Eli Stone: The Complete First Season

Much of the legal business is handled more with Ally McBeal whimsy than Law & Order seriousness, and cases involving, say, two "gay" chimpanzees add little to the show's appeal. Nor do some of the ongoing personal relationships, like the cutesy-annoying interludes with Eli and the boss' daughter (Natasha Henstridge) or a young associate at the firm (Julie Gonzalo), bring much to the party; much better are his dealings with his mouthy but indispensable assistant (Loretta Devine, excellent in a clichéd role) and brother (Matt Letscher), a conflicted physician. But Eli's own arc, as he comes to accept what's happening to him and how his newly-acquired powers of clairvoyance can best be put to use, is handled beautifully; from the eighth episode ("Praying for Time," probably the high point of the season, in which virtually every character experiences a major breakthrough or catharsis) onward, Eli Stone becomes the TV version of a book you can't put down. Bonus features include audio commentary on two episodes, bloopers, and several brief but informative featurettes. --Sam Graham