UnDead, and Loving It.

My idea of heaven this evening was curling up on my couch with a cup of chai tea, a chocolate chip cookie (or two) and watching the DVD's of one of my favorite new programs, Pushing Daisies. It's the brain child of one of my favorite television writers Bryan Fuller who is also responsible for the short lived and also fantastic "Wonderfalls" as well as the original idea for "Dead Like Me." Oh, he also wrote my favorite episode of Heroes to date, "Company Man."

Anyway, Pushing Daisies follows Ned (Lee Pace) , the pie maker with the unusual gift to bring people back from the dead with his touch, and his childhood love, Charlotte "Chuck" Charles (the lovely Anna Friel) , who he's recently brought back to life. The gift is not without its consequence however as one more touch from Ned and she would be dead again. Forever. Wackyness ensues.

One of the best parts of the show is the use of popular songs incorporated as musical numbers performed by the incredibly talented cast. Broadway darling Kristin Chenoweth and Little Shop of Horrors' marvelous Ellen Greene have both contributed wonderfully whimsical numbers much to my delight. But then, how could you have either of those two on a show and not showcase their beautiful voices? I've ripped the songs from the video and the quality is pretty decent and I've also included the original tracks for reference, just in case you're one of the 3 people on the planet that needs it. Check out Season 1 online HERE and be sure to catch up by Weds, Oct 1st when season 2 begins. Enjoy.





In the 2nd episode we're treated to an impromptu ballad from Olive Snook (Kristin Chenoweth) as she pours her heart out over unrequited love for the pie maker. She belts "Hopelessly Devoted To You" in the pie shop as she closes up, stopping only when interrupted by passers by before returning to a grand finale of emotional unrest! Then she lets the the dog lick the tears from her face. Kristin Chenoweth is awesome.




Hopelessly Devoted to You - Olivia Newton-John (YSI)

Hopelessly Devoted to You - Kristin Chenoweth (YSI)


Afraid the shock would be too great, Chuck has yet to reveal to her aunts Lilly (Swoosie Kurts) and Vivian (Ellen Greene) that she has been brought back to life. Once stars of the synchronized swimming act The Darling Mermaid Darlings, they have not not been in the pool for years due to shared personality disorders and have not left the house since the death of their niece. One rainy day Vivian sits at the window musing about rejoining the outside world and begins to sing a somber if hopeful rendition of Cat Stevens' "Morning Has Broken." The title line takes on a beautiful metaphor as she finally breaks free of the mourning that has weighed her down for so long now. It makes my heart smile.




Morning Has Broken - Cat Stevens (YSI)

Morning Has Broken - Ellen Greene (YSI)


Also I came across this the other day, Kristin Chenoweth hosting an intervention for a crystal meth addict. In song.

See more Kristin Chenoweth videos at Funny or Die