RETURNING SHOWS THAT I'M COMPLETELY GIDDY OVER:
- PUSHING DAISIES: So I just re-watched the first season of Pushing Daisies and it was a delightful reminder of why I fell in love with the show in the first place. It's thoroughly unlike anything else on TV and if you haven't been watching, you seriously need to start. The first season only had 9 episodes (thanks to the strike) and I'm hearing that season 2 will be a re-launch of the show, so it's not too late to start. I'd suggest catching up with season 1 first, but if that's not an option, tune in for the premiere (Wed, October 1, on ABC) and at least give it a shot.
Pushing Daisies is a spectacular blend of whimsy, noir, procedural elements, a romance, a mystery series, a technicolor fairy tale, and a comedy. It's an odd show, but a delicious treat with each and every outing. The look and tone of the show m
ake for a unique, phantasmagorial, and magical backdrop that's just gorgeous to watch. It's kind of like a Tim Burton film that's been dipped in honey. The visual concept for the show is a delight to watch, but it's really the characters that make the show so special. There really isn't a single character that I'd like to see die in a ditch, and for me, that must mean the cast is pretty damn spectacular. Lee Pace is adorable and soft-spoken as the lead character Ned. He's a pensive romantic without being sacchrine or overly sentimental. He's the basis of the show, but his fellow castmates are just as special in their own way. Olive is hilarious and spritely without being annoying, Emerson is kind of curmudgeonly, but also animated and snarky, and Chuck is charming and sweet without being weak or sappy. The fact that Chuck is my least favorite character on the show and yet I still like her quite a lot speaks volumes to the casting and story. Her aunts Lily and Vivian, while not the major players on the show, are completely brilliant and add glimpses of quirky genius to
an already perfect cast.
Bottom Line: This show is kind of the perfect mixture of all things that I love. It even has some musical elements (Kristen Chenoweth is amazing, and we all know it). I mean, what more could you ask for? It's surprisingly funny and has a hell of a lot of heart. The mystery each week is fanciful and invariably fascinating. In short, this show is really special. I don't think we're likely to see anything like it for a very like time, if ever. Bryan Fuller will always hold a special place in my heart for bringing Dead Like Me into the world and Pushing Daisies carries on in that legacy. It's just a delight from beginning to end. Oh, and that guy who narrates the Harry Potter books narrates the show, so it's gotta be good, right? Top drawer. - LIFE: When Life premiered last year, I didn't think for even a second that I would like it and never dreamed it would make it onto my permanent rotation (let alone grace the top tier). It's shows like that that make me hold fast to my philosophy of trying shows out even if they don't look like my usual fare.
The show revolves around detective Charlie Crews (played brilliantly by Damian Lewis) who was framed and served 12 years in prison for murders he didn't commit. It sounds like it would be your usual crime procedural with a tough, cynical, maverick breaking all the rules, kicking ass and taking names... but it isn't. It has elements of all those things, but has such a unique spin on them that it's more of a character piece that your every day procedural. Charlie is angry and wants to know who framed him and all that, but he's quirky and zen about the whole situation. Rather than being the gritty tale of an embit
tered man, Life is the story of guy who appreciates the simple things and who looks at the world in an elightened way.
Aside from Charlie's charm and unconventional (though undeniable) appeal, even the procedural elements of the show are singular and special. It's an odd blend of the fanciful, the devastating, and the twisted. It's kind of like a blend of Pushing Daisies and Law & Order, which sounds like about the worst combination in history, but completely works. The mystery of the week is never dull, never expected, and always fascinating. I had the pleasure of watching the season two premiere early (it's on hulu, if you're interested) and wasn't disappointed. The mystery was odd and fanciful and completely out there, but isn't over the top. The show manages to get away with the craziest things without jumping the shark and that's a fine like to walk. It's kind of like taking a trip down the rabbit hole, but this time Alice ends up in Los Angeles and the Chesire Cat is played by a crack dealer.
Bottom Line: It isn't your usual procedural and that's what makes it special. I never expected to like this show, so
when I got completely sucked in after only a couple of episodes, it made for quite a surprise. You can absolutely jump into this show without seeing season 1 first, but season 1 was pretty damn great, so I wouldn't recommend missing it... Come for the crazy crime procedural, stay for the Damian Lewis. It's kind of like how House isn't your average medical procedural. Where Hugh Laruie brings a wholly unique character to House, so too Damian Lewis brings an original center for Life. (Interesting tidbit: Damian Lewis actually moved into Hugh Laurie's house in the UK. When Lewis was considering taking the lead in Life, he called Laurie from Laurie's old bedroom to ask for advice. That probably isn't interesting at all, but you've already read it, so there's nothing you can do...) - CHUCK: I love Chuck, plain and simple. It's another show that I approached with apprehension, but completely fell in love with. Yet again, if you missed the first season, you can absolutely start watching with the second season premiere (on Monday) and you won't be lost or confused. I just watched the season 2 premiere early online (it's on hulu, once again), and it gives a good recap of all the things you need to kno
w to enjoy the show. And believe me, there are a lot of reasons to enjoy this show.
Chuck takes the kick-ass CIA spy game craziness of Alias, but makes it hilarious and effortless to follow. Not that I didn't enjoy the fact that missing 10 minutes of an episode of Alias meant that you were lost for the next 6 weeks, but it could be taxing at times to have to keep track of so many Derevkos and whatnot. Chuck is as delightfully high-energy, but really funny and easy to watch. It's the kind of show that you can just plop down on the couch and zone out for a while. It makes for an escape, but doesn't lack substance the way most escapes do.
Zachary Levi plays the title character and he's a total geek, but adorable and goofily charming. He reminds me of my dearly departed Seth Cohen from The O.C. Speaking of whom, Josh Schwartz, who was the mastermind behind The O.C. and is the genius behind Gossip Girl, is also the driving force behind Chuck. Who could ask for a better pedigree?
The basic premise for the show is funny and far-fetched (the entire CIA/NSA database was downloaded into Chuck's head--just go with it), but that's a big part of it's appeal. If you just tell yourself to just by the premise and not be too critical (it's a comedy afterall, not a hard-hitting documentary), you'll really love the show. The
supporting cast play off one another wonderfully and everyone has the requisite comedic timing to make the show work. Adam Baldwin (aka Jane from Firefly) plays the no nonsense NSA badass and is the perfect straight man. His interactions with the nerdy goofball that is Chuck are some of the best moments of the show.
Bottom Line: If you're looking for a show that isn't taxing to watch, this is it. It's funny yet heartfelt and action-packed yet character-driven. It's a hell of a lot of fun and since it's already gotten the green light for a full second season, you don't have to worry about becoming dedicated to a show that might be cancelled. It might take a couple of episodes, but this really is an effortless joy of a show that I think most people will enjoy. I sure do. :)
1 comment:
In relation to your "Tim Burton dipped in honey" comment, I heard the following quote in the costume shop: "Pushing Daisies is like a Tim Burton movie but in pastels!" I adore that show...
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