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« Roush Dispatch
Daisies' Dog, Phenomenon, Virtual CSI: NY
Lee Pace in Pushing Daisies by Scott Garfield/ABC
I now have a new favorite TV character this season, and it’s of the four-legged variety. Of course I’m talking about Digby, the stalwart and silent and absolutely gorgeous canine companion of Pushing Daisies’ life-affirming hero, Ned. This golden retriever was the first dead object (run down on a highway) to be revived by Ned as a child, and their attachment was one of the first and most persistent nitpicky complaints I fielded from the show’s naysayers. "How could Ned and Digby not have touched at least once over the years?" they wondered. A little boy and a faithful dog, how is it possible they restrained themselves from the heavy petting that comes so naturally in youth? My answer (beyond the obvious explanation that Pushing Daisies is a fantasy and we should just sit back and respect the rules we’ve been presented): Digby understands what’s going on. He knows that to be touched by Ned is to be sent to doggie heaven. He doesn’t need to be told. (Would that some viewers were so accepting.)
And indeed, this fact was demonstrated in the opening of Wednesday’s wonderful episode, as we flash back to Digby’s own incredible journey (including a Lassie moment of pulling a fire alarm) to be reunited with little-boy Ned, and when they meet again in a rapturous moment, they stop short of touching. Which is, of course, the tragedy of Ned’s strange and once-lonely life, with his beloved dog as well as with his beloved Chuck (and the whole issue of touching became a theme throughout the episode). Oh, the places Daisies takes us to, which this week includes a world where people live in windmills and communicate with imprisoned soul mates through carrier pigeons, where people keep beehives on rooftops and waltz in beekeeper suits. I never know where Pushing Daisies is going to take me, but I can’t wait for the next ride. How glad am I that ABC has given the show an early full-season pickup, with many more to follow, let’s hope.
On an unhappier note, when Daisies was over, I checked out NBC’s tacky new reality contest Phenomenon, an eye-glazing spectacle of parlor tricks, mind games and daredevil stunts (sticking a hand in a bear trap, and playing Russian roulette with nail guns) that had me wondering only one thing: How did Geraldo Rivera not get tapped to host this wretched thing? The insipid celebrity guests (Carmen Electra, Rachel Hunter and the biggest girl of all, The Tonight Show's shrill and giggly Ross Matthews) weren't enjoyable enough even to be laughable. The judges, in search of what they call "the next great mentalist," added exactly zero except perhaps inadvertent comic relief, as the ridiculously intense Uri Geller gushed over most of the acts and the unaccountably smug Criss Angel took a harsher view of the contestants’ showmanship or (usually) lack thereof. Phenomenon comes with a Jackass-style warning to “not attempt this at any time.” I would add this consumer advisory: “Watching Phenomenon could be hazardous to your mental health.” If you’re seeking true magic, stick to Pushing Daisies.
Sticking with the theme of the fantastic, I was intrigued enough by all the hype over CSI: NY’s detour into the virtual world of Second Life game-playing to check out Wednesday’s episode — the first time I’d watched the show since I can’t remember when. It was a clever premise, the animation looked great, and I was impressed that the bad guy got away (an assassin masquerading as a popular avatar). Is this elusive villain going to be CSI: NY’s version of the original CSI's “miniature killer” last season? I’m not sure that’s enough of a hook to keep me watching. What the Second Life sequences mainly did was remind me how lifeless this show’s flesh-and-blood ensemble generally is. As far as the CSI franchise is concerned, I’m staying put in Vegas.
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Oct 25, 2007 9:12 AM
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I thoroughly enjoyed the CSI:NY "Down the Rabbitt Hole" episode. It was very cleverly done, and was just gory enough for me. Aside from that, what a fasinating premise. It introduced me and probably others into a world I never knew exist. I'll gladly take your seat Matt for next week's show. 
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Oct 25, 2007 11:23 AM
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I am totally and completely in love with Pushing Daisies.
I adore Digby and love the way they addressed where Digby was when Ned was in school. Digby's mission was fabulous. And I LOVE that Digby understands why Ned can't pet him.
And that was just the wonderful start to an awesome episode!
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Oct 25, 2007 11:47 AM
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I really enjoyed CSI NY last night, but then I enjoy most of the characters. Danny is such a wiseass. I'm glad you enjoyed the epi Matt.
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Oct 25, 2007 11:56 AM
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Matt watched CSI:NY?! I'm shocked.  I don't agree with your take on the cast ([CSI:NY is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me, but the cast is the part that usually makes it pleasurable, unlike whatever has become of CSI:Miami. Of course, it is hard to let a cast grow on you when you only watch an episode once a season...), but I wasn't really looking forward to this "virtual" episode (SVU already did one this season, and it isn't a topic I have much interest in). I was very pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed the episode. To answer your question if this is a season-long mystery I believe it is more of a two-parter with the other episode coming later in the season (possibly a sweeps period?). CSI:NY is already dealing with an ongoing mystery, the 333 stalker who called Mac in the first few minutes of the episode, but I believe that story might be wrapped up during this sweeps period.
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Oct 25, 2007 12:03 PM
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I agree... Digby is almost as important to the show as his human counterparts. When I first heard about PD, I loved the concept, but was skeptical. He loves her, but can't ever touch her? I thought that would get old really fast. But already, they have kissed (through plastic wrap) and danced. This makes it even more romantic. LOVE Daisies!
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Oct 25, 2007 4:59 PM
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I too love Digby - and PD. What a cheerful & bright show on Wednesday nights. Loved CSI:NY - and always do. Whas hoping for a CSI-Q last night, but guess that wouldn't really work with the virtual reality of last night's episode. Very neat visuals. Sorry you're not a fan, but I agree with you about CSI:Miami - can't get past DC. But my all time fav is the original.
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Oct 25, 2007 5:36 PM
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I can't find anything I like about Dasies, especially seeing dead people when I am having dinner. The idea makes me throw up!!
Touching dead peope to bring them back and touch them second time to make them permanently dead--What a stupid concept!!!
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Oct 25, 2007 5:38 PM
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CSI:NY is one of my favorite shows, and I get a little annoyed that critics continually dis and dismiss it like this. That said, I do recognize that while I really like the cast and enjoy the plots, the show is missing a unity and an intangible quality that the original (Vegas) CSI has. Small moments and occasional scenes that are intended to illustrate character are too obvious on CSI:NY; something about the way the original show weaves character development seamlessly into the weekly plots effortlessly makes it seem as if we're getting an extra half-hour of material each week. NY tries to do it but is fairly clumsy.
CSI:Miami, on the other hand, doesn't even try. They seem to be concentrating almost entirely on visuals.
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Oct 25, 2007 6:08 PM
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Digby is indeed a wonder dog. I love him. Digby needs an emmy!
I also thrilled last night to the They Might Be Giants reference and song...and then how it tied back to the windmills, given the movie from which TMBG got their band name. This show is multiple levels of brilliance and warms my heart every week. I could not be happier that they're getting a full season.
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Oct 25, 2007 7:30 PM
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"He doesn’t need to be told. (Would that some viewers were so accepting.)"
AMEN! Well said Matt. I'm on board with your PD love (and specifically with Digby too. Him opening the door for Olive... aww).
I'm still smiling at the sweet brilliance.
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Oct 26, 2007 12:13 AM
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Who died so Digby could live? The guy that hit him? A grasshopper? And if Chuck or anybody else has been brought back, can they be accidentally offed by the one minute rule or are they exempt?
I love this show and I love the crazy questions it makes me ask. I couldn't believe our luck--people are actually falling for the same show I am. That hasn't happened since Ugly Betty. One of these days they'll catch on to 30 Rock. RIP Studio 60, Veronica Mars, Arrested Development
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Oct 26, 2007 2:27 AM
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scoobysnacks: In the pie-lette ( ), after Digby is revived you can see a squirrel falling from a tree, dead.
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Oct 26, 2007 11:31 AM
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I never really had a problem with Digby and Ned not touching. I knew there was a reason and I know the show is fantastical in nature. My only question was about Digby's youthful nature. Does he not age? He still acts like a puppy.
It seems like it would create an inherent problem with the whole Ned/Chuck dynamic...which don't get me wrong,I love right now; but it could grow to be icky in say...30-40 years.
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Oct 26, 2007 2:26 PM
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The narration had a brief line acknowledging Digby's unaltered state - about two weeks ago. I think if they show goes on long enough (I am very hopeful it will) they will address the issue. They can't do it all at once - especially when they are still building the myth.
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Oct 26, 2007 3:05 PM
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