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Preview: 30 Rock, Eli Stone
Jonny Lee Miller of "Eli Stone" by Gale Adler/ABC
Ever wondered what a Fox reality show would look like on NBC? Watch, and revel in, the glimpses we’re shown of the fictional (at least for now) reality spoof "MILF Island" in tonight’s first episode back of 30 Rock. Everyone from Alec Baldwin’s deliciously malicious network boss Jack Donaghy to a certain other vice president who should have better things to do are glued to the season finale of "Island," which is what Survivor would look like if populated by cougar moms and adolescent boys. It’s a hilarious backdrop to an episode that, as is often the case, is at its best when Jack and beleaguered Liz Lemon (the terrific Tina Fey) tangle and tango over the sad state of the business we call show. A business where a breakout reality star can be judged on her appeal to the key demographics of “soccer moms, Nascar dads, white-collar pervs and the obese.” How many ways do I love 30 Rock?
Liz, the clay-footed hero of this brilliant satire, is naturally appalled by "Island" and tells Jack, “What we do is art” and “I have integrity.” Both statements flatly contradicted by snippets of the flatulently vulgar comedy show Liz produces for NBC. As it turns out, integrity (or the lack thereof) is what the episode’s all about, as Jack instigates a witch hunt to find out which anonymous TGS staffer called him “a class-A moron” in a gossip column. To say that Liz does not rise above the occasion is an understatement. As Kenneth the Page (the absolutely nutty Jack McBrayer) watches in horrow as the staff turn on each other, and is especially chagrined at Liz’s bad behavior — at one point directly aping a reality-show cliché — the episode hits its perverse stride.
But it’s 30 Rock’s very perversity and dark irony that probably keeps it from being as popular among the masses as it is with critics, awards groups and fans of edgy comedy. Already, I’ve argued with some in our office who think Liz goes too far in this episode and isn’t true to character. I disagree. Her character wouldn’t as funny if it wasn’t as deeply flawed. Think Arrested Development and Michael Bluth. As much as we liked him, he was hardly a role model. If some of Jack didn’t eventually rub off on Liz, we wouldn’t believe her as a survivor in the wicked, wackily warped world 30 Rock has so winningly created.
Switching gears now to shine a light on ABC’s much warmer, sweeter (and naturally, on the bubble) midseason hopeful — emphasis on “hope” — Eli Stone, which is nearing the end of its 13-episode tryout run. (And kudos, by the way, to ABC for letting this show, unlike so many others, get to the end of its 13-episode order. After tonight, a new episode will air Sunday following the return of Desperate Housewives — some good exposure there — with the season finale airing next Thursday.) Last week’s episode was an all-out tear-jerker, in which Eli (the hugely appealing Jonny Lee Miller) came to terms with his father’s death years before, seeing it play out through his doctor brother’s eyes. His brother Nate, by the way, now buys into Eli’s visions as being something more than a manifestation of an aneurysm. Nate’s a believer. So might you be after tonight’s episode, which also choked me up — not because of any sadness or loss, but because of the hope Eli’s visions convey about the future. The final moments are pretty euphoric, and you don’t see a lot of that on TV these days.
Laced with generous doses of whimsy — one of the cases tonight involves two male chimps whose love for each other is being denied by the local zoo that tore them apart — Eli Stone often reminds me of Boston Legal, except this show leads with its heart and not its groin. Katey Sagal makes a strong entrance tonight as one of the firm’s senior partners, who doesn’t appear nearly as forgiving of Eli’s pro bono quirks as Jordan (the great Victor Garber). That could mean some juicy office showdowns ahead.
I’m rooting for Eli Stone, a true underdog tonight as it faces new episodes of Without a Trace and running-on-fumes ER. Looking back, this was probably my favorite new show of an underwhelming midseason crop, a show that kept drawing me in with clever surprises and unabashed sweetness. Here’s hoping (that word again) that this time next week, we won’t be saying goodbye to him forever.
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Apr 10, 2008 10:42 AM
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I agree, Matt, Eli is charming. I have so enjoyed it these past weeks, and I don't find it saccharine at all. That is probably Greg Berlanti's steady hand at work. I would love to see it picked up, and I would rather watch it than either Boston Legal or Desperate Housewives, both of which lost my interest a while ago. Eli shows a lot of heart, and it does not deny that pain and despair are still there. But it does contend that they must be reckoned with, dealt with, and it pleads in a really genuinely honest way for a humane and ethical approach to our common problems. I hope it gets more time next year.
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Apr 10, 2008 12:02 PM
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As excited as I am about the return of the Thursday night comedies, I'm most looking forward to Eli Stone tonight. I have liked this show from the start, but after the episode where Eli went public with his condition, it has gotten better and better. I'm trying to simply enjoy the episodes we are given, without worrying about renewal, but I sincerely hope ABC will give this gem another chance next season.
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Apr 10, 2008 12:03 PM
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I completly agree!! I have so enjoyed Eli. It is a refreshing change and I hope ABC gives it a quick pick-up!!
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Apr 10, 2008 12:09 PM
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Matt - I love this show too, for all of the reasons you stated and hope we get more next season.
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Apr 10, 2008 12:49 PM
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Eli Stone, during its short run, has become one of my favorite shows. I sent a note to ABC supporting the show. I hope it's renewed!
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Apr 10, 2008 2:06 PM
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Hi Matt--I totally agree with you about Eli Stone--I wasn't sure when it first started, but I haven't missed an episode and have grown to love it. I certainly hope it gets renewed.
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Apr 10, 2008 2:32 PM
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Hi Matt--I've liked Jonny Lee Miller since the Hacker/Angelina Jolie days, and I really enjoy him in Eli Stone. The relationships with his brother, Jordan, the acupuncturist/guru, and especially the really wonderful Loretta Devine secretary ring really true, if sometimes a bit goofy. Love this show, and hope it continues!
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Apr 10, 2008 2:40 PM
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I hope 30 Rock records tonight. I'll be really mad if I miss it. This sounds like another excellent episode.
I meant to watch eli stone, but never got around to it. I kinda regret it. Maybe it'll stick around and I can try it out next season.
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Apr 10, 2008 2:44 PM
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particularly to Leah but also to others, if you have missed Eli Stone, take a moment and catch an episode on ABC.com. You will not be sorry with the content of the show, it is fabulous and I find their website episode player one of the best, especially because they play so many programs. If you live in a world sans DVR, this is a totally awesome blessing.
Plus, I think they count how many times the show is viewed, not positive about that, but if more people watch it, could give us loyal ones a boost when it comes to a decision on pick up.
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Apr 10, 2008 4:38 PM
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I could not agree with you more, one of the delights of the strike was discovering Eli Stone and I look forward to it every week. Fabulous show, so sweet and funny and every week moves me to tears. Fingers Crossed (love 30 Rock too can't wait for it tonight and still mourning AD)
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Apr 10, 2008 5:41 PM
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Matt;
You are so onb target. Eli is the sweetest leading man on TV. The stories are terrific. Talk about crying...I almost balled out loud during the bone marrow episode. Eli is the hope for the future. LOST and some of the other shows are so depressing. ER is tiresome and Without a Trace, a former favorite is available on reruns. I love Eli Stone and am not ashamed to admit it.
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Apr 10, 2008 8:07 PM
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Jonny Lee Miller is hugely appealing? Really? I don't recall seeing any of his other work, but I just find him incredibly dull in this role. He's just completely uninteresting. I also can't stand the acupuncturist. I find everything he says incredibly corny. I used to watch the show for the sole reason of seeing that adorable first year associate, Maggie. But, she never seems to be around anymore.
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Apr 10, 2008 9:37 PM
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Thanks for spreading some Eli Stone love, Matt. That show keeps getting better and better. I'm hoping for a second season too.
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Apr 11, 2008 10:08 AM
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I am in with keeping "Eli Stone" around for a long time - it's such a good show! I've been watching since the first episode and at the time compared it a little bit to "Ally McBeal" with the George Michael song & dance scenes, but it's grown a lot since then. I really like that Eli is much more comfortable when he sees his scenes and isn't jumping under desks or anything like that anymore. And I also like that the important people in his life know about the aneurysm; the story would not have worked if he tried to keep it a secret.
ABC - keep this show on your schedule!!!
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Apr 11, 2008 10:58 AM
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