One part Joan of Arc and one part “Ally McBeal,” “Eli Stone” follows an eccentric lawyer who has recently been afflicted with mysterious hallucinations. Realizing that these visions are actually guiding him to take certain cases (and not just breaking up the monotony of another legal drama with some CGI eye candy), Eli comes to the conclusion that George Michael might actually be sending him messages from God. Trying to differentiate between reality and illusion—and deal with the mixed reactions from his friends, family and colleagues—our newly put-upon hero sets out to live a more fulfilling life.
Who’s that?: Jonny Lee Miller, of ‘90s cinematic treasures like “Hackers” and “Trainspotting,” stars as Eli; Loretta Devine plays his skeptical but doting assistant, Patti; Victor Garber is Eli’s boss, Jordan Wethersby; and Natasha Henstridge doubles as Jordan’s daughter and Eli’s fiancé, Taylor. Julie Gonzalo (she played Parker Lee on season three of “Veronica Mars”) also shows up as Maggie, another attorney at Eli’s firm.
Buzzed about: Eli’s first case of the series finds him suing a pharmaceutical company over allegations that one of their vaccines causes autism in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics caught wind of this and demanded ABC kill the episode because it might spread misinformation. Despite the notorious sway of the AAP [insert muffled laughter here], the show is airing as planned.
The “ooh” factor: It’s new and it’s not “The Celebrity Apprentice.” What else do you want?
The “eh” factor: Eli’s mind may be filled with fantastic visions of choreographed dances, prop planes and magical time-machine trolleys, but his show suffers a little lack of imagination. The premise is interesting and the performances are strong, but too often, it seems like just another lawyer show.
The verdict: With a range of emotions and the truly likable element he brings to the character, Jonny Lee Miller is reason enough to give “Eli Stone” a try.
”Eli Stone” premieres Thursday, Jan. 31 at 10 p.m./9c on ABC.




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