This week's issue (3-1-2002) contains 2 pieces about Elaine....uh, Ellie:
The cover story talks about the production of her new series (Watching Ellie). A few tidbits: Her demands included only 15 episode will be produced per season (as opposed to the usual 22). Her husband (Brad Hall) is executive-producer. Single-camera shoot, no studio audience. The show was shopped to the Big Three networks and HBO, only NBC made an offer. The writer of the artice (Lynette Rice) doesn't say so outright, but implies there are many reasons to believe the show won'y be successful.
The second piece is Ken Tucker's review of the show. Very positive. Here's a bit: "'Watching Ellie' sets up some promising story lines.....and the premiere....has an attractively dark glow to its nighttime setting. 'Watching Ellie' has an open, inviting atmosphere; it leaves you wanting more." He gave the show a B+.
^^^^^^ "Art is often hailed as the grandest expression of human spirit, but we know now ... that the grandest expression of human spirit is whatever it takes for a man or woman to rush back into a burning building to save more people."