What I'm Watching: Pushing Daisies

Pushing Daisies: Season 1, Episode 7 “Smell of Success” (B+)

It is very much like the impact of smell which fills this episode: I am a little unsure during the episode how I feel about everything that is happening, but I always seem to walk away smiling. I love the new friendship between Olive and Chuck, especially Olive’s statement that they are not good enough friends yet for Chuck to cry in front of her. I am also especially thrilled for Chi McBride, who after serious roles on shows like “Boston Public” and “The Nine” gets a tremendous chance to just have the time of his life as Emerson Cod. His fascination with knitting and pop-up books helps him go from being a throwaway character to an oddly likeable grumpy detective. I cannot help laughing at Ned’s shocked face which he uses at least twice after the smell guy traps Emerson and him between his doors. This show is just so inventive with the themes it explores and really cares through each and every episode. Guest stars are also usually extremely well without becoming overbearing. I did notice that the narrator started using the term “our heroes” which makes him a little less distant and omniscient than I would prefer him to be.