'Eli Stone': Living Brave

April 10, 09:31 PM

This week, Eli Stone is troubled by a vision of a Times Square-like rally with giant yellow banners that read "Live Brave," and a speech by a man named David Mosley. He looks at the front page of a newspaper whose headline trumpets a complete U.S. withdrawal from Iraq. I'm troubled that the date on the paper is 2018 -- shouldn't it be 2118 or something? But anyway.

Eli turns, as he often does, to Dr. Chen, who observes first that Eli's visions usually contain rock stars who are older, whiter, and more British. Second, he very correctly calls Eli out on his scoffing that the visions are just hallucinations. You can't have it both ways, buddy. At the office, Eli asks Patti for help in tracking down David Mosley -- but she's watching a video online of Steve the chimp, who's quite literally heartbroken because he's been separated from his mate, Pete. But more about that later.

One more destabilizing influence this week: the presence of another senior parter in the firm, Marcy Klein (Katey Sagal, looking spectacular), in from London to give Jordan a little talking to about how many Fortune 500 clients they've lost as a result of Eli's crusading. She is deliciously condescending, particularly to Eli, and she adds an energy to the place that clearly keeps Jordan alternately on his toes and more than a little bit annoyed.

Back on the hunt for David Mosley: Patti's found 53 men who fit the description (African-American, between the ages of 28 and 40). One of them, conveniently, was a client of new associate Keith Bennett (Jason George) 10 years ago -- and convicted for felony murder. Eli goes to Tipton Bay prison to see Mosley, and finds out that he's been denied a parole hearing because he's been labeled a discipline problem -- for leading a hunger strike to protest overcrowding and other efforts at civil disobedience. The warden who denied the parole hearing tells Eli that it's his job to "feed them, water them, and try to keep them from killing each other" -- but rehabilitation for prisoners isn't in his budget.

Mosley ends up in the prison infirmary, beaten up and with broken ribs, telling Eli and Bennett that the warden knows how to make a point -- prisoners who complain about conditions end up in a hospital bed. The lawyers decide to file a class action suit on behalf of the entire prison population for denial of parole hearrings, violation of civil rights, and prisoner abuse. They've got 48 hours to go through hundreds of boxes of records, trying to link what's happened to prisoners to patterns of behavior by the warden. Marcy intervenes to prevent the more junior associates from helping Eli with the research, but Jordan stands up for him: "This firm does not cut and run," he says. For a second I thought I was watching Fox News.

Keith heads to the prison to take depositions, and hears horrible stories of mistreatment of prisoners -- including Mosley's account of being sent to a part of the prison where members of the Aryan Nation lived, because he complained about the lack of treatment his cellmate received when his appendix burst.

After walking Maggie to a cab after a long day, Eli has another vision of the rally in the future, where Mosley thanks a man named Darrell Rhodes and Keith Bennett. And then he sees himself, and Maggie, who's holding a baby. OK, so Team Taylor loses in the end.

In court, prisoner after prisoner recant their affidavits on the witness stand -- intimidated by the warden. Things are looking bleak until the next day, when the team calls Darrell Rhodes -- the warden's former administrative assistant -- to the stand. His testimony about the warden's treatment of prisoners, which completely squares with the stories the prisoners are telling, basically ensures a settlement from the Department of Corrections -- and, Eli insists, the warden's resignation. Mosley ends up getting his parole hearing -- and it's granted. Then the governor denies it.

Back to Steve the chimp. Dowd and Taylor end up on the case -- Dowd because Eli told him Taylor was an animal lover when Dowd asked him for advice on how to score with her, and Taylor because she's an expert in family law and Dowd's argument revolves around Steve and Pete's civil rights and partnership. Taylor, of course, hates animals -- "especially gorilla-type ones," and appropriately bawls Eli out for getting her into this, and for being jealous of Dowd.

In court, Taylor and Dowd argue that their client, Pete the chimp, deserves the same kind of protection under the law as humans, given the physiological and genetic similarities between chimps and humans. They think they're going to have to drop the case until Patti bucks them up with news about Steve's worsening condition and a diatribe about how Taylor's a "meat-eating animal hater." Now, I like Patti and all, but in this instance the spunky assistant element just feels a little bit overplayed. Maybe Erin Brockovich could get away with talking to her boss like that, but this is starting to grate; it seems just a little ... pat. Maybe I just liked her better when she and Eli got along.

On the stand, the primatologist who works with the chimps testifies to Pete's trauma in Africa as a youth, and how he never bonded with anyone until he met Steve. The two became devoted to one another -- and developed a sexual relationship, which is why they were separated. But since then, Steve has stopped eating, lost weight, developed bleeding ulcers, and suffered self-inflicted wounds.

Then -- you guessed it -- they put Pete on the stand. Aw. Koko sad. It's a cheap stunt to tug at your heart strings -- and damned if it didn't work on me. Seriously, how can you not just melt at the sight of a chimp hugging and kissing a picture of his partner, and screeching with delight when that partner comes in? Answer: you can't. It's like Forrest Gump -- you know you're being manipulated, but who cares? Which is evidently how the judge feels too, because she rules in Pete's favor, reasoning that separating the chimps causes undue harm under the theory of "chimpanzee tort protection" -- a total piece of BS that Dowd serves up with a straight face. Steve and Pete end up at a compound called Chimp Paradise, released by the zoo, living happily ever after. Koko happy!

Back to Mosley -- in the end, he remains determined to perservere, knowing that he'll have another shot at parole next year and the year after. Keith, remorseful for the way he handled Mosley's case 10 years ago, offers to come and work with him on the legal argument for his parole, and to educate him about the law.

And Eli's vision? On stage, Mosley offers a tribute to his friend Eli Stone, "whose words and deeds reminded us that there is no faith without hope, no justice without compassion, no humanity without fairness." Before joining Mosley, Eli kisses Maggie and the baby, then faces the adoring throng and waves. So we know that ultimately, if not a prophet, Eli remains an activist -- and ends up making a difference. How about that?

What did you think? Was this episode a little bit heavy on the metaphors? Did you think the chimp case ventured a little further into Ally McBeal territory than we've gone before? Do you buy that Taylor would ever consider having anything to do with Dowd? How do you feel about the Eli-Maggie merger 10 years from now? Or was that really a vision of the future at all?

in ABC , Eli Stone

Permalink

Comments (27)

TrackBack (0)

Comments

I've thought that the show has gotten weaker from the pilot to where it is now. It didn't go in a straight line down, but from where it started to where it is is clearly a lower plane.

I'm been wrong before, but I'd be surprised if this show wasn't cancelled/not renewed once the 2 remaining episodes are done. The ratings don't jusify a pickup and it seems to me that there are just too many spare parts in the show. I'd be surprised if this was a cheap show to produce, especially considering the number of actors, plus the profiles those actors carry so that is another thing going against the show.

I can't say that I'll miss the show once it is gone. Maybe I'm overstating my disappointment in the show, but considering what the networks were airing and the ratings that those shows were getting in the strike, I'd be very surprised if many shows like this ever survive again.

Rishi | Apr 11, 2008 1:36:55 AM | #

To me, Eli Stone has been on a winning streak these recent episodes. All are awesome. And clearly to me, it's on a much higher ground compared to where it started. The show has transformed itself from a formulaic quirky show about funny characters around a guy with a prophetic vision to a wonderful show about a corporate lawyer following his prophetic vision to change the world, where every decision he made faces a realistic consequence and affects multidimensional characters. It's a show full of heart, of love and of faith, emotional but not treacly, hopeful but not preachy and funny without being stupid.

It's a sad fact that the rating could have been higher, but I think people will fall in love with this gem once they disccovered it from the mess of strike-induced dust.

Sammy | Apr 11, 2008 2:44:28 AM | #

I thought this was actually the best episode to date. It combined a good measure of comedy to go with a dramatic element, while indicating a path for the future. It offered a stronger serial element while maintaining the procedural aspects. It touched on the human relationships. Sure, the chimp story was quirky, but it ... well, it felt right.

The problem lies in this - the future is told. Most times when shows do that, they are showing an apocalyptic future, something to prevent. Instead, this is exactly the opposite. Which is where I think the Katey Segal character could fit in well.

Eli's at a crossroads - is he a prophet, does he get surgery, what is he? I think it resonates with a lot of people at the same age - not exactly a reflection on a midlife crisis, but a reflection of what matters. What type of man is he?

I'll add more thoughts later, but I imagine at some point, if they are renewed, we will see Stone forced out of WPK, probably by Marcy. We've seen him accept the prophet line too readily, causing people to lose housing. I think we'll see him start to have a growing awareness on activism.

I never thought I'd like this show. I thought it'd be the male Ally McBeal, but it's much better than that, much richer than that.

Tony | Apr 11, 2008 5:21:36 AM | #

Oh, two more comments before I forget, actually three:

1) Rishi, I thought the pilot was too quirky. And I fear that's what turned people off. I love the fact that they've moved away from George Michael and so much singing, and focused on something deeper.

2) I think one of the more underrated scenes, which was left out of this review, was when Eli ordered Maggie to leave, but Maggie ended up bringing back the team. this is something they could build on if they wanted.

3) The fear is that this might become too formulaic. I can see the "let's get surgery" angle played out, with the aftermath of Eli not being able to have his visions. But ... then it comes back, or something of the sort, and Eli realizes he's terminal with X amount of time, which is what finally motivates him forward, as he's been searching. It could work ... but it'd be tricky.

4) Or ... do they get risky ... and pursue the path not chosen? The angle where Eli decides against pursuing that activist future. It's not impossible ... that would really throw a wrench into the whole equation.

Tony | Apr 11, 2008 5:27:44 AM | #

I can't see the show withOUT the activism. Come on isn't this a Hollywood production??? It still reminds me of Ally Mcbeal, in a GOOD way!

Gretchen | Apr 11, 2008 6:56:17 AM | #

I can't see the show withOUT the activism. Come on isn't this a Hollywood production??? It still reminds me of Ally Mcbeal, in a GOOD way!

Gretchen | Apr 11, 2008 6:56:27 AM | #

This show is solid. It is well written and well acted. There is an ideal blend of drama and humor. I hope that the edisode that they show on Sunday night will help the ratings. Sunday night may be the right night for it. If it stays on Thursday, it will have to compete with Without A Trace and ER. Unfortunately, shows that think outside of the box like Eli Stone and Journeyman do not develop a very large following. The masses seem to prefer the reality foolishness or the violence and murder.

On a side note, did anyone else find it strange that the rally at Times Square took place at night? If this was a political rally, why didn't they hold it in the daytime, or in an indoor arena. Before I learned the story of David Mosley, his appearence on the stage in the dark made him look like the Anti-Christ. I'm sure that the writers did not intend to do that, but it just did not look normal.

Pete | Apr 11, 2008 7:47:13 AM | #

OMG, David Mosley is Gordan from Supernatural!! I like the guy a lot better when he's not saying "Sam Winchester is evil. Sam Winchester must die" over and over again. I loved his chacter. He just kept on going.

I really like this show. Sometimes it can cross into "preachy" but overall I have really enjoyed all the episodes. I'm just glad I only have to wait until Sunday to see the next one. Even though if that earthquake doesn't happen I'm not going to be happy.

Lindlee | Apr 11, 2008 7:57:18 AM | #

This show has gotten better almost every week (the only exception being the week with no Patty, Maggie, or Dr. Chen) and I can't wait to see where it goes next. It has the potential to become one note and predictable, but the writers have done an amazing job keeping it fresh and one step ahead of you so far. If that continues, then I hope the show does too for a long time to come.

As for Maggie and Eli, I like it, but am sure that we will be lead away from that future before Eli starts to accept it and pursue it.

Josh Man | Apr 11, 2008 8:17:46 AM | #

I like Katey Sagal but she did NOT look spectacular in last night's episode - what was wrong with her hair? Maybe it was too flat (compared to Peggy Bundy) but it was not attractive at all. I do think she'll be a good addition to the cast and I want ABC to renew this series...It's so good!!

Ginni | Apr 11, 2008 9:17:56 AM | #

TOTAL CRAP

WHOLETRUTHY | Apr 11, 2008 10:01:03 AM | #

I'm not sure it was Katey Sagal's hair as much as it was her face that was different. She's definitely had some work done and I'm not convinced that I like it. Oh well, good show last night and she's always a great addition to any show!

Linda | Apr 11, 2008 10:30:07 AM | #

Noooo! I hate Eli and Maggie together. In fact, I dislike Maggie! I'm in law school and I know you cannot get through it with the kind of pink-colored glasses she seems to have instead of eyes. I mean, I'm all for taking stands and trying to better the world or on a smaller scale, change people's life but her character is too ingenue, too naive to be believable. I think Taylor's character is much more believable in the sense that she is realistic but she also allows her idealistic principles to come through when it is needed. But Maggie, she's so perky and optimitic that I just want to slap her most of the time! I don't think Eli should get back together with Taylor (I'm actually starting to like her banter with 'The Dowd') but Maggie doesn't seem the kind of women Eli needs in his life. He needs someone to sometimes remind him of reality an Maggie doesnt even have a foot on the ground. I'm thinking that the vision is incomplete. It could be Maggie's baby but Eli doesn't have to be the dad or her boyfriend. It could have been just a friendly kiss (it wan't on the lips as far as I remember).

Joalissa | Apr 11, 2008 10:33:32 AM | #

Eh, to me, ever since Eli and Taylor broke up, her role on the show just seems more than a bit diminished. The fact that he and Maggie start a family 10 years down the road just worsens it (though I'm a fan of the Maggie/Eli relationship).

I think what they need to do is have Eli experience another vision where he's with Taylor again, thereby throwing a monkey wrench (har har) into his beliefs about what the visions really are; future prophecies or uncontrolled delusions?

Sean | Apr 11, 2008 11:43:12 AM | #

I think Maggie fits at this point in his life. Whether or not the vision is true is debatable. But within the context of searching for meaning, her optimism and enthusiasm meshes better than Taylor does.

Tony | Apr 11, 2008 12:12:26 PM | #

There are a lot of things wrong with the prison service but let's face it the majority of us want criminals at the very least locked up and the key thrown away, most of us would like ciminals to suffer as much if not more than their victims do. The parade of "victims" Eli was fighting for cannot all have been innocent angels so what would happen if the writers wrote a story about a guilty prisoner instead of pretending it's always the innocent ones in trouble in there? Would we all be routing for Eli to win? I know the warden was portrayed as a sadistic moron here but who among us wouldn't like to be in a position to be able to mete out real punishment to rapists and child molesters?

As for the Maggie/Eli relationship - Eli kissed the baby not Maggie for all we know, Eli could be the baby's godparent or knowing Nate's penchant for 'stealing' Eli's girlfriends, Maggie could be married to Nate and Eli is kissing his neice/nephew - yes, these suggestions could be far-fetched to some but the point is that there are other possibilities other than Eli and Maggie being married. I find it hard to believe that the writers would just stick a future plotline like that in so early in the show when anything could happen like the actress leaving or something.

SOAP | Apr 11, 2008 12:22:02 PM | #

Your state of consciousness is what determines who you are and how you respond to your world. With out feeling the pain you can't allow forgivness to come in.

Bill Slyker | Apr 11, 2008 1:07:58 PM | #

Your state of consciousness is what determines who you are and how you respond to your world. With out feeling the pain you can't allow forgivness to come in.

Bill Slyker | Apr 11, 2008 1:08:09 PM | #

Thank you, Joalissa and SOAP! I feel better now about the Eli/Maggie vision. I don't like them together and find their scenes together boring and don't want a future full of them.

Am I the only who thinks Loretta Devine is miscast as Patty if they're trying to sell Patty as a vegan who doesn't even wear leather shoes?! And don't jump down my throat, it's not because of LD's size; I think she looks great, just not hardcore vegan, ya know?

jen | Apr 11, 2008 3:40:17 PM | #

Lisa, keep your political commentary to yourself. It's disgusting and not funny, and should not be on an entertainment blog. Further Sammy, I don't know what you have been watching but Eli Stone is all about preaching to the liberal choir: this episode it was about the intolerant right wing keeping the gay chimps away from each other. Even though this show is probably as preachy and liberal as Boston Legal, it is also endearing and a joy to watch like BL. I've just learned to filter out the liberal propaganda. Finally, for all of the Eli-Maggie haters, Maggie is the perfect fit for Eli. The wide-eyed, optimistic, and idealistic girl for the sometimes dreary, depressed, pessimistic,and more realistic Eli Stone. Plus, he probably sees some of himself in her. She has already encouraged and inspired Eli to fulfill his prophetic visions (in this one bringing in the crew after being asked to leave for the night). Look for her to do more on a wider scale in the future which will probably result in a future Eli-Maggie relationship.

Pat | Apr 11, 2008 5:07:02 PM | #

I knew something was fishy when I saw the special extra episode on Sunday. Sorry to see that the show is struggling in the ratings. Glad to see ABC giving it a few options before pulling the plug (if it comes to that).
For me the premise of a lawyer/modern prophet is something very creative and ...yes...quirky.
By intervening in the present Stone there are no guarantees how things are supposed to occur. Some change the future or prolong it but in effect some of Stone's actions destroy his credibility and I find the drama in that, especially with Peggy...uh..Marcy now in the mix.
It's a good show, had some dings in it during the beginning (like any new show would have) and I've been pleased with the slow evolution - I hope there's a second season but if not this episode gave us hope.

EliStoneMan | Apr 12, 2008 6:33:21 AM | #

I knew when they first showed Maggie and the baby next to Eli that the people who don't like them together were going to say "The baby isn't Eli's; they're not together" etc, but when he kissed Maggie and then the baby I was like "Good- now there will be none of that" but there's still some of that. He kissed BOTH Maggie and the baby. I know that for a fact. I am a Maggie/Eli shipper- so knowing they end up together in the end is exciting for me. Especially if we watch Eli try to change it, but then realize they are meant to be together. I think that'll be fun to see.

genniel | Apr 12, 2008 2:31:35 PM | #

I absolutly LOVE this Show!!!
Everybody I know loves it. Very entertaining, great cast, some great writing, and I love the singing and dancing. George Michael was brilliant!

Kathleen | Apr 13, 2008 6:56:57 AM | #

BEST EPISODE EVER!

I am now officially in love with this show...

And as a Maggie/Eli fan, this was by far the best episode!!

Kara | Apr 13, 2008 3:38:30 PM | #

I LOVE this show. It makes me feel good. Love the cast, love the music, and George Michael is doing great! Some Amazing songs!

THANKS!(ABC), People don't take it too serously, it is entertainment!!!
Hope to see it next year!

Catherine | Apr 13, 2008 8:07:43 PM | #

I also think the show has gotten better and better with each episode. I do hope ABC gives it another shot. After all, how many reality shows can you watch after a while? Just like Pusing Daisies, it's a different story line... something unique with writers who actually have to come up with quirky story lines... and use their imagination. Imagine that... a show with unique writing and a great cast... just like the good old days of TV!

pam | Apr 14, 2008 10:29:16 AM | #

Who ever said Patty is hardcore? Perhaps she is a new vegan convert. BTW LD's size has shrunk recently. We wouldn't want to promote boney body image... The threads on the full figured gals are too tight in my opinion..

notJen | Apr 16, 2008 5:49:00 PM | #