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
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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!
Well, after last night’s episode Fishbourne has my approval. I think he’ll do well.
I think Fishburne did a fantastic job. Revealing his back story in his first episode is great so we have several episodes before Peterson leaves to become invested in this new character (something I am still struggling on with Lauren Lee Smith). I agree with MickyG that Gil’s accidentally outing himself is not a big stretch in that he has been a little off since Warrick’s death. Finally, I hope Gil takes some time away from Vegas and comes back and ends up with Lady Heather. She is his intellectual equal and will surely make ’sexy times’ much more exciting. I liked Sara but she is just so bland…
I have to say, I think a lot of CSI fans were surprised by what a wonderful job Fishburne did in his big debut. Most fans are none to pleased with Peterson’s exit, while I on the other hand could care less. I love William and I think he is a good actor, but he never drew me into his character. That is something Fishburne has already done and I can’t wait until the next episode. But let’s not forget the writers. Part of the reason this episode was such a success was because the writing was actually up to par. CSI has been like ever other show and dwindled over the years in that department. It became so boring and now I’m seeing some life being breathed into it. I can’t wait.
I liked Fishbourne’s character. he’s not a cop or a CSI, so it’ll be interesting to see how he fits in with the others once Grissom does leave.
As for Grissom revealing himself to be in law enforcement, I honestly thought he did it to draw the attention of the DJK from his first victim Joel’s mother. Grissom is a consummate scientist and knowing people like Haskell thrive on the pain they cause, he seemed to try to draw Haskell’s attention back to himself instead of letting the man get his jollies from baiting Joel’s grief stricken mother. IMHO, at least.
I will be sad to see Grissom go, but I like the Professor Langston character.
Too bad they already outed the killer (Jimmi Simpson) in the audience. Why do these shows always have to go to the same character actors for these sorts of roles? The moment Jimmi Simpson appeared in the crowd, it became obvious who the murder was. Oh well…
…who the murderer was
CSI is still head and shoulders above the other crime shows. CSI NY is acted so poorly I couldn’t believe it passed the CBS inspection and the actual stories sometimes are really bland. I turn it off about 10 minutes into the show or don’t watch at all. CSI Miami I almost never watch as well. They are just poor imitations of a good thing.
I’ve been a faithful and loyal viewer since the very first episode aired 9 years ago. I own all seasons on DVD and watch them over and over. My favourite character has always been Grissom, however, I truly enjoyed watching Lawrence Fishburne the other night and am looking forward to seeing where the writers take this. As for who I would like to see Gil end up with – Lady Heather, hands down. I don’t know anyone that is an avid fan (like myself) that enjoyed the Sara/Gil pairing. I was happy when she left and even happier again this season when she essentially ended things.
I really liked fishborne in his new persona, I have always loved the seires from day one and i will miss gill. The one thing i didn’t like was how they made fishbornes charater to much like a school teacher. fishborne has this dark edge to him and i feel the writers need to play with that a little when they really define the charater.
I used to like Grissom, but the whole GSR nonsense ruined his character and also made me hate Sara (who I was glad to see go)so as far as I’m concerned the Grissom I knew left long ago. I though Mr Fishburn did a great job and I look forward to CSI’s new blood. BEST OF ALL NO MORE GSR!!
You know, as someone who has been in love with Grissom for the last 9 years, I was surprised to find myself very much enjoying Fishbourne. So bring it on CSI.
I am a hardcore Grissom fan (as well as an AVID GSR shipper), but I enjoyed Fishbourne as well. Though I think that the team will suffer from a lack of leadership (c’mon- Catherine is a bit of a joke), I think that the new character (even if he is a Level 1), will fill the masculine void quite nicely. I, for one, will plan to stick around now that I see that the show is in good hands.
Oh yeah, and my theory? I think that the real killer is a woman.
LF will be a welcome addition to the crew; he maybe an academic/medical man but in the CSI world he’s a newbie. It’s just what the crew will need; someone to focus on once Grissom leaves the building. Catherine will be an awesome leader, with Nick as her second she’ll have all the bases covered just like Grissom only she is more able to delegate than Grissom ever was. As to Brass and Grissom’s friendship ending when Grissom leaves I seriously doubt that; after all Brass did make Grissom his “if anything happens to me Grissom decides what to do” guy. When Grissom (and Sara) return it will be like they never left; till they leave again. As to the DJK killer I think it’s one of the prison guard (unseen sofar) and one of the studends in the class. Maybe the guy who asked the girl out for drinks after the class was cut short. Just as long as it’s not one of Ernie Dell’s Foster children or his own son.
I haven’t watched in a while but found myself REALLY enjoying the episode and thought it was a great way to have Fishburne join the cast. And while I would say NORMALLY Gil wouldn’t make that mistake, he’s obviously not himself. I think that was the point. And I 100% think his anger was justified-no one likes to be duped (and Brass calling anyone cranky is funny to me). I liked Liev too though, so I think the series can survive without Gil IF they stay true to the rest of the ensemble. He fits much better than that airhead.
What’s cool is that they didn’t go for a Gil-lite type, they went the total opposite route with him. Gil, is all about the science – it’s everything to him and his reliance and belief on that has led the team. Raymond on other hand, seems to be more speculative and more about what goes on inside the mind. It changes EVERYTHING about the direction of what the show is about.
One thing though, from now on call we refer to him as LARRY, this Laurence thing ha salways creeped me out.