Pushing Daises: Bitches

ORIGINAL EPISODES, WEDNESDAYS @ 8PM ON ABC

"That's the most tragic thing I've ever heard with the exception of the big ticket items like famine and genocide." Best line of the night; best line of the week; best line of the month! This show is great and the writing is becoming more and more exceptional every week. I'm actually surprised at how much this show has grown on me. Before the premiere I was debating whether I even wanted to start watching at all and here I am a month and a half later touting the greatness that is "Pushing Daisies."

It's hard to describe exactly why this show is such a work of genius without making you think I'm on some sort of controlled substance. The premise of the show, as you all know, is far out there and no where close the traditional formats we're used to watching. I mean, for starters, it's about a guy who can bring people back to life my touching them. I could say about a thousand more words on the show and a newcomer still wouldn't hear anything other than that and automatically dismiss me. So if you haven't watched this show, don't expect me to put the premise into some easy to use, microwavable format for you so you can decide quickly if you want to watch. Just trust me, and the millions of loyal viewers who tune in every week, and take a leap of faith. Give the show a chance for a few weeks and I promise you won't be disappointed.

Most viewers probably think that Ned and Chuck are the reason this show is successful, and while they are a big part, the truth is that Emerson is what completes the circle. Without his comedic presence this show wouldn't be what it is and likely would be very boring. I absolutely love that he is sickened by all the lovey-dovey talk between the characters. It really makes scenes that might otherwise be sappy extremely funny. Speaking of which, excellent use of the term "Gangsta Love" by Emerson. I actually think he should pursue the wife #3 of the polygamist. They were hilarious together and her equally brash and sarcastic attitude compliments him well, bringing out an even funnier side of his character.

I should mention that Ned was an idiot for not telling Chuck about Olive's kiss. He did nothing wrong and should have told her. By hiding it he made it seem as if there actually was something to hide. It is interesting how much the idea of having someone to touch is getting to Ned. I don't think he really likes Olive but the fact that it's an actual possibility and someone he doesn't have to worry about touching, is why he keeps thinking about. Ned and Chuck seem to have worked out their issues with that for now but I have the feeling this isn't going away for good anytime soon.

By the way, did anyone else recognize the setting for the funeral in this episode? It was Stars Hollow!! Both "Gilmore Girls" and "Pushing Daisies" are filmed on the Warner Bros. lot in California and Stars Hollow is actually a permanent, free standing set located on the lot. It was great seeing the old town again.

This episode was an excellent, yet generic, "Pushing Daisies" plot. I will give the writers props for originality by using a crossbred dog as the catalyst for one of the four wives of the polygamist murdering the husband. Never saw that coming but I did enjoy the episode. It was also great to see Olive a regular part of the gang now (although as Emerson made sure, she gets no cut of the reward money). She's a great and vital part of the cast and I'm glad she's finally part of the overall story lines.

I very much enjoyed tonight's episode and I'm sure you did too. Keep tuning in for as long as the show is still on the air until the writer's strike catches up with the episodes. I'll do my best to get an updated count on the new episodes remaining and let you know about it next week. Until then, enjoy the review!

Pushing Daisies: Girth

ORIGINAL EPISODES, WEDNESDAYS @ 8PM ON ABC

This was yet another great installment from "Pushing Daisies." Quirky, odd, ridiculous, weird...all words people have used to describe this show but at the same time most people are drawn to it. It's inexplicable yet satisfying. I love the quirkiness and the non-traditional aspects of the show and this week was no exception. Tonight, the group (including Olive for the first time) has to find the serial killer whose going around trampling Olive's former horse jockey friends with a horse. Apparently, Olive used to be a popular and famous horse jockey who was involved in a covered up murder. One of her biggest rivals fell off his horse during a big race and was trampled to death; or so they thought. Turns out his saddle was tampered with which caused the fall but the the 4 big jockeys, including Olive, vowed never to speak of what they knew and they burned the evidence.

Unfortunately, someone figured it out and started hunting each of them down one by one. This is where Ned, Emerson, and Chuck came into play. Emerson was hired by Olive to find the killer so she wouldn't be next. Interestingly, Ned spent most of the time away from the group in this episode. I thought this was great because we finally had a chance to watch the other three characters interact without Ned, who is the centerpiece of it all, around. I was surprised at how great they all are together and it reinforced my intuition that this show is great and is going to be around for a long while. In particular, I was surprised at how well Olive and Chuck worked together. They have an interesting chemistry and an oddly funny one. I think Olive finally forgave Chuck for stealing Ned (at least somewhat) and they've found a friend in each other. How could you not forgive Chuck? She's always happy and friendly; you can't possibly stay mad at her. Sadly, Olive took an opportunity at the end of the episode when Ned saved her to kiss him. He didn't kiss her back and instead went after Chuck to see how she was. This hurt Olive but maybe she'll finally move on.

Ned, meanwhile, was on a journey of his own for most of the episode. He was reliving his past; the time when he was abandoned by his father. He returned to his old home that hadn't been sold since his mother passed away. It was empty and dilapidated. But he would sit where his old bed was and stare at the ceiling, thinking about his life when he was younger. In the end, he revisited Chuck's Aunt's who told him the truth about his father. That everyone in the town never spoke about his jackass of a father but only about how wonderful Ned turned out. This changed his life and I think he finally moved on from how his father treated him.

I love the fact that Chuck and Ned are having some normal couple issues. Their relationship is so odd but in the beginning they sort of ignored everything. They sort of took it for face value that they couldn't touch but could be alright in everything else. Well last week and this week they realized that in the end touching is just one aspect of the relationship and they were still going to have other normal problems. This week Ned didn't want to let Chuck in on his feelings about his father and where he went all day to think about it. Obviously, Chuck felt shut out and wasn't too happy about that. They sort of worked it out in the end but he still didn't let her in. Clearly, they still have a lot of work to do on top of the no touching issues.

By the way, it was hilarious that Ned put a highchair between him and Chuck while they were sitting in the Pie in the Hole booth. I don't know if you noticed it but it was so funny. Olive as a horse jockey was hilarious and it was great that the writers used her lack of height in real life as a legitimate storyline.

This show is great and if you haven't been watching you should start as soon as you can. Until next week, enjoy the review!

Pushing Daisies: Pigeon

ORIGINAL EPISODES, WEDNESDAYS @ 8PM ON ABC

The show keeps getting better every week. I've noticed that lately I've been completely ignoring the quirkiness of this show; and not by chance mind you. The writers have done such a great job coming up with fun and interesting stories each week that it makes you forget that you're watching one of the more absurdly based shows on television. And I'm loving every minute of it.

Finally, this week presented Chuck and Ned with an obstacle to their relationship. While the whole "not being able to touch" thing has always been an obstacle, they've been ignoring it in a way. They've spent lots of time together, put their beds in the same room, used plastic wrap to kiss, and put a glass partition in the car so Chuck could sit in the front seat. But this week, another man entered Chuck's life. While Ned, Chuck and Emerson were investigating a death, Chuck slipped on a piece of debris and Conrad (a.k.a. Lemuel, as they later found out) caught her as she was falling. The ability to be physically touched resonated with Chuck and she found herself spending time with him while Ned was left helpless and jealous. This was the first real obstacle because for the first time Chuck realized she's going to have a VERY hard time going on without ever being able to touch Ned. While they got past this for the time being, we all know that this is going to come up again and next time they may not be able to just put on bee collecting suits and be alright. The thing I 100% agree with is that these two are just like every other couple; with the obvious touching exception. Chuck told Ned they still have so much to learn about each other and so many insecurities to conquer which makes them very normal. I agree and I think this realization will be what keeps them together for quite a while longer.

There's even more trouble looming in the person of Olive. Apparently, her love for Ned is beginning to take its toll and she wants to out Chuck to her aunts. She's even gone as far as suggesting to her aunts that they take a trip to the Pie Hole. There's no way their discovery of Chuck being alive could be anything but earth shattering for Ned. At this point, they would want answers and what could he tell them? Chuck wouldn't want to lie and any ounce of truth would ruin both Ned's life and the relationship with Chuck. Towards the end of the episode, Olive had a chance to permit the confrontation but didn't go through with it. She became friends with the aunts and doesn't want to hurt them. I have a feeling this won't last long though. Or at the very least her friendship with them will be dangerous; they're bound to bump into Chuck if they start spending more time with Olive.

Emerson had a couple great lines tonight. After failing to chase down Lemuel he tells Ned, "That one-armed bitch is speedy." And, when they caught Lemuel he says "Hand up!" and the police put one handcuff on his arm. Why did they feel they needed to even use the handcuffs if they only put it on his one real arm? Too funny.
I'm really starting to love this show and my bet is that you're all feeling the same way too. Until next week, enjoy the review!

Pushing Daisies: The Fun In Funeral

ORIGINAL EPISODES, WEDNESDAYS @ 8PM ON ABC

I'm actually surprised at how much I'm starting to like this show. There was a moment during last night's episode when I realized I was enjoying myself more than most of shows I watch (and don't get me wrong, I watch more than my fair share). My favorite aspect of the show is the relationship between Chuck and Ned. Their chemistry is amazing and Chuck is very cute when she's openly falling in love with Ned. I also love the characters played by Chi McBride (Emerson) and Kristin Chenoweth (Olive). They're extremely lovable and they draw you to their personalities. Obviously this show is a bit out their and quirky but there's something about it that makes me come back every week.

This week Ned, Chuck and Emerson were forced to take a trip make the funeral home where Ned brought Chuck back to life. Apparently, the funeral home owner who died when Ned didn't touch Chuck again within a minute had a brother who put out a reward to find his brothers killer. Luckily, he asked Emerson to find the killer. As the trio tried to figure out a way to cover up what happened and get the brother off the scent, craziness ensued. Oddly enough I found their attempts at covering up the truth very funny. At every turn they ran into problems and eventually the brother wound up dead in Ned's freezer. Now, I'm not exactly sure how the Chinese guy ended up being involved except that somehow his grandfather stole the identity of a Civil War General, the sword he took from the General was stolen by the funeral owner at the grandfathers funeral, and now his son ends up fighting Ned in the basement of the funeral home with that very sword. Good thing for Ned that he wanted to be Jedi when he was growing up or he would have been cut in half by that sword.

For the most part the episode was entertaining and I thought it was very inventive of Chuck to kiss Ned using a saran wrap barrier. At least they now have a way to get closer despite not being able to touch. I can't imagine being that in love with someone and never being able to show it.

Olive finally got a significant amount of time with her own storyline and Kristin Chenoweth did an amazing job. She's really turned Olive into an important and likable character. It's tricky playing this part because it's built into every viewers thoughts to be on the side of Chuck and Ned. So to play the part of a woman in love with Chuck that wants to steal him away can be difficult. If you don't watch yourself, you could turn the audience against the character in a heartbeat.

As for what Olive was up to tonight, she's starting to figure out some of Ned's secrets including his true relationship with Chuck. This could end up being a good thing - Chuck could have a another friend on his side - or a bad thing - a woman scorned could do just about anything. If Olive feels like Ned let her down by dating Chuck, she could reveal his secret to the public. I doubt this will happen but it could be an interesting road as Olive becomes a bigger part of the story.

I'm sticking with this show for a while longer and I suggest you do the same. There really is nothing like it on television and you might be pleasantly surprised at how attached you get. Until next week, enjoy the review.

Pushing Daises: Dummy

ORIGINAL EPISODES, WEDNESDAYS @ 8PM ON ABC

The second episode of this critically acclaimed new series on ABC was far better than the first. After accepting it for its quirkiness, I found that I enjoy this show a lot. Although, the truth is that without the unbelievably amazing chemistry between Lee Pace (Ned) and Anna Friel (Chuck) the show would be pretty dull. Every scene is accentuated by the connection between these actors and between their characters, creating that rare television magic that few shows ever find. Chi McBride and Kristin Chenowith are perfect additions to this relationship and have formed a great core of lovable and likable characters.

Granted the show is very far out there. How anyone came up with this idea and this world is beyond me but as I pointed out last week, they were probably a big fan of Tim Burton's work. Creator, Bryan Fuller, put together an incredible concept; I'm just not sure how long it can last. For now, the situational deaths and outrageous events are interesting and intriguing. From her though I don't necessarily see how far the show can grow especially since Ned can never have a relationship with Chuck. He could find himself falling in love with someone he didn't bring back to life, and thus able to touch, but it wouldn't be the same. How this show grows and changes will determine its success or failure. For now, it's just fun to watch.

The idea that the President of a Car Company would use human cadavers to test a new car rather than crash test dummy's because they would register the car unsafe is actually not that far fetched. Everything else about this case was however. First, the cars ran on dandelions. Just ridiculous. Second, the President dressed himself up as a crash test dummy when he killed anyone who got close to figuring out the truth. Also, ridiculous. Third, the car models dressed up as giant dandelions. Even more ridiculous. Somewhat all of this adds up to an insanely ridiculous but enjoyable hour of television.

I wonder exactly when Ned will realize Olive has a thing for him. She could end up being a real love interest for him down the road. For now, Kristin Chenoweth is doing a great job as the quirky and nosy next door neighbor/waitress for Ned. If this week was any indication this show may just get better and better every week. Keep watching and let me know what you think.

Pushing Daisies: Pie-lette

ORIGINAL EPISODES, WEDNESDAYS @ 8PM ON ABC

Mediocre. At best the premiere episode of this much hyped new show on ABC was mediocre. The beginning was severely lacking in anything entertaining but as the episode progressed so did the quality. Mainly this was due to the introduction of Charlotte ("Chuck), Ned's love interest. The chemistry between these two actors was immediately apparent and gave the show some legitimate appeal. Especially considering the significant obstacles between them ever getting together, most importantly the fact that they can never touch or she'll die. Without these two character and their great on-screen chemistry I would have turned this show off after the first 5 minutes and never looked back.

The show is eerily reminiscent of the Tim Burton movie's we've all come to know as extremely odd and somewhat creepy. Most of this show is made up of awkward moments, deranged characters, and cartoonish scenes. Some of the scenes almost appear like they're straight out of "Edward Scissorhands." Personally, I'm only a half-fan of Tim Burton's work so this show wasn't all that reflective of my tastes right off the bat. I will give the show props for having a great cast. Although I don't remember seeing Ned (Lee Pace) in anything before, I am a big fan of Chi McBride (Boston Public) and Kristin Chenoweth (The West Wing). So if for nothing else I'll watch because of these great actors.

I did laugh a bit when they showed Ned scratching his dog with a skeleton hand contraption. I thought it was very funny and it said a lot about his character that he kept his childhood dog around all these years even though he could never touch him.

Mainly the show is a quirky story about a man who can bring things back to life. If he doesn't touch them again to kill them inside a minute of bringing them back someone else will die in their place. This has had many unintended and intended consequences throughout Ned's life. Needless to say this leads to a few humours escapades and the show is somewhat enjoyable. I'd give this show a few more chances but if it doesn't pick up a bit I don't know how long I'll be able to take the quirkiness without getting tired of it. My recommendation: keep watching...for now.