Last night’s CSI episode was significant in that it marked the debut of Laurence Fishburne as the walking-pressure-cooker-that-is Prof. Raymond Langston, but I prefer to look at it as the calm before the storm — the storm being the waterworks that are sure to erupt next month when William Petersen makes his long-awaited exit as the beloved Gil Grissom. This was Petersen’s penultimate episode, fans, as evidenced by that subdued speech he gave to his obviously stunned team. Well, maybe Catherine wasn’t so surprised. "I knew before you knew," she admitted when Gil apologized for springing the news. Coroner Al was a lot more skeptical. "Are you running away or to someone?" he said. Gee, I’d like to know that myself! For now, Gil wasn’t giving any answers, just subtle clues about his mindset, like finally giving up on his precious crossword puzzles to sharing an ironic moment with Brass in which both men tacitly acknowledge how their friendship won’t last once Gil leaves the building.
But I should probably address Fishburne. The CSI scribes went out of their way to set up a plausible scenario in which Gil would attend Langston’s class about serial killers — which also happened to feature a guest serial killer speaker (show of hands from those of you who were able to keep up with the killer’s checkered past and who he killed when and how). I use the word plausible loosely; Gil’s not the type of guy who would slip up and reveal that he’s a law dog, something the killer-speaker picked up on immediately during a colorful session (special shout-out to the marvelous Bill Irwin, fresh from his day job as Sesame Street‘s hapless Mr. Noodles, to play the merciless murderer Nate Haskell). It’s from here that we learn that Langston’s got a bit of temper; in fact, I’m pretty sure that was steam coming out of Langston’s ears when he discovered Gil’s true identity and how Brass wasn’t going to reveal everything about the ongoing investigation. "Little cranky for an academic," Brass harrumphed. Truth be told, I found Langston’s anger a little off-putting too, but this drama could probably use a fresh jolt of intensity (not to mention a few more surprise appearances by uber-cool bands like Paramore).
What did you think? Do you think Fishburne has the right stuff? Will he be a good fit with the team? And where on earth do you think Gil is headed?
More CSI and other TV news:
TV Ratings: Laurence Fishburne Debut Draws More Than 20 Million Viewers to CSI
CSI: Ken Tucker on William Petersen’s Farewell Season
Ausiello Files: NCIS Scoop! Spin-Off Makes Casting Call
The Mentalist: Crime Pays for CBS
Fish had a good intro… his character seems like a change of pace from Grissom which is what I would prefer.
I think Grisson will either:
A) Stay in Lady Heather’s Bed/Dungeon
B) Find Sarah and says ” The Results from Hodges say You Genetically Complete me”
C) Start a Bug Rodeo
D) Build a Boat and see if Brass changes his mind
D)
I think Mr. Fishbourne did an excellent job. The statement that Gil accidently revealed himself to a killer is unrealistic. Gil Grissom eats, breathes and sleeps his job. What we see as police jargon is his every day vocabulary. He is already weary of this life and this slip was a subtle reminder that he’s not on his A game.The look on his face when it was revealed, showed that he knew it.
As for the Professors reaction, that was explained by Grissom. he was a pathologist at a hospital where a serial mercy killer killed nearly a dozen people. The professor did not connect the dots. He did not realize it. Finding he had been duped again, stung.
I knew I recognized the killer from somewhere. I will never be able to look at Mr. Noodle again in the same way.
Now when my daughter is watching Sesame Street there will be a little ick factor for me. People who do mostly children’s programs walk a fine line of possibly tainting their image with these type of roles. But he was terrific.
I thought Larry was a great addition to the cast and think his temper, if it does flare up here and there, will help keep the CSI’s in line…I couldn’t follow all the twists and turns of the killer, who he killed, and who was who…but that’s ok…seeing the assistant coroner choke up and run out of the room when Grissom said he was leaving was a nice touch…Loved how Hodges kinda blew him off in the hallway, cause you KNOW Hodges is hurt…he idolizes Grissom…
I loved Fishburne’s addition and am glad they’re not trying to make him a direct clone of Grissom. The great thing about Grissom has always been his scholastic impartiality while still being warm and caring. Fishburne we know can give the same thing. But by giving him a personal stake in things plus a bit of a temper (and I’m sorry, but I get why he was pissed), and you’ve got someone who will be highly concerned about doing things right and getting results. The same attention to detail as Grissom with a fresh, passionate perspective.
I taped this episode and will be watching over
the weekend. If and when Gil leaves, I believe that will be the end of CSI Las Vegas. Gil was and always will be, the main draw for people who watch the show. The storylines are great but only Gil can solve the puzzle in his analytical way. He will be missed and I, for one, probably won’t watch it once he has left. However, I do have an open mind and will see how Fishburn does….but he will never be able to replace Gil.
I don’t think the show is going to be the same. I hope it doesn’t die. Lets hope Fishbourne can follow in those big footprints!
I’ve never been a fan of CSI and although I’ve watched it a few times, Peterson for some reason irked me. Not the character, just a vibe I get from the actor, kind of like Russell Crowe. I like Fishburne so I’m gonna check out the show again to see if things improve for me.
If anyone can take over for William Petersen, it’s Fishburne. As long as “Gil” makes a few return visits, and the character of Langston provides intensity, focus and brilliance, I’m there.
Gil is leaving CSI for Lady Heather? Oh noooo. I’m counting on Sara Sidle; it’s the only thing that would make sense and that fans would accept.
As for the serial killer? He’s covering up for something or someone; that’s certain. Who was the person sitting in the car with him when he was stopped by the police during that random search? Gil was right; he did not act alone in this mayhem, and did not change his plea to guilty half way through the trial because of ego.
I’ve grown tired of the CSI franchise…I love Petersen in anything he does, but none more than the CSI show. He is always worth the watch…I’ve just grown tired of the episodes that have to get sicker and sicker to hold the viewer. I hate watching key characters get killed off or leave so I leave first. It’s run its course and I can always get my fix in syndication….which is on any 4 cable channels, any time, day or night.
I love CSI Vegas, it’s the best. The original wins hands down. It was a fresh approach. I rather watch the original than those awful acted other two CSI’s (Miami and NY)-those are tiredsome and I believe the Miami writers are the worst. At least the original CSI is trying. Wish the others could come up with some new things and not hook up characters like a soap opera. CSI Vegas shows the original will always be best.
I’ve got a sinking feeling Fishburne might be too big of a star for a weekly TV series and might move on to other projects pretty soon but I’m hoping not.
Grissom actually started to grow on me this season (I’d been a faithful viewer, and then I stopped, and last season I came back) and I think I’m going to miss him. But I do appreciate the new character and I can’t wait to see what he offers. Besides, William Petersen’s already said he’ll be coming back for select episodes, so I’m not too worried.
I’m new to CSI. About 4 weeks ago I started watching the series on Netflix Instant Watch. I’ve watched seasons 8 and 9. I love the show. Sad to see Peterson go. I like him as an actor and his character, but understand where he’s taking the character. In real life people change. Grissom (the character) is no different–he is going through a mid-life reevaluation. Good for him.
With Fishburne coming aboard, the energy of the series is going to be very different. I’ll reserve judgement on whether it is going to work. One thing’s for sure. The series won’t be the same. May the old CSI RIP. If the show folds, I wonder who will do the autopsy.
I’m pretty new to CSI, too. I’ve watched it off and on for about eight months now. (Yay for Spike Tv!) I really like Grissom, but am pretty excited to Langston coming aboard. I really enjoyed the episode. It was the first time I wasn’t watching a CSI rerun on Spike! I liked this character, can’t wait to see more!