I wasn't sure I was going to like it. In fact, I didn't even watch the first episode. But Eli Stone hooks me more each week. What started off as a somewhat goofy knockoff of Ally McBeal has evolved into a show with depth and promise. How?

1. The story arc that resolved in the last episode, "Praying for Time" -- The cases were always quality and edgy, like the controversial pesticide poisoning and vaccines' link to autism. A new dimension was explored through the story arc of the Jayson Turk trial. Not only did we get to know supporting characters better, but we had a quality trial with a great guest star and a big reveal at the end. I think there is the promise that the earthquake storyline may arc as well, which I look forward to.

2. The Dad flashbacks -- I love seeing Tom Cavanagh in a role that has some meat to it; he really is an actor with quite a range. It is interesting how those flashbacks give us more insight into Eli's character, Eli's relationship with his brother and the parallels between the aneurysm struggles. Eli takes the high road -- so far -- where his father was driven to despair, drunkenness and suicidal tendencies.

3. Eli is no longer a cardboard character -- Eli started off looking like the fool and was rather two-dimensional. As the series has evolved, Eli is showing more depth and emotion, and he isn't just the goofy guy under the table in the staff meeting anymore. He is damaged by his past (relationship with Dad), angry about his present and unsure about his future. This adds up to Jonny Lee Miller showing greater range as an actor and Eli being more human. It's fun and satisfying.

4. The breakup of Eli and Taylor -- I suppose this one was inevitable, but I am glad they did it sooner than later because the Miller and Natasha Henstridge really don't have any chemistry.

5. Maggie is no longer a cardboard character -- The goofy first year lawyer has evolved too. She's got layers now; a real talent in the courtroom is unfolding, she's strong and loyal and she even has a boyfriend. They can go a lot of places with the way they are developing Maggie, and Maggie's relationship with Eli.

6. Musical numbers are used more sparingly -- In the first few episodes, I was unsure as to whether or not the full-blown musical numbers were going to get stale. Obviously, so were the writers because they have scaled them down quite a bit, and I think there may have been an episode or two that didn't have one at all. It is classy not to overuse a unique feature, so I am glad they are choosing this route.

7. The tense relationship between Eli and Jordan -- It was always a somewhat uncomfortable relationship, since Eli was engaged to Jordan's daughter and he worked for him. But the layers just keep coming -- the breakup, the crazy behavior, the trial, the aneurysm reveal -- how much more can Jordan take? Not much, since he has basically made Eli persona non grata at the firm by taking away his office and car. It will be fun to watch this relationship develop further.

8. George Michael -- C'mon, who could be better? He was a huge hit, then a scandal, then a has-been, and now, the guy has the good humor to poke fun at himself with a recurring role on this show. What a good sport; he joins the ranks of Alec Baldwin and Rob Lowe, two other actors who can make fun of themselves with style.

9. Development of supporting characters -- I love that we are getting to know the other lawyers more, especially Matt Dowd and Keith Bennett, the team on the Jayson Turk trial. They are strong and multi-dimensional, professional and opinionated. Again, so much potential if they keep developing them as they have been. I love Matt Dowd's flirtations with Taylor, too.

So, Eli Stone, keep on keeping on -- on this track of continual improvement, character and storyline development and a frolicking good time. It's a fun hour.