(S09E01) It's rare when a procedural drama, especially one like CSI which is the blueprint for forensics-driven cop shows, has the chance for a truly emotional, cathartic episode. That's what happened with this episode and CSI's stellar cast rose to the occasion, especially William Petersen.Picking up right where it left off in the season finale, unlike most CSI plots, this one wasn't a whodunit or a whydunit or even a howdunit. The audience knew what had happened in the early morning hours after the night shift finished work and shared breakfast together.
Outside the diner, down a dark alley, Warrick was sitting alone in his car and something ominous was bound to happen -- and did.
For more on the aftermath, stick with me following the jump.
As I wrote last May, there was no way Warrick was going to survive those shots through the neck. He was bleeding out when Grissom found him and died in Gil's arms. To say this was wrenching emotionally is an understatement. The sight of Grissom returning to the CSI lab covered in Warrick's blood, all of it evidence in the murder investigation, was vivid and gruesome. The look on the faces of the lab techs and co-workers said it all. When Sara appeared a short time later, it was truly like a family member returning home for a funeral.
Every member of the cast reacted to Warrick's death with a look or a moment or a line. When Nick was assigned (with Catherine) to investigate Warrick's car, he said, "I feel sorry for whoever did this." It was clear, this case was personal and Grissom's team was going to find the killer.
Since we knew Undersheriff McKeen was the culprit, there was only one truly forensic challenge in the story -- lifting a partial print from the bullet -- so the plot was more about how to get the guy considering his political clout. There was a chase and ultimately a showdown between Nick and McKean, with Stokes taking a shot at the already prone criminal. Did he actually shoot him or was he already shot from his encounter with Pritchard in the car? We're not sure.
Now that the fate of Warrick Brown has been resolved, I expect ripple affects. Sara could be the key to Gil's decision to leave CSI, which we know is happening because Petersen has only signed for 10 episodes. Another thread is Nick's actions, as well as the reveal that Warrick has a child and was fighting for custody. I can see Katherine keeping track of that child for Warrick.
Other points of interest
-- McKeen should have known that the CSI crew wouldn't fall for the frame job on Pritchard. He's worked with them before and should realize they're very good at their jobs.
-- The revelation that Warrick had a child and was trying to win custody came out of left field. Perhaps it explains his erratic behavior before his death.
-- I liked Brass's story about joining the Las Vegas P.D. and his rejection of McKeen's graft.
-- Best moment of the show was Grissom's eulogy for Warrick. Kudos to Petersen.
TV Squad previews NBC's new shows (part 1)
TV 101: How ESPN controls the world and what the other networks can learn from it
TV Squad previews CBS's new shows
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-10-2008 @ 10:51AM
StillBash said...
Knowing the narcotics problems of Gary Dourdan in real life ruined the episode for me.
Dammit. I read about it here. I would've been better off without it. That way I simply knew that there were reasons to write Warrick out of the story. Sucks :-(
Petersen did such a bang up job during the eulogy and it was wasted on me... so I simply can't say the episode wasn't that good.
Reply
10-10-2008 @ 10:59AM
Carl said...
" There was a chase and ultimately a showdown between Nick and McKean, with Stokes taking a shot at the already prone criminal. Did he actually shoot him or was he already shot from his encounter with Pritchard in the car? We're not sure."
We're not sure? Were you watching?
Stokes fired a shot in anger at the ground. Brass asked him about the shot and Stokes said, "It was a miss.".
McKean had already been shot by Pritchard, which is why he had crawled away and was laying in his own blood when Stokes found him.
Stokes wanted to shoot him but couldn't so he fired off a shot, obviously redirecting the gun at the last moment so that he didn't hit McKean.
Reply
10-10-2008 @ 11:35AM
Richard said...
It was obvious that Stokes did not shoot McKean. This was a really good episode. It was truly the best eulogy I have seen on TV. Excellently written and delivered by Petersen. I was kinda thinking that Gil might take the child to raise and be the reason for leaving. We'll have to wait and see.
Reply
10-10-2008 @ 12:49PM
RetUSMCGunny said...
This episode was very moving. I teared up when Greg came to Gil and asked what he could do to help, and YES, I even teared up when I saw Sara (who I really disliked before) show up. I pretty much guessed that Nick would fire and miss, just to let out some of his anger at the death of Warrick. Gil's eulogy was touching and well delivered. Very, VERY good episode, showing that the original CSI is the flagship of the trio!
Reply
10-10-2008 @ 1:29PM
Midnight13 said...
I was pretty surprised by how much Gary Dourdan was in the episode. When they show his body being rolled into the autopsy room. Those first reactions from everyone at the lab when they learned about Warrick's death was a great scene, particularly Wendy's and of course Cathrine's. The episodes where they really bring the whole cast and give them each thier moment in the episode are always great for CSI, and they don't happen very often. I thought the last scene of the filmed footage was a good moment for both Warrick the character and the actor, it left the a note that both acknowledged Warrick's own flawed characteristics, but showed that he was doing his best to be a better man.
Reply
10-10-2008 @ 1:36PM
Max said...
It's nice to see there's still some quality stuff on television.
Reply
10-10-2008 @ 2:19PM
Dan Chichian said...
The arrival of Electra ruined it for me. Why do they have to continue the "hop on pop" story line. Let the guy move on from his mid life crisis already.
Yes, these are fictional characters but if they use Gil raising Warrick's son with Electra as the reason for leaving that would be a travesty. As written neither character is emotionally fit to raise a child.
Reply
10-10-2008 @ 4:26PM
Jez said...
thank you TVSquad for giving CSI the attention it desperately needs!
Reply
10-10-2008 @ 5:28PM
angel said...
I was thinking that also, Richard. Since Warrick thought of him as a father figure, I would think he'd want Gil to raise his son. I have to admit...I cried like a baby almost all the way thru this one. Good job CBS!!!
Reply
10-10-2008 @ 10:23PM
JoyceN said...
This reminded me of the Bobby Simone death scene on NYPD Blue years ago. The memorable sadness of it. This was, indeed, quality television.
Reply
10-11-2008 @ 5:06AM
Paul said...
No way a court would give custody of a child to a non-relative "father figure" over the child's mother. If they go that route (I don't think they will), it would be absolutely insane.
Reply
10-11-2008 @ 1:58PM
Pamela said...
Cast did a great job, but the story was a bit underwhelming especially when it involved getting rid of a much beloved and long-time character of the show. Grade: C
Reply
11-04-2008 @ 12:29AM
Richard Masotti Sr. said...
This is the best of the best. It's been a privlege to have been able to experience the best of all the cast. Will miss them all emensely. It's been my fortune to have this show while it lasts.
Thank you !
Reply
12-31-2008 @ 4:31PM
bonnie said...
ya know i just thought warrick and grissom made the show i love the CSI shows but this one was my fav ,, mean no disrespect to fishburn but he cant replace grisson he and warrick was the reason i watched this show ,, ill see grissom out so now to find a show to replace it ,, guess ill watch the reruns on cable ,,,,,,, get my fix
Reply