Has there ever been a more natural pairing of sensibilities than Pushing Daisies and They Might Be Giants? OK, probably (Lennon and McCartney come to mind). But it still worked really well in Wednesday's episode.

The episode was quite the Rube Goldberg contraption, involving as it did windmills, secret compartments, carrier pigeons and Bejewelers. But hey -- it's a fairy tale, and the sharp writing (courtesy this week of Everwood and Gilmore Girls veteran Rina Mimoun) kept it from spinning off into overly precious territory.

(I promise not to hijack any spoilers.)

The everyday budget showed in this episode -- the retired-windmill estate, the big apartment building, the view from the rooftop apiary were clearly miniatures or computer images. But in a weird way, it kinda works. We're not supposed to take this world as being really part of ours, so if things look a little off? I say run with it. Make it look as much like a storybook as you want.

The case o' the week involved a crop-dusting plane crashing into an apartment building. The pilot was killed on impact, and so was the tenant of the crash-site apartment. An escaped con named Lemuel (Dash Mihok, taking a big step up after being part of the original Cavemen pilot), who had hijacked the plane, takes over the tenant's identity -- and more important, catches Chuck when she stumbles and falls, reminding her of what it's like to have a man's arm around her.

It brings out a jealous side in Ned ("Everyone is. If you're not jealous you're ... can we not talk about this?"), who knows that even though he's given her a roof full of beehives, he can never give her that, not really.

Meanwhile, Olive is ingratiating herself with Chuck's aunts, with the plan of outing Chuck (whom she thinks faked her death) to them and winning Ned back for herself. Ned's accidental revivifying of a dead pigeon gives her further reason to hang with Lily and Vivian, along with an art project: re-attaching the bird's broken wing with a Bejeweler, then singing "Birdhouse in Your Soul" with Vivian (and a nation of theater nerds squealed with glee at the Kristin Chenoweth-Ellen Greene duet) as they followed it to its destination -- the very windmill that Lemuel was seeking, occupied by the daughter of his old cellmate, who had kept up a correspondence with him and also guarded the loot from said cellmate's last jewel heist in her wooden leg.

As I said, lots of moving parts there. But things came together reasonably well: Olive realized she didn't want to devastate the aunts with news their niece was still alive, Emerson got paid in triplicate and Ned and Chuck preserved their secret (despite Lily spying Chuck for a split second in the rearview mirror). The dialogue on this show is razor-sharp, and it's keeping all the fanciful touches in check. Consider some of the following lines from the episode:

• Chuck: "Why can't we just be here [at the crash site] as concerned citizens?" Emerson: "'Cause big daddy needs some new yarn."
• Ned: "What's that smell?" Emerson: "I thought it might be your cologne." Ned: "Who wears cologne?" Emerson: "I do."
• Chuck: "Isn't this neat? Here we're thinking we only have one big problem, but we actually have hundreds of little ones, which means we're like everyone else."
• Lem: "Jackson was my bunkmate in prison." Olive: "Is that a euphemism for ..." Lemuel: "Not in this case, no."

Beautiful things, all of them. Pushing Daisies, you've got me. I'm in, occasional preciousness and all. Glad you're sticking around for a full season.

Your thoughts on this week's episode, the efficacy of Bejewelers as surgical instruments and the coolness of the kaleidoscope effect when the dead pilot was looking at Ned?

Comments

I absolutely love this show. It's not that I'm a big fan of fairy tales, or a big fan of romance type stories. I just think that the writing on this show is fabulous. I mean, the Olive line on whether or not prison bunkmates was a euphemism ... as simple and innocent as it may sound, it also sounds so "real", and yet, it's also a good laugh, and that's what makes it so good. I think Pace and Friel are a great tandem ... but personally, I think Chi McBride is the star of the show. He's what makes this show tick ... and he's awesome at it. Still warming up to Kristin Chenoweth's character, although Kristin is awesome in it ... they really are going to have some fun with her capabilities.

Tony | Oct 24, 2007 8:52:49 PM | #

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I like that Olive is now interacting with the aunts b/c that way her character isn't all -ve, as it seems to be when around Ned and Chuck.

Rishi | Oct 24, 2007 9:31:21 PM | #

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I had no interest in watching Pushing Daisies, but my sister talked me into it and I am HOOKED! Absolutely LOVE it. I became an even bigger fan tonight when Olive & one of the Aunts sang a "They Might Be Giants" song! Love it!

Jen | Oct 24, 2007 9:39:14 PM | #

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Every character had a great part this week. Olive and Chuck's aunts were funny with the bird surgery. The scene where Chuck was holding Lemuel's hand and imagining Ned's with the narrator exlaining all her thoughts has to be one of her best scenes yet. I also liked the scene when Ned was looking for what had been sacrificed when Olive brushed the pigeon against him. Emerson always has great lines. This episode had my favorite scenes with Lil and Viv so far.

Penny | Oct 24, 2007 9:41:59 PM | #

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Don't you think the aunts would WANT to know that their niece is still alive? I disagreed with the assertion that it would be bad for them.
And was that Charlie from Heroes?

Billiam | Oct 24, 2007 9:48:24 PM | #

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Billiam: Yes, it was Charlie. And I agree the aunts would want to know, but Olive thinks Chuck faked her death (rather than got revived), so she might want to protect the aunts from that.

AC | Oct 24, 2007 10:17:32 PM | #

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Yes, that was Charlie from "Heroes" (and incidentally Charlie from "Ugly Betty" who cheated on Henry).

That "Birdhouse in Your Soul" portion was just perfect. I had a little tear in my eye. I think this show speaks to the birdhouse in my soul. Tee hee.

Hanh | Oct 24, 2007 10:21:46 PM | #

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The scripting of this show is wonderfully tight, with barely a superfluous line in the whole hour. Every time I missed a word or two, I found I had to rewind and watch that bit again.

And the way they used the beekeeping suits at the end of the show was a wonderfully unexpected little twist to the gift of the bee hives near the beginning.

The biggest fear I have is whether they can keep up with the high standard they have set in the weeks to come.

tacitus | Oct 24, 2007 10:37:47 PM | #

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With each coming week, Pushing Daisies is becoming the most intelligent and captivating show on TV. I even like all the narration, it keeps it even moreso in the storybook realm, and explains things that would be far too long and complicated to explain through scenes and dialogue.

Was anyone else scared to death that Digby would be the next victim after Ned couldn't re-kill that bird?

Best new show on TV, and climbing up the ranks of one of my favorites.

Corey | Oct 24, 2007 11:50:48 PM | #

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If there was any doubt as to whether I'd stay loyal to this show, that completely went away with "Birdhouse in Your Soul." I'm hoping they'll incorporate some more TMBG soon.

Oh, and I love Chi McBride as well!

Xannie | Oct 25, 2007 5:04:23 AM | #

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You've all said it above so well. This is such a special show and I agree - the "low budget" aspect is endearing and appears to be actually thought out and purposeful. The colors, sets, acting, moods, etc. are just perfect. It's like nothing else on TV and let's hope it survives.

Todd | Oct 25, 2007 5:16:08 AM | #

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Corey- Yes, I was about to cry when Digby was looking out the window behind them and I thought he would be the next victim after Ned couldn't re-kill that bird? I was screming at the TV. UGGG I so didnt want to like this show but im HOOKED. I have to watch it live now. Last nights show was a 10 for me!!

But I have one question, Does the dog Digby know(This is a fairy tale right) that Ned cant touch him? He is smart and knew how to unlock the door? And how old is he? At least 20 years or so right? When Ned brings something back to life, does it live forever, or until something or someone kills it (Ned)?

Ray | Oct 25, 2007 6:23:32 AM | #

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Best line of the night: "Just because there's vodka in my freezer, doesn't mean I have to drink it... wait, it does." :) I love vodka jokes! :)

Lyssa | Oct 25, 2007 6:27:21 AM | #

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Hope this show doesn't go the way of Sunset Strip (another well written - somewhat academic winded show) as I think it is one of the best on television.

The cast, the dialogue and yes, even the heavy handed narration are all abalanced perfectly. The preposterous villains make the quirky cast even more derserving of our cheers.

Am I the only on watching for that glancing blow - fearful that Chuck will meet her doom?

Even the Aunts are engaging. (loved the singing of 'birdcage in your soul' both women can sing - the aunt from 'Little Shop of Horrors' has a great singing voice too)

A definite every-week show!

Hooked2 | Oct 25, 2007 7:08:37 AM | #

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Regarding Digby: Yes, he knows Ned can't touch him (as we saw last night) and yes, he's basically immortal (as they referenced in the pie-lette).

I get the sense (strictly between the lines, mind you) that a re-living creature isn't affected by the one-minute death trade.

Andy | Oct 25, 2007 8:48:08 AM | #

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Andy,

I was getting that sense too and thinking that at some point there would be an accidental touch of Chuck wherein they realize she isn't affected. This makes sense in that once another life is taken, the debt is paid so why should the first person be subject to dying again.

However, if I remember correctly in the 1st episode Ned's mother died and he brought her back to life then Chucks dad died in her place. Later though Ned found out that a 2nd touch does indead cause the brought-to-life person to die again permanantly when his mother hugged him good night.

However, there is still a possibility that there is a time limit on that as well since all that occurred within a day or so. It could be that after a certain amount of time something happens. I guess we'll have to wait to find out.

Sac | Oct 25, 2007 9:14:04 AM | #

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i love this show. I have no complaints.

Dory | Oct 25, 2007 11:20:44 AM | #

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I hadn't thought about the idea of both Chuck and Digby being potentially immortal when the show began, but as several people here and elsewhere have pointed out, that is likely the case. This will be a mite bothersome in the world of Pushing Daisies, as one wonders if Chuck will still be as sweet and innocent in a couple centuries after everyone she ever loved and will ever meet has long since turned to dust. The problem with being immortal is that you are the only one to enjoy the benefits, as a character in some book I read years ago pointed out. What I so love about this show is that even though it is presented as a sweet-yet-slightly-twisted semi-comedy with dramatic undertones, there are also tragic touches everywhere that makes the whole thing seem more real than it otherwise would be. Coming back to life for only a minute in order to tell about what happened to you when you died/were killed is in some ways horrifically cruel, yet the show handles it with a surprising amount of respect (well, Chi McBride's asides to the contrary). There are many, many ways in which this show can fail, but at the moment, the creators are doing a wonderful job of keeping us all enthralled. I'm just curious where they'll place Pushing Daisies when the inevitable Emmy nominations roll around. Guess we'll have to wait and see. Oh, and kudos to me for avoiding any obvious bee/apiary puns...trust me, it was difficult, lol.

Dark Disciple | Oct 25, 2007 12:05:06 PM | #

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This is one of my favorite shows. One of the only ones that I watch all the way through. It just fits.
Someone above mentioned Sunset Strip. I think this show has more of a following right now than Studio 60 was ever able to retain. I loved Studio 60 and still wish it was on, but I'm loving that at least another well-written, good show is on now. The End.

Terry H. | Oct 25, 2007 12:53:04 PM | #

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Loved the vignette at the beginning with Digby - so bittersweet! This may have been my favorite episode so far - and i've loved them all - the birdhouse in your soul duet was classic! I was dying laughing and the rest of my family was like "huh??" They Might Be Giants was a perfect choice for such a quirky show. I can't wait to see what they come up with next.

katie71483 | Oct 25, 2007 12:54:29 PM | #

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I'm so glad Bryan Fuller opted out of Heroes for this! It's ten times more intelligent and doesn't insult the viewer by taking itself seriously. I'm so glad I didn't listen to the naysayers that said Fuller was bailing.

Kathy | Oct 25, 2007 1:34:06 PM | #

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I am absolutely in awe of this show, I am even starting to write in the style of the show, my English teacher started complaining about that. The perfect way for this show to end is Ned is on his death bed and Chuck touches Ned so she dies so that they can be together. Or they could just live happily ever after, that would be awesome, and predictable.

CD | Oct 25, 2007 3:00:57 PM | #

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In regards to Studio 60, that show failed b/c of its timeslot.

Pushing Daisies is the #1 scripted show in its timeslot. I can't think of the last show that was #1 in its slot that got cancelled (Deal or No Deal is #1). I also think that PD is #1 in 18-49 for the slot so even if the overall rating slips, as long as it maintains the 18-49 demo it isn't going anywhere.

Mind you all this could change once Lost comes back.

I'm going on the assumption that one of Private Practise or Dirty Sexy Money will get moved to the post Grey's Anatomy timeslot once Lost returns, but I could be mistaken. As long as PD stays at Wed. at 8p it will be fine, but if it gets moved to say Wed 10p or anywhere on Mon then it will face a much bigger problem than the planned winter schedules (as of now).

Rishi | Oct 25, 2007 3:15:28 PM | #

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Actual best line of the show: When capturing Lemuel, "Hand up!"

Art Carnage | Oct 25, 2007 3:24:14 PM | #

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This show is really too good to be on tv. It is that good. I'm one of those nerds who squealed when Kristin Chenoweth and Ellen Green sang their duet. I just wanted more.

Long live Pushing Daisies.

Cheryl | Oct 25, 2007 5:45:31 PM | #

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I love this show - I especially love that there are ocassions for Kristen Chenoweth to break into song. Big Daddy Chi reminds me so much of Big Mike from Chuck that they could easily interchange. I am a knitter myself so I totally love all the knitting references and Chi is so droll when he delivers his lines he helps the show not drown in a mountain of syrup by keeping us all grounded in reality but still being a part of the fantasy world. And he's stolen the word seriously away from Grey's "Seriously, you're doing this now? In a prison graveyard??"

Siri | Oct 25, 2007 7:03:32 PM | #

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Dark Disciple - I can only imagine that Ned will touch Chuck or if Ned is on his deathbed Chuck will touch Ned and they'll die within minutes of each other and meet up in the afterlife!! I'm sure retouching Ned even after he dies will still kill Chuck off.

Sirius | Oct 25, 2007 7:08:15 PM | #

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One of the most unique shows and great to watch. Nothing like it on TV. I started watching Desperate Housewives thinking it would be like a show that shows the point of view of the dead girl, but it became to daytime soapy for me, but PD is great and cute and romantic.

Jay | Oct 26, 2007 10:51:28 PM | #

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Rishi - I don't think Studio 60 got canceled because of its timeslot. People didn't want to watch it for many reasons. It took itself far too seriously, was preachy and pretentious (and sometime even condescending to its audience about "insider tv stuff") and was completely retooled in its main storyline multiple times in one season. It was doomed from the start. It went from outstanding pilot to "she's falling for the guy who basically sexually harassed and stalked her!?!" in a season.
Pushing Daisies has only gotten better with each episode and the budget cuts are working in their favor. I am liking this show more with each viewing. I really hope they keep the musical vignettes in - they are wonderful!

bowie | Oct 27, 2007 1:10:48 PM | #

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"Why do I always have to be around for this stuff?"
*click!* (cue freaky dream - *squeaky!*)
The ball gag. Now that's gangster love. And taking money from blind children? Emerson is the man.

"I'd be a horrible polygamist!"
Ned is still funny while he's twitchy. A perfect balance of dorky and cute.

"They used dogs to breed their polygamist cult?"
Olive is amazing when's she's playing along.

"I wouldn't be alive if it weren't for him?" "...literaly?"
Chuck. Awwwwe-some.

The quartet were well matched with the four wives. And Ned at the psychiatrist -- even Digby was awesome. Sit!

The fact are these: The narration is chock'full of details yet streamlined and smooth.

| Nov 14, 2007 9:59:15 PM | #

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