Fall TV - C.S.I. - Crime Scene Investigation Season 8

Fall TV
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation - The #1 Drama On Television Returns With A Roar

The clues are in and the evidence is clear, one of the most highly anticipated season premiers for this year is CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Cheesy opening I know, but now that I have your full attention let's get on with the good stuff. If you're a fan of the show and a regular watcher than you know Grissom (William Petersen) and the crew have been chasing the "miniature killer" for the better part of last season. Incredibly manufactured miniatures of the very crime scene they are currently investigating. The killer has baffled the seasoned veterans all the while mesmerizing them at the same time especially the analytical Grissom. The season finale left us with the 'miniature killer' finally caught (or maybe not - possible spoiler alert ahead - there's more clues to come as the season progresses) only to find in a chilling series of events that one of CSI's own had become a victim of the maniacal serial killer. CSI Investigator Sara Sidle is missing in action, her very own 'miniature' is there only clue to her whereabouts. Along with her romantic relationship with supervisor Gil Grissom out of the bag, the race to find Sara began with the cliffhanger. Of course there is more to the story than what meets the eye. Jorja Fox whom portrays Sidle has had her contract problems with the "C.S.I.," folks in the past. This time around is apparently no exception. Fox reportedly rakes in over $100,000 an episode and did receive a raise. From all accounts she wasn't happy with the increase and wa-la, bye bye Sara Sidle, maybe. If you recall a season ago, Fox didn't show up for the first weeks shoot over another salary dispute. The resolution, she was fired only to be re-hired the following day stating a mis-understanding. This season it appears a misunderstanding may just have lead Sara Sidle to her last breath as she lays motionless under an abandoned car somewhere in the Nevada desert. You have to admit the 'miniature killer' does have flair, not to mention the serial is a woman.

As I write this, I see a couple of possibilities in regards to Sara's farewell. Of course I've seen the previews on the internet and on TV touting the season premiere. But I had my own ideas long before they shot their first frame. Keep in mind I could be totally wrong and the 'CSI,' folks could hit us with something completely out of left field. Here are my scenarios. 1: Sara is dead under the car (no brainer there) The previews have shown her head and upper torso submerged in water. The car is also buried to some extent in dirt. Contrary to popular belief it does rain in the Nevada desert, hence, buried alive. 2: Sara is buried under the car but miraculously Grissom and the crew get there just in time to find a pulse. Which speculates Sara laying in the hospital on life support, brain dead or in a coma? Not sure I'd buy this one. Carol Mendelssohn, one of the writers of the show, has said in interviews that Grissom and Sara's relationship will have a final ending. So keeping her alive or somewhat alive doesn't really buy into that storyline. 3: When Grissom and Nick Stokes finally reach the buried car and begin digging for Sarah's body, poof, she's gone. Now, keep in mind we live in a world where Jason Voorhees from the 'Friday The 13th,' movie series has been chopped up, blown up, electrocuted and buried countless times through 11 movies. Yes, this is a different medium and I would imagine the writers for the series know how far fetched this would be, but you never know. Besides, there would be no closure for Grissom and their affair. I'm still banking on the return of Lady Heather into Gil's life.

Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) has had her own character up and downs over the past season. Coming to terms with Sam Braun is her father, then dealing with his murder. As a parent, dealing with her teenage daughter Lindsay's teenage angst, her own loneliness as a woman, and Warrick's sudden marriage a season ago. Willows has become a much stronger character that rivals Grissom himself. Possibilities for her character this season: (spoiler alert) Catherine may just be turning into a different direction by getting involved in Sam's hotel project (the one that got him killed). There could be more turmoil with her daughter ahead, and let's not forget her attraction to Warrick and the fact that his marriage has been on shaky ground for over a season.

Moving on to Warrick Brown (Gary Dourdan), he's gained a great deal of confidence in learning he's Grissom's right hand man in the lab. The fact that his marital troubles were only vaguely touched upon last season may mean a turn in the tide this season with those problems coming more to the forefront. Could something eventually happen down the line with Willows in the romance department? Only time will tell. Also, a possible promotion in his future?
Nick Stokes (George Eads) as a character could go in many different directions. As we've found him more and more in complete charge of his own cases, sometimes working solo, maybe a move up also on his part? We've also been privy to his personal side with the ladies so a relationship this season may not be that far fetched.

I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Captain Jim Brass (Paul Guilfoyle) promoted or possibly demoted depending on the situation. Being shot and almost killed last season has changed our favorite Captain a bit. Look for a possible return of his wayward daughter to stir things up a bit. Keep in mind this is only speculation on my part.
Greg Sanders (Eric Szmanda) still has the civilian manslaughter charge looming over his head. There was really no closure though he did seem to make some sort of peace with the victim's brother by proving him not guilty in another crime. His feelings for Sara might come to the forefront with her absence and tension with Grissom could arise.

Dr. Al Robbins (Robert David Hall) may be the most stable character of the bunch in regards to his job status. He's married and that's been mentioned in a few shows sparingly. Could that be an upcoming factor? Not sure about this one.
(SPOILER ALERT) In the third show of the season a new character will be joining the cast. Another female associate will be part of the group. There is no concrete word at this time whether or not she's going to be a lab rat or a CSI in the field. I am hoping that Sophia Curtis (Louise Lombard) returns with more appearances on the show. There has always been an underlying attraction between her and Grissom. A possible new romantic interest brewing? Again, totally up for speculation. David Hodges (Wallace Langham) number one lab rat will definitely be getting more screen time. Between a new character coming on board and his help with the 'miniature killer' the sky is the limit.

Last but not least, Gil Grissom. How will this self-imposed complicated loner in charge deal with Sara's absence? A woman in the season finale he mentioned was 'the person he loved." Gil has always been closed off emotionally throughout the seasons but in the past few he's seemed to open up quite a bit and was more giving and opening to his associates. A far cry from the Gil Grissom we first met in Season 1 in 2000. Obviously Sara's absence will be taking a bit toll on Grissom who's bound to blame himself for her demise. (Hint) the 'miniature killer' targeted Sara specifically because she was aware of the tender relationship between the two she spied at a crime scene. Not to mention blaming Grissom for her father suicide. Daddy confessed to Grissom to being the 'killer' via live internet (covering for his little girl) then ceremoniously put a gun to his head. And of course my favorite scenario, the return at some point of the lovely dominatrix, Lady Heather. Too many possibilities here to mention but they're all juicy. Gil will have to come face to face with his feelings one way or another. It will be interesting to see which way he goes.

Depending on what the outcome is with Sara, all the characters will have to deal with the finality of it all. This should prove to be a very interesting emotional season. This isn't the number one drama on television for nothing. Note to the Emmy Awards board for next year - how about showing these incredible actors some props with well deserved nominations? It's about time, don't you think?