Goodbye, Eli

These days, sometimes my "favorite" shows sneak up on me. These are the shows I don't think about often and never talk about. They have no buzz and I always forget to mention them. But when I grab the Tivo remote and see all the crap there...they are the shows I always want to watch -- actually get excited about and then slowly start to look forward to. Eli Stone was one of these shows. I never once looked at Eli on the list and bypassed it for later. It's a show I wanted to watch no matter how hungover, tired or multitasking I was. The law stuff was compelling enough, sure, but Eli and his brain anyeurism-causing "visions" made me happy.  This was a show without cynicism, that was unrepentent about its optimism, and ultimately, faith. Yes - a show that was unafraid to be about God. Watching Eli Stone never failed to make me happy. Sometimes it was a little much, sure. But it wasn't boring. It was inspiring. OK, OK, I admit I also tuned in for the love story of Eli and Maggie. I'm predictable. But this was built from the beginning on the faith of Maggie that Eli would do the right thing...with apologies to Nicholson, basically, she made him want to be a better man.

Of course, all this is for naught. Eli Stone was ruthlessly canceled because no one else was won over by its charming fantasy dream sequences and messages of hope and doing all you can to be a better person. I thought the finale was perfect -- heavy handed as ever but emotional and well intentioned. I prayed that Eli and Maggie would get some sense of closure, and of course, they did and it was -- what else? -- hopeful. I loved that Eli basically told "God" to take his soulmate Katie Holmes and shover her -- he loved Maggie. Yes, it was crowd pleasing, and there is nothing wrong with that. It pleased me, every episode every time.

Comments

[Christina]

I loved this show too and was very sad that it was canceled. I am trying t really remember the finale....but watched it so long ago I can't. I may have to try to find it and watch it again!