(S02E08) "I declare an emotional snow day." -- Ned to ChuckA really good episode of Pushing Daisies is something like a really good slice of pie: perfectly balanced in taste and consistency, not to sweet, not too tart, nicely flaky and completely satisfying the way comfort food should be. To some, every episode is a delight, but not every one is the perfect slice. This one, to me, had it all. There was something for every character, a goofy murder, complications galore and Kristen Chenoweth singing.
As the last of the Pushing Daisies play out -- with slim hopes of a TV life beyond this season -- I can't help but find myself savoring every show. But enough about the future, let's talk about this episode. It was great to see Olive, Ned, Chuck and Emerson separated into two teams; Ned and Olive went to the cook-off, while Chuck turned to Emerson after a highly traumatic development. More on that after the jump.
But first we had Ned and Chuck with her Dad. Her dead Dad. Opening the coffin. For a 20 year old corpse, I kind of expected a skeleton. I didn't expect that Chuck would double-cross Ned like that. But like Chuck said, she got caught in the moment. After the bandaging, Mr. Charles looked like the Invisible Man. His not returning to the dead, ironically, spelled the end of Dwight Dixon. Ah, the circle of death. But now there are the consequences; what will Ned do now that he knows what Chuck's done?
Meanwhile, the Comfort Food Cook-Off, or as Ned called it "the Best in Show for Best in Belly," was just the type of goofy set up that Pushing Daisies does so well. There was Colonel Likkin's Chicken, the Waffle Nazi, the Muffin Buffalo lady, and -- of course -- the Pie Hole. Olive was desperate to win and despite sabotaged ovens, she pulled out Plan B, one of Ned's icebox lemon pie ("Revenge is a dish best served cold") and after a slow-mo race to the finish, she succeeded. When she and Ned were declared victors, it wasn't the blue ribbon that made Olive burst out into song, it was Ned's hand holding hers.
The fantasy musical number, interrupted when she sang the words, "Say my name," and Ned would do so, pulling her back to reality for a sec. I'm an unabashed fan of musicals and I loved this scene, loved Kristin's interpretation of the song -- "Eternal Flame" -- and loved that Olive is still hopelessly devoted to the piemaker.
...Even though the piemaker is hopelessly devoted to Chuck. Seeing Ned and Chuck sleeping together, same bed -- like spoons -- but with a big plastic sleeve naturally, was a reminder that Ned is completely committed to Chuck. Olive's love, which she's been keeping under wraps since coming back from the convent, popped back out at the cook-off after Vivian's appearance. Oh, Olive. I feel for you in your unrequited love. As Viv said, "Lying to yourself about love never works."
So now that Dwight is dead and Charles has warned Ned and Chuck about the insurance policy, that should be the next issue to deal with -- other than the fact that Ned now has two dead bodies to care for. I see a lot of stress baking on the horizon.
You know, it's rare to find such a show like Pushing Daisies, one that's so literate and challenging and entertaining. The writing is first-rate and witty; the production design is amazing. The drama and comedy and fantasy blend terrific. And what performances -- from every member of the cast and every guest turn. This show is brilliant and it's really a sad commentary on network TV that there's no place for it to thrive and survive. Sigh.
Pushing Daisies' Photos
PUSHING DAISIES Missi Pyle and Peter Cambor in the episode Bzzzzzzzzz! Chuck goes undercover as a Bee Girl at a honey-based cosmetics company after their new spokesmodel (guest star Autumn Reeser) is stung to death. She soon discovers that office politics are killer (literally) between the founder (guest star Missi Pyle as Betty Bee) and the new owner (guest star French Stewart as Woolsey Nicholls). Meanwhile, Ned cant stand her growing independence or the fact that she wants to move out of his apartment. In other developments, Lily spirits Olive off to a nunnery so she won't spill Lily's deep, dark secret. Airs Wednesday, October 1, 2008.
ABC
PUSHING DAISIES Anna Friel as Charlotte "Chuck" Charles star in the episode "Circus Circus"- Ned, Chuck and Emerson search for a missing teen (guest star Hayley McFarland as Nikki Heaps) who's run off to the circus . . . a circus where people keep turning up dead. Meanwhile, overcome with guilt, Lily pays Olive a visit at the nunnery. Airs Wednesday, October 8, 2008.
ABC
PUSHING DAISIES Chi McBride as Emerson Cod, Lee Pace as Ned and Anna Friel as Charlotte "Chuck" Charles star in the episode "Circus Circus"- Ned, Chuck and Emerson search for a missing teen (guest star Hayley McFarland as Nikki Heaps) who's run off to the circus . . . a circus where people keep turning up dead. Meanwhile, overcome with guilt, Lily pays Olive a visit at the nunnery. Airs Wednesday, October 8, 2008.
ABC
PUSHING DAISIES Anna Friel as Charlotte "Chuck" Charles and Lee Pace as Ned star in the episode "Circus Circus"- Ned, Chuck and Emerson search for a missing teen (guest star Hayley McFarland as Nikki Heaps) who's run off to the circus . . . a circus where people keep turning up dead. Meanwhile, overcome with guilt, Lily pays Olive a visit at the nunnery. Airs Wednesday, October 8, 2008.
ABC
PUSHING DAISIES Anna Friel as Charlotte "Chuck" Charles and Lee Pace as Ned star in the episode "Circus Circus"- Ned, Chuck and Emerson search for a missing teen (guest star Hayley McFarland as Nikki Heaps) who's run off to the circus . . . a circus where people keep turning up dead. Meanwhile, overcome with guilt, Lily pays Olive a visit at the nunnery. Airs Wednesday, October 8, 2008.
ABC
PUSHING DAISIES Lee Pace as Ned star in the episode "Circus Circus"- Ned, Chuck and Emerson search for a missing teen (guest star Hayley McFarland as Nikki Heaps) who's run off to the circus . . . a circus where people keep turning up dead. Meanwhile, overcome with guilt, Lily pays Olive a visit at the nunnery. Airs Wednesday, October 8, 2008.
ABC
PUSHING DAISIES Anna Friel as Charlotte "Chuck" Charles star in the episode "Circus Circus"- Ned, Chuck and Emerson search for a missing teen (guest star Hayley McFarland as Nikki Heaps) who's run off to the circus . . . a circus where people keep turning up dead. Meanwhile, overcome with guilt, Lily pays Olive a visit at the nunnery. Airs Wednesday, October 8, 2008.
ABC
PUSHING DAISIES Lee Pace as Ned, Anna Friel as Charlotte "Chuck" Charles and Chi McBride as Emerson star in the episode "Circus Circus"- Ned, Chuck and Emerson search for a missing teen (guest star Hayley McFarland as Nikki Heaps) who's run off to the circus . . . a circus where people keep turning up dead. Meanwhile, overcome with guilt, Lily pays Olive a visit at the nunnery. Airs Wednesday, October 8, 2008.
ABC
PUSHING DAISIES Chi McBride as Emerson Cod and Lee Pace as Ned star in the episode "Circus Circus"- Ned, Chuck and Emerson search for a missing teen (guest star Hayley McFarland as Nikki Heaps) who's run off to the circus . . . a circus where people keep turning up dead. Meanwhile, overcome with guilt, Lily pays Olive a visit at the nunnery. Airs Wednesday, October 8, 2008.
ABC
PUSHING DAISIES Chi McBride as Emerson Cod and Lee Pace as Ned star in the episode "Circus Circus"- Ned, Chuck and Emerson search for a missing teen (guest star Hayley McFarland as Nikki Heaps) who's run off to the circus . . . a circus where people keep turning up dead. Meanwhile, overcome with guilt, Lily pays Olive a visit at the nunnery. Airs Wednesday, October 8, 2008.
ABC
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-04-2008 @ 9:48AM
CRVBOY said...
Don't forget the pizza entrants "Rest In Pizza"
Reply
12-04-2008 @ 9:54AM
Lorie said...
The best part from last night's episode was definitely Kristen's singing. I'm gonna miss this quirky show.
STUPID ABC EXECS!
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12-04-2008 @ 10:03AM
Jesse said...
After 7 episodes without any singing I was giddy when she started singing. I love this show more than any other show currently on television. I hope it somehow gets uncanceled as unlikely as that is.
Reply
12-04-2008 @ 10:37AM
Sapphire said...
It's unlikely that Pushing Daisies will get uncanceled. I was watching 'The View' earlier this week and the girl who plays Olive was on and she was saying that the show cost a lot and with all the shows trying to make cut backs, maybe they couldn't do that and still have a good show. I can't imagine the show without any of the original characters or with a less Dr. Seuss feel. It just wouldn't be the same. I too love this show but after hearing the actress talk about it, I'm over it. I can see the execs reasoning and even though I don't like it, I will not be angry anymore. :(
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12-04-2008 @ 10:32AM
Bill said...
I'd read about the Wonderfalls crossoverness, but avoided spoilers... that was pretty weak, crossover-wise. A one episode character, really? Oh well, was nice to see her anyway.
Reply
12-04-2008 @ 11:05AM
Modwild said...
I watched a bit of this, after not watching after the first few episodes. I was unable at the time to determine why I stopped watching. But now I know - The weird music and talking almost in prose sometimes, as well as the voiceovers give me a really negative feeling. I think something similar in my childhood must have scared me or something. It just really weirds me out.
Anyhoodle...I hope you guys get some closure. I thought I read that DSM and Eli Stone had the luxury, but PD did not. Hopefully you will hear something from the writers about how they expected your program to end!
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12-04-2008 @ 11:07AM
Nietzsche said...
I've loved this show from the very first episode, and have not missed a single week of it. I think it's one of the best shows on TV, and it's one of the few shows that I actually watch on Network TV. I bought season One on the day it came out on DVD, as I also Bought both seasons of DEAD LIKE ME, by the same writer. This cancellation will leave a big hole in my Wednesday nights. My hope is that one of the Cable Networks will pick it up. And Please Kristen.... if you have nothing to do after the show...... I'm a very loving Guy..... and you're FANTASTIC, and I'd love to give you some comfort while you're grieving.
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12-04-2008 @ 11:37AM
segsig said...
Definately an episode I'll keep on my tivo for next year when there is nothing on network tv to watch!
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12-04-2008 @ 11:40AM
Ryan said...
GAH. I loved this episode. So much so I saw it AGAIN last night. Just like you said, it had everything for everyone. And Kristin singing was great. I missed it so much.
Now remind me something, Chuck's Dad is the FIRST person/thing/animal that was killed by Ned's power AND was resurrected by it, right?
Reply
12-04-2008 @ 11:26PM
imeaj said...
I believe the funeral director that was killed by Ned's power was resurrected by it in season 1. They chatted for a bit with him, but he became dead again. Chuck's father is the first to die by Ned's hand and then live again.
12-04-2008 @ 12:19PM
Kim said...
I got a double dose of Kristen's singing last night. She sang "Do you hear what I hear?" on Christmas at Rockefeller Square. She was wonderful. I just love her and the rest of the cast and this show! I'm savoring each and every spectacular moment. I haven't been this devastated by a show cancellation since Alias.
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12-04-2008 @ 12:54PM
Ryan said...
Yeah I saw her singing there as well. Good times.
I just hope she (and Lee Pace and the whole cast) doesn't take too long before gracing us with their presence in TV or movies.
12-04-2008 @ 1:24PM
Leah said...
Pushing Daisies was pre-empted here for a stupid christmas special. I'm still mad. :(
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12-04-2008 @ 1:58PM
robert said...
actually... it's really a sad commentary on network TV viewers that there's no place for it to thrive and survive.
ratings are all important and if the vast majority would rather watch some "reality" television, that's all the networks need to know to cancel creative shows like this and drop cheap programming in its place.
Reply
12-04-2008 @ 3:17PM
Dan Chichian said...
Loved this episode. I am torn between wanting to buy the season 1 dvds and not wanting ABC to make money on it now that they have given it the heave ho.
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12-04-2008 @ 3:28PM
laru87 said...
Colonel Likkin :) lol
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12-04-2008 @ 9:34PM
Cyantre said...
I was kind of loosing my interest in this show, but this episode brought everything to the table and reminded me why I fell in love with this show in the first place.
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12-05-2008 @ 2:01AM
carterman said...
Great episode. Damn ABC cancelling the show. Damn America not watching it!
If there's one thing that I'll take away from this episode, it would have to be Kristin Chenowith. From those powerful lungs to cleavage that just wouldn't quit, it was a standout performance. Again, I'm going to miss this show.
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