Of course I liked the show, I'm a fan of "Journeyman"...and I have to admit I liked the first season of "Ally McBeal". Why "Journeyman", do you ask? Well, Jonny Lee Miller. He wasn't just in Hackers, but another--some might say more well-known--title, Trainspotting. Remember Sickboy? You might not remember his friend, Tommy, but you do know Kevin McKidd, as he's been making quite a name for himself, like in HBO's "Rome", as well as starring in NBC's "Journeyman". Weird, huh? Doesn't stop there, though. In the pilot, we've established a relationship with an older brother, a misunderstood and absent father (he's dead), a rekindled relationship with an old love, a strained marriage and a spiritual guide. All of these generalities make up the character roles in "Journeyman". The only difference is that Dan Vasser's (Kevin McKidd's character)ex-fiancé embodies both "old love" and "spiritual guide". So, don't be surprised if the older brother casts doubt and suspicion on Eli's visions and motives, and anyone could guess that continued involvement with an old flame will lead to further marital tension. The strongest link between shows is the Miracle Factor. Though Eli has visions and Dan travels through time, no one can deny that each show hinges upon the mystical experience. And the experiences lead the lives of both Eli and Dan down a different road than they were traveling prior to the strange events. One might say they are now traversing a higher path, both having the opportunity to use the resources of their chosen professions--legal and journalistic, respectively--to aid their missions. Another small bit is the trolley. Now, I haven't been able to place where "Eli Stone" is set, but we know he went to Stanford and rode the trolley with his dad. San Francisco? Hmmm...Eli Stone might live just down the street from Dan Vasser. The only reason I mentioned "Ally McBeal" is where "Journeyman" leans toward the serious and dramatic, "Eli Stone" has more of a fun side. And...has anyone noticed the resemblance between Jonny Lee Miller and Gil Bellows? Keep watching "Eli Stone", but don't forget to check out the original, "Journeyman".
