Premiering in the sweet spot after Lost this week is the new ABC show, Eli Stone. So far, early reviews are positive. Some have compared it to Ally McBeal, but Matt Roush of TVGuide has a different comparrison:

This is the danger of basing a first impression solely on network teasers. Yes, superficial comparisons can be made to Ally McBeal, but…I see Eli as being a little closer to the Pushing Daisies model, in the way that it imposes life-affirming fantasy onto a shopworn genre. There is a romantic element to Eli Stone…but unlike Ally, this isn’t really a romantic comedy. The elaborate musical fantasies sometimes do have a David E. Kelley feel to them, but their impact is slightly less silly…

It’s a great cast, with Victor Garber (Alias) and Natasha Henstridge (Species). The cast alone has it on my DVR to-do list. Although I’m not sure I would have given it as big of a chance in a non-strike season, it’s enough to pique my interest.