Based on the previews, Eli ...

• Jan 28, 2008 03:00 AM ET
• by Matt Roush

Question: Based on the previews, Eli Stone appears to be nothing more than a male version of Ally McBeal. Courtroom drama, production numbers, fantasies, even a famous singer (George Michael instead of Al Green) whom only the lead can see. How does Stone hold up against the Emmy-winning McBeal? Also, a completely unrelated observation: Have you noticed that in the new Lost promos, when the word "Lost" comes on-screen at the end, we get our normal greenish view of the island, but if you look in the reflection of the water, you can actually see a city skyline?! Quite cool.
Answer: This is the danger of basing a first impression solely on network teasers. Yes, superficial comparisons can be made to Ally McBeal, but as I note in my review of Eli Stone, which premieres this Thursday after Lost (at last! and yes, that is a cool image in the promos), I see Eli as being a little closer to the Pushing Daisies model, in the way that it imposes life-affirming fantasy onto a shopworn genre (here, the courtroom drama). There is a romantic element to Eli Stone: His girlfriend, played by Natasha Henstridge, is the daughter of the boss, played by Victor Garber (I know, what a cast!). But unlike Ally, this isn't really a romantic comedy. The elaborate musical fantasies sometimes do have a David E. Kelley feel to them, but their impact is slightly less silly (though not by much), and the workplace environment isn't nearly as smarmy, sex-obsessed or over the top as it was on Ally and continues to be on Boston Legal. I worry that Eli Stone will be seen as too precious and cutesy as Eli (the charming Jonny Lee Miller) confronts his destiny as a reluctant crusader who might be a modern-age prophet. But in this Winter of the Strike, I found it in my heart to be generous to this one. Hope others agree.