"Pushing Daisies" is just about the greatest new television series that I've basically ever seen. It far outpaces every series this season, and pretty much every series in the past few years. The last show I watched that started this well was "The O.C." (and we all know how that one turned out). Luckily, this show relies on limitless charm and fantasy, with endless possibilities on the horizon. It seriously feels like a Tim Burton movie. One of his better works. Absolutely adorable Lee Pace stars as Ned, who has the power to bring back people from the dead with one touch. The deal is that he can question them for one minute, at which point he must touch them again to send them back to their death forever, or else somebody else dies in their place. It's a somewhat slippery premise, but with the writing of Bryan Fuller and the direction of Adam Kane and Barry Sonnenfeld, it's completely impossible not to be drawn into Ned's spectacular world. After his childhood love and first kiss Charlotte (who he calls Chuck) is found murdered on a cruise, Ned brings her back and doesn't give her the final touch of death. Their rekindled romance is both heart-wrenching and delightfully, sincerely, and hopelessly romantic. Chuck, played by Anna Friel, is such a revelation. Friel has all the quirky attraction that Zooey Deschanel has made her name on, but without any of the Hollywood pretense. Pace is equally amazing, balancing lonely longing with giddy hope with just a look. Even the supporting cast is amazing, with Kristen Chenoweth, Chi McBride, Swoosie Kurtz, and Ellen Greene all cast perfectly for their roles. You just can't miss this show. 10/10.
1 comment:
Tim Burton was my first thought as well. The dialog was a little fast at times, but a fun show nonetheless.
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