I like to kid CBS and its half-million crime procedurals, but tonight CSI turns in a strong installment as William Petersen hands off the reins to Laurence Fishburne and Grissom departs to pursue his love of entomology elsewhere. The episode, in which the two pair up against a serial killer preying on couples, is more acting-intense than typical CSIs, as Petersen takes a bow with various characters and Fishburne is introduced (as Raymond Langston, who we meet as a professor).
As I wrote in a long feature on the CSI empire back when the New York franchise debuted, it’s always surprised me the level of thespian talent the series pursue and get; Fishburne is capable of doing much more than staring intently at spatter patterns. On the other hand, if the movies can’t find sufficient work for the likes of him and Gary Sinise, I can’t blame CSI for that.
