My interview w/Sam Jeager of "El.i Stone"...

Anyone who complains that broadcast television isn't creative enough these days probably hasn't seen a single episode of "Eli Stone."

Set in a top San Francisco law firm, the title character of this comedy-drama-musical has a series of visions - including one of George Michael singing "Faith" - that affect his practice, his relationships and his reputation.

Sam Jeager plays an attorney in the firm and is a critical member of an all-star ensemble that includes Jonny Lee Miller as Eli, Victor Garber, Loretta Devine and Natasha Henstridge.

"He's a wonderful character because just when you're about to root for him, he goes and does something really nasty," Sam said of his TV alter-ego, Matt Dowd. "I think we all know somebody in our lives who's like that - whom every once in awhile they redeem themselves."

Because it is such a unique show that requires many of its cast members to break into song, there was a question of whether it would catch on with audiences when it premiered last spring.

But it did and will be returning for a second season on ABC.

"There was kind of a buzz and the buzz was pretty accurate," said Sam. "It was a good script that turned into a good show.

At 31, the young actor has been steadily making a name for himself in television and films. In addition to many guest spots on high-profile shows, he has also had significant roles in such films as "Catch and Release," "Within," "Lucky Slevin," and "Hart's War."

He badly wanted the role on "Eli" but didn't like his chances going in.

"I knew that when I went into the audition that they had been seeing people for this role for several months," he remembered. "It didn't really put pressure on me because I just thought, 'Well, I don't have a chance in hell.' Thankfully, they saw that I was the character."

Sam (pictured above with Victor Garber) and I chatted at last month's Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour where his co-star Jonny Miller was being hounded by personal questions about his former wife, Angelina Jolie.

He seemed relieved that interest in his personal life has been on a far smaller scale.
"I have a pretty simple life," he said. "I've got a wonderful wife and a great kid. I'm grateful that I can jump into the (showbiz) world and jump out. I've seen enough to know that it's not the kind of life that's easily taken on."