Recently in Pushing Daisies Category
It's a fact: Pushing Daisies was canceled far too soon. The abrupt ending has caused me to leave the final episode on my DVR in fear that if I delete it, I'll have to once and for all deal with the idea that no new episodes will be created. Luckily for my sanity -- and the much-needed space on my DVR -- Pushing Daisies Season 2 is now out on DVD, so you and I can watch our favorite episodes over and over and over.For the select few who haven't seen this witty and genius show, it tells the story of Ned (Lee Pace), a pie maker, and Chuck (Anna Friel), a former dead girl, who are lovers unable to touch, as Ned can end and restart life with a simple touch. And, since Ned already touched Chuck once to bring her back to life, if he touches her again, she'll perish. In addition to their unique relationship, Ned and Chuck -- along with Pie Hole waitress Olive (Kristin Chenoweth) and private eye Emerson Cod (Chi McBride) -- solve mysteries each episode. It's a trade they're quite talented at -- of course, it doesn't hurt that Ted can interview dead witnesses.
What makes Pushing Daisies such a stellar show is its quirkiness. From characters named Charles Charles to the synchronized swimming team, the Darling Mermaid Darlings, the attention to detail is key. Plus, the vibrant colors, set decorations and dialogue make the show a fairytale brought to the screen.
The Pushing Daisies Complete Second Season DVD not only features the season's full 13 episodes, but there are also four "Extra Helpings" featurettes. These lengthy bonus videos (I hate it when extras on DVDs are so short) cover everything from costumes, music (it's wall-to-wall in every episode), makeup, food and props, to character inspirations, dialogue and visual effects.
Yes, it's a sin that Pushing Daisies won't return for a third season, but I still strongly urge you to pick up the DVDs. It's smart, funny, family-friendly and an extremely worthwhile purchase.
As we head into midseason TV (yes, we're almost there!), you might just be wondering what TV will still be around. Midseason is usually a time where some fall shows are canceled and the midseason shows return.For example, the fabulous Damages returns to FX on January 7. Fan favorite Lost hits the small screen on January 21 with a three-hour premiere. (Yes, three-hours! Woohoo!)
Not every show is so lucky. NBC has pulled the plug on its freshman series starring Christian Slater, My Own Worst Enemy, as well as the sophomore drama, Lipstick Jungle. Both shows' ratings had dropped considerably in the past few weeks.
Fox has also canceled one of its longest running shows, MADtv. According to the show's co-creator, David Salzman (who wants to shop it to other networks), the comedy was becoming too expensive for its time slot and ratings.
And then there's the ill-fated Pushing Daisies. It's one of the most unique, colorful, entertaining shows on television, and yet it can't seem to catch a break in the ratings. Producers were told to make their last episode a possible series finale. But show creator Brian Fuller has other plans in mind... if the show does meet an early end, he said at the Paley Center for Media that "the idea would be to finish out the season's story arcs in comic books."
So, what do you think?
Little known fact about TV star Lee Pace: His after school job in high school was working at Gallup Poll, doing surveys for Citibank. He made so many phone calls during his time there that if you tell him an area code, he'll know what city it belongs to. While that's quite the talent, it probably doesn't compare to bringing people back from the dead, right?
In the fantastical ABC dramedy, Pushing Daisies, Lee, 29, stars as the endearing Ned, a pie maker whose touch can magically bring life to the dead. Of course, it's not that simple--if Ned touches that person a second time, they will be dead forever.
That brings us to Ned's current predicament. He brought his childhood sweetheart, Chuck (Anna Friel), back to life, and to keep her alive, he can never touch her again. Their chemistry is undeniably palpable and adorable, but their physical separation breaks your heart.
Upcoming episodes, however, might help piece your heart back together. Though Lee admits he's not very romantic in his own personal life (damn!), he says that not only is Ned "insanely romantic," but he "is much more romantic this season than he was last season...This year he's a little more enthusiastic about making the changes that he needs to in his life, like being a better man for Chuck." Hint: Lee said his most romantic Pushing Daisies scene to date will take place in episode five. And, in episode eight, Ned comes up with a new invention: "There's a spooning contraption so that we can spoon. It's like a plastic screen with a big arm sleeve so I can wrap my arm around Chuck." Can we all say, "awww" in unison?
Unfortunately, this season Chuck decides that she should live her second chance at life to the fullest. Will that mean becoming involved with a man she can touch? According to Lee, "It's a big possibility, but we haven't shot that yet. She's headed down that road... but the thing about Chuck and Ned is that they're soul mates. It's not going to be easy for them to split up."
For all you Ched/Nuck fans out there, don't fear. Lee knows that everyone wants to see the couple together. "It's more fun to watch Ned and Chuck against the world versus Ned and Chuck against each other."
As fans of the show know, it's not always just about Ned and Chuck.They round out their posse with Pie Hole waitress Olive Snook (Kristen Chenoweth) and private investigator Emerson Cod (Chi McBride). Expect some new faces though, as the cast will be getting bigger. David Arquette is joining the show to give Ned a friend. Of course, to be on Pushing Daisies, the character has to be quirky, and with Lee's description of David's part, he's sure to fit right in. "He has a fun hobby that's similar to Ned's hobby. He taxidermies animals, so he brings animals to life in his own way." (Notice the eyeball in David's hand in the photo on the right.) Be sure to check out Pushing Daisies on ABC, Wednesday nights at 8 pm. -- Jacki Garfinkel

