Eli Stone (ABC)

common sense media says

Hokey premise makes good message hard to swallow.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that, aside from a few semi-steamy scenes involving adults in the throes of implied passion, there's no reason families can't watch this show together. The overarching message of helping others is a positive one, and the language is surprisingly clean. The main character also proves a worthy role model as he navigates his newfound role of once-sharky lawyer turned do-gooder.

Positive messages: Although Eli is conflicted about his new mission in life, he moves mountains to help other people. In the beginning, his motivations are purely selfish. But over time, he truly begins to become a more selfless person.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Adult characters are occasionally showing "making out," with the implication that they're in the act of having sex. But no sensitive body parts are shown.
Language: Some use of words like "ass" and "damn."
Consumerism: George Michael and his songs "Faith" and "Freedom" are central to the plots of several episodes.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Adults are sometimes shown drinking socially.

More on Eli Stone

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about whether a person who claimed to be getting messages from a higher power in real life would be taken seriously or considered seriously disturbed. If you were in Eli's position, would you risk your career to help other people? Is it possible to put other people's interests ahead of your own and still have a successful career, or do you have to choose one path or the other? Do you need to be prompted by visions to help others? What are some simple ways to positively affect the lives of those around you?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Ladder-climbing corporate lawyer ELI STONE (Jonny Lee Miller) is jolted into a strange new world that nobody else can see when he starts having visions involving pop star George Michael. His neurosurgeon brother (Matt Letsher) blames an inoperable brain aneurysm. But after consulting a Chinese acupuncturist (James Saito), Eli slowly begins to suspect that he might, in fact, be a modern-day prophet. To make the voices in his head stop screaming, Eli must use his legal prowess to solve other people's problems -- in essence, to do God's work.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Thanks to an original premise, over-the-top special effects, and elaborate song-and-dance sequences (some of which are actually cringe-worthy), Eli Stone is the kind of series with the potential to develop a cult following. But it's also a drama with comic aspirations that fall a bit flat.

It's not that Miller isn't a likeable lead (his mix of charm and bewilderment is perfect) or that the comedy isn't clever (the revelation that Eli's sage acupuncturist, Dr. Chen, is actually a regular guy named Frank Niebowkowski is genius). It's just that, for some, the series as a whole might try a little too hard to be cute. It's also puzzling that Michael's music features prominently -- almost as puzzling as the idea that he could help sell the series in the first place.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: ABC
Cast: Jonny Lee Miller, Natasha Henstridge, Victor Garber
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: ABC

This review was written by Kari Croop
 
 

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What parents & educators say

13

Most useful reviews by all members

dramaqueen123
teen, 15 years old
 
e.g. You should think twice before going with a tween!
i love this show and was so mad when it got canceled

MississippiQueen
parent of and 2 , 2 , 5 , 7 year old
 

zzbo50
adult
 
A show with a message.
If more people help out fellow man this world would be a better place.

 
Love it
This show given the proper chance has the ability to tug at your hear strings. This show is about a guy who is engulfed in his own prosperity only to find out he has a brain aneurysm which in turn causes him to turn his life around. The show highlights the good in people that we should all strive to show to everyone everyday. It is everything modern television has drifted away from. It could be called a modern day highway to heaven.

 
A must see
I think though a little hokey at first, the characters are endearing and it does send out messages of hope and if you don't have hope, you don't have anything.

cokacolagal
teen, 15 years old
 
GREAT SHOW A MUST WATCH
I ONLY STARTED TO WATCH IT BECAUSE IT WAS AFTER LOST BUT THEN I REALLY GOT INTO IT AND I LOVE IT!!! ELI IS SO FUNNY THAT YOU CANT PUT IT TO WORDS!!

 
Fun
I enjoy Eli Stone Every Thursday Night. I also make sure I TiVo it, in case I missed something during a break. But I do suggest It to many people out there. I just wish they added more TV time for that Maggie Character.

 
A Wonderful Drama With A Great Message
It's obvious that the person who reviewed this show on the main page doesn't know what good television is. Come on, comparing Eli Stone to Quantum Leap? That's like comparing apples and oranges! Eli Stone is a drama laced with some comedic elements that leave you wanting more at the end of every show. And the characters are 3-dimentional enough to where you are left actually caring for them. Something that cannot be said about most shows out there. Eli Stone is a show you can really get into!

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