Drama is not easy, but doable in deft hands. Even action-adventure has its particular beats. But fantasy? Whimsy? Trickier. There's a fine line to walk -- or write -- before things become downright precious in the average offbeat series. Perhaps the ability to follow that line (or put just a toe across it) is why "Pushing Daisies," an ABC hour-long comedy now in its second season, has garnered such a devoted, gotta-TiVo-it-week-in-week-out following. Now the writers of the show -- a darling both of critics and the general public -- have a date with The Paley Center to talk about just how they strike that balance between romance and outlandishness, weirdness and wonder. Oh, and all those colorfully baroque storylines, too.
"Star Trek" fans know the name Bryan Fuller -- he's the creator of "Pushing Daisies" -- and recognize that his trademark is dark humor with a big creamy dollop of sweetness on top. Fuller, who got his start on "Star Trek: Voyager," has excelled at such sweetness; a pie-maker, in fact, is the infatuated, nice-guy hero of "Pushing Daisies." How this baker brings people to life with just his touch (and sends them back to the Great Beyond with another) will likely be a topic of discussion; fans have also been submitting questions (like will Ned and his back-from-the-dead ladyfriend Chuck ever accidentally bump into each other, or, gulp, kiss? We hope not.)
Random question: Is that the Bradbury building downtown that doubles as the building Chuck and Ned call home? Writers, take it away.
Tuesday, November 11, 7PM
$25 general public
The Paley Center for Media, 465 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills
310-786-1091
