Pushing Daisies

No new Pushing Daisies episode tonight. But there is this interesting piece of news:

Television critic/guru Michael Ausiello of TV Guide provided the following scoop about our favorite show during a recent Q&A with fans:

If you thought Molly Shannon was as much a hoot as scheming (and possible killer) taffy merchant Dilly Balsam as I did, then you're in luck: I'm hearing there's a chance her role could become permanent. That is, if this strike ever ends!

What do you think Solid addition? Let us know now in the Pushing Daisies forum!

Remember: the next Pushing Daisies episode doesn't grace our screens until next Wednesday, December 12. It's also the final show planned this season, until the writers settle their strike.

Here's some good news, though: "Corpsicle" sounds as witty and entertaining as ever. Here's the official preview:

After a shocking turn of events, Ned tries to make peace with Chuck. Meanwhile, Emerson tries to get him to concentrate on their latest case: an man found frozen solid. Also, scent expert Oscar Vibenius (guest star Paul Reubens) returns, trying to figure out what's so different about Chuck and Digby.

Congratulations to Pushing Daisies for receiving three Satellite Award nominations. They were:

1. The series was for "Television Series, Comedy or Musical"
2. Anna Friel for "Actress in a Series, Comedy or Musical"
3. Lee Pace for "Actor in a Series, Comedy or Musical"

Pushing Daisies nicely rebounded from its series low 4.7 household rating last week.

Wednesday's great episode earned a 6.2 rating/9 share, according to Fast National ratings from Nielsen Media Research. Those figures were enough to give the show a second place finish in the 9 p.m. hour.

We enjoyed a different sort of Pushing Daisies episode this week, as the main crime the team had to solve was... Ned's.

We also enjoyed Molly Shannon in the role of Dilly, as well as a number of witty quotes and adorable moments, as well. All capped by a stunning admission.

Read through the full recap now and check out all the Pushing Daisies photos and quotes from the hour. Then, head over to our forum and talk about it with fellow fans. Enjoy - and thanks for reading!

Two important notes about tonight's Pushing Daisies episode:

1. Molly Shannon guest stars.
2. The episode begins at 9 p.m.

We'll post a full recap following the show, but you can talk about it now in our Pushing Daisies forum. Enjoy!

Here's the official summary for this week's new Pushing Daisies episode:

A vindictive taffy shop owner (guest star Molly Shannon as Dilly Balsam) sets up shop down the street from The Pie Hole, determined to drive Ned out of business by any means necessary.

A major topic of debate in our forum has been the floundering Pushing Daisies ratings. Has the show's uniqueness worn off? Or is this just a sign of general television malaise?

Consider this week's figures and statements from Mediaweek:

"There was nothing overly positive of note in the Wednesday 8 p.m. hour, with ABC's critically acclaimed Pushing Daisies leading at a below-average 8.88 million viewers and a 3.1 rating/9 share among adults 18-49."

Not a terrible showing. But what do you think: Does Pushing Daisies have staying power?

Here are highlights from an interview Lee Pace and Anna Friel gave USA Today about their characters on Pushing Daisies:

Q: From your banter, you seem to get along great. Could you engage in this romantic pairing if you didn't?
Pace: I don't know if you could get the specific thing that Chuck and Ned have if you didn't like each other as much as we do.
Friel: I'd be surprised. I've seen really great love stories and then heard through the grapevine that they actually despised each other. I don't think I could do that, if you're working 16-17 hours a day, five days a week. … I see more of Lee than I do my daughter (2-year-old Gracie), my partner (actor David Thewlis) and my family.

Q: What do you think of the central conceit — one touch, life; second touch, death?
Pace: It's sensible for Chuck to move as far away from Ned as possible. They shouldn't be in the same room together. But they can't live without each other.

Q: To avoid contact, pie-maker Ned and Chuck have touched through beekeeper suits, plastic casings, rubber gloves and kitchen wrap. How does it feel to kiss through plastic?
Friel: It's so hot. I highly recommend it. One of the most sexual experiences of my life (she says, laughing). The same with the plastic sacks in the car. That was thicker. Each time we do it, the plastic is getting thinner and thinner. We started with industrial strength and now it's going to super fine.

To read the full interview, click here.

With a special guest star and as many witty, intelligent quotes as ever, this Pushing Daisies episode smelled - and looked and sounded - like a winner from the start.

Read through our recap of "Smell of Success" right now and let us know what you thought of it.

Also, visit our Pushing Daisies forum and talk about the series with other fans. We'll meet you there!