'Eli Stone': Fan Boy, anyone?

March 27, 09:06 PM

One of the things I have loved about Eli Stone from the beginning is that it's sly enough to poke fun of itself, but not awkwardly self-conscious about it. It's the quality that's carried it through the occasional preachiness and given it enough charm to carry a couple of episodes that might have been a little lackluster otherwise.

Like the whole George Michael concept, for example. But I'll get to that in a minute.

We start with Eli, accompanied by his brother Nate, investigating the risks of removing his aneurysm -- and in doesn't look good. The possible complications -- paralysis, loss of speech, death -- are awful, and understandably Eli's looking to find the best possible doc. As he's leaving the hospital, he bumps into Beth Keller (Laura Benanti), the mother who alleged that a vaccine preservative led to her son's autism in the first episode. (The Eli Stone entry on IMDB shows Benanti on board for several episodes, so you knew she had to come back another time.) She tells him to call her if he ever needs to talk, and all I can think of is please God, let this be a definitive speed bump on the Eli-Maggie highway (I'm totally with Andy on this one).

In the midst of a staff meeting conversation about how a tough judge with leukemia has retained the firm to sue the bone marrow donor who backed out, Eli has another hallucination: Jordan (Victor Garber) singing "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," and introducing George Michael. Eli comes out of the hallucination and bumps into ... George Michael. And thinks he's a hallucination. Bradley the temp mistaking Michael for Bono is priceless -- as is Michael's reaction: "Yeah, it happens all the time. I had the glasses first, by the way."

Michael is looking to retain Eli to represent a Molly, a girl who was expelled from her high school for playing "I Want Your Sex" at an abstinence-only sex education assembly. And it turns out, he had a dream where someone told him to hire a lawyer named Eli Stone. By the way, I'm not cynical or anything, but do you think George Michael's appearance on the show has anything to do with the fact that he just announced a new tour of the U.S.? Just asking.

Jordan insists on supervising Eli because of a firm stipulation that a senior partner has to oversee all cases involving a high-profile figure. And he's a stammering mess when he meets George Michael, which is just plain brilliant. I repeat what I've said before: God bless you, Garber.

Molly, wily high school senior that she is, played the song to protest the sex ed assembly that offers no practical information about sex, and according to her makes kids think condoms don't work. On the stand, she talks about how her lab partner got pregnant, and how another friend got a sexually transmitted disease. Jordan leaps up to offer several overbearing objections, and back at the office, Eli asks if he isn't just a bit of a fan boy, sending Jordan off in a huff. The interaction between the two is great, with just the right edge of humor and needling, and I could watch them all day.

Eli's next vision is Taylor and Matt Dowd dressed in hippie garb, warbling "I Got You Babe," leading him to confront Taylor and ask if she's involved with Dowd. Did I miss something? When did Eli's visions go from being allegories about the case at hand to premonitions? I appreciate that they're evolving, but this just felt a little bit tacked on to me.

On the stand, Molly's principal admits the real reason for her expulsion: the only sex ed program the federal government will fund in the school is abstinence only. And the argument about this policy, as well as an allusion to the separation of church and state, is laid out by the next witness -- one Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou. The song, while provocative, is actually about abstinence and commitment, Michael testifies -- and there should be more people like Molly.

Meanwhile, in Judge Doyle's case, we find out that Scott, the son whose bone marrow he's laying claim to, is estranged. Better yet, let's call it what it really is: abandoned. The judge hasn't seen him since the divorce 19 years ago, when Scott was 2. Dowd gets the judge on the stand and tells a story about his own father abandoning him, to get the judge to admit that he wants to live, and he feels that Scott has an obligation as family to help him. Sam Jaeger offers up some fine acting here, and you actually get the sense you're getting to know a little bit about Dowd's character. Of course we, like Taylor, are duped -- we just didn't sleep with him. And in the end, the case is ruled in favor of the son; no obligation exists for him to help.

Outside work, Eli and Beth go to dinner, and they're having a great time reminiscing and getting to know one another again. Until he finds out that she's dating Nate -- which completely humiliates Eli, freaks him out, and leads to a late-night Stone brother confrontation that's ultimately forgiven.

Back in Molly's case, she refuses the principal's offer to reinstate her to school, saying that what she really wants is a decent sex ed program. The principal balks, saying that there's no funding -- which of course, George Michael offers to remedy with a benefit.

And speaking of forgiveness, there's a little thaw in Eli and Jordan's relationship. Jordan talks to his ex-future-son-in-law about his early days at the firm, when George Michael's music on the cleaning crew's boom box was what kept him going -- and what continues to remind him of "the better days."

What did you think? Did some of the discussion of abstinence-only programs sound a little bit sermon-y to you? Were you taken in by Matt Dowd's story? Would you buy a ticket to see George Michael?

in ABC , Eli Stone

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No, I wouldn't buy a ticket to see George Michael, even though I will (grudgingly) admit to liking some of his songs.

As far as Matt's story is concerned, I wasn't entirely taken in by it. There was a point that I thought he was going to admit his fabrication to Taylor, but he didn't. That was during her statement about his issues with his father explaining why Matt acts the way he does.

All in all I really did like this episode. But then I really like this show. And I'm so glad that Victor Garber is singing on so many episodes. He can actually sing, plus his character on the show is wonderful.

Melody | Mar 27, 2008 10:10:22 PM | #

Yes, I will buy a ticket to see George Michael. Actually more than 1! Im totally there!

sammy | Mar 27, 2008 11:13:34 PM | #

Of course! Love to see George Michael live. You don't get this kind of talent anymore.

This show is very, very entertaining! Hope it will return next year!

Catherine Douglas | Mar 27, 2008 11:16:26 PM | #

Honestly, of all the shows this year, I didn't expect to enjoy this one. It seemed cliched, the male Ally McBeal.
But it's not, and I truly enjoy watching it. It's a quality show that has a good mix of comedy and seriousness.

Victor Garber is awesome. He brings a lot of stability to the show. Jonny Lee Miller has gotten better as it progressed.

I'm sort of curious what the romantic angle is. It mildly seems like the endgame will have Jonny and Natasha back together.

It also feels like they are pushing towards something. I imagine the surgery might be the finale, and perhaps Jonny Lee Miller's character realizes that his visions had a greater meaning.

Although, I could see this meandering towards a more depressing path, namely where the surgery fails.

will be interesting to follow the resolution.

Tony | Mar 28, 2008 4:07:29 AM | #

well, we know Berlanti likes to end seasons with brain surgery. The last one didn't turn out so well. I was kind of hoping they'd bring Dr. Andy Brown in to do the surgery...sigh

wendy | Mar 28, 2008 5:35:52 AM | #

What was the song George Michael sang for the high school concert at the end of the show?

Amy | Mar 28, 2008 11:20:09 AM | #

In New York, ads for George Michael's U.S. Tour played during two commercial breaks, so I doubt it's a coincidence either. It reminds me of the "Extras" episode when Andy's producers had Chris Martin show up to the "When the Whistle Blows" factory to play his new song (complete with grand piano and mood lighting) with no logical explanation. I glad the writers here put a little more thought into it.

Scott | Mar 28, 2008 11:55:06 AM | #

Does anyone know who played Scott Doyle, the judge's son? He looks familiar to me.

Sue | Mar 28, 2008 1:24:23 PM | #

If ABC decides to renew the show, then Eli will pull through the surgery AND still have his visions. That would be cool. I, too, love Victor Garber singing. I missed not seeing Patty and Chen in this episode. They are the best!

Monica | Mar 28, 2008 1:54:07 PM | #

I loved this episode! I'm gonna be nice and say it's just a coincidence that there was no Patty or Maggie in the episode. lol. I like them, but only in small (Patty) and even smaller (Maggie) doses!

I'm with Lisa and Andy...I hate the idea of Eli and Maggie!

All the scenes with Eli and Jordan were great. As were the Matt and Taylor ones. I know Taylor fell for Matt's story (I admit, I did too!) but I wondered if she would've hooked up with him if Eli hadn't put that thought in her head.

And yes, I would buy a ticket to see George Michael. Jordan getting all giddy over George Michael was too funny!

jen | Mar 28, 2008 2:30:29 PM | #

Seems it was a entertaining show last night ... and I missed it :(

Erwin | Mar 28, 2008 3:00:07 PM | #

Cynical, Lisa? Nah, here's cynical...one would think that as decent an actor as George Michael turned out to be that he'd have come up with a better excuse as to why he got caught in that park restroom soliciting sex. Must've been the booze. Cynicism over, hee-hee-hee. Anyway, while I've not been in love with some of the cases that have been presented on this show, I liked this one, only because of my own feelings about abstinence-only sex education classes (most of which I'll keep to myself). Simply put, telling kids not to have sex and then not giving them any information about what happens when they screw up (pun intended) is like building a bridge across the Mississippi River without rivets and bolts. Eventually, something is going to go down. Playing "I Want Your Sex" at the assembly, though, might've been too obvious; had I been our illustrious and industrious student, I'd have gone for something more subtle, like "Pour Some Sugar On Me." Not sure the boys from Def Leppard can act, though. What I like about Victor Garber's singing style is that he can take a song that has long since outgrown its welcome ("Don't Let the Sun Go Down On My Career, So I'll Bring This Treacle Out Every Fifteen Years Or So," for example), bring his own spin to it, and make it more tolerable again. I'd still like to have seen him singing "I Want Your Sex," though; that would've made the entire season. Especially as a duet. Oh, and for Amy up yonder, I didn't recognize the song George Michael was singing at the end, so it may have either been a new one, or he may have pulled out a B-side of an older hit and redid it just for the show.

Dark Disciple | Mar 28, 2008 3:03:11 PM | #

Taylor and Matt is a worse idea for this show than Eli and Maggie. It was planted in the 1st (I believe) and they didn't revisit it until tonight - as you can see it was a brilliant idea (he said with tongue firmly planted in cheek).

Rishi | Mar 28, 2008 3:03:14 PM | #

Anyone knows how many new episodes there are this season?????

Erwin | Mar 28, 2008 6:25:34 PM | #

I love this show, and look forward to it each week. It is one of the best out this season, and I will truly be disappointed if it get canceled. I definitely enjoyed the episode, but missing the more meaningful visions Eli was having. Kind of dulled the episode for me a bit, even though I did like it. I kept waiting for that earthquake to happen. I hope it actually does. I dislike how unsupportive everyone is being to Eli about it. I also would like to know how many more new episodes there are going to be. Hopefully a lot!!!

Ava | Mar 29, 2008 12:12:13 AM | #

hey Erwin 4 episodes left will finish once greys anatomy returns and lost will take Elis time spot!!! and dont forget teh 12th ep will air on 13th april after desperate housewives. so dont miss it;...... and no i have no connections with abc!!

Zac | Mar 29, 2008 9:37:30 AM | #

I've been a big fan of the show but this last episode was poorly written and very preachy.

It felt like a mail in to me.

I'm losing interest.

JB | Mar 29, 2008 9:41:50 AM | #

and y dont ppl not like Maggie I love Maggie!!!

Zac | Mar 29, 2008 9:44:30 AM | #

This ep was light years improved over some previous eps in so many ways. For one, the ever-so-annoyingly smug and unprofessional Patti was out of sight. IRL, that witch would have been fired the first time she refused to do the work Taylor assigned her to do -- if not before. And no Maggie -- YEAH! She's no more than annoying little twerp. And finally, VG totally rocked this ep. The only improvement would have been if he'd sung I Want Your Sex -- that, I would have paid money to see.

Kalaryn | Mar 29, 2008 3:44:29 PM | #

Thanks Zac ;)

Erwin | Mar 29, 2008 5:19:55 PM | #

Of course I will see George live...I've been to his London concerts and it was simply AMAZING..which brings me to reply to Amy's and Dark Disciple's question above. The song George did at the end of the episode is "Amazing" from his 2004 Patience album. The album did decently in the US but it got to #1 in many different countries around the globe!! Love George...I am so glad he's back in the US!!! I can't wait to see him...

And as for Eli Stone--LOVE THE SERIES! I really hope it doesn't get cancelled...

More Key | Mar 29, 2008 7:26:06 PM | #

More Key, thanks for answering that for the both of us. I'm not a huge, huge George Michael fan (to the point of knowing every song off of every CD, say), but I know and like most of his hits. That one I didn't know, so thanks for clearing up that mystery for at least two of us. Cheers!

Dark Disciple | Mar 29, 2008 7:53:44 PM | #

I really like the show. There is good acting and generally the stories are well done. I will agree with JB on this last ep. It was very very very preachy. I realize more and more that this is a very liberal show. I just don't want it shoved in my face week after week. Just like that drunk driver in a previous ep. We were supposed to feel sorry for him?

Eric S | Mar 29, 2008 9:35:42 PM | #

Dark Disciple - I remember you enquiring about getting a copy of the Brisco County Jr DVD and I'm happy to tell you that I've just received the complete series from Ebay for the ridiculously low price of $26 (as opposed to $79 from Amazon)and it's just as hilarious as I remember. There are other copies on Ebay and I'm happy to lend.

Back to Eli: Eli has had precognitive visions before - remember the coma guy who eventually died? and I'm still fairly sure that the tenants that were evicted last week will be shown to have escaped deadly peril in the future.

I know George Michael's gay but I fancied the pants off him in this - he oozed charm in a good way and made a lot of sense. It reminded me of David Kelly without the rhetoric - a calm way of getting your point across. If I wasn't a poor student I would so be at his concert, as it is, I'll have to settle for his new greatest hits/anniversary album 25 which presumably the song at the end will be on.

Incidentally, Who couldn't guess that Beth and Nate were an item with all that flustered fibbing in the beginning! It was still nicely done though!

Also, I want to nominate Victor Garber to play the Wizard in Wicked, I could watch him perform all day long and there was me thinking he'd never find good quality work again after playing Jesus in Godspell. He's really come into his own in his more mature years!!

Sirius | Mar 30, 2008 11:28:53 AM | #

sermon-y? More like propaganda-y.
The girl said abstinence-only programs taught "No Sex Ever". That's propaganda for falsehood. The next propaganda is the gumit only pays for abstinence-only programs? (you don't think the state is part of "the Government"? Google "Fistgate" for a 'fine' example.

GM said his song was about "safe-Sex".....what? Sex is best when it's one on one.(can happen at an orgy)..not everybody's doing it, but everybody should....I'm sure NAMLA loves this line. Condomns and monogamy I missed in these lyrics. Yes, a little political propaganda goes a long way. You could confirm that by reading about Joseph Goebbels. Yes, the Truth shall set you free. But you have to open your eyes to see it.

Lowell | Mar 31, 2008 4:40:57 AM | #

Lowell | Mar 31, 2008 4:42:39 AM | #

Lowell | Mar 31, 2008 4:43:02 AM | #

I absolutely loved Victor Garber in this episode. He was a brilliant fan boy. I hope this show gets picked for a second season.

Ritchie | Mar 31, 2008 11:54:50 AM | #

Uh, Lowell? Ya only have to push the Post button once, y'know? Just sayin'...:P And what the hell is NAMLA? North American Male Llama Association? Perhaps you meant NAMBLA, the North American Man-Boy Love Association? If so, one wonders just how one knows so much about a pedophile group and what your point actually was by including it in your post. Essentially, then, if I read your triplicate ramble properly: government, bad; Goebbels, good. And I do have my eyes open, quite widely...enough to see that your poor spelling and completely-illogical sentence arrangement and semantical machinations pretty much mangled whatever argument you were attempting to make. I could post this response three times, but...nah. And it's condoms, not condomns; guvmint (if you're using slangy respellings of the word government), not gumit. And considering that George Michael was caught in a park restroom seeking sex with other men, I don't believe "I Want Your Sex" is a sermon for anything other than getting some. Oy vey, almost makes me want to watch something simple, like "Dancing With the Stars," although I'm sure there's "propaganda" in that, too, eh?

Dark Disciple | Mar 31, 2008 12:38:55 PM | #

My apologies, everyone. I forgot that I gave up being rude and sarcastic for Lent. Now I must give myself punishment, and watch Oprah for the next two weeks. Alas, woe is me. :)

Dark Disciple | Mar 31, 2008 2:34:20 PM | #

Love the show and George Michael was a suprisingly good actor (though obviously not as good as he is a singer/songwriter). Definitely going to see him in St Pauls!

IAN C | Apr 2, 2008 6:10:36 AM | #

Will I buy tickets to see George? I already have! The Eli Stone show with him was brilliant! He can sing and act! As for the NABMLA...what the hell does that have to do with George? He has NEVER been considered a pedophile and being gay isn't a crime! I love him and his music unconditionally!

Bean728 | Apr 3, 2008 3:58:23 AM | #

I agree with you totally, Bean728, which is why I wrote that refutation of Lowell's, Lowell's, Lowell's semi-homophobic rant. Made me mad, too. Can't say I love George Michael's music unconditionally, though...A Different Corner? Meh.

Dark Disciple | Apr 3, 2008 8:18:02 PM | #

Would I buy a ticket to see George Michael in concert? Sure the hell would and did! In fact I bought six (6). The man is a musical genius.
Once you've heard the best, there is no comparison! Love You George!!!

Julianne Salerno | Apr 4, 2008 3:33:22 PM | #

Okay, I know this is two weeks after the show aired but I have to get this off my chest. First off, overall I enjoyed the show. But it was preachy. What really bothered me was how the girl blamed the abstinace program for her friends getting STDs and getting pregnant. My question is...where were the parents? When did it become the schools responsibility to educate our children on sex? Yes, I think schools need to address the issue, and I know there are children with absentee parents who need the schools to step up and fill the gap. But too often it feels like we're expecting the school system to be the main source of sex education. Well, I'm sorry but that is not the role of the school. It is the parent's responsibility and duty to educate his or her child on sex. All right, I'll get off my soapbox now. I just really needed to rant.

Lindlee | Apr 5, 2008 9:15:38 AM | #

Good point Lindlee - from someone who also is very late in getting to this post. :-) Also, the case about the judge trying to get his son to do the bone marrow transplant. Um, he's a judge and should know better that there is no way in the world that a judge can order someone to go through a medical procedure like that if they don't want to. What a waste of tax payer money to even bring that case before a judge. I'm getting really tired of the ludicrous cases that are brought on this show. I mean, the show brings some comedy, but they need to get "real" with their case choices.

Marsha | Apr 6, 2008 7:10:26 PM | #