Like car wrecks on a freeway, trends tend to pile up in the imitative world of television. “Eli Stone” (9 p.m., ABC) is the third new ABC series this season to dabble in a slapstick variation on magical realism. It’s a genre I like to think of as Cosmic Cuteness. In these shows – “Pushing Daisies,” “Samantha Who” and now “Eli Stone” – the universe plays a trick on a quirky character and hilarity ensues, accompanied by dollops of poignant insight. A little cuteness goes a long way, and too much tends to curdle, then clot.

Eli Stone (Jonny Lee Miller) appears to be on the fast track at a law firm with an infamous reputation for suing the little guy at the behest of the rich. And to make matters more convenient, his gorgeous if icy fiancee (Natasha Henstridge) just happens to be the daughter of the boss (Victor Garber).

But lately he’s been suffering from hallucinations in the form of odd music and then full-blown visions of pop crooner George Michael (as himself) singing “Faith” in the lobby of Eli’s firm.

This is a very, very bad sign, both for Eli Stone and “Eli Stone.” It means he’s got a serious problem and that this show is probably doomed to follow in the footsteps of “Viva Laughlin.” Like “Laughlin,” this terminally quirky series combines serious topics (autism and illegal immigration in the first two episodes) with the razzle-dazzle of extravagantly choreographed musical fantasies. To engage in a well-worn cliche or two, it’s like “Ally McBeal” on steroids. Or on acid. Or both.

Luckily for Eli, his brother (Matt Letsher) just happens to be a neurologist, who assures him there’s nothing wrong. But his wise and earthy assistant (Loretta Devine) insists that he consult an acupuncturist, Dr. Chen (James Saito), who needles Eli into remembering the key moments in his past that may explain his strange visions. Chief among these insights is the fact that his alcoholic father (Tom Cavanagh) may not have been such a lush after all and that Eli’s muddled noggin may be a defective chip off the old block. Or perhaps Eli is a prophet.

Cavanagh’s presence as the long-lost father should be a dead giveaway for viewers. This makes “Eli Stone” the son of “Ed,” the sappy 2000 NBC comedy. Who says quirky cuteness doesn’t run in the family?

¢ “Lost” (7 p.m., ABC) returns with an hourlong recap of seasons past and then continues (8 p.m.) with a brand new episode to kick off an eight-episode season 4. As you may recall, rescue appears imminent. But what about Charlie’s warning that these newcomers weren’t what they seemed? And what about the flash into the future that revealed Jack’s inconsolable regret and his mad desire to return to the island?

After the meager stew of repeats and reality, viewers should feast on this truncated “Lost” season.

¢ It’s back to the future on cable, with a schedule turbocharged with movies from the decade that brought us minivans, “Thriller,” shoulder pads and Dan Quayle. Put away your Trivial Pursuits, put your Cabbage Patch Kid to sleep, unplug your Commodore 64 and take your pick between “Ghostbusters” (5:30 p.m., VH1) from 1984, “Top Gun” (7 p.m., AMC) from 1986 and “Overboard” (7:30 p.m., Family) and “Fatal Attraction” (8 p.m., Lifetime), both from 1987.

Tonight’s other highlights

¢ Democratic candidates meet in a presidential debate (7 p.m., CNN).

¢ Angela grieves on “The Office” (7:30 p.m., NBC).

¢ Warren’s addiction worsens on “CSI” (8 p.m., CBS).

¢ A triple-cross deception ensues on a two-hour “Celebrity Apprentice” (8 p.m., NBC).

¢ “Biography” (8 p.m., Biography) profiles Lindsay Lohan.

Cult choice

Angry townsfolk summon a supernatural squash in the 2006 sequel “Pumpkinhead: Ashes to Ashes” (6 p.m., Sci Fi), starring Lance Henriksen.