Eli Stone (2008–2009) User Reviews

I love it, will continue watching and hope it doesn't get punted off TV like journeyman

[cnynrpr · 9/10 · 28 February 2008]

I love this show, will continue watching and hope it doesn't get punted off TV like journeyman. Mainly I think the characters are what draw me to it, they are interesting and a little more is revealed about them every week.

Sure they may be cliché, but practically everything's been covered these days and for me it's down to the actors and how well they represent the characters. It's not simply a lawyer show, but a character study on how sometimes you can go one way and after a while you find that you've diverged from your initial direction. Sometimes it's hard to go back.

I wish there was a clear villain in this show that Eli could bash heads against while he tries to put his life back on the right direction. I mean his firm's got a reputation for being evil and ruthless, but the partners all seem to be pushovers. In fact, Eli seems to be the most ruthless lawyer there so far.

I watch very few shows, for example, I don't even watch Lost, and I hope this one lasts a few seasons as there is a lot of potential for the characters to develop.

Really Enjoyed It

[PhilauraJ · 8/10 · 1 February 2008]

Loved the music, the heart and the optimism of the show. The long line of programs that depend on shock, absurdity and the exploitation of emotionally damaged individuals as their source of holding an audience's attention have run the gamit and tanked - for me anyway. This was very refreshing, hopeful and heartwarming. And man, gotta love Jonny Lee Miller's eyes (this is Laura not Phil speaking here). He's got the look. And I can't wait to see the next episode. Man - ten lines - well, I've seen Jonny in several other projects and always felt he was just this far away from making it big. I think Eli Stone could be the vehicle that finally does it for him. Good luck!

Incredible stuff After Lost Series

[georgebobby · 9/10 · 11 April 2008]

Really i wouldn't want to elaborate on the Eli Stone. All i can say,do watch it and make a judgment.

Everybody is out in this world in pursuit of happiness for themselves in one career or another.However this series really shows what it is Do Good with a vengeance and what it is to have Hope in Faith. In brief,Eli Stone is a very successful lawyer who is living his life in SFO.When suddenly one night ,he starts hallucinating.He slowly realizes that his hallucinations are actually connected to his work and life in a remarkable way,almost prophetic in nature.

As we are made to dwell more and more in Eli's life ,we are helped to closely view his relations , his prophetic visions and decisions he makes from them.

There is enough comedy,Intense drama, we almost forget that we are watching a series.It feels as good as watching a movie on big screen.Highly recommended series.

I love this show

[kellykulp1 · 10/10 · 11 April 2008]

I'm not much of a TV watcher, I prefer to read most of the time, but I never miss an episode of Eli Stone. I look forward to watching it every week. I enjoy the depth of the characters and the issues, and find the show interesting and unpredictable. The Eli Stone character is unique, passionate about his causes, and fights for what he believes in. I also love the Maggie character, she's so cute and sweet with a compassionate and giving heart. I wonder if they will have a romance on the show? I also enjoy the other lawyers on the show, and it would not be the same without Patty the assistant, she's great.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS SHOW!

Knock out series! We love it...

[melissmcmlx · 10/10 · 18 April 2008]

My children and I can't handle staying up 'til 10 p.m. EST to catch it, so we tape it, faithfully, every week and watch during the lag time on Friday evenings. I haven't found any of the topics covered so far to be over-done, and they could easily have been. Nor have I found that the usual ABC treatment has kicked in-the formulaic approach to programming that began in the late 70's, worked and simply won't die the "passe" death it deserves. The fact that the show hasn't served up blatant sexuality makes it easier for me to watch with my 12 and almost 11 year old than any other series on network t.v. I hope the show goes on for years to come! We are all over-the-moon that the show has been picked up for a 2nd season and hope there will be plenty more to come. If you prefer the shows with 3 kids (one of whom is dimmer than a light bulb, one precocious tyke and one hyper-intelligent) then this show is most assuredly not going to be your cup of tea...leave it for the rest of us, please!

The best show I have seen in last ten years

[tumlee7777 · 10/10 · 3 December 2008]

I am so amazed by this show, it is not flashy, scary, questionable, or something that you will enjoy today and forget about it next day. This show defines our life, and it relates to the viewers so closely. I love the Eli Character and his brother Nathan. I haven't seen this clean enjoyable very family oriented TV show in last several years. I watch TV shows very often, such as heroes, lost, Fringe, 24 but Eli Stones just made me wonder and excited all the time. I never miss the episode. Every time I watch this show, more and more I love it. I hope ABC will keep up the good work and make more awesome episodes and season. I love this show. This is the best show I have seen in last 10 years.

Eli Stone is a fabulous show

[SandyLiz · 10/10 · 17 April 2008]

This is a wonderful show. I love it. It's not going to be popular because it is not formulary...it's different. It's not a bunch of stupid jokes or sappy, typical, Hollywooded-up same-ole-same-ole redneck entertainment. It's the real thing. Tonight, the season finale, it invoked real thought, real feeling and one of the key "messages" was from the client was representing...I'm awake now...

This show is for awake people. And if you don't get it...well, someday you will (like they said at the end of the best picture of that year American Beauty.)

This is a great show. I am grateful that the network is putting on something with a spiritual content. We need it. It for people who are awake have some depth and for people who might wake up and realize they have the capacity for depth. I am hoping the second season will not be long in coming. Let's keep Eli Stone on the air!!!

That whooshing sound you just heard...

[derek-556 · 1 February 2008]

...was the point, and y'all missed it! The pilot episode wasn't about autism and it wasn't about a link between autism and vaccines. It was about a man who makes a choice.

Our hero decides to listen to the "voice" he hears coming from deep inside himself and begin honoring his values. He decides to become the man he dreamed about being as a child, the man his father knew he could become. He decides to begin to actually devote his life to something other than what he calls "the trinity of Armani, accessories and ambition".

Once he decides to align his actions to his values and his childhood vision he is met with almost immediate success. I call this a valuable lesson. It left me inspired.

So, what choices are you making?

Reason for the Disclaimer

[b_clerkin · 7/10 · 4 February 2008]

The reason that ABC put the disclaimer in the program is because the American Academy of Pediatricians contacted them with strenuous objections to the premise that vaccines cause autism. They wanted them to pull the episode, claiming that it was essentially a myth unproven by research or anything more than assumptions by people looking for an explanation for autism. If you want to read the op-ed piece explaining it, here is a link.

http://tinyurl.com/yvuy2a

That being said, the show itself seems to be working too hard to be special and quirky. Special and quirky only work when it looks organic, not contrived. However, Miller is charming and I like the doctor pal an the acupuncturist. It is always nice to see Victor Garber and Natasha Henstridge is under-rated. Loretta Devine takes a cliché role and makes it entirely credible.

However, the best bit was having George Michael appearing and singing "Faith" gimmicky, but I always that song and the singer - his personal issues aside.

I can not believe ABC

[luvwiteh20 · 10/10 · 10 December 2008]

I seriously can NOT believe that ABC has made the WRONG choice to cancel this show, Eli Stone. They are willing to keep smut and soap operas, but when it comes to a show that has taste, talent, excitement, clean living and DECENCY, they look the other way! Can someone PLEASE explain the logic in this Disastrous move? I am at the point where I can seriously choose to no longer watch ABC all together. I have already stopped watching the news, and now THIS? If another network is smart, they will pick up this show and FAST! What's next? Will ABC bring on the Jerry Springer show? I AM DISGUSTED!!! Is there any decency left in this world?

ABC's answer to "Journeyman"

[jayrave · 7/10 · 7 February 2008]

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".

Very good show

[rushour144 · 10/10 · 1 February 2008]

I have watched the pilot twice now and both times I was stunned. The show is about Eli who is a lawyer that suddenly starts hearing George Michael and other "voices" that brings him to do cases to help people. He saves their lives in a sense by taking their cases. We find out that maybe one reason he hears the voices is because he has a brain aneurysm. But in another sense Eli may just be a prophet for our generation.

The show has a stunning cast and Eli is very relate able and turns out to be a really good guy. Dr. Cheng is another great character who is a Chinese acupuncturist. He is more of a surfer dude, but a really good Wise with a mind full of wise wisdom.

The show is emotional funny but overall really good that makes me, and possibly more people, how we live our life.

Yikes

[swan7450 · 7/10 · 31 January 2008]

I think your understanding of the episode is a little skewed. The impression i got from the episode is that a particular vaccination was dangerous to children. Where did you think the idea of not vaccinating children came in because there was absolutely no indication that they were putting pressure on parents to not vaccinate. If anything the episode made it seem like people should understand the vaccinations, and as they mentioned there were other vaccinations that could have been used. You both seem to have taken this story line to extremes that are unnecessary and unwarranted. While I in no way want to discredit the seriousness of Autism, i in fact teach several children with Autism,to equate the issues revolving around Austism to the plight of the Jewish peoples and struggles of AfroAmericans is unrealistic and an insult to those people. Likewise to attribute any of this to World War Two is terrifying. Genocide, over a million dead and scarring experiences are not AUTISM....this arbitrary connection is sickening....what ever the needs of the Autistic community is at this point in time, and no doubt it is extremely important to understand the complexities of the issues(I talk with the parents of the Autistic children all the time) it is not on the same scale as a WORLD WAR. This show was not making a point of faith over medicine, they were not concentrating on this issue to boost their ratings. Again I stress that I am entirely sympathetic to the issues surrounding Autism, while I'm not as familiar with adult Autism your post has prompted me to understand it better. HOWEVER this show also featured George Michael singing Faith....clearly things need to be taken into context here...this is a TV show....this was a small story line in a fictional TV show...

I appreciate the latest post with the slightly more politically correct and patient view. While not the highlight of the court room scenes the first witness did mention the inability to link and blame autism on a single source such as a vaccine.

Quantum Leap with a legal brief

[pensman · 5/10 · 27 March 2011]

You might recall Quantum Leap where Scott Bacula leaped into the bodies of characters with the instruction he had to do some good so he might make another leap in the hope he would make the leap home. In the case of Eli Stone you have an attorney with a brain aneurysm who instead of leaps has hallucinations that lead him to legal cases in which he has to do good but he is never sure what good it is he has to do. Of course there is no clear indication if he does enough good his inoperable aneurysm will become operable and thus stop the hallucinations in which case he can once again become the rainmaker for his legal firm he once was.

So if you were a fan of Quantum Leap, you might like this.

Breath of fresh air

[Carlie64 · 10/10 · 3 January 2022]

So amazed this shows only 2 seasons! I binged watched all 26 episodes in 2 days. I am shocked thst I don't remember this dried be from late 2000's, I highly recommend this show. If you like a drama with some comedy, it's your type ofvsw.

Liked it

[preppy-3 · 8/10 · 8 February 2008]

OK I missed the first episode but here's what I got--Lawyer Eli Stone (Jonny Lee Miller) starts seeing and hearing people singing music which all seem to help him at particular points in his life. The problem is no one else sees or hears them. He thinks he's dying of a brain aneurysm (which killed his father) but others think he may be a prophet. In any case it's screwing up his work and love life. What to do? This reminds me of "Cop Rock" (which only lasted 4 months). That was a cop show where people just broke out into song and dance and nobody saw it as strange. I loved the show but it bombed badly. That was back in 1990--people weren't ready for it then--maybe they will be now.

This show has interesting characters, tight scripts (judging from the one episode I've seen), great music and singing. The cast is going full force too. Miller manges to completely cover his English accent and is certainly very attractive. Loretta Devine as his assistant casually tosses insults left and right in a delightful way. Victor Garber is strangely muted as Stone's boss (but that may change). This isn't for everyone but I thought it was fun, well-made and entertaining. Worth seeing.

a rare gem on network TV

[gromit-17 · 9/10 · 28 November 2008]

I've never rated a TV show but every now and then, a special one came along that changed my perception of trashy network TV. I didn't watch this show when it was aired, I watched it on the DVD release, and to my own surprise, I finished the complete Season one! To my opinion, first half of the season one is among the best shows I've ever seen came out from Network and Cabled TV. They are even better than most movies I've seen nowadays, and with a better price: free. I liked the show because it has all the qualities are not generally found in a TV show: well written and acted, clever and touching at the same time, and it rings truth and did make one think after watching it. Yes, I noticed it's a little Alley Mcbealish and that lost some of my rating for originality, however, it offered more emotional depth. I can't see this is a show that can be aired for seasons. It's a show with quality, not quantity. I'd rather to see it end soon and remain as one of my favorites, instead of sliding back to the trashy network formula.

Don't let the first episode scare you off; exceptional show

[phoneacct · 10/10 · 28 March 2015]

The first episode of Eli Stone angered many people. I am one. But it is not the whole story.

The 1st episode plot focused on and promoted some fears about preservatives in immunizations. Those fears and years of ensuing real life drama were based on a vigorously debunked medical study which purported to link a preservative used in some immunizations with autism. I nearly stopped watching the show right there. I have young family with autism, which is a very difficult, very distressing condition. I loath the pseudo science and propaganda which raised the hysteria about this (I repeat) debunked link.

However I believe that the first Eli Stone episode was written and produced before the fundamental flaws in that study were revealed in scientific reviews, before a retraction was published, and before other studies failed to show any scientific correlation or link, between immunizations (with or without the preservative) and autism. There is no science justifying the fears, and many scientists have looked. It has been a few years; now, we have many parents not immunizing their children "just to be on the safe side", and as a result - we have some major outbreaks of measles... which can and does kill people. It's a tragedy. It's ironic, and very sad.

But that is not the fault of the television series Eli Stone. And I have now watched the entire series, every episode, two years worth. And it is - was - a wonderful television series.

The writing was nuanced, provocative, open minded on matters of faith and doubt, belief and disbelief. It was funny, and touching. Many topical issues were approached with respect, and without any "here's the one *right* answer to this dilemma" - and that rings true, because life does not run that way either.

The direction led really fine actors into giving consistently excellent performances. The character development was very human, realistic and wonderful and flawed, showing generosity, pettiness, fears, hopes, illusions, jealousy, and great beauty and strength in the human condition.

What is living a good life? The show doesn't ask that question, let alone offer a nice snappy summation that one could see and nod and walk away from. Instead, the show Eli Stone and all its characters delivered thoughtfulness and compassion and questioning, with humor, and on occasion with some excellent pizazz. The musical pieces are superbly done. Every character who sang in this show, as I recall, sang really beautifully - and those performances added depths to the characters they played in "normal" life.

I wish Eli Stone was still in production. I would love to see these characters more, I would love to see these actors and directors working in the beautiful broad sandbox of life they created. But - it is done.

I am so grateful that I took the ride, of watching the entire series. I encourage others, even those who like me, were really annoyed at the first episode, to - yes, I will say it - have a little faith, or curiosity, and take a further look.

Loved it. Great Show.

[teshxx · 5 May 2011]

I came across this show while surfing thru netflix's instant watch. Neither the Cover nor the name of the show pulled me in to watch it. So for a few months i ignored it. Finally when i wanted to kill time i clicked on play. I wasn't planning on watching the entire series nor the entire episode. It was a time filler. But as soon as it started within minutes i was sucked it. I can't understand how they can cancel a show this good ? This show has so many positive messages and few of them are tear jerkers and something one can relate to (and no i don't mean seeing the future).

I wish people were broad minded. You can't end a great show because of few people who can't see the complete picture. The studios needs to grow a set of balls and stand against these people.

Started off with a good premise

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 24 August 2013]

San Francisco lawyer Eli Stone (Jonny Lee Miller) begins to see things, which leads him to discover a brain aneurysm. But his visions guide him to accept moral cases with little monetary gain. Taylor Wethersby (Natasha Henstridge) is the boss (Victor Garber)'s daughter and former fiancée who joins the firm. Patti Dellacroix (Loretta Devine) is his pushy assistant.

That's a good starting point to jump off on. The visions held some interesting possibilities. The first season basically fulfills its promising start but the second season deteriorates. It needs to find a comfortable storyline where they could allow it to become a good procedural. The surgery should never have happened.

A breath of fresh air

[AlvernHo · 9/10 · 25 April 2009]

Really enjoyed it. It encompasses humor, spiritual and drama into a very good set. A good selection of cast and this series is a fresh breath of air amongst all the series. Certainly a good one compared to all the chick flicks type of series lately. Eli Stone gives a new meaning to the legal industry and brings a lot of humanity into a profession sometimes despised of. I have always like a good series with a good touch on the human factor.

Also good to see George Michael appearing as himself in a few episodes. Certainly a good effort to get most of the cast to sing and dance, sort of like a Broadway kind of thing. Thumbs up to the production team! I am really looking forward to a few more seasons to come.

Loved it

[nathan21078 · 10/10 · 1 February 2008]

Loved it. Thought it was great. And I'd like to think we live in a country/world where people are free to form their own thoughts based on things other than fictional TV shows.

Now, could someone direct me to the law office where George Michael regularly performs?

Perhaps a predictable plot, but it worked on me. Nicely filmed, excellent song choices-it'd be nice to put up a list of included songs/artists, ABC-, and good casting for the leads.

Song wise, I know there were these, for those who are interested: Something to Believe In - Aqualung Faith - George Michael Flyin' - Emerson Hart

Does anyone know others that were in it?

It's so so

[smallrage1 · 5/10 · 21 August 2009]

After watching the first 8 episodes I can't honestly see why this got canceled, although at time very serious then it turns funny. To me serious and dry humor just don't mix very well. You can compare the show Justice to Eli Stone as the similarities are uncanny with humor thrown in for good measure Victor Garber plays the exact same part as he did in Justice but Justice was 10 times better then Eli Stone and yet they both got canceled after 2 seasons. The only reason Eli Stone got a second season was the fact people wanted to see what would happen to him and not about the law Speaking of law, Justice it was too complicated for the simple mind because it required lots of thought, which many viewer don't have after a day of work and a few beers in then.

Which is why Eli Stone made it to a second season, its not complicated one bit it's easy to follow. Except Law is very complicated and takes a long long time to fully get a grasp. Even lawyers that have been practicing it for 15 years still fail miserably.

So if you want to watch an easy watching easy understanding of law show then this is the show to watch. However you will be truly disappointed if you like using your head wile watching a show then this isn't really for you. That is the reason why Reality TV has done so well the last 8 years or so and should continue to do so because it requires 0 thought

Eli rocks

[archer001 · 10/10 · 30 December 2008]

Jonny Lee Miller performs way better than I expected after "Smith". The character seems to be written just for him. Everyone else on the cast is very convincing, too. Even Sam Jaeger.

The plot is great, loved all this "bigger picture"-stuff. And the music, of course. It's really funny how sweet and neat they show the world of lawyers to the viewer. Or at least that of pro bono attorney's.

I think especially religious people should really check this show out. The brain aneurysm is more of an concession, but not meant to be the reason for his vision, I think.

Overall, it's kind of different and not for everyone. But I definitely love it.

Amazing world of Eli Stone

[adelinaforever · 10/10 · 29 October 2008]

What makes this show so touching and exciting? I think first of all it's the incredible story that catches attention. I wonder where they get all these ideas about his visions, but everything looks so structured and right. The second thing is of course cast members. Johny Lee Miller is superb in the title role. He makes me cry and laugh. His character is amazingly written! Then it's Victor Garber who's just great! I love him singing in Eli's visions as he has good voice and he is so funny. The topics for each episode are unique and important. Not to mention that they are all actual. I guess it means a lot for a show that it is watched not only in America or Europe but also in Central Asia. I love this show and hope there will be more seasons as I don't want to say "goodbye" to Eli!