US, July 29, 2007 - Excited anticipation filled the room as we patiently waited for the early morning screening of the new ABC dramedy Pushing Daisies. The early start time failed to keep away a room full of curious TV fans and they were not disappointed. The story of a man who can bring people back from the dead for a short time to discover how they died blew the audience away.

The funny, unique and visually stunning pilot episode received high praise from those in attendance. There was laughter throughout, as well as multiple collective "awwws…" responding to the unlikely romance building between the two main characters. As the screening ended, the panel members were met with deafening applause and cheers for a job well done.

The panel included Dan Jinks (producer), Bryan Fuller (creator/producer), Lee Pace ("Ned"), Anna Friel ("Chuck"), Chi McBride ("Emerson"), Kristin Chenoweth ("Olive"), Bruce Cohen (producer) and Barry Sonnenfeld (director/producer). After such a massive response, the moderator asked series creator Fuller if he thought he should quit while he was ahead. Fuller responded by saying, "I don't think we are ahead yet. There's a lot more fun to be had."

Fuller went on to discuss where the idea for this unique series began. He explained that the idea of someone bring people back from the dead originated as a story arc for the show Dead Like Me. When that storyline never developed, he kept the idea in his back pocket until the time was right. He also explained that in an era full of serialized dramas, each episode would focus on a "case of the week" and that it would be the emotional arcs of the characters that would be the most serialized aspect of the program.

"I knew that it was going to be something different than anything else on television," said Chi McBride discussing his initial reactions to the pilot script. Learning that director Barry Sonnenfeld was going to be involved solidified McBride's involvement in the series.

The audience was most responsive to the budding romance in the pilot between Ned, the man with the magic touch, and Chuck (Chuck's a she, just to clarify), his childhood crush who he chooses not to return to the realm of the deceased, after she is killed and he brings her back to life. Because of how things work with his power, if Ned were to touch Chuck a second time, she would be dead again… forever. Regardless of the fact that they cannot touch, sparks begin to fly. When asked if their acting style keeps them from touching when not shooting scenes, Friel wrapped her arms around Pace and passionately kissed him. This is a sight we're not likely to see for a long time on the program and the fans loved it.

Attention then turned to Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth (Wicked), whose small part in the pilot had her fans worried she would not be utilized as often in the series. Jinks assured us all that was not the case and even admitted they have figured out a way to get her to sing in the show. Fuller responded to that by declaring, "A musical episode is kind of inevitable with this cast." Let's hope this fantastic new series last long enough to see that possibility become a reality.