slipped effortlessly into the role of Samantha’s vampy, free-spirited cousin, Serena. With her signature platinum bob, mod mini-dresses, and a wink that could disarm even the most self-assured mortal, Serena arrived at the Stephens’ doorstep not just for a casual visit, but with a mission: to protect her cousin’s marriage from a dangerously flirtatious client at McMann & Tate. The woman in question—sultry, sophisticated, and all too eager to “discuss campaign details” over candlelit dinners—had set her sights on Darrin, whose polite professionalism she mistook for romantic interest. Sensing Samantha’s quiet unease (and perhaps relishing a bit of chaos for her own amusement), Serena decided to intervene—not by warning the rival, but by out-charming her at her own game.

What followed was a masterclass in comedic seduction and strategic flirtation. Posing as a rival advertising executive—complete with a fake British accent, a clipboard, and an aura of untouchable allure—Serena inserted herself into Darrin’s work life, turning every meeting into a theatrical performance designed to make the would-be homewrecker seethe with jealousy. She complimented Darrin just enough to flatter, but never so much as to cross the line—always keeping one eye on Samantha, who watched from the sidelines with a mixture of exasperation and reluctant admiration. Montgomery, reveling in the duality of the role, played Serena with electric confidence and playful irony, her every gesture calibrated to both mock and master the art of seduction. In one particularly delicious scene, Serena “accidentally” spilled coffee on the client’s designer dress, then offered a sympathetic pat on the shoulder that somehow managed to look like a victory lap.

Yet beneath the glitter and wit, the episode carried a subtle but powerful message about female solidarity and autonomy. Serena wasn’t just defending Samantha out of familial duty—she was asserting that women don’t need to compete for male attention; they can, with intelligence and style, dismantle the threat together. And notably, Samantha never lost her composure or resorted to jealousy—she trusted Darrin, yes, but she also trusted Serena’s brand of justice. When the client finally retreated, baffled and bested, Darrin remained blissfully unaware of the entire battle waged on his behalf, muttering only, “Women are fascinating… and slightly terrifying.”

The episode closed with Serena lounging on the Stephens’ sofa, sipping champagne and declaring, “Darling, if you ever need a man guarded again—just whistle.” Samantha, shaking her head but smiling, replied, “I think I’ll stick to nose twitches.” Yet as Serena vanished in a puff of glitter (literally), the real magic remained: not in the spells, but in the unspoken bond between two women who knew that love is worth protecting—and that sometimes, the best defense is a good offense, delivered in stilettos and a perfectly arched brow. “Serena Strikes Again” thus stands as a quintessential *Bewitched* gem—fun, flirty, and fiercely smart, proving that the show’s magic was always rooted in the strength, wit, and unwavering loyalty of its women.