Snooked on “Pushing Daisies”

“Wouldn’t it rock and roll is liking someone meant that they had to like you back? Of course, that would be a different universe and something else would probably suck.”–Olive Snook, “Pushing Daisies” (portrayed by Kristin Chenoweth)

“Pushing Daisies” is undoubtedly one of the strangest shows on television these days. And I’ve got to admit; I love it! It’s quirky and funny and different than the normal crime dramas inundating the air waves. The premise of the show is this–Ned the Pie Maker has a special gift. He can bring the dead back to life. However, if he brings the dead back for more than a minute, they will continue to stay alive meaning someone else’s life will be extinguished.

Not only does Ned work with a investigator named Emerson Cod to solve murders (which is easy because Ned only has to bring the murder victim to life and ask who murdered him or her. Although sometimes it can be a bit more complicated), he also makes pies at his eatery called “The Pie Hole”. His single employee is a charming little blond named Olive Snook whose heart beats only for Ned, who is emotionally distant from women since the death of his mother at an early age.

Enter Charlotte Charles a.k.a Chuck, Ned’s childhood sweetheart, who Chuck brings back to life to find out who murdered her. Unable to touch her again to send her back to her grave, Chuck remains alive, but unable to touch Ned or she will die. Ned and Chuck have established themselves as boyfriend and girlfriend, but there relationship is complicated by the fact they can’t hold hands, kiss, or any of the other things that normal couples do. Olive Snook still holds out hope that one day Ned will see the folly of his relationship with Chuck, and fall hopelessly in love with her.

I’ve always had a fondness for quirky characters, especially those who are victims of unrequited love. Olive Snook (Kristin Chenoweth) is no exception. She is saucy, outrageous, and behind it all has a tender heart. While Olive often wears low-cut dresses and flirts with Ned incessantly, there’s something absolutely lovable about her. Even as she makes plans to ruin Ned and Chuck’s relationship, she can’t seem to bring herself to actually put her plans into action. She can only go so far because in her heart she believes in true love. Plus, Chuck is a fresh-faced, innocent, and refreshing female character, who stands in stark contrast to Olive, yet their relationship as frenemies works.

And Kristen Chenoweth, the actress who portrays Olive Snook, (Isn’t that a great name?) is a gem herself. Knowing for her portrayal as Glinda the Good Witch in the Broadway musical, Wicked, as well as for her role on “The West Wing”, cameos on many popular shows, as well as her Tony Award-winning performance in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. She may be short in stature, but Kristin can sure belt out a tune–she’s got a Master’s degree in opera.

Maybe Olive Snook will find love, but until then she can always hang out with Ned’s dog, Digby, to whom she has grown quite attached.