Mac (Gary Sinise) is back! Well, almost. It depends on how you define the term. Even though this show returned from the holiday hiatus, the first new episode of 2009 was a little lackluster. The acting made for a memorable performance. However, the clutter of material did not enhance much.
After a woman dies in the middle of a bridal shop, it's up to the CSI team to pick up the pieces. Dr. Sid Hammerback (Robert Joy) quickly realizes what Det. Stella Bonasera (Melina Kanakaredes) suspected all along — an accident rather than homicide. The other victim lying in the bathtub is trickier.
For Dr. Sheldon Hawkes (Hill Harper), the case takes on a personal note. He recognizes a pattern in victim number two. It's a telltale sign of the Gramercy Park rapist. How is he so sure? Kara, his girlfriend, was raped by the same man eight years ago. Mac has no choice but to remove Hawkes from the case, but reminds him being professional means Hawkes should have removed himself.
Gary Sinise and Hill Harper are probably years apart in terms of acting expertise. Only one of these two has an Oscar nomination. That being said, watching their conversations showed how good they are. Sinise took on his his boss role with just the right notes of ethics mixed with compassion. He is well aware how the case needs to hold up in court, which is why he ensures Hawkes doesn't cross the line by confronting the prime suspect. Harper had the task of playing a doctor who could heal, but not prevent someone he cared about from getting hurt. The struggle in his voice and mind was powerful.
Now. Why couldn't Hawkes have simply gone to Mac and suggested a DNA test on Colin instead of trying to make Adam (AJ Buckley) an accomplice? The brilliant but quirky lab tech is clinging to his job by his fingertips. The extension he got on when he leaves the lab (if he does) may not be around for long. I have a feeling Mac guessed exactly who ordered the CODIS check before Adam said a word.
Article comments