Tabitha - The Complete Series (DVD, 2005, 2-Disc Set)

This spinoff series from the classic "Bewitched" is not only fun in its own right, but it shows true respect for the original series. Even some of the actors from "Bewitched" recreated their characters in guest appearances in "Tabitha." Lisa Hartman is an excellent choice for the lead role: she is cute and perky, and sometimes one can close one's eyes and almost hear Elizabeth Montgomery (particularly the way she says, "Well....") The writing is always crisp and hilarious, and the storylines fit into the originals almost as if there had been no break between the two series. And the music...the opening theme is one that has haunted me since the first time I heard it all those years ago (I had forgotten that the theme was not used in the first couple of episodes, and I am so glad they added it in time for the Halloween special). According to the credits, that song was sung by none other than Lisa Hartman herself! She is gifted. Quite gifted :)
This series is a charming bit of nostalgia for fans of "Bewitched," and will also appeal to modern audiences who never even knew Samantha and Darrin. These are the shows that paved the way for such popular hits as "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" and even "Charmed." I give it my top rating, and I only wish I could rate it higher. If you haven't seen "Tabitha," do your whole family a huge favor and get this DVD set today.
Also included on disc #2 is the original pilot episode that they list as "unaired." Well, I remember seeing it on TV way back before I knew it was to be an ongoing series, but that isn't important. It has some funny moments, but it really doesn't capture the "Bewitched" feeling the way the other episodes do. It did not star Lisa Hartman and, though I harbor no ill will toward the other actress, she just isn't a very likeable or believable "Tabatha" (note that even the spelling looks wrong).
Still, get this DVD for the majority of the episodes. You can skip that pilot episode, and lament with the rest of us that the series didn't last longer than it did. This one deserved a much, much longer run. I am ever thankful that at least we can have the existing programs on DVD at last. Something to treasure forever :) Thumbs WAY UP.