Pushing Daisies

I think I need a hug. The last episode of Pushing Daisies is about as solid a finale as possible, considering that nobody knew it was a finale at the time. It has a story that brings most of the major characters together and a massive reveal at the end — and even the last-minute bit of closure seemed to fit. "For endings, as it is known, are where we begin," we'll chat about this episode when you read more

Goodbye, fair pie-maker. Goodbye, alive again girl named Chuck. Goodbye, snarky, shady PI and singing itty-bitty waitress. Tonight's the night that Pushing Daisies comes to a close.

It's still a bummer that ABC let this whimsical gem of a show go — but in all honesty, I can't say I'm surprised. From the beginning, it seemed like the kind of show that was going to break my heart, destined for critical acclaim, a niche audience, and premature cancellation. In fact, looking back, the true miracle seems to be that we got two seasons out of it at all, even if they were both shortened (one by the writers' strike and one by ABC's axe).

Tonight's episode, "Kerplunk," wasn't filmed as a finale and doesn't feel like one, but it does have plenty of satisfying moments, especially where the aunts are concerned: They become a central part of the episode's investigation when one of their former swimming rivals goes down at the hands of a shark during a performance. And with a comic book on the way, I'm just glad we'll be able to see more of Ned, Chuck, Emerson, and Olive in any form.

Will you be watching tonight? For a preview of what's to come, just read more

This week's episode of Pushing Daisies — well, really the whole series, but this episode in particular — is about the silly things we do for love. In this installment, it's level-headed, eye-rolling Emerson who falls head over heels into stupidity when a case leads him to his daughter's mother. Olive, meanwhile, makes some questionable relationship decisions of her own about how to proceed with Randy Mann. To chat about this episode, read more

Welcome back, Pushing Daisies fans! It's been a long time since this beloved show went off the air, and while it's sad that the final episodes are airing in what may be the worst time slot on television, I'm just relieved that they're airing at all.

This episode picks up with Ned holding fast to his promise from the last episode to stop using his powers — not for good, not for evil, not even to un-rot the fruit for his pies. But can he hold out when there's a whole world in need of his powers? Meanwhile, we get a glimpse of young Olive and her daddy issues (go figure), and that helps to bring the Chuck-Olive-Ned love triangle to some delightfully awkward new heights. Ready to chat about it? Just read more

The TV landscape has looked a little less colorful since December. A little less whimsical. A little less fun. That's because Pushing Daisies last aired Dec. 17, and it's been a drab, pie-less world since then.

But! At long last, Daisies returns tonight with the first of its final three episodes. Yes, writing "final three episodes" still breaks my heart a little, but I'm just glad we'll get to see the conclusion of this lovely show on television at all.

When we left off, Ned's father issues were about to get a lot more complicated, as it seemed his dad had started hanging around the Pie Hole. And last we heard, he'd sworn off using his powers — whether for good or for evil. So I'm curious to see where things pick up tonight with "Window Dressed to Kill," which finds Chuck getting recruited onto Emerson's crime-busting team. Also, there's singing from Kristin Chenoweth, which is always a delight, and while this scene with her song may be a bit spoilery, it just made me all the more excited to watch tonight. Tell me: Are you coming back to see how Daisies wraps up?

Photo copyright 2009 ABC, Inc.

Could we finally get to see the end of Pushing Daisies on TV after all? When ABC canceled the show in November, it left three episodes unscheduled — and until now, it seemed we'd either have to wait till July for the DVD or book a flight to LA for the Paley Festival this month to see them. But now there's a report that ABC will air the final three episodes on Saturday nights starting May 30.

ABC hasn't confirmed the report just yet, but the schedule is supposed to be announced this week. And it would make some sense, as it would allow ABC to air the episodes — as Saturday night filler, granted, but still! — before the DVD hits stores.

My fingers are crossed that this news is true. Daisies might not have had a huge audience, but its following is awfully loyal. ABC's left us hanging for a while on this one (can you believe the most recent episode aired in December?), but I hope they let Daisies finish out its run on TV. And besides, if that goes well, wouldn't it be great to get to see the rest of Dirty Sexy Money and Eli Stone, too? OK, now my hopes are probably too high. But anyway, what are your thoughts on Daisies potentially wrapping up on Saturdays?

Photo copyright 2009 ABC, Inc.

• Some hints/spoilers about the end of Pushing Daisies. — Give Me My Remote
• The outtakes of Ricky Gervais's appearance on Sesame Street are tickling us, Elmo. — Popwatch
• Huh. Apparently the Pinocchio special anniversary DVD is pretty fantastic. — Cinematical
• 10 memorable TV cameos by pop stars. — TV.com
• Check out a brand-new scene from Monsters vs. Aliens. — MTV Movies Blog
• Check out some Kill Bill-inspired home decor. — CasaSugar
• Here's a sneak peek from the Hold Steady's forthcoming live album/DVD combo. — Stereogum
• Try a few of these recession tips that some celebrity chefs recently shared with Oprah. — YumSugar
• Here's a way to watch SXSW movies without being in Austin. — Pop Candy

Photo copyright 2009 ABC, Inc.

What do The Hills, Fringe, and The Mentalist have in common? They've all been honored with spots at this year's Paley Television Festival in Los Angeles.

This year's lineup for the festival seems like an especially eclectic group of shows — there's reality, there's online (Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog), there's drama (Big Love), and there's even something we haven't seen yet: On April 19, the festival will screen the final three as-yet-unaired episodes of Pushing Daisies.

One thing missing from this year's lineup is any tribute to a classic or cult TV show, like last year's Buffy the Vampire Slayer reunion. I suppose it's possible that some of the original Beverly Hills 90210 cast members will show up for the 90210 event, but the focus definitely seems to be on the new class.

The festival runs from April 10-23 in Los Angeles. Would any of these shows get you to go? To see the full lineup, just read more