CSI Miami's Calleigh DuQuesne: A Positive Role Model

Beautiful, smart, skillful and possessing a sunny disposition. These are some of the words that come to mind when seeking to describe Calleigh DuQuesne of CSI Miami. For five years on a weekly basis many of us have tuned in to CBS and watched the cool Calleigh DuQuesne use her skills and sometimes her charm to see that justice is served.

Dealing With Father's Alcholism

Calleigh DuQuesne was born in Louisiana to an endearing southern gentleman who unfortunately was an alcoholic. Calleigh's mother was passive and withdrawn leaving Calleigh with the task of doting after her alcoholic father.

In spite of his alcoholism, Calleigh's father, Kenwall 'Duke' DuQuesne spent a great deal of time with Calleigh taking her hunting and educating her in the knowledge of firearms, which later proved to further her career in law enforcement.

Calleigh was mature beyond her years as a result of the responsibilities placed upon her in her youth. Early on she became an achiever and graduated high school as valedictorian of her class.

Getting away from the pressures of home, Calleigh attended college out of state and graduated salutatorian. In college she majored in the sciences and made her decision to work in law enforcement.

The 'Bullet Girl' Achieves Recognition

Calleigh's first job was walking a beat with the New Orleans Police Department. She was nicknamed 'bullet girl' due to her comprehensive knowledge of firearms. Horatio Cain, head of the Miami CSI heard of her reputation and offered Calleigh the job as ballistics expert.

As a CSI agent Calleigh is driven to succeed. She worked hard to prove herself worthy of her position. She can be sympathetic and stabilizing to those who deserve it and possesses a sense of fairness, but Calleigh can be unappeasable and point-blank to the merciless criminal. The end result is that justice is carried out.

Bulding Trust And Developing Friendships

In time Calleigh has learned to trust her co-workers with her life. Especially is this so with Horatio Cain. The two are totally committed to justice for the victims of crime, but also equally committed to each other. On more than one occasion Horatio has depended on Calleigh for help which she readily imparts. Conversely, Horatio, though never doubting her skill as an CSI agent, is devotedly protective of Calleigh, as if sensing a vulnerability not apparent in Calleigh's cool exterior.

Although it has been hinted a time or two, the relationship between Horatio and Calleigh supersedes romance. There exists instead an admiration and deep respect for work accomplishments. Horatio and Calleigh have a mutual understanding of what makes the other tick, resulting in a deep friendship.

Calleigh and Eric Delko, the underwater recovery expert and one of the oldest members of the CSI team, are closely allied. There is a deep friendship, with each advocating how much trust and devotion exists on their part. It has been intimated on a few occasions that a romantic flame may be igniting between the two. Delko showed signs of jealousy when Calleigh dated Detective Hagen, and Calleigh appeared to exhibit jealousy when she thought that Eric's sister was a girlfriend.

Calleigh, Unlucky In Love

Romantic relationships tend to end unsuccessfully for Calleigh. Beneath the cool exterior lies a woman's heart that is not easily penetrated. Although she has come to trust her coworkers, Calleigh walks cautiously when it comes to romance, with good reason.

Calleigh was linked romantically with John Hagen, a Miami Dade detective, who was later implicated as a crooked cop and went on to commit suicide. Hagen, prior to his suicide, fleetingly pierced Calleigh's serene visage by putting a gun to her head during a criminal investigation in which he was trying to conceal evidence.

Peter Elliot, who works in the Financial Crime Division, had an obvious infatuation with Calleigh and was linked with her romantically. They worked together on several investigations and an involvement was implied. When Peter later gets shot his finance shows up at the hospital to thank Calleigh for taking care of him. Peter had never mentioned having a finance.

Jake Berkeley and Calleigh attended the same academy and had a romance going on while attending. They encounter each other again while Jake is involved in undercover work and Calleigh has to apprehend Jake when his partner ends up dead. Calleigh investigates the death and reveals that the reason Jake was still in with the gang was because he had no qualms about getting dirty. He is given a warning.

In a later episode Calleigh again brings Jake in for questioning concerning the death of a young woman he used as an informant. Jake has done a turn around and now works with the Miami Dade Police Department since his cover was blown. Jake puts Calleigh in danger and she takes a bullet.

Although Jake had previously displayed a brusque manner towards Calleigh, a flame of romance is hinted. In the season finale of 2007 Jake and Calleigh are shown kissing while Eric Delko watches revealing a twinge of jealousy. This turn of events leads us to wonder where this relationship with Jake is going to take Calleigh in her future and just how will Eric react to this new romance.

Calleigh As A Role Model

Calleigh DuQuesne, played by Emily Proctor, is a positive and inspiring role model for women. She has altered the blond denotation to include intelligence, skillfulness, self-assurance and assertiveness. She displays an altruism to the innocent, while being cunning and without mercy to the hardened criminal. Calleigh's work ethics afford her deep respect from her coworkers and close friendships. She has proven herself to be of impeccable character and one who can be depended upon in urgent or demanding circumstances.

Calleigh has risen above her roots and gained respect as a capable CSI agent. She has proven that good looks and intelligence can be a powerful combination. In spite of holding a position which reveals the demoralized side of humanity, Calleigh continues to display a optimistic disposition. It will be interesting to see how Calleigh embraces romance and new challenges on next season's CSI Miami.