Critics here, there and everywhere have already sung the praises of Pushing Daisies, and while I'm pretty much in full agreement, I don't want just to repeat what they've already said (not all of it, anyway). I'm just as interested in what you think.

Namely, how'd the pilot (or "Pie-lette," as the episode was titled) play for you? Is this a world you want to visit every week, or its preciousness a little too much for you?

Me, I'm along for the ride. There are a lot of things I love about this show, and right up near the top is its point of view. For all the bright colors and whimsicality and romance, there's a little tartness with all the sugar (just like in a really good pie). Ned (the excellent Lee Pace) may be a sweet guy, but he's also just about entirely closed down emotionally. He uses his power -- that'd be bringing the dead back to life, for a total of one minute -- for his own financial gain.

And granted, he's just brought the love of his life back from the dead, but he's pretty callous about letting someone else die in her place ("It's a random proximity thing," he notes). That Ned's motives are not always pure -- sometimes they're mercenary, sometimes they're selfish -- and how having Chuck (Anna Friel) back in his life will affect that is one of the most intriguing things about the series for me.

Other things I'm loving:

The technical brilliance. Director Barry Sonnenfeld does a masterful job with the incredible visual palette, and huge kudos should also go to director of photography Michael Weaver and production designer Michael Wylie. That claymation sequence with young Ned and young Chuck was just brilliant.

The interplay between Pace and Chi McBride. McBride's comic gifts haven't been put to very good use on television in the past, but the dude is funny, and I love the way he and the more buttoned-down Pace interact.

The subtle wit in Bryan Fuller's script: "Those musta been some emotional monkeys." The silly picture of Chuck with a lobster claw on all the newscasts. "I used to think masturbation meant chewing your food. ... I don't anymore." (OK, that last one maybe isn't so subtle, but it's funny.)

Things I like, but don't quite love yet:

The relatively light tone of the crime-procedural stuff -- clearing a dog's name in a murder case, for instance. I think there's some room to go a little more somber at times, and in fact that might be a good thing. It might be hard to come up with a goofy murder every week.

Ned and Chuck. This may have something to do with the limits Ned places on himself, but he can't let himself have a real spark with Chuck. That makes for a more wistful romance, and that's not an easy thing to convey. Pace and Anna Friel do a fine job, but I'm curious to see how their relationship develops down the line.

This was just amusing: the height difference between Pace, who's about 6-foot-4, and Kristin Chenoweth, who you can basically fit in your pocket. That scene where she stands on the table to see eye-to-eye with him? No trick photography there.

A couple questions, a couple concerns:

Jim Dale has a great voice, but the pilot was a little over-narrated for my taste. I hope, with a lot of the exposition now out of the way, that Fuller and Co. dial it back a little bit in the future.

This is the most minor of things, but as the son of an English teacher, I'm cursed to notice it: The town where Ned and Chuck grew up is called Couer d'Couers. Except the correct spelling of that word (French for "heart") is coeur. I really can't believe someone didn't catch that.

I get the rules for animate objects: If Ned keeps a previously dead person alive for more than a minute, someone else dies. So how's that work with fruit? When he brings a moldy strawberry back to life, does a banana turn brown? And when he does revive a piece of fruit, does he just keep it in his hand till it's sliced and in the pie?

And, of course, the big one: I'm a little worried that, beautiful as Pushing Daisies is, it's just a little too precious to catch on with a wide audience. I say bring on the agoraphobic, cheese-loving synchronized swimmers and the dessert-shaped restaurants and "honey for the homeless," but then again I loved all the talking tchotchkes on Wonderfalls too. I'm curious if any of that bugged you all.

So let 'er rip, folks: Are you in love with Pushing Daisies, or are those of us who are doomed to have our love unrequited?

Comments

I really enjoyed this show and I hope you as you do that it does not go the way of so many other shows that are special, but only seem magical to a select few. I love Chi and I am glad to see him back on the air. I liked him in the frighteners as a bit of comic relief there too. And Ned and Chuck are sooo cute together I heart them.

Sarah | Oct 3, 2007 6:38:04 PM | #

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I really liked the 1st episode a lot also. And considering that Wed. at 8pm isn't a very strong timeslot I feel that it should do very well.

Also since Deal or no Deal has not done well in the ratings it's 2 airings last week there is a shot that Pushing Daises could win the slot. I thought that DoND would win in the off season, but now I'm not so sure.

I'm still unsure of how they will integrate the aunts into the stories every week if they keep Chuck's being alive a secret.

Also, I'm not sure how they are going to have Chuck exist in the world yet.

Lastly, if Chuck doesn't have a place in the world, she will be dependant on Ned and I don't think that would be a good idea long term. I mean if they can't touch it's probably not a good idea for them to live together.

I'm hoping that all of these 3 points are addressed next week. If they are ABC could have their next big hit on their hands, especially if they market it right.

Rishi | Oct 3, 2007 7:58:30 PM | #

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i wonder...

i liked it, too, but i loved amelie, the closest filmmaking i've seen like it.

it does seem a bit too quaint and fairytale-ish for american primetime tv, tho. i don't think many of my friends saw amelie, or even heard about it.

i can't wait to see how it did, and what it does in the ratings next week.

KR | Oct 3, 2007 8:28:33 PM | #

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Pros: visually stunning, great snappy dialog, Chi McBride is hilarious and Anna Friel is beautiful.

Cons: Definitely over narrated. Jim Dale is to Pushing Daisies what Kristen Bell is to Gossip Girl- love the voice, don't care for what they're saying.

AC | Oct 3, 2007 8:49:46 PM | #

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I enjoyed the pilot, but, and this is what no one is really discussing, will each episode basically just be a standalone murder-mystery procedural with added whimsy and supernatural elements? Cuz I don't think this is a show where you can't miss an episode.
And whenever they mention "Chuck" I think of the guy on the NBC show. What a bad name for a girl.

Billiam | Oct 3, 2007 9:21:03 PM | #

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This is an amazing show! What's better than its beautiful colors, funny wit, and the great cast led by Lee Pace and Anna Friel? I can't think of anything!

MKS | Oct 4, 2007 4:56:33 AM | #

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Love the colors, love the cast, this one is close in tone and feel to Fuller's superior 'Wonderfalls', but I found as the show progressed that I missed the humor that peppered that earlier show. I'll stick with this because somebody needs to support an alternative to all the cookie-cutter blandness that fills the network schedule these days.

But it sure made me miss 'Wonderfalls'. :-(

righteousdude | Oct 4, 2007 5:19:51 AM | #

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I, too, liked the pilot. It has beautiful colors (should look great in HD, if only I had HD), but I had some trouble hearing the snappy dialog between the characters over the music. I had to turn the volume up when the actors were talking, only to turn it down when the music came on. Frustrating!

And I agree with everyone else: I think it was over-narrated. I hope that doesn't continue.

All in all, I'll probably tune in next week. I don't have anything else to watch Wed. at 8 pm.

Linda | Oct 4, 2007 5:25:07 AM | #

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I found myself more captivated by this pilot than any of the others (suprise!). No matter how whimsical or cutsy the world of PD is, it is somewhere to get away for an hour. There are maybe a handful of shows that have as much fun on screen as this (Scrubs...). It is something new, definitely bold, and clever. I can't wait to get my hands on a transcript!

Alyx | Oct 4, 2007 6:28:12 AM | #

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I did like it, it's very different, who knows if enough people will watch to keep it around; although all the reviewers have been raving about it.

I agree it is overly narrated- the 28 years, 8 months, 4 days, etc. got old real quick-hope they downplay that.

Ned & Chuck (although I hate that name for a girl) are extremely cute.....will have to see how their taboo relationship works out....I will stick around for awhile and see how the show plays out

Kathie | Oct 4, 2007 6:46:57 AM | #

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Yeah too over the top for me. It looks great don't get me wrong but just not for me. I'm afraid alot of people are gonna feel the same.

John | Oct 4, 2007 6:50:30 AM | #

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Cute, interesting, funny. I agree with this statement; (a good) "alternative to all the cookie-cutter blandness that fills the network schedule these days."

But it seemed to me that Chuck is not taking the idea of security seriously. I missedthe first 10 minutes so I might be wrong but shouldn't these people be keeping this power a secret?

The first time out of the apartment Chuck bumps into the neighbor. (Is she in the loop?) She sticks her face in the window of the aunts's house while Ned and Emerson are inside.

The writers are going to have to work hard to convince me that Chuck is either 1. not going to spoil everthing or 2. drive Ned nuts (or make him look like a fool).

I'm watching next week, for sure.

Robert | Oct 4, 2007 6:52:46 AM | #

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It's easy to fall in love with the episode; it was sweet without being too saccharine, funny without being too vulgar, even action packed without being too violent. But as a series, I'm not sure if the nation as a whole will be able to follow.
I would be thrilled to watch these mini-movies every week if the Neilson numbers let me though.

pakopako | Oct 4, 2007 7:00:01 AM | #

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This show came as a surprise to me. I wasn't expecting to like it. I didn't even plan on watching the show until the last minute because nothing else was on. I never thought I'd actually like it.

I was wrong. This show piqued my interest with the claymation rampage and held it through the rest of the episode. The dialogue is fast and witty and helped move the story along faster than other shows that have long pointless dramatic pauses.

It's an unexpected gem in a season of mediocrity. Now to see if they can keep it up...

Yossarian | Oct 4, 2007 7:08:16 AM | #

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I see the Wonderfalls similarities (feel of the humor, etc), but I'm surprised no one has mentioned the closest parallel that was immediately obvious to me--the movie Big Fish had an identical feel, and I loved it just as much.

laurabeth | Oct 4, 2007 7:12:50 AM | #

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I dont know..Im kind of on the fence about it. I wanted to like it, but I did not want to change the channel. I like Kristen's role. Love her.

Ray | Oct 4, 2007 7:25:41 AM | #

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I loved PD! It was whimsical and quirky and interesting to look at. I so enjoy shows that cater to thinking people and aren't crime dramas! I am somewhat concerned as to how they can make it last over a period of time but look forward to their efforts.

PS - If you enjoyed PD and haven't seen Wonderfalls (shame on you!), be sure to get ahold of the dvd set - it's amazing and definitely worth your time.

katie71483 | Oct 4, 2007 7:26:26 AM | #

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I'm kind of on the fence too. In fact - I agreed almost word for word with your reservations. Tone down the voiceovers, drop some of the twee aspect and let the characters act the story more as opposed to starting and stopping all the time.

Harper | Oct 4, 2007 8:11:24 AM | #

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I was a little disappointed. I really wanted to like it, and I really want different on TV, this is really a breath of fresh air.

BUT, how interesting can you make a series where the two main characters can't touch each other, much less want to rip each other's clothes off? Moonlighting did it for 3 years, and then sank faster than the Titanic, and they had Cybil Shepard and Bruce Willis.

It will take extraordinary chemistry with this cast to keep it going that long.

And if it's going to be murder/mystery, that will be grisly reality to a fairy tale? What kind of direction is that?

This could have been a great movie, or perhaps a mini-series, but I don't see how this show makes it in the long run.

trekbw | Oct 4, 2007 8:30:51 AM | #

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like ive said on different blogs before im in love with the show. seiously it just makes me smile in a way i havnt smiled since i was 6 or 7 maybe u know like u constantly have a smile on ur face and u dont realie it until the show ends. theres just one word for it ppl magical!! cant wait for the next ep!!!

zac | Oct 4, 2007 8:49:21 AM | #

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I really enjoyed this show - I loved the casting, the visuals, and The Pie Hole (fantastic name). The voiceover... I liked the year, days, minutes bit, but there was a bit too much of it. I'm hoping it'll pare down a bit in further episodes, but it's not soo horrible. Does anyone else remember a summer series called Maximum Bob? Awesome show & Pushing Daisies really reminds me a bit of it's quirkiness.

Sabrina | Oct 4, 2007 9:33:38 AM | #

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When I first saw Chuck's Aunts, I couldn't help by sing "Suddenly Seymore" from Little Shop of Horrors.

This is my new favorite show this seasons. Simply stunning.

Matt =) | Oct 4, 2007 9:40:09 AM | #

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Visually amazing, so whimsical, quirky, loved all the characters. I really liked the show but I fear mainstream America won't think it has enough violence or action. Let's hope ABC gives it a chance, I don't want my heart broken again after getting invested in a new show!

Jo | Oct 4, 2007 10:48:23 AM | #

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Loved it! I thought they got everything just right. Was anyone else concerned with Swoosie Kurtz look? She looks to be very anorexic - her legs looked like a couple of toothpicks under that miniskirt she had on. I love her as an actress.

Sabrina - I LOVED Maximum Bob! It was hysterical - I always laughed out loud and loved their quirky characters - I was very disappointed it never was brought back.

Pushing Daisies is definitely Must See TV for me!

Betty | Oct 4, 2007 11:04:07 AM | #

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I totally love this show! The acting, writing, the vibrant colors and the fairytale feel. The chemistry between all of the characters is wonderful, I especially love Chucks Aunts.

I couldn't believe that when I looked at the clock it was 9:55 and the show was practically over. I got lost for an hour and it was lovely. This is my new Wednesday love and the reason I watch TV! To get away from the real world for an hour in some fantastical adventure is the great joy of my life. All tv should be this whimsical!

Like others have said, if you like Pushing Daisies, go buy or Netflix the 13 episode series Wonderfalls, such a fantastic show!

Buffybot | Oct 4, 2007 12:05:09 PM | #

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i hated this show...what a stupid , unbelievable premise..the visuals are great, but the rest is a drag. it's off my schedule for sure!

joan | Oct 4, 2007 12:44:35 PM | #

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I really love the pilot. See? Romance is alive and well in Hollywood, so long as there is no nookie on pain of death. Will Kristen Chenowith be a proxy a la smuggled golden monkeys in the weirdest three-way on primetime network TV ever? Is it skin-to-skin touching that's trouble, or could they be wrapped in latex body suits (no kissing, obviously)? Any way you go with this -- except in the direction of extreme chastity -- this turns mighty kinky, mighty quickly. How long will Chuck be OK with this arrangement, one wonders?

christina | Oct 4, 2007 12:50:05 PM | #

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There's nothing else like this on TV right now, and I can see why the critics were so delighted. But I can't see the public flocking to this one en masse. I fear it is doomed to the fate of other critical darlings, like "The Nine" and "Studio 60."

On a side note, the new TV season is indeed overpolluted with Chucks and also Darlings right now!!

Goph | Oct 4, 2007 1:03:07 PM | #

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Love the show, but then I'm a huge fan of Dead Like Me too.

Regarding the rules, I thought the voiceover mentioned, or at least implied, that the 1 minute rule applied only to human beings. I missed the first couple of minutes of the shoe, so I didn't see the resurrection of the dog, or if the rule applied there.

tacitus | Oct 4, 2007 1:47:22 PM | #

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Regarding the narration, I don't think it'll play as big a part in any of the future episodes. I say this b/c the year, month ... part was in reference to Ned and Chuck in the past up to the present. Now that we have that established I don't believe it will continue. Unless of course they try to link every case to an event in Ned's past (which I am hoping they don't do).

I do think there will be some narration to set up the case or to provide some exposition in the episodes, but that is probably all.

Rishi | Oct 4, 2007 2:28:56 PM | #

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The only problem I have with the narration is that I keep expecting the voiceover to break into, "Welcome to Hogwarts..." Other than that, I was charmed with the show, and although I think some people will tire of it in a hurry (movies like Chocolat, for example, would grow tiresome if it became a weekly series), because of its completely unique premise and delivery, I hope it is given the chance to see where it will go. Network TV doesn't need another spinoff of Grey's Anatomy or CSI, so seeing something different can only be good. Maybe the powers-that-be have been taking lessons from TNT and USA. Oh, and to respond to the fruit question...if a banana has to die so that a strawberry will live, I don't think karma will mind. The world is just weird that way....

Dark Disciple | Oct 4, 2007 6:08:56 PM | #

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Loved the show !!!
brilliant writing and delivery!!
Not since Lost and Desperate Housewives debuted has a series had a clear voice and set-up !!
Kudos to the writers who wrote a magical script that instantly created likable characters!!
And Props to the actors (especially Pace) for entertaining performances !!!
can't wait for next Wednesday!

Don | Oct 4, 2007 11:13:45 PM | #

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The show is phenomenal. Very unique, cute, and charming. Though, I disagree with the narration comments here. I think it's a great addition to the whole Edward Scissorhands and Amelie-esque atmosphere. Also, apparently they're showing Little Ned every episode. I think it's great they're expanding on Ned's past.

Christian Bueno | Oct 4, 2007 11:19:00 PM | #

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I enjoyed the premiere and will definitely watch next week. I never saw Wonderfalls, but after the premiere, I agree with the previous poster....this has Big Fish written all over it. And that's a good thing.
My only (small) complaint is that Ned and Chuck don't seem to worried about their proximity to each other. If touching someone would cause me to drop dead, I wouldn't get within 20 feet of them!

Silent Jon | Oct 5, 2007 6:58:43 AM | #

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Loved the show. Loved Wonderfalls and bought the DVD set. Loved Big Fish. Can't wait until the next episode to see if it can maintain the same momentum. Sure hope it does. Now, how can we get more people to watch so ABC doesn't arbitrarily and prematurely cancel it?

Lee | Oct 5, 2007 1:39:12 PM | #

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