Even though "Pushing Daisies" has officially passed away for a month now, I will just say that I will NEVER stop talking about this show. I will occasionally-oh, who am I kidding?-I will frequently talk about a special moment in 'Daisies' history or revisiting an old episode and discovering for the first time a witty line or a hidden look of longing between the characters. Don't worry, I won't blab on and on about the series (at least, I will try to restrain myself), but I will place a line in other blog entries. For this entry, I will share favorite moments that transpired over the series, and soon I will post and share my goodbye letter to a show I supported, championed, and ultimately, loved.
Favorite Final Ned/Chuck Scene: In Season 1's "Dummy," when Ned and Chuck held hands through a plastic glove and sat next to each other through a secure plastic divider wall. The dazzling smile from Chuck makes me smile. But it's the slow-developing grin of Ned (the one that starts off small but eventually overtakes his entire face) that makes my heart melt and my spirit soar. Gosh, just thinking about it makes me turn into a pile of mush and lament the fact that 'Daisies' is actually-gone.
Favorite Emerson Line: There are so many, it's impossible to list all! But some of my top favorites include: "That idea just made a stupid idea feel better about itself," "Shut the A Capella up!" "I'm about to dose the both of y'all with a scoop of shut-the-fudge up," "[imitating Chuck] Hello evening news! I'm Lonely Tourist Charlotte Charles. I just crawled out of my grave, and here's how. Hee-hee."
Favorite Character(s): My favorite characters by a mere thread probably are the aunts-they are certainly the most underrated. As for the placements of the others-I can't decide! They are all so brilliant!
Favorite Episode: Probably the "Pie-lette". But any episode of 'Daisies' is great. I especially enjoy the two other Fuller-penned episodes, "The Fun in Funeral" and "Bzzzz!" For Season 1, I loved "Pigeon" and "Smell of Success" besides the pie-lette and in Season 2, I loved "Frescorts," "Dim Sum Lose Some," and "The Legend of Merle McQuoddy."
Favorite On-Screen Duo (not couple): Besides Ned and Chuck, I loved Olive and Emerson together in "Merle McQuoddy," and Chuck and Emerson were an equally great pair in "Window Dressed to Kill," my personal favorite episode of the last three aired from May 30.
Favorite Guest Star: Diana Scarwid as Mother Superior who was an instrumental part of the first three episodes of Season 2 (especially in "Bad Habits") and made a brief appearance in "Window Dressed". The experience character actress was hilarious as the deadpan nun and stole her scenes with formidable scene-stealers like Kristin Chenoweth and Chi McBride. My only quibble? That at one point during her brief visit, that Ned did not call her "Mother" (a reference to Jaye Tyler fans out there).
Favorite 'Daisies' Locale: As we all know, a trippy yet entertaining location for a murder is practically embedded into the 'Daisies' formula. Although I absolutely loved the richly textured department store and Chinese restaurant (both with creative twists), my favorite set to date is without a doubt that of the bee factor in Season 2's entertaining opener. Besides the dialogue (which took advantage of any bee-related words/synonyms such as "hive," "buzzing," "honey," etc.), the set and costumes all were in honey-hued colors of orange, yellow, and brown as well as designed in geometric shapes and polygons resembling those of a beehive. The design was a perfect introduction to an amazing season, packing in the stunning art direction we had loved so dearly.
Favorite 'Daisies' Murder: Easily the death by scratch-n-sniff from "Smell of Success" was my favorite-and the most creative, too. Also: "Bitter Sweets" had the death by doll strangulation, which was both satirical and creepy. Now really, are you going to see THAT on CSI? I didn't think so.
Is there anything I would've liked to see? Of course, the possibilities for other episodes/storylines for 'Daisies' are endless. After all, a show like this can pretty much do whatever it wanted because of its quirky nature. For guest stars I would've DIED to see, definitely the quirky and appealing Zooey Deschanel and a wink-wink appearance by Caroline Dhavernas would've been most welcome. Peter O'Toole would have been superb to see as well (he might have given Jim Dale a run for his money in the theatre voice/narration department!). As for storylines-I would liked to have seen a few more references to classic movies...perhaps a "Casablanca"-like episode in which Ned/Rick, now the proud owner of his own restaurant (in this case, The Pie Hole) meets the girl of his dreams who left him years ago Chuck/Ilsa (which, of course, fits into the 'Daisies' universe-remember when Ned and Chuck were separated as preteens?). And Emerson playing 'As Time Goes By' at the piano would've been a hysterical sight to see. Besides that, an "Arsenic and Old Lace"-based episode would have been too funny! Ned playing the Cary Grant role of Mortimer, Chuck portraying the Priscilla Lane role of Elaine, Emerson and Olive investigators, and of course Lily and Vivian playing the crazy aunts. (If you wanted to get even more in depth, you could have Ned's half-brothers playing "Teddy Roosevelt" and Jonathan.) I would have loved an homage to Agatha Christie parlor murder mysteries as well. As for side plots, a distinguished food critic could have made a visit to the Pie Hole, causing some stress for the Pie Maker. Obviously, there are so many more "could have been" options to explore, including the plots mentioned in the finale-Emerson's reuniting with his daughter, Olive and Randy have happily ever after and she opens up her macaroni and cheese business, and the aunts know that Chuck is alive-spreading the door wide open for Ned, Chuck and the aunt's happy ending.
Perfect Soundtrack: Wow, I would have loved Fiona Apple to have written and sung a song for 'Daisies'-she's a fantastic musician, singer, and lyricist, and her style is definitely offbeat and quirky, perfect for the series. Regina Spektor's quirky style would fit just as well.
That's a list of my favorite moments during the show. I will add my final goodbye letter to 'Daisies' in a few days. Thanks for reading, and leave thoughts you have on the show as a whole and/or the finale itself. Personally, I loved it. It honestly was as perfect as a finale could be-the ending was what 'Daisies' was: beautifully enchanting, delightful, and mesmerizing.
