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Network: ABC

Premiere: Tuesday, October 14, 10pm

Cast: Jonny Lee Miller, Natasha Henstridge, Victor Garber, Loretta Devine, Sam Jaeger, James Saito, Matt Lescher and Julie Gonzalo

Previously on Eli Stone: Eli Stone went in to have his brain aneurysm removed, and in the process had a face-to-face meeting with God, who adopted the form of George Michael.

Though the aneurysm is out, producers promise it won't be the end of Eli Stone's fanciful journey for good.  The entire premise of the show is effectively altered, as the cause of his hallucinations/prophetic visions is no longer present.  However, season 2 will be more about spreading the fundamental message of doing good and helping others, and Eli's message will begin to infect those around him and the public at large.

Perhaps more important than what's happening is who's happening.  The second episode will feature special guest star Katie Holmes (aka Mrs. Tom Cruise).  While this stunt casting might seem impossible for most shows, it helps that co-creator Greg Berlanti worked with Holmes back in her Joey Potter days on Dawson's Creek.  Since Fringe airs Tuesdays at 9pm, this means viewers will be able to watch Joshua Jackson that night, then switch over to see Katie Holmes and have a very Dawson's night.  Now if only James Van Der Beek can guest star as a substitute teacher on 90210, it would be a perfect night.

Fans of musical numbers need not fear either.  The song-and-dance sequences will be back, and Holmes will even get in on the action.  Settling into Boston Legal's old time slot, Eli Stone is being given a chance to become ABC's new quirky legal dramedy of choice, which is smart as Boston Legal will wrap up this year.


-John Kubicek, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image courtesy of ABC)