Is it possible for a long running series to get its groove back when after a long slump? That's the goal of the newest season of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation with some good results and some familiar ones.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation followed the Las Vegas Crime Lab still rebounding after the fallout of their former colleague Ray Langston's murder confession, which hit everyone hard. Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) was demoted and new Las Vegas resident D.B. Russell (Ted Danson) is promoted in her place. Russell is an unconventional investigator who examines each case like he's Sherlock Holmes and uses his unique childhood to give his career a different perspective. Not everyone is taken by Russell's methods, especially Captain Jim Brass (Paul Guilfoyle) who doesn't understand his methods and doesn't care to. Investigators Nick (George Eads), Greg (Eric Szmanda) and the newest member Morgan (Elisabeth Harnois) with some family baggage of her own. The return of Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox) leaves open the possible longshot return of her husband Grissom (former show star William Petersen). Can the show still function without Petersen's looming presence?
In terms of cast changes, CSI's 12th season is off to a very good start. Laurence Fishburne's wise departure from the show as the gloomy Langston never fully gelled well with the tone of the show. He could never full the large void that Petersen left behind. Danson, on the other hand, is off to a good start because he's not trying to replace Petersen. He's instead trying to be his own leading man by using his sitcom roots (Cheers and Bored to Death) and mixing them with his dramatic skills (Damages) to create Russell from the ground up. His sense of comedic timing and unique screen presence helps make each case come to life in a different way as a puzzle, instead of a routine mystery. The most recent episode somehow tied three seemingly unconnected cases and linked them through a member of law enforcement on a revenge driven plot. The arrival of Harnois as the new kid in town actually unites the cast because the character's father is already on the show. Her chemistry with Szmanda is cute and could make for some awkward moments. Fox's presence is a welcome sight, but it also doesn't take away from the sting of Petersen's glaring absence. It's also a shame that Helgenberger is on her way out, because her timing couldn't be worse. She's having some of her best material and her rapport with Danson is off the charts. At least, she'll leave on a high note.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation premiered on September 21st and airs Wednesdays at 10:00 pm on CBS.
Verdict: Danson's presence helps give the show a new life, but it still isn't the same without Petersen.
TV Score: 3 out of 5 stars
Score Chart
1 Star (Mediocre)
2 Stars (Averagely Entertaining)
3 Stars (Decent Enough to Pass Muster)
4 Stars (Near Perfect)
5 Stars (Gold Standard)
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