Techtite TV reviews

A Techtite Review

If you like gripping murder-mystery shows that hold back no punches, you're really missing out a treat if you aren't watching CSI. Of all the new shows introduced in 2000, this is the one that has TV critics buzzing. Anyone who's seen it can understand why; the crime scenes, the Vegas lights, the excellent stories, and the equally excellent acting (even from the guest stars)...what's not to like?

In case you wondered, "Crime Scene Investigators" are the ones who search a crime scene for clues, right down to the last dust particle. They analyze a crime scene for traces of DNA, blood, and other evidence, research these clues in their crime lab, and discern possible suspects. They are the ones who help find even the most impossible to find suspects, in cases most detectives would just completely give up on. Seeing themselves as the second busiest crime lab in America, they often see themselves thanklessly investigating crimes during "the graveyard shift," yet often solving the crime long before most of us have even gotten up yet.

This CSI team consists of all types of people. Their quirky leader is Gil Grissom (William L. Peterson), whose fascination with roller coasters and insects is equaled only by his expertise in knowing who to send on which case, to get even the most difficult case solved. His often second-in-command is Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger), a divorced ex-exotic-dancer whose skill in solving a CSI case is equaled only by Grissom. They find themselves going on cases often referred to them by Captain Jim Brass (Paul Guilfoyle), whenever his police force is totally stumped on a case. Helping on the cases is Warrick Brown (Gary Dourdan), Nick Stokes (George Eads), and Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox), each with their own unique skill in investigative research.

In addition to a talented cast, the best choice of this series is the location: Las Vegas. Given the rep this city has, you wonder why it isn't chosen more often for crime dramas of this type. Sure, NYPD Blue is a great show, and yet most crimes shown there involve back alleys and dumpsters. In CSI, crime scenes are certainly elaborate; from a bachelorette party in a glitzy Vegas suite, to a man shot in a glass elevator; this series is not without its fair share of uniqueness in every crime scene. One crime involves a skeleton found in the desert; another involves a stolen car with a head in the trunk. No doubt, many of these scripts are probably from actual crime reports. After all, truth is always stranger than fiction.

The characters portrayed here are totally three dimensional, and all with their own fields of expertise...and often, weaknesses. Grissom, for example, is totally committed to his work, though finds finds his work often gets in the way of a personal life, particularly when trying to date a frequent science colleague he admires, Teri Miller (played excellently by guest star Pamela Gidley).

As a single mother, Catherine's weaknesses are cases involving children, where she often lets her emotions get the best of her (though, given the crimes, this is perfectly justified). Warrick is just getting over a very serious gambling addiction; you can feel his stress every time he's asked to go near the floors of a busy casino. Nick often finds himself trying to prove himself to his boss, who both sees great potential in him, yet also sees his need for more experience before he can send him alone on a tough case. Sara, meanwhile, is totally devoted to her job, yet that's half her problem; she has no hobbies or other interests, and often finds herself getting too involved in the cases.

The production values of each episode are excellent. Even the opening theme song is well chosen, which in case you were wondering is "Who Are You?" by Pete Townshend, performed by The Who. It's a great opening to a show that is all about that very question, when everyone else has given up on figuring out who did that particular crime.

Helping put the series into motion is Executive Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who's best work as Producer includes movies like Beverly Hills Cop, Top Gun, and Flashdance. He's joined by all types of experienced producers in directors, who've worked on a number of projects, from Melrose Place to The West Wing. The end result is a show that is quite frankly the best new TV series offered in the 2000-2001 season, and has already received a fair share of Award Nominations, as well as at least one win (from the TV Guide Awards, as Best New TV Drama).

If this isn't enough for you to watch this show each week, then you must not like crime dramas. Personally, I am not the biggest fan of the typical, rubber-stamp crime dramas, which often center on a clich� police station or courtroom. Yet I find myself watching the very fresh and original setting of CSI, every single week. I even gladly watch the repeats each week, which for me is very rare. In conclusion, all I can say is that I cannot begin to say how much any crime drama fan will love this series.

	Final Rating : Deep Impact. Probably the only show I never miss each week, that I'm not ashamed to admit to not missing each week. The best new show offered in 2000!
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CSI : Crime Scene Investigation

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