Well that's discouraging...

When I posted the cancellations of Pushing Daisies and Dirty Sexy Money, the word on the street was tenuous, but optimistic. Now that ABC has released their mid-season schedule (which I'll report on more in a future post), however, things are looking a little bleak...

With many thanks to TV Guide's Mickey and Matt, here's the latest:

When will the last episode of Pushing Daisies air? Will it seem like a "final episode" or will we be left hanging? — Bri

Mickey: The facts are these: ABC isn't talking, and Daisies doesn't appear on the network's midseason schedule at all, but if it does return in January, I'd ballpark the last episode to fall somewhere around the end of February. I'm hearing that by then at least one of the show's big mysteries will be solved, which will be a big relief for one Mr. Emerson Cod. In the meantime, look for Olive Snook to sing a Bangles song I embarrassingly once used as the seductive soundtrack to a fumbling, though ultimately successful high school assignation. Don't tell anyone though, OK?

Can you find out if Dirty Sexy Money plans on airing "The Facts," the episode that was scheduled for Nov. 26? — Darla

Matt: Not likely, especially since that episode (bumped by Barbara and Obama) was in some ways merely a "clip show" — albeit one featuring unaired Season 1 footage, including some old Samaire Armstrong/Juliet scenes cobbled together to look like "new." I do offer some good-ish news, though: Sources tell me that DSM's final episode will resolve the mystery of who killed Nick's father, Dutch. It's all just a matter of when (mid-2009?), where (ABC.com?) and how (not until DVD?) we'll get that closure.

For more Dirty Sexy scoop, head on over to TV Guide for an interview with Patrick and Jeremy.

Anyway, like I said, things aren't looking so good. When (read: If) I hear any news on when and where and how the remaining episodes of these shows will air, I will definitely let you know. Oy.

Oh, Ann

Thanks to my dear friend Ann, items such as cookies and lattes have been forever altered (read: given a theme song). I guess it's my penance for completely goofifying words for her like "turkey" and "bus." With the holidays in full swing, cookies are even more prevalent at my house than usual (which is saying something, because really, my mom kind of sets the bar--which I believe is a Clark Bar). Every time I see or smell cookies in the house, I now have the following go through my head:

It's adorable, and bizarre, and funny. And if it's even possible, it's even more adorable and bizarre when Ann sings it...



That little gem entered my lexicon at Disneyworld while we were waiting for fireworks by Cinderella's Castle. Ann was waxing delicious about cookies and got that damn cucumber stuck in our heads for the rest of the night. It was totally worth it, however, because in pure Milana-esque serendipity, Jack arrived with cookies mere minutes afterward. Hot chocolate too. It truly is the most magical place on earth...

Oh, and yes, Ann knows every word. The way she sings, "'Cause I've got cookies! Three yummy cookies!" and "Be-cause it's Christmas" is hilarious. And she totally puts the lisp into the "Oh, Thanta" too... Solid gold.

Even before the word "cookie" had taken on its own enthusiastic theme song, the word "latte" was delight-ified when Ann played the following for me en route to dinner with the girls (you know, her old friends Annie and Kati... whom she was meeting for the first time).

This is also a shout out to my darling Olive from Pushing Daisies. You will be missed.



I love Kristin Chenoweth. :) But yeah, I was walking through Bed Bath & Beyond the other day and they had a latte machine that elicited some unwarranted giggles as a result of this song.

"Who 'da thought love could be so caffeinated?" Awesome. So long, Olive. I hope you find another gig that allows for singing the way Pushing Daisies did.

The Bubble Hath Burst...

The unfortunate (and sadly, probably inevitable) deaths of a couple of my favorite shows have finally been made official (well, mostly). Although news of the untimely demises of Pushing Daisies and Dirty Sexy Money (and Eli Stone, not that I care) came down from on high nearly a week ago, I am only now posting anything in this regard because I've been doing some investigating.

Because the weasely, non-committal ABC network has opted to "not pick up" these shows rather than "cancel" them, there was room for confusion that I wanted to avoid. Here's the deal:

• PUSHING DAISIES: My dear, darling, ratings-challenged Pushing Daisies... You never stood a chance. When PD premiered last fall, its ratings were solid, the hype was in full-tilt, and audiences took notice and tuned in. Then the writers' strike swept in, and PD (as with so many other series) found itself in a near 10 month hiatus. If that weren't enough to quash interest in the show by the casual viewer, ABC's shameless handling of the show proved the final nail in the coffin. After so many months off the air, ABC promised a splashy relaunch of the series. Said splashy relaunch apparently included such fantastic and awe-inspiring tactics as airing very little (if any) promotional spots, not re-airing the previous season (not even on ABC Family (because that would have been so tough and all, what with all the made-for-TV movies about broken homes and teen pregnancy that need to air)), and having the sophomore series anchor Wednesday night, in one of the busiest time-slots on the air. Brilliant!
  
  In the past, ABC held fairly high regard in my book (to the extent that regard for demonic TV networks is possible). But, given the handling of PD (and all the other returning sophomore series), my faith is shaken. When crap like Private Practice is allowed to live, but, well, any other show on the network gets the axe, it's hard to put any stock in ABC anymore.
  
  To be fair, this season of Pushing Daisies started off slow, and after such a long hiatus, some of the magic had worn off, even for stalwart fans such as myself. The creative team behind the show is still strong, but several directional decisions have made the show shine a little less brightly for me. Which, oddly, comes as a result of the show being a bit less dark and snarky... The sugar always had an edge that made me smile and the edge seems to have ebbed a bit... (On another note, is the background music driving anyone else crazy? It's too loud and for a show with this kind of intricate dialogue, you really can't afford to miss a single sentence. The background music in the first season was perfect, but this season it's distracting and kind of obnoxious...) In spite of the difficulty I've had getting back into full-swing, the past couple of episodes have really set things into motion and I'm beyond bummed that it won't be continuing. In spite of fears that the base concept for the show was unsustainable over time, the writers have done well to keep it going and I was always intrigued to see how they'd handle the concept's limitations in the future. Now it seems we may never know how it all plays out...
  
  Bottom Line: Although ABC won't man-up and admit that it's been "canceled," it has. The actors have been released from their contracts and production has stopped. The 13 initial episodes that were ordered by the network have been completed and as far as I have found, the remaining 6 episodes will air as usual. Bryan Fuller (the executive producer) and company did not film an alternate ending that could serve as a series finale, so the final episode will be just like any other episode, and will even end in a cliff-hanger. Everything that is up in the air will remain up in the air and loose ends will continue to be loose (you know, sleeping around and drinking and whatnot). I have heard rumor that Bryan Fuller plans to continue the story in the form of a comic book adaptation of the show, but not word yet on when that might come down the pike.
  
  I'm personally holding out hope that Ned could just touch the show (and Dirty Sexy Money) and let two others die in their places. You know, like Knight Rider and Private Practice... Just making suggestions...
  
  Farewell, show. You will be missed. Especially Olive.
  
  
• DIRTY SEXY MONEY: Another of my favorite shows that was screwed over by the writers' strike, the ABC network, and the retooling. Much the same as PD, this show was not relaunched properly and anyone who was jumping in for the first time would have a hell of a time getting caught up in it all. The show's writers made an active decision to make the show soapier, and as a result, the show was imbued with a very different tone and less successful results.
  
  The first season was surprisingly awesome. When it premiered last fall, I hadn't the faintest notion that I would enjoy it, and never dreamed it would find itself in my top tier. But, I was very pleasantly proven wrong (that's one of the perks of being a pessimist... you're always either proven right, or delighted to be wrong). The show was a hell of a lot of fun, but also had solid writing, excellent acting, and an emotional core that had viewers completely enamored. The current season, heralded as soapier, dirtier, sexier, and, uh, money-er, is still a delight, but in a very different, and less successful way. For what it is, I still totally enjoy it and will miss it when it's gone, but I'm not as invested as I once was and miss the tone and timing of last season. Juliet's untimely exit (thanks a lot, Samaire Armstrong--I hope rehab has been fun), some of the interpersonal dynamic was lost, and additions like Lucy Liu have far from filled the void. In spite of its newfound shortcomings, I sitll love the show. I know I love the show because the time goes by so quickly. I'm always suprised when it's time for another commercial break and can hardly believe the show is actually an hour long. The time just flies by, and unlike so many of my shows this season, has never felt like a chore to watch.
  
  Bottom Line: This is the only show of the trio that the network did not immediately let the actors out of their contracts. From what I've heard, production will continue through episode 13 (as planned), and if some sort of ratings miracle happens, ABC would still have the option to pick the show back up. I have little hope that this will happen, but it is a distinction. There are 7 episodes that have yet to air, and from what I've heard, they will all broadcast as usual.
  
  I'm going to miss the Darlings and company. Brian, Karen, and Jeremy, I'll miss you most of all.
  
  
• ELI STONE: Was also not picked up. I gave this one a shot last year, but it couldn't hold my attention. From what I hear of this season, the visions and the musical numbers have been majorly toned down and made more infrequent. As I recall, those were the only reasons anyone watched the show...
  
  There is no bottom line on this one. I enjoy Johnny Lee Miller and Spydaddy Jack Bristow as much as anyone, but this show really won't be missed.

These three cancellations are unfortunate (yes, even Eli Stone) for more reasons than my viewing schedule woes. They signal the problems with tracking viewers via the Neilsen's ratings system and the slow death of any show that isn't a nitty-gritty crime procedural on CBS. I understand that ABC didn't feel they could keep them, what with the low ratings and rather high production costs, but it still hurts, and I still blame ABC to the fullest. ABC and the economy. And the Bush administration... I'm not sure why, but it makes me feel better.

In other canceled news:

• Lipstick Jungle
• My Own Worst Enemy
  
• MADtv

In happier, they've been picked up news:

• Life
• Life on Mars (has been picked up for 4 more episodes, bringing the total to 17)
• Sanctuary
• Privileged (picked up for a total of 18)
• Oh, and Scrubs is coming back. It'll start airing on ABC starting January 6. Same cast, new episodes. Enjoy.

The other reason for a lot of these shows being canned is that, due to the writers' strike, very few new series premiered in the fall, so a whole lot of shows will be premiering for the mid-season. I'll begin compiling a list of things to come and let you know.

Is Pushing Daisies pushing up daisies?

I've been receiving more than a few concerned questions about the fate of Pushing Daisies. As many of you are aware, the ratings have been pretty disappointing thus far. I have posited my theories about whether or not it's times to worry, but I will let TV Guide's Matt Roush take the reins on this one. Matt Roush is one of my favorite columnists, so I would definitely recommend checking out his column at the link above.

QUESTION: I'm devastated, but not necessarily surprised, by the early ratings for Pushing Daisies. I thought it was risky of ABC to leave a show this fragile and unique off the air for so long and expect viewers to flock to its return. When I saw the ratings for Chuck, I knew that Pushing Daisies would get similar ratings because of their similar programming history. My question is three-fold. ABC promised a splashy "re-launch" for their Wednesday shows, but other than the normal promotion that goes into their fall marketing campaigns, I saw nothing overly unusual about how they promoted these shows. Yes, there were ads during ABC's higher-rated shows, but there were ads for everything else, too. Second, why didn't they release the Season 1 DVD sooner than a week prior to Season 2's premiere? Does the network have a say in when the DVD is released? Even if it was by a month, it would have allowed more viewers to see the show, especially those using Netflix (which is becoming an increasingly influential avenue to view television shows on DVD for those that don't want to shell out the cash to purchase them). Third, I know the networks have been shying away from programming low-rated repeats in the summer, but would nine repeat episodes of Pushing Daisies really have been that much lower than ratings disasters like High School Musical: Get in the Picture? Even if it would have added a million viewers to the Season 2 premiere, it could have been worth it. It's sad that something this unique, this creative and this original just can't "click" with a general public that would rather wallow in dreck like Criminal Minds, but my hope is that the demos are decent enough that it will make it through at least 12 episodes and give us fans a proper, affectionate sign-off. — Andrew M.

MATT ROUSH: Let's not suggest the show be pushing up daisies just yet, though the opening numbers were dismaying. I can only hope ABC won't let this delightful show go down without a fight (the same argument I've been adopting lately for Fox's struggling Terminator series). But I agree the out-of-sight, out-of-mind argument has been devastating for this show in particular. Couldn't ABC have even struck a deal with its cable offshoot ABC Family to rerun the show between seasons, even in a marathon format? (Complicating matters, possibly, is the fact that the show is produced by Warner Bros., not Disney.) Can't really comment on DVD timing issues — not my specialty — but there's a school of thought that releasing the DVD set shortly before premiere is a good promotional tool, though I agree with you that having it available earlier might have whetted the appetite. But regardless of what did or didn't happen to promote the show, the reality is that Pushing Daisies is an almost overwhelmingly distinctive show that isn't going to be to everyone's tastes. (In other words, the opposite of mainstream, which is why it's likely to struggle in a world where CBS crime dramas dominate on nearly every night.) Given its early time period, where it's being asked to jump-start a night of relatively new programming — new in the sense these shows have been off the air for nine months — Daisies is a risk, and ABC knows it. The network also knows it's a very special property, and if the Emmy attention Daisies got matters at all (I hope it does; why else do those awards matter?), then let's hope the network will be patient until after the political and baseball seasons wrap up and we get a true lay of the prime-time landscape.

QUESTION: I was thrilled to watch last Wednesday's premiere of Pushing Daisies. It encompassed everything I love so much about the show: the beautiful writing, the witty wordplay, the colorful characters, sets and plotlines, the wonderful twists and brilliant invention. But the next day, I was quite upset and disturbed to hear about how low its ratings were. I know that practically all the new shows with strike-shortened seasons last year have been experiencing ratings drops, and I was wondering whether there's any need to be concerned yet about any of these shows' futures (Pushing Daisies and Chuck, in particular). Or, do you think the networks will have taken this viewership drop-off into account as an effect of the long hiatuses these new shows have had and give them further leeway, for a time at least. — Robert

MATT ROUSH: Leeway is the word. As most already know, Chuck was given a full-season order even before the show returned — a blessing given the disappointing numbers it has posted so far this season. This was a creative decision, one I applaud, that acknowledges the quality of the show regardless of how it will perform in one of the week's most difficult and overcrowded time periods. Pushing Daisies is in a similar situation, airing at an early time (albeit against generally weaker competition) and with the handicap of being both offbeat and off the air for too long. Despite what you might think, the network heads aren't dummies and they understand the challenges. Which doesn't mean they're not disappointed in how the sophomore class is currently underperforming, but it's early days still, and it's not like they have a lot of back-up options right now.

TV Roundup--The "Can't WAIT!" Edition

While many aspects of the fall TV season have been a bit disappointing, there's still a hell of a lot to look forward to. While some shows have sunk down to my second tier, others have risen to the top.

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 make 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 embittered 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 know 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. :)

Anyway, if you're looking to supplement your current slate of shows, I would highly recommend any of these shows... or, if you're anywhere near as pathetic as I am, all three. Well, actually four. I was going to put Dirty Sexy Money on the list, because, well, it's awesome, but I'm sick of typing. You'll just have to take my word for it--that word being "awesome," of course...