Seventeen years in the past, Pushing Daisies premiered its “Pie-lette” episode, fascinating viewers like me with its humorous and romantic, but additionally melancholy and morbid, tone. Described by The Washington Post as “a forensic fairytale,” Pushing Daisies broke a viewership report beforehand set by the favored collection Misplaced. Regardless of the fan base and the approval of tv critics, the collection unexpectedly ended after solely two seasons — partly as a result of 2008 Writers’ Strike.
I am rewatching the collection, subsequently reigniting my love for its genre-bending parts, charmingly eccentric characters, and, most of all, its protagonist, performed by Lee Tempo. (Increase your hand when you, too, have a crush on Ned “The Piemaker.” Swoon!) In doing so, I am reminded of all of the lingering questions followers nonetheless need resolved. Principally, we need to know: How does it finish for the collection’ endearing star-crossed lovers, Ned and his childhood crush, Charlotte “Chuck” Charles (Anna Friel)?
And yeah… I get it. What is the impetus for reviving a 17-year-old present a few piemaker who brings the useless again to life solely to resolve their murders?
For one, neither followers — nor the series’ lead actor — have forgotten about this present. In 2024, greater than ever, I need to escape to this colourful and magically macabre world created by Bryan Fuller. I need to see how the vivid and fascinating characters’ storylines pan out. I need extra longingful seems and kissing-through-Saran-wrap from the cute Ned and Chuck. And, c’mon, we want Ned’s golden retriever, Digby, again in our lives!
Recapping the “Pie-lette”
Within the first jiffy, we’re taken on an emotional rollercoaster that immediately connects us to the protagonist. We see Ned as a lonely baby who discovers he can carry the useless again to life after reviving Digby, who was hit by a truck. Quickly after, he does the identical for his mom, who unexpectedly dies of an aneurysm. Nonetheless, he learns the arduous approach that his reward has limitations, which results in the loss of life of his mom and Chuck’s father.
Although this can be a heartbreaking opener, the comforting narration by Jim Dale, the colourful colours, and the crux of the present — the connection between Ned and his childhood crush Chuck — all collectively present a way of hope that’s cathartic and irresistible to look at.
The episode cuts to the current; grownup Ned now runs a pie store and works with a personal investigator to resolve murders. The sarcastic, deadpanned P.I. Emerson Cod (Chi McBride) and the bubbly, love-struck coworker Olive Snook (Kristin Chenoweth) present comedic aid with fast one-liners. Olive relentlessly flirts with Ned, who is completely oblivious to her advances. Emerson introduces Ned to their present case, one that’s darkly humorous: a canine proprietor has died, and his pet chow named Cantaloupe is the primary suspect.
After absolving Cantaloupe, Ned is stunned to study that the newest homicide sufferer is none apart from the woman with whom he shared his first kiss: Chuck. In a subverted fairytale second, Ned awakes Chuck, who calls him her “Prince Charming.” Unable to say goodbye, Ned breaks his personal rule by refusing to the touch her a second time, which is able to preserve her alive as long as he does not ever contact her once more.
The episode continues with Chuck serving to Ned and Emerson resolve her personal homicide and save her reclusive aunts, Lily (Swoosie Kurtz) and Vivian (Ellen Greene), who turn out to be the assassin’s subsequent goal.
Loads occurs within the Pie-lette, however its highlights are undoubtedly the flirty banter between Chuck and Ned (the episode even ends by vicariously sharing a kiss by two monkey collectible figurines). The ultimate picture is of Ned and Chuck with Emerson at a morgue. Because the three of them discuss to the following homicide sufferer, Ned and Chuck stare longingly at one another. Ned holds his personal hand behind his again to fake he is holding hers, and Chuck does the identical. Be nonetheless, my coronary heart!
Lee Tempo On Pushing Daisies
As just lately as 2022, Lee Tempo was interviewed about his Pushing Daisies character, Ned. Though he is had many distinguished roles since — in The Hobbit trilogy and the Marvel cinematic universe — Ned “The Piemaker” is a task he seems again on fondly. Talking with Vulture, Tempo shared his love for the present’s quick-witted writing, the central romance (and subsequently his friendship with Friel), and the impeccable listing of proficient visitor stars.
He additionally shared how troublesome the present’s cancellation was and the way the solid and crew needed to scramble to wrap up massive storylines. Tempo described this premature conclusion as bittersweet: “It is form of the character of the present. It was nice that it existed. There is not any cause it ought to have, and on community TV at the moment, the truth that it existed in any respect is form of a miracle. It will’ve been attention-grabbing to see the place these characters go together with longevity.”
Prepared for a Revival
With such dynamic characters and storylines, there may be greater than sufficient content material for a continuation or remake of the collection. Many questions nonetheless linger within the minds of followers.
Will Olive find out about Ned’s reward? One Reddit user means that Olive might be instructed, or study by her personal deduction, about Ned’s Lazarus-like energy.
Will there be closure about the primary characters’ relationships with their family and friends? A user on X wants to hear more about Ned and Chuck’s dads’ storylines, in addition to a decision for aunts Lillian and Vivian. (And personally, I need extra scenes that includes their swimming act, “The Darling Mermaid Darlings.”)
How might queer storylines be established in a revived model of the collection? Interviewer Kathryn VanArendonk posed to Lee Tempo, mentioning that in a rewatch, she noticed queer elements throughout the series. Whereas these parts weren’t expressed overtly in 2007, they might be distinguished in a remake.
My largest query: Will Ned and Chuck ultimately get their fairytale ending? The Pie-lette confirmed essential levels of their life (and for Chuck, her loss of life and rebirth), and I need to know the way it all ends for them. I want that bookend end to their storyline.
Since I haven’t got any of those solutions, I will preserve studying fan theories, together with this hilarious, NSFW suggestion for Ned and Chuck’s “no-touching” dilemma. Or, this suggestion of a heart-wrenching ending that provides me The Pocket book vibes.
We do not care how lengthy it has been; we’re all able to spend extra time within the Pie Gap!
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