Well, kind of... yeah. For those that have caught the new promo for the next episode of CSI, it touts Grissom's departure from the Vegas lab. The episode, appropriately titled "Leaving Las Vegas," airs next Thursday, January 4. But we sort of knew this anyway. We even reported a few months ago that Liev Schreiber was joining the cast as a new lead investigator named Michael Keppler.
So at this point, I suppose you shouldn't be worried. The episode description even says that Grissom is only leaving for a four week sabbatical. But then I went digging.
A simple Google search for "William Petersen leaving CSI" yielded numerous articles and interviews dating back to 2005 where the actor talks about how he's tired of playing Gil, would like to give theatre and film a shot again, and his desire to be a better husband. He makes it clear in this article that his character will only be around in a limited capacity for the remainder of this season. So it looks like solving the case of the miniature replica killer was Gil's last hurrah. But let's be honest here TV fans. We know how this works. My educated guess? Petersen won't be back at all when CSI returns in Fall '07 for its eighth season. Anyone think otherwise?
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Reader Comments (Page 8 of 8)
2-06-2007 @ 10:16AM
Kim said...
I came across this site and just had to post a comment even tho I usually hate these things. First of all I just wanted to let you know that he will not be leaving this season, or next. Although he is taking some time to pursue his love for theater, he has signed a contract for season 8. I also wanted to say that I was astonished by some of the negative comments on here. Everyone has the right to their own opinion, so here are some of mine. :-) William Petersen is an EXCELLENT actor (plus he's HOT!!!). He is not "grouchy" about his role, he has said that he loves it, only that he wishes he had more time for other interests. Anyone who knows the amount of work it takes to act in a tv show in comparison to a movie would definately understand. But he would definately not be sticking around for the money. He has said (and proved) many times that he choses his roles for artistic reasons, not money. I will be very sad when he leaves the show, I will probably stop watching, but it would be great to see him in more movies. Anyone who has seen any of his movies would agree. He rocks!!! Anyways... Just wanted to get that out LOL, no offense to anyones views. I'll close by saying I thought the comment about the sunglasses comment was hilarious, since anyone who watches would know that happens only in CSI Miami, which has nothing to do with William Petersen, especially since he turned down the offer to co-produce that one. LOL
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2-06-2007 @ 10:17AM
Porky said...
While watching the Super Bowl on HDTV there was a commercial showing Grisom had returned. It also revealed that Keppler was being charged for being a bad cop. There's hope yet...the saga continues.
He'll be back. Every show that has worth does this as an advertising stunt. Look what happened to Capt Brass last year, and who shot JR in Dallas.
I only wish that Grissom's personna would have a little more life to it.
Eckely makes for one of those guys you love to hate. What a dipstick that guy is. I'm sure they have fun with him during rehearsal
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2-08-2007 @ 9:35AM
Janice Boucquez said...
My greatest fear realized...Gil leaves! He's one of the main reason's I watch the Vegas version. His acting is excellent and real, his character is very down to earth and he doesn't pose and preen like some in say...Florida. I give a 'thumbs up' for finially ending the suspense by his character being put in Sara's bedroom. Billy, don't let me down, hang in there.
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2-15-2007 @ 10:03AM
m said...
nay! Nay! This CSI show represents team work and
Grissom is part of the team. I think the only mistake so far has been bring personal attachments
into the show. Leave it like it used to be... the
methods used to solve a crime and how they used those
methods.
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2-15-2007 @ 10:04AM
dadybear said...
I think it's way too much for him to just walk away from. Although he is a co-creator and co-producer I think that all that "Sienfeld" type like money and the stardom and what not will be too much to pass up. Look for Grissom in the Winter of 07/08!
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2-15-2007 @ 10:04AM
Will Graham said...
There's no way Liev Schreiber will be on the show permanently. Is it not incredibly obvious that his character is going to turn out to be the miniature killer?
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2-16-2007 @ 9:23AM
Jennifer Wenner said...
I really like the show as it is. I wish William Peterson would not leave. It is my favorite CSI. Jennifer
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2-20-2007 @ 4:09PM
Terry said...
When Gill returned after his 4-week absence, my wife and I both thought his hair and beard looked strange, and we wondered if William Petersen is having health problems, as in radiation treatments, causing hair loss. It reminded me of Jerry Orbach's sad few episodes in Law and Order: Trial by Jury. Did anyone else have that thought?
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2-23-2007 @ 9:32PM
kskirk said...
If Petersen leaves they might as well cancel the show. He really makes the show, You could tell the difference when he went away for 4 weeks. Petersen is a very good actor. I didn't think they could find anyone who could play with the same postive yet superior additude and get away with it, until they put David Caruso in CSI Miami, and Gary Sense in CSI NY.....It's funny how everyone keeps spelling William Petersens' name Peterson insted of PETERSEN...I guess I would notice since my maiden name is Petersen..SEN is Danish and SON is Swedish..My father was Danish my guess is William Petersen is Danish..I wander if we are related?? I wish I had something of william Petersens'...I am a big fan.....William Petersen I wish you and your family all the happiness in the world, God Blessed be...Sandy Kirkpatrick
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2-24-2007 @ 10:40AM
Laura said...
I for one enjoy watching Csi and Csi Miami. I don't think either series is cheesy or campy. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I think those of you who don't like the show should just watch something else. That's why we have cable and all the numerous satellite companies.
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2-25-2007 @ 5:16PM
Stigur Einarsson. said...
William Petersen as Gil Grissom is half of the show. With him gone,they can turn of the lights.
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2-26-2007 @ 11:24AM
serranne said...
omg! he sooooooo cant leave. me and my friend declare that if there's no grissom, there is no CSI. we shall no longer watch the show!
GRISSOM. CANT. GO!
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2-27-2007 @ 3:38PM
tuğba said...
he can't leave it.we love him very muchhhhhhh
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2-27-2007 @ 3:38PM
tuğba said...
he can'tleave it.we love him very muchhh
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