The facts are these: Episode two of Pushing Daisies absolutely kept up the whimsical tone and magical visuals of its pilot, along with some wonderfully sweet moments featuring our two protagonists.

In other words, it had just about all the things that a lot of us were worried it wouldn't have after its beautifully executed pilot. And yet I come away with not nearly as much of the warm feeling I had after watching that first episode.

I'm not sure why that is, exactly. I didn't figure on a Kristin Chenoweth musical number until at least November sweeps. And the narration was, once again, too much -- and that, I think, is more of the problem. Relying as much as it does on Jim Dale's voiceover, the show is danger of telling its stories more than it shows them.

Do we need the narrator telling us Chuck has a lot of questions, right before Chuck says, "I have so many questions," or describing the mixture of feelings Ned has at a crucial point in the story rather than letting Lee Pace just act? A show this visually arresting, and employing actors as good as they are, shouldn't need that many words on top of it all. We don't need that much extra help in getting that it's a fairy tale.

Especially when the words the characters speak are so good. Lines like "When you turn over a rock, do you find whipped cream? No, you get worms" and "You love secrets. You want to marry secrets and have little half-secret, half-human babies" are not the kind of thing you hear on television every day. More of that, and less being led by a narrator's hand, would serve it well.

This week's case, in keeping with the theme of the episode, was all about secrets as well. Ned and Emerson are on the trail of whoever killed a safety inspector for a car company. Except that, on account of Chuck asking him all sorts of unrelated questions, he only reveals that a crash-test dummy killed him before his alive-again minute is up.

That little shred of evidence leads them to the Dandy Lion car company, which is about to go public with a car that runs on fuel made from dandelions and is, of course, very, very cute. It's also, as it turns out, a deathtrap, and the company CEO killed the safety inspector in order to cover up this fact and allow his life's work to go forward.

As mysteries go, this wasn't on the level of, say, The Usual Suspects. And that's fine -- this show is not going to live or die on the strength of its cases of the week. It's going to survive if people buy into the world it inhabits. Director Barry Sonnenfeld (who helmed this week's episode as well as the pilot) has done an excellent job with the look. Creator Bryan Fuller and his fellow writers have managed to slip in some moments of dark humor and cynicism (thanks mostly to the fabulous Chi McBride) that undercut some of the cuteness.

Now the show needs to move beyond that. Let's see a little more of Ned learning to open up emotionally and welcome Chuck back into his life. His gesture at the end of the episode, with the divider and hand-holding glove in the car? Incredibly sweet (and almost devoid of narration). If Pushing Daisies can bring more of those moments, and avoid the temptation to keep talking over them, I think it will be better off in the long run.

Or am I just being too harsh? How did Pushing Daisies hold up for you in its second week?

Comments

While I understand that not everything needs a narrator, I disagree with you saying it is employed too much. I think it is just the way this show is modeled. I think the narration is entertaining (and even funny when the narration says something right before a character says the exact same thing) and makes it seem like a fairy tale that is being told. Some people may dislike it, but to me it is just one more of those quirky things that make this show original. Granted, they certainly could go overboard with it, but so far it has not bothered me.

Overall, I thought this episode was just as entertaining as the first episode. There is a slow burn development between Ned and Chuck, but seeing as that they can not physically touch, going slow is really the only option.

Travis | Oct 10, 2007 7:37:29 PM | #

---

I'm still a fan of the show, but the first half of the episode seemed a little disjointed to me. The musical number didn't really help in that regard, and took time away from the development of the episode's plot. Once the mystery really got going, it moved along much more smoothly.

As for the narration, so far I'm okay with it so far *except* for the "twenty-five years ten months two days and fifteen minutes" part. That bit is already getting old, and they need to stop it pronto!

tacitus | Oct 10, 2007 8:06:29 PM | #

---

i still think this show lacks material that one can continue to watch..too far fetched and actually boring. i'm done watching it.

joan | Oct 10, 2007 8:52:41 PM | #

---

chi mcbride's best moment in the whole thing was the look on his face [no narration necessary or applied] when dandy lion promotion girl's car exploded on the way to the dummy pit. it was ace.

this show is so sweet, i don't even need dessert on wednesday nights!

ciw | Oct 10, 2007 9:55:15 PM | #

---

chi mcbride's best moment in the whole thing was the look on his face [no narration necessary or applied] when dandy lion promotion girl's car exploded on the way to the dummy pit. it was ace.

this show is so sweet, i don't even need dessert on wednesday nights!

ciw | Oct 10, 2007 9:57:02 PM | #

---

the show is sweet and i do like it, but i fear death by saccharine poisoning.

the dandelion car company and all it's accouterments were waaay too silly for me. I could have accepted the mystery without the whole set up of the company and the girls and the japanese tour being so far over the top.

i found myself feeling a bit ridiculous just watching th show this week. still, i do understand the narration and it's reason for being. it's very much a part of the style of this type of storytelling.

chuck, tho, is getting a bit on my nerves. i never have liked pushy people that butt in where they're not supposed to. i do find myself yearning for each chi mcbride scene. he's the closest thing to earth on the show.

KR | Oct 10, 2007 11:02:19 PM | #

---

I think some people on here are loosing the point of the show. When I watched the first episode in no way did I think the show or the characters were going to follow the rules of our generic Earth existence. So, those that are complaining about the factory or the singing in this latest episode really need to open your eyes to what this show is really about before you get too invested in it.

Oh, and the voice over is perfect for the type of show it is, one where it makes you feel YOU are doing the narrating and YOU are the one actually there witnessing these lives interact. In no way have I ever felt that it has been overdone when telling their wonderful story.

Henry | Oct 11, 2007 12:45:04 AM | #

---

the voice over rocks its suppose to be funny totally agree with Travis there, why r ppl taking the show seriously and saying it dosnt seem realistic well its not suppose to its suppose to be magical and it 110% is!!!! and i have no problem with the musical number either.

zac | Oct 11, 2007 1:19:13 AM | #

---

I hope Chi employs the 2 gun cozies all year. That was the lol moment of the show to me.

I just want to know who's idea it was for Kristin to cut her hair - bad, bad, just bad.

Rishi | Oct 11, 2007 3:14:15 AM | #

---

Surprising myself I really like this show so far. The narration to me is one of the best things. I enjoy all the cast, but don't really care for Chuck's takeover personality. She is sort of unlikeable to me.

PHIL | Oct 11, 2007 4:59:24 AM | #

---

I may be in the minority, but I kind of like hearing the narrator on Pushing Daisies. The whole show, to me, is a surrealist fantasy anyway (if Tim Burton directed a Dr. Seuss film festival, produced by the Coen Brothers), so the narration is just another quirk to the show.

The out-of-nowhere moments of Emerson Cod showing his knit-one, purl-two skills, Olive Snook busting into an Olivia Newton-John number, and the Batman-esque "our heroes are trapped - will they survive" moment near the end of the episode - all had their moments for me.

With Pushing Daisies, I know the whole series is a surreal fantasy anyways, so it's not a big deal if there are plot holes big enough to drive a Dandy Lion SX through (yeah, Emerson Cod carries knitting needles in a hammerspace compartment), but at least the show still has its moments of sweetness. Definitely better than watching that "Lord of the Flies Goes West" reality show on CBS.

Chuck the Writer | Oct 11, 2007 5:19:11 AM | #

---

Exactly, this is an over the top magical type show. Much like a Tim Burton movie.

The narration is hilarious and I love the down to the minute explanations.

Josh | Oct 11, 2007 5:31:52 AM | #

---

I don't think anyone is saying they don't like the narration. If they didn't like the narration they wouldn't be watching the show. The problem is there is just too much narration. Like Rick said the dialog is written and spoken to perfection, but when there is so much narration you lose the great back and forth between the characters.

Mike | Oct 11, 2007 6:08:40 AM | #

---

I found that I enjoyed both the narration and the singing. Chuck is a bit too pushy but she is trying out life for the first time. Give her time to get it right.

I agree that Chi McBride was the character that kept it from getting too sweet and Kristen Chenowith's character may become my favorite. Hang in there girl.

Tori | Oct 11, 2007 6:56:10 AM | #

---

Harsh recap! I think the narration is wonderful and it is very tongue and cheek. I like everything the show is doing and I can't wait to see more.

Mel | Oct 11, 2007 7:22:06 AM | #

---

Rishi-
Kristin Chenowith was on Ellen yesterday and she explained why she cut her hair. She was sick and throwing up in the toilet and there was a candle on the back of the toilet and her hair was in a bun and it was lit on fire. Than she had bad extensions that shriveled up. After all that she decided no more and cut it off. I say good for her because sub par long hair wouldn't be worth it.

Sarah | Oct 11, 2007 7:25:36 AM | #

---

I totally agree about the narration. It was just too much this episode and I think it definitely took away from the episode as a whole. I agree, let the actors do their jobs and act.

Chris | Oct 11, 2007 7:45:03 AM | #

---

I think Rick Porter is missing the point. He must not have grown up watching Little Shop of Horrors and the Princess Bride like i did. Its wither that, or his sense of humor is seriously broken...

I'm a big Bryan Fuller fan (if you never saw Dead Like Me or the Amazing Screw on Head he did for SciFi, you should check it out). The reason this show is so good is becuase of how unconventional it is. Its totally unlike ANYTHING on tv right now. Would you rather there be ANOTHER CSI/Law and Order spinoff? Maybe the 2 shows could join up, and they could solve crimes that happen in the court room using forensic clues??

Pushing Daisies has got the over the top cartoony set peices, a little musical number slipped in when you least expect it, and a kitchy narration by the guy that did all the Harry Potter books on tape. What more could you want from a show that touts itself as being a whimisical fairy tale?

Its only the 2nd episode... I still think it is one of the funniest things on TV right now, and i think its awesome that ABC took a chance on another awesome idea from Bryan Fuller

gary | Oct 11, 2007 7:46:20 AM | #

---

I love the show. I just wish it was on HBO where the show could develop more. I hope this show finds an audience.

The look of the show would appear not to come cheap. Hopefully they can keep up the quality.

As far as the narration, it sort of Reminds me of the movie "Babe" and even the show has that same color and style. LOL, Call me crazy!: )

Kevin | Oct 11, 2007 8:14:48 AM | #

---

Actually, I disagree completely with this review. The first episode, while visually stimulating, was just a device to introduce us to all the characters - all the action was the shooting of an unexplained villian who wants Chuck dead. The second episode actually had a plot and a story behind it.

The direction by Barry Sonnenfield was amazing, and as said previouly this show looks a lot like a Tim Burton film (Beatlejuice comes to mind). In fact my biggest concern is when we lose the diretor, how much will the show change?

Sam I am | Oct 11, 2007 8:23:09 AM | #

---

I love the narration! It adds to the overall different look and feel of the show. I've been trying to place where else I have heard this narrator.
The song and dance number was definitely unexpected and funny because you don't expect it.

Its all the little details that are really making this show special. having the cop knit, the forever living dog, the Dandy Lion car, our hero the pie maker, the crazy aunts all of it contributes to the best show on TV right now. And I don't like comedies!

phoenix | Oct 11, 2007 8:53:51 AM | #

---

I think you're losing this one. Everyone, including me, seems to like the narration. I love everything about this show so far. Of course, Wonderfalls is one of my favorites, so it should reason that I would like this as well. Chi is outstanding! Never knew he was such a comic. I hope this is one of the best rated new shows. Seems like most 'better' shows disappear because the 'masses' don't watch them. Hopefully that won't be the case with "Pushing Daisies".

Mike | Oct 11, 2007 9:56:30 AM | #

---

another one here who loves the narrator!!!!

Simon | Oct 11, 2007 10:53:48 AM | #

---

I totally agree with Rick Porter's assessment--we need more emotions from the piemaker. In addition, Chi McBride is a very good actor and his talents are not showing as much in this show. I like its uniqueness. I will still continue to watch!

Vivbrandon | Oct 11, 2007 11:20:24 AM | #

---

I totally agree with Rick Porter's assessment--we need more emotions from the piemaker. In addition, Chi McBride is a very good actor and his talents are not showing as much in this show. I like its uniqueness. I will still continue to watch!

Vivbrandon | Oct 11, 2007 11:20:27 AM | #

---

am i the only one who thinks that this show would have been better as a tv movie or tv mini series? i can see this getting old after a time, which is a shame since i like it thus far.

also, i have no problem whatsoever with the narration.

washington | Oct 11, 2007 11:57:47 AM | #

---

Love this show and the 2nd episode was every bit as wonderful as the first. Loved the Hopelessly Devoted to you number as well.
I think the narration adds to the series.
As far as some saying it is too sachrine or far fetched, this is not Two and Half Men or some other mundane situation comedy. This is fantasy and quirky. It isn't meant to be like anything else on TV. Lets hope becaue it is not a cookie cutter sitcom that is survives.

Mikey M | Oct 11, 2007 12:20:52 PM | #

---

I agree with the poster who said this would make a better movie than a tv show. I watched the first week and didn't bother with the second. I guess I'll just use Wednesday nights to catch up on DVR'd shows from Monday and Tuesday.

Jim W | Oct 11, 2007 12:52:48 PM | #

---

I like the narration. Jim Dale narrates all the Harry Potter audio books and has won awards for it. Since HP is finished, it's nice hearing him again. I feel like I'm getting lost in a fantasy world (just like HP) once more. I think the writers are writing his narration in the style of JK Rowling...Bravo!

Mark | Oct 11, 2007 1:21:10 PM | #

---

I think the voiceover narrative is part of the quirkiness that is Pushing Daisies. I love it. I do not think it's too much at all. It's not so much about the plot half the time as it is the content and I love it.

Terry H. | Oct 11, 2007 1:49:18 PM | #

---

My favorite part of the show is the narrator...he's a bit like the video game The Bard's Tale, except that none of the characters look up at the ceiling and tell said narrator to shut up every once in awhile (that's when it would get stupid). Like Desparate Housewives, the narration is used just enough that it is like an old commedia del arte (forgive the spelling, it's been a long time since I took drama in college) show, where much of the story was related by either an off-stage narrator or a character giving asides to the audience. Pushing Daisies is not like any other show on TV, and I'm willing to let it go on at its own pace for the time being. Maybe near the end of the season, when the characters have been firmly established, will the narration become tedious. Also, after the first few "36 years, 3 months, 9 days and 31 minutes", that bit did grow tiresome. It's like listening to a five-year-old say the same knock-knock joke 1,263 times in one weekend. With a lisp. I'm waiting to see a site pop up that will be all about spotting how many times Ned and Chuck accidentally touch without the director noticing. If they can somehow manage to prevent even the slightest elbow-touched-by-an-errant-thumb mistake, I'll call my sister and tell her I'm rooting for the Green Bay Packers from now on (long story). As for Kristin Chenoweth, I'll watch her in just about anything, but for the love of all that is unholy, let the woman's beautiful blonde hair grow back out! She looks like a nine-year-old girl that had to get her mop chopped because some mean-widdle-boy put gum in her hair. Anyway, I'm totally loving this show, and I'll be watching it for as long as it's on. Certainly better than Kid Nation, which is just pitiful, really.

Dark Disciple | Oct 11, 2007 6:44:42 PM | #

---

For me, the episode surpassed the first. And not 'bowing' to the same boring formulas we are all way too familiar with, makes this show all more special.

Rob | Oct 12, 2007 12:11:42 AM | #

---

For me, the show isn't too sweet given that people are dying in exploding cars, corpses are hanging 'round in out of the way rooms - the sweetness is nicely balanced by the fact that people are being murdered.
The direction was really terrific. Absolutely loved the overhead shot of KC singing and holding the dog's leg/paw as she twirled around him - too wonderful.
Given all the stupendous junk on, I'm really happy to have this new gem around especially since Mad Men and Damages is coming to a close soon for the season.

| Oct 13, 2007 5:24:55 AM | #

---

I absolutely loved this episode... mind you,I was completely focused on the costumes and the settings... As well as Kristin Chenoweth's great performance...

Lisa | Nov 11, 2007 10:47:34 AM | #

---

Post a comment

Name:
Email Address:	optional
URL:	optional
Comments: