IN MEMORIAM: Pushing Daisies

This Saturday, ABC will begin airing the final three episodes of the whimsical one of a kind show, Pushing Daisies. There has never been and probably never will be another show quite like this quirky fairytale for adults. With its gorgeous sets and costumes in full Technicolor-like primary colors, Pushing Daisies creates a fantasy world where it is easy to suspend one’s belief and get lost in the magical story of Ned, ‘The Piemaker’ and his friends. Pushing Daisies is a working definition of a ‘black comedy’. The humor is irreverent, farcical and at times amusingly dark. Although this seems an inevitability in a show where the lead character wakes people from the dead and pumps them for information about their deaths. I don’t know who green lit this show at ABC, but I would gleefully watch each week, thinking that someone had put one over on the network executives at ABC purely for the benefit of my amusement. I will miss this show terribly, but mostly I will miss the cast. I will miss Lee Pace’s sweetness as Ned, “The Piemaker” with his sad puppy dog eyes and perfect comic timing. Ned has had a sad, lonely and tragic life, as with most fairytale heroes, but as played by Pace, he is still a wide eyed and innocent soul whom you just want to hug. I will also miss Anna Friel as Charlotte “Chuck” Charles, the childhood sweetheart that Ned brings back to life. Friel is about the cutest and most adorable actress on TV. As played by Friel, Chuck’s chipper attitude and newfound appreciation of life are utterly charming. On a girly note, I also waited every week to see what whacky Audrey Hepburn inspired outfits the costume department had whipped up for Friel. One of the reasons I first watched Pushing Daisies was because I’ve been a fan of Kristin Chenoweth for a number of years. As the waitress who is smitten with her boss, Ned, she brings a sweetness and perkiness to Olive Snook that makes you like her well enough that you wouldn’t entirely mind if Ned chose her over Chuck. In one episode, Chenoweth even got to show off her Broadway background by singing “Hopelessly Devoted to You” to express her unrequited feelings towards Ned. I can’t think of any two characters on TV as hilarious as Ellen Greene and Swoosie Kurtz, as Chuck’s neurotic shut in aunts (formerly of the “renowned synchronized swimming duo the Darling Mermaid Darlings”) who are mourning their niece’s apparent death. Especially Kurtz, who as the one eyed, shotgun toting cynical former mermaid is an absolute hoot. But my favorite character by far, and the one I’ll miss most is Emerson Cod, the money worshiping, sweater knitting private detective and part-time curmudgeon. Cod is played brilliantly by Chi McBride. McBride has the flair of great comedians from films from the 20’s through 50’s. His great physical comedic talents, mixed with pitch perfect line delivery and entertaining facial expressions, made me roar (literally) with laughter. Hopefully, after proving his comedic brilliance on this show, someone will give this man the great comedic movie role he deserves. It is a real pity to see this whimsical, witty show come to an end. Although, if truth be told, it probably is a good thing this show didn’t go on to four or five seasons. As usual, the networks would have dragged things on too long and most of the appeal and originality of the show would have started to wear thin and become commonplace. But thankfully, with only two (abbreviated) seasons, this daisy will forever remain fresh. (Sorry, I had to.) Still, in the depressing state that the world currently is in, it is a pity that Pushing Daisies will not be around to spread its delight and put smiles on the faces of those who are in dire need of a bit of cheering up right now. “Pushing Daisies” final three episodes will air Saturdays on ABC at 10:00 pm on May 30th, June 5th and 12th.

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Kinda Hatin' ABC Right NowMay 29th, 2009 - 05:13:39

Couldn't have said it better myself. I am so sick of good TV shows being cancelled to make way for the 'reality' shows or competition shows just because they go over well with people who don't like to think. How about keeping around the shows that have a small, but very devoted audience? Why not something for the rest of us who don't like Dancing with the Stars? When I heard it was cancelled, I don't think I was so much angry as I was sad. It was one of the few highlights of my week that kept me smiling during what has been a very difficult period in my life. I am going to miss this show and this cast like crazy.

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BobMay 29th, 2009 - 05:14:42

Have just two episodes to go on this treasure of a DVD series. My wife and I are saving them for a special night. It's of course a terrible shame that a series with this quality of writing, direction, visual design, and acting can't get picked up. It either says something very terrible about the decision-making at ABC, or about the viewing habits of our society in general...or maybe both. Regardless, even these few episodes have opened my eyes to what TV can be and will hopefully inspire others in that industry to give us something similar, but with staying power.

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RosanneMay 29th, 2009 - 05:35:55

Thank God they're showing these! I need to add that the amazing art design and inspired guest roles also reigned supreme.

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Norm and BarbJun 11th, 2009 - 23:39:28

My wife and I will truly miss this show for its originality, humor, surprise twist and turns and fast action. I guess the ABC people lack all these characteristics and want to keep jamming garbage shows down our throats.

Oh well, now I know why my remote is worn out! Would it be too much to ask for a miracle and think ABC might still change their mind about the dreaded 'Cancellation' word?

THINK ABOUT IT.

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