Pushing Daisies

Pushing Daisies was an original and quirky fantasy mystery series crafted by Bryan Fuller and aired on ABC from 2007 to 2009. The show highlighted a blend of romance, black comedy, crime procedural, and supernatural themes. The show's vibrant color palette, eccentric character development, and elaborate story plots created a storyline as mesmerizing as its visuals. The protagonist, Ned, portrayed by Lee Pace, had the power to resurrect people with his touch, a gift he discovered as a child when he brought back his Golden Retriever from death. Using his abilities, he embarks on solving murder mysteries, and in the process, resuscitates his childhood love, portrayed by Anna Friel, leading to a complicated romantic situation as any further touch would render her dead forever.

Chi McBride plays Emerson Cod, a private investigator who becomes Ned's partner. He discovers Ned’s secret ability and proposes to use it to solve murder cases and collect the rewards. Ellen Greene and Swoosie Kurtz played an endearing pair of eccentric aunts of Anna's character, while Kristin Chenoweth portrayed Ned's co-worker and unrequited lover, Olive. The unique and diverse persona of each character added an undeniable charm to the show.

Also, the series benefits from an outstanding ensemble cast that includes notable names like Paul Reubens, Peter Cambor, Sammi Hanratty, and many others. These talented stars took on a variety of roles, adding richness and depth to the narrative. Characters ranged from surprising villains to unexpected heroes, each with unique quirks and eccentricities that lend the show a distinct sense of humor.

The series had its own special charm, combining an unconventional and heartwarming love story with elements of forensic science detective work, all against a backdrop of delightfully whimsical settings. The bright and pop-art-themed visuals underlined the fantastical elements of the narrative, enhancing the suspension of disbelief for viewers.

Though grounded in an urban landscape, the visual aesthetics of Pushing Daisies often feels plucked from the pages of a fairy-tale book. The quirky art direction and set design create a place that’s not quite reality, not exactly fantasy, but somewhere creative and magical in-between. The series also highlighted the pie shop owned by the protagonist, where he bakes pies with fruits that he revives, adding another interesting dimension to the narrative.

One of the show's most noteworthy facets was its narration by Jim Dale, whose voice led the viewers through the unraveling mysteries of the story. His rich voice acting served as the perfect guide for viewers as they navigated through the intricate fantasy environment that the show embodied.

Sadly, Pushing Daisies was canceled after only two seasons due to low ratings, despite enthusiastic critical response and a dedicated fanbase. The series, however, garnered numerous nominations and awards, including seven Emmy Awards, for its unique storytelling style, memorable characters, and impressive visual aesthetics. It featured creators and writers from famed series such as ‘Dead Like Me’ and ‘Hannibal,’ it holds iconic status among lovers of the genres it adeptly blended: mystery, fantasy, comedy, and romance.

Pushing Daisies' distinct narrative style, combined with its stunning visuals and the strong performances from its ensemble cast, made it quite a standout. Its unresolved cliffhangers at the end of the second season have left fans eager for more. For the viewers who favor an endearing love-story combined with an unusual plot unfolding in a surreal world, Pushing Daisies remains a show not to be missed.