I wasn't sure I was going to like it. In fact, I didn't even watch the first episode. But Eli Stone hooks me more each week. What started off as a somewhat goofy knockoff of Ally McBeal has evolved into a show with depth and promise. How?1. The story arc that resolved in the last episode, "Praying for Time" -- The cases were always quality and edgy, like the controversial pesticide poisoning and vaccines' link to autism. A new dimension was explored through the story arc of the Jayson Turk trial. Not only did we get to know supporting characters better, but we had a quality trial with a great guest star and a big reveal at the end. I think there is the promise that the earthquake storyline may arc as well, which I look forward to.
2. The Dad flashbacks -- I love seeing Tom Cavanagh in a role that has some meat to it; he really is an actor with quite a range. It is interesting how those flashbacks give us more insight into Eli's character, Eli's relationship with his brother and the parallels between the aneurysm struggles. Eli takes the high road -- so far -- where his father was driven to despair, drunkenness and suicidal tendencies.
3. Eli is no longer a cardboard character -- Eli started off looking like the fool and was rather two-dimensional. As the series has evolved, Eli is showing more depth and emotion, and he isn't just the goofy guy under the table in the staff meeting anymore. He is damaged by his past (relationship with Dad), angry about his present and unsure about his future. This adds up to Jonny Lee Miller showing greater range as an actor and Eli being more human. It's fun and satisfying.
4. The breakup of Eli and Taylor -- I suppose this one was inevitable, but I am glad they did it sooner than later because the Miller and Natasha Henstridge really don't have any chemistry.
5. Maggie is no longer a cardboard character -- The goofy first year lawyer has evolved too. She's got layers now; a real talent in the courtroom is unfolding, she's strong and loyal and she even has a boyfriend. They can go a lot of places with the way they are developing Maggie, and Maggie's relationship with Eli.
6. Musical numbers are used more sparingly -- In the first few episodes, I was unsure as to whether or not the full-blown musical numbers were going to get stale. Obviously, so were the writers because they have scaled them down quite a bit, and I think there may have been an episode or two that didn't have one at all. It is classy not to overuse a unique feature, so I am glad they are choosing this route.
7. The tense relationship between Eli and Jordan -- It was always a somewhat uncomfortable relationship, since Eli was engaged to Jordan's daughter and he worked for him. But the layers just keep coming -- the breakup, the crazy behavior, the trial, the aneurysm reveal -- how much more can Jordan take? Not much, since he has basically made Eli persona non grata at the firm by taking away his office and car. It will be fun to watch this relationship develop further.
8. George Michael -- C'mon, who could be better? He was a huge hit, then a scandal, then a has-been, and now, the guy has the good humor to poke fun at himself with a recurring role on this show. What a good sport; he joins the ranks of Alec Baldwin and Rob Lowe, two other actors who can make fun of themselves with style.
9. Development of supporting characters -- I love that we are getting to know the other lawyers more, especially Matt Dowd and Keith Bennett, the team on the Jayson Turk trial. They are strong and multi-dimensional, professional and opinionated. Again, so much potential if they keep developing them as they have been. I love Matt Dowd's flirtations with Taylor, too.
So, Eli Stone, keep on keeping on -- on this track of continual improvement, character and storyline development and a frolicking good time. It's a fun hour.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-25-2008 @ 6:10PM
David said...
I'm biased because this is another Berlanti gem, but I've been on board with this show since episode 1 (101?).
Johnny Lee Miller is fantastic.
I'll disagree with you, Debra, on Natasha Henstridge -- I think she and Miller could make on-screen magic together if the script was written right. The writers haven't giving her enough yet. She's had one scene of consequence (the breakup scene in Eli's pad after the wedding cake plunge). Give the writers time to make her interesting and flesh her out, then put her and Eli together and watch the TV sing.
I do like Maggie though :D As the acupuncture doc said, paraphrasing, "you have two hot women in your life and..."
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3-25-2008 @ 6:53PM
switchwiz said...
I totally love this show. Johny Lee Miller is wonderful, but I agree about the chemistry with doesn't really work well with Henstridge, but I think he and Maggie are a cute little couple! I could just tell the moment she fell for him in the board room! LOVE THIS SHOW
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3-25-2008 @ 7:06PM
Ryan said...
I agree with you pretty much except for...
1) The chemistry between Miller and Henstridge. They have some and in scenes where it matters, it really works for them. But I still do agree that them being apart is good drama.
2) Lessening of musical numbers. What can I say I'm a musical junkie so I want more more MORE! But I think what they have done i.e. bits and pieces of musical pieces have been fantastic. So while I want more, I'm liking what they're doing with less. Plus I'm sure it's also budgetary concerns.
Great show. It reminds me of when Ugly Betty premiered. I wasn't sure if I was going to watch it. I tuned in anyways and discovered magic. I love it when shows do that!
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3-25-2008 @ 7:11PM
Lilly said...
I agree with you that Eli Stone has gotten much better since the first episode. Even week to week the show is improving. I actually disagree with your assessment about the musical numbers, I think the inclusion of one musical number per episode, which they've done the past few weeks, has strengthened the show. I agree, some of the earlier numbers seemed a little clunky and out of place, but this week's song by two non-singers was amusing and set the pace for the episode with regard to the plot. If they keep the songs like that, it can be a nice hook.
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3-25-2008 @ 9:17PM
Scott H said...
I agree with your reasons, and I'd sum up most of the reasons I enjoy the show as: CASTING. I love Loretta Devine, Victor Garber, and Tom Cavanagh. And though he never gets enough to do, I love seeing Tom Amandes in his brief scene or two a week. The leads are OK, but the REAL stars of this show are in the supporting cast.
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3-25-2008 @ 10:05PM
toysruskid said...
I just had to put my agreement in here. I have been a JLM fan for at least eight years and I am so happy he's getting another chance on TV and in such a quality show as well. I loved how he got to show is emotional acting chops in this last episode--when he gets tears in his eyes, so do I.
I had wished in the beginning that Eli get together with Beth Keller, but now that Laura Benanti just got the "Gypsy" job, that probably won't happen past the upcoming blind date episode. So I guess Maggie will be ok. I like her better than Taylor anyway.
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3-25-2008 @ 10:21PM
lucyfan62 said...
Just have to add my two cents - I LOVE ELI STONE! I love the show, the actors, the stories and most of all Loretta Devine! Please please please ABC, DON'T ditch this wonderful show!!!!!!!
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3-26-2008 @ 9:03AM
const said...
I hate to rain on this eli stone lovefest, but this is just another formulaic show. It's the same everyweek.
It's Eli McBeal. Without the charm.
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3-26-2008 @ 10:28AM
Deezul said...
Agreed const. I watched the first 3 or 4 episodes, then got bored with it. Really, this guy is an ATTORNEY. As soon as they fire him for having an F-ed up brain, he sues. But see, then it becomes a simple lawyer show, not a preachy show. I'll pass and delete all the episodes I still have queued on the DVR
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3-26-2008 @ 2:00PM
Court said...
I like the show but if its gone oh well. I love Boston Legal so to me this is basically Boston Stone with some singing every now and then. but not as funny.
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3-28-2008 @ 12:52PM
nattyff said...
i'm loving the show as well, where hell is these week's episode review??? :)
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4-05-2008 @ 6:33PM
Salem said...
I'm with you totally on this... My Eli Stone experience has been the same. I said to myself... "an Ally McBeal musical ripoff? yeah, i'll watch that later, probably won't last"... but, just in case, I tried a sample of Eli... [?]
I watched all 4 the episodes already premiered in only one night, and then I wanted more! The show gets better each episode, long storyarcs are coming, and i'm totally in love with maggie, so i'll kep an eye on this show.
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4-05-2008 @ 6:33PM
Salem said...
Ah, BTW... It's the first Berlanti show I like, I barely watched a couple episodes of his previous works and said "no, this show is not for me".
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4-15-2008 @ 11:14PM
denillee.o. designs said...
I absolutely agree! I'm hoping to see more exciting guest stars next season. And I DO hope there is a next season. How do you know if enough people are watching to keep it on the air??
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4-21-2008 @ 1:18PM
gbaylen said...
I think that this is a great show. I'm a big George Michael fan and that's what got me mto tune in. It's got both great writers and actors. A nice blend of comedy, drama, and theatre.
What it does need is a better time slot.
I looking forward to getting the Season 1 box set.
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