Although it hasn't even aired yet, the new ABC drama-comedy Eli Stone is already rubbing some groups the wrong way. After reading a synopsis of the show's pilot, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is calling for the episode's cancellation.
The show stars Jonny Lee Miller (Trainspotting's Sickboy) as the titular lawyer who experiences prophetic visions and becomes inspired to change his life and the lives of others. In the pilot episode, Miller's character tackles a prickly subject in the medical field.
The AAP claims that the pilot's main court case presents arguments that certain vaccines can cause autism in children, a notion the AAP purports to be a myth. Though the AAP acknowledges that lawyers in the show do say there has been no scientific evidence that these vaccines can cause autism, it says "the episode's conclusion delivers a contrary impression."
AAP president Renée R. Jenkins wrote ABC to say that the network "will bear responsibility for the needless suffering and potential death of children from parents' decisions not to immunize based on the content of the [pilot episode of Eli Stone]."
In response to the protest, ABC told The New York Times that it would air the episode as is, with a few minor changes. It will add the following disclaimer to the episode: "The following story is fictional and does not portray any actual persons, companies, products, or events." ABC will also post the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's autism Web site for viewers to get more information.
Eli Stone, starring Miller, Natasha Henstridge, and Victor Garber, debuts on ABC this Thursday at 10 p.m. For more information on the show, including clips of the pilot with some George Michael goodness, check out TV.com's previous coverage.
"[It] would air the episode as is, with a few minor changes." Uhh... come again? As is... but without being so... as-is-ish. I get it now. That makes perfect sense, but without making so much sense.
To all those who believe what they read in the so-called scientific literature as it pertains to the possible link between autism and vaccinations, particularly the MMR vaccination: wake up. There is a link. Many indoctrinated researchers and doctors have come out, wiped the mainstream mud from their eyes and stated that the corporations have invaded many of these scientific journals. Ads anyone? Research the matter yourself and you'll come to the same conclusion that Dr. Russell Blaylock came to: vaccinations depress the immune system, causing various problems throughout one's life, including autism. Research, think, don't let them tell you what's appropriate to believe in. Think. Think. Think.
Let's see. George Michael magically appears singing "Faith" in the middle of a courthouse. This show is not about autism nor does this episode pretend to be about autism. It's a story. A tale. A weave. Does anyone believe that one could live for years and years inside of a gingerbread cottage that was readily available for eating without having it collapse after some rain came along? I knew that couldn't happen when I was three. It's a well written, well acted television show. It seems this onslaught of American Reality TV has made a lot of viewers dumber than they already were. A sad thing, as I recall they were still pretty stupid when they were complaining about Ally McBeal's short skirts so much that they neglected to pay attention to anything else. If ya don't like it, change the channel. That is the power you have. Otherwise, calm down.moreless
and here i thought this was a reality show from the ads...imagine my surprise after watching the first episode! lol loved it! keep it up!
It's a stupid premise, because it's completely wrong. They're not just weighing in on something that hasn't been investigated yet. They're promoting it as an episode about a medical condition (although it's on a show about lawyers), not the X Files. Come on. They're catering to all the people who don't like to think that something might not be true. There are a lot of people out there who hate science and who really want to believe something like this. Thank you for setting the bar even lower...Does anybody realize that if actual lawyers went to court with this premise as their argument, they'd lose, because it's false? Anyone who reads the scientific literature ought to fall laughing to the floor because of this, and anyone writing shows in a *town full of lawyers* certainly ought to know better. This is what happens when you don't settle a writers' strike. They substitute cr*p.moreless
(Note to self- Remember to keep the language clean.)It's a FICTIONAL show. Anything contained within the show has no requirement to be factual. Any legal information has no requirement to be factual.Would there be the same amount of bleeding heart outbursts if they showed a speed limit sign with 95 in a suburb? "Oh no, if people see that they may think it's the real speed limit"Idiots.Seriously, the people who get upset about this sort of thing. Their mothers should have swallowed more often.
For crying out loud people! This show can and should help you see the reality of what big corp's get away with! The story may not be true, but it should open your eyes to the possibility!!
A great episode for a great show. cant wait to see more!
Hey, it's a story. It's not real. I liked it.
This is a fictional show, right? I mean, there has been talk of this in the news, so why the big hullabaloo? I have an autistic son and personally don't believe the vaccine hype, but that's my opinion. CSI and SVU does stuff from the headlines all the time. It's a STORY not a "60 Minute" news piece. I think people need to watch it and then pass judgement, imo.
i feel the need to clear the air. i worked on this episode (the pilot), and am very proud of how it came out. it is a fantastic piece of fictional television. there is so much more going on in the storyline, besides the case, that if you were to believe it all as fact, you'd have to get YOUR head examined. ...you'll get the reference when you watch the episode. the show's creators, Greg and Marc, set out to entertain, not educate. and unlike certain other shows on the air (law & order anyone?) Eli Stone is not based off of real life events. it's fiction, it's entertainment. so thank you to everyone who abjected to the AAP's request to cancel the episode. sit back, heed the disclaimer, but don't take it all so seriously, and enjoy the show! take it from me, i've loved it since the first rough cut! ...oh, and anything you didnt like about it...blame ABC...:Pmoreless
it's a shame... if they're going to present something as a fact, they should be able to research it to know if it's true or not... TV is entertainment, I'll grant you that and there's an escape from reality element but not when it's presented as science.
you really DO think that people know the difference between TV and reality? Then ask TV viewers how much of CSI is based on hard science and not complete BS for the purpose of the show... you'll be surprised. I mean there are still some people who think that Reality TV is real
TV writers should be more careful about the consequences of what they write.
It's not JUST a TV show when they pretend they are scientists. The people protesting are not a bunch of Christian wackos, they are scientists who have heard many morons over the years thinking they knew something because of TV.
The warning should be "facts presented in this episode as science are fictional and in no way represent reality."moreless
OhioStateHack - You make a valid point.
It's television. Why protest it? People realize that just becuase it happens on TV doesn't mean it happens in real life, don't they? I mean, isn't television an escape from reality?
I am glad to see that ABC did not buckle under the pressure. I think they made a good move in putting the warnings out there though.
Very good news that ABC didn't buckle under the protesters, I am really excited for the pilot.
Very good news that ABC didn't buckle under the protesters, I am really excited for the pilot.
Very good news that ABC didn't buckle under the protesters, I am really excited for the pilot.
That guy was in "Hackers". That movie was awesome.
It'll be interesting to see how this shakes out
I downloaded the episode from the Internet, where it was available about a month ago.
***Spoiler alert***
In the show, Eli finds out, with the help of his assistant that a drug company had requested (but not published) a study that indicates that their vaccine causes autism. Stone is unable to use that evidence (it's a long story why), and uses an emotional closing arguments speech to have "faith" in his client.
So, the AAP have a basis for their complaint.
Trainspotting's Sickboy gets a new show this season about a lawyer in San Francisco. Trainspotting Tommy gets a new show this season about a reporter in San Francisco. COINCIDENCE? And where's Spud!?
interesting
Sure make a fuss about autism yet it's okay to have a forensic serial killer! Good grief it's a television show nothing more.
This is the pilot and has been finished and floating around for something like 6 months (I assume)... thats how people know about it. Oprah usually isn't filmed tht far in advance so it's harder for people to rally against them. Plus there has been stuff to watch on Eli Stone on ABC's website for the past month.
mammalazz, how true! Gosh, minds of people can be so closed, but of course, it all depends on WHO you are. If your Oprah, its ok, anyone else? Forget it!
oh my goodness well why did they not protest the oprah episode where thay was talked about this my goodness have they even watched the episode how can you protest a show you have not even watched i also think that this news story will be good for the show more people will watch to see whats up