A Lawyer's Prophet Ability

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Sunday, January 27, 2008; Page Y04

Eli Stone

Thursdays, 10:02 p.m., ABC

Basic story: When Eli Stone (Jonny Lee Miller) starts hearing music and having visions, he consults his neurologist brother Nathan (Matt Letsher) and a Chinese acupuncturist (James Saito), who give differing opinions. His hallucinations may be based in science or faith, or some combination of the two, but Stone's life definitely is changing -- bewildering his boss (Victor Garber), fiancee (Natasha Henstridge), assistant (Loretta Devine), clients and co-workers.

Stone, a successful San Francisco lawyer, finds his visions start to affect his cases, and may be leading him to a new career as a reluctant prophet.

What it faces: CBS's "Without a Trace"; on NBC, the second hour of "Celebrity Apprentice" this week and "Lipstick Jungle" starting Feb. 7.

What you'll love: Greg Berlanti ("Brothers & Sisters," "Everwood") is on the team behind "Eli Stone" and its top-notch cast. The characters are intriguing as they take on topical issues -- and sometimes the dialogue is deliciously funny.

What you won't: The stories can be far-fetched, especially when various characters break into song.

Bottom line: "Eli Stone" blends imagination, idealism and issues in a quirky, entertaining way.

-- Judith S. Gillies