CSI has just completed its sixth season with an episode that was interesting as both a finale and a standalone episode. Unfortunately, it is not without its problems; in particular what happens in the final minutes of the show.
This is the only CSI series that I watch. I tried to watch the Miami and New York incarnations, but neither one has captured my attention as has the original. Sadly, I have missed a few episodes this season due to the crowded timeslot, I also watch the My Name Is Earl/The Office combination, as well as Supernatural when it moved to Thursday. Next season brings even more competition when ABC brings Grey's Anatomy to Thursday. It will be interesting to see how that plays out. On to the finale!
The show picks up right from the end of the prior week's episode. Captain Jim Brass was shot while trying to get his way out of a hostage situation, and it is not looking good. He is brought into the ER, and we get a flash of a conversation between Jim and Gil, where he gives Grissom the power to decide medical decisions should the need arise. It has arisen, as the bullet is in a precarious location near the heart, where removal has life threatening potential. Gil gives the go ahead to perform the procedure.
After the hospital scene, we shift to the scene of a murder. There is a decapitated corpse laying on railroad tracks. Nick goes off looking for the head, while they attempt to get a liver temperature from the body, to determine time of death. It is discovered that his torso has been compressed to a point where he has a 19-inch waist.
The drama surrounding Jim's condition thickens with the arrival of Ellie Brass, Jim's daughter. She was a drug-addicted prostitute, who seems to be turning things around, kind of. She arrives, and immediately goes to work trying to gain access to Jim's apartment, not to mention inquiring as to the beneficiary of his pension. Nice girl. Her relationship with her father is strained at best.
Finally, there is the death being investigated by Catherine and Warrick. A man is found lying on his bed, surrounded by drugs. The guy looks to have had a party and partied himself into the great beyond. This is probably the least interesting part of the story, and seemed to be there just to give Catherine and Warrick some screen time in this season ender. It was rendered even more useless when the ultimate reason for his demise was accidental.
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Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - June
I can't think of how they can gloss over Gil being slime for sleeping with his subordinate. Maybe they will do a Bobby Ewing and have it be a dream. Gil can wake up moments after Ecklie either fires or demotes him and moves Sarah to a different shift where she most definitely would end up fired sometime in the future over her attitude.
2 - Scott Butki
I think you're missing a word here:
"The show picks up right from the end of the prior week's episode. Captain Jim Brass was shot while trying to his way out of a hostage situation, and it is not looking good.
trying to... shoot his way out? walk his way out?
I didnt see either episode.
I like the series but am watching the early seasons on dvd and haven't kept up
3 - Ashleigh
Well, you're certainly entitled to your own opinion, but I was THRILLED about the Grissom/Sara relationship, as are many thousands of other fans. The flirting, sultry looks, and sexual tension was great for oh, the first FIVE seasons, but I was ready for Grissom to pull his head out of his rear end and realize that Sara's feelings were more than just a crush that could be "glossed over" as you said. Her feelings were real, and apparently, so are his. Both Grissom/Sara have been SO much happier this season, and it's so nice to not have the angst anymore. This scene just proved that they HAVE been in a relationship for awhile now (although the actors/writers still aren't sure exactly HOW long) and it hasn't affected their work in the least bit. They've stayed professional this whole time. The fact that so many people claim that they didn't see it coming either shows that many viewers are either completely oblivious, or in denial. Go back and rewatch ep. 6x21, "Time of Your Death." Those looks at the end scream "We've got a secret that we're not telling." And it's about time!
4 - Penny
I enjoyed this episode...this season as a whole was lacking but I ended up enjoying the finale. Count me among those who was happy to finally see some movement on the Grissom/Sara front. I'm sick of tv shows dragging this kind of crap out and this one was drug out long enough. I don't think it will ever become front and center on this show and don't see how a little character development can be bad.
5 - Emily
I was thrilled with the Grissom/Sara scene at the end of WtG. I've been a fan of these two since Norman hit the pavement and trust me six years is long enough to wait for two sensible adults to move forward into committment. I think the actors and the writers handled it beautifully.
6 - Katie
I thought the ending was perfect! We get to see the personal sides of every character BUT Grissom and Sara. I love that the moment they reveal intimate details of their lives, it's the jaw-dropping revelation that these two supposed anti-social scientists seem to have a pretty happy relationship. I adore those two characters and hope to see more of their relationship in the future.
7 - JoeyZ
Ditto on the G&S front. I think it was so tastefully done, and it certainly didn't dominate the episode or detracted from the storyline. All great TV shows thrive on the delicate balance of plot and character development, and I think CSI pulled it off beautifully.
8 - NancyGail
Did I miss something here, or was it review the week prior? Warrick and wife could have been on rocks.
9 - -E
Congrats! This article has been placed on Advance.net
10 - Amanda
I agree in some ways about the Mulder/Scully tension that Grissom and Sara had going in CSI- that's why I have been such a huge fan. I think that building up relationships like that in television series is a hard thing to do, and when it is done well, I love it. However, the relationship between Grissom and Sara has been MUCH more in-our-faces than Mulder and Scully's. I think that this kind of a moment needed to happen before all of the Grissom-and-Sara fans got fed up and walked away. There were too many periods of intense teasing followed by nothingness, and it was frustrating. If there is nothingness, I want it to be because they are together and no longer need to constantly bring unresolved sexual tension into the foreground. Instead, they will have their cute little banter. I hope next season shows some of the problems that can come out of this relationship while not abandoning it. If they do, THAT will be the biggest mistake.
11 - GOTKATZ
I loved this episode! I really think they made you feel the hurt/pain between Brass and his daughter. Maybe she'll wise up. Unfortunately, I'm not down with Grissom and Sara. I like the Sara character, but not with him- Nick is better. I think she's too boring for a man like Grissom. He needs a Catherine, or, better, yet- Lady Heather. She was a challenge for him, and I think he liked it, too. Can't wait for next season.
12 - Sue
I really can't see the reasoning behind the last scene nor can I see the reasoning behind taking away from the Brass story line. And yes, this is what that 'last scene' did. It trumped the main story line and shoved it to the side as a 'B' Plot.
I agree with you, Mr. Beaumont, it was a mistake to end the season with such a revelation. A revelation that has been hinted at and then hinted at being 'not there' and then 'hinted' once again. It seemed as if the writers couldn't decide what they wanted to do and this type of story telling leaves a lot to be desired and takes away from the show.
Truthfully, I don't see any chemistry between the two and I believe it falls short of holding any realistic value. I am married, and when I saw the first three episodes, I saw chemistry immediately between Gil and Catherine, but Sara? No. All I saw was a crush and an ultimate let down that just now took place.
I too, hope they will correct their mistake somehow. It is just too much too handle for some of us more seasoned viewers. Viewers whom have been watching dramas and comedies since the early seventies and on. Sorry, but I don't think this is going to hold any water for the majority of viewers and CSI will lose big time.
13 - Alyssa
Personally, I have been fading from CSI this season, but a few standout episodes brought me back. The finale was not an incredibly strong/passionate finale, but I believe it was handled fairly well. The B plot with the man who was on a bender was pointless, but the rest could have worked quite well if more attention was given to it, especially the way that Brass' time in the hospital was affecting the team.
As for the Grissom/Sara relationship, I think it was handled well, and I do think that it is the right time for something to happen between them. Also, knowing that they've been a couple for some time is encouraging because it suggests that their relationship can exist without overtaking the show. I'm a fan of the relationship, but also a fan of the show, and I acknowledge that this could be handled terribly, but if the final moments of the finale are any indication of the future, I think that this relationship could be handled right; with class and grace.
14 - TGH
Oh Man, I did NOT want to see that Grissom and Sara scene. My husband and I both just stared at the screen and had to rewind the episode about 4 times to make sure it wasn't some weird Tarantino-Sara-dream-scene. Sadly it turned out to be just what it looked like, Grissom in his "after-work" clothes and Sara *shudder* drifting into view in her silky bathrobe *double shudder*.
I can NOT believe that a professional like Grissom would compromise his standing and his lab by dating a subordinate! Plus, you know the rest of the team would not approve. I can see Catherine's reaction now, especially given the way Sara can never seem to improve her attitude. When was this ill-thought up relationship supposed to have started? After she was suspended by Ecklie and Grissom visited her at home and she revealed her domestic violence hot button?
I agree with the other posters that Grissom needs someone MUCH more sophisticated, challenging and a little mysterious - Sara has shown her hand waaay too often.
15 - Sherry
I HATED the final scene. Grissom has always been portrayed as someone with infinite sensibilities to unusual human quirks (ie Lady Heather), equally at ease studying slimey bugs or marveling over the soul-soothing nuances of afternoon tea with a kindred spirit. To him, LIFE is an intimate relationship. Sara has yet to deal with her childhood tragedies, escaping her demons by abusing alcohol or becoming infatuated with a 'daddy' figure who can rescue her. While Grissom is a sweet onion with MANY layers, Sara is a walnut (or a turtle) with a HARD protective shell.
16 - joe
i really loved it so much you can't even beleive!
17 - Ashley
I loved seeing Grissom and Sara together, It's about freaking time! Six years was a long time to wait and even WP and JF picked up on their chemistry (they said they had been working on this for a long time dropping hints and stuff) Even MH has said there is no way Catherine and Gil would get involved so those who are hateful because they want to see a Catherine/Grissom pairing should sink themselves into that place I call "fanfic land"
18 - Catrinia
I absolutely LOVED the scene that showed Grissom and Sarah are definately and FINALLY together. I love CSI and can't get enough of it, but to be honest, it was when I noticed (way back in the earlier seasons) that there seemed to be a hint of attraction between Grissom and Sarah that really got me hooked on the show - wanting to see if anything would finally happen with them. I am so glad it has. I thought this season's finale was pretty good and I loved how the writers worked in that last scene with Grissom and Sarah. It was a "jaw dropper", but I loved it. I hope they can stay a couple - I'd watch the show for that alone ( but I do so enjoy watching how they figure out the cases).
19 - pinayhekmi
Where has people seen any chemistry between Grissom and Catherine? Hello? Maybe you guys need to rewatch the entire series from the beginning, because there hasn't been any.
And for those who just want to see nothing but the science in the show, you may as well have cardboard cutouts of people doing the analysis to solve any case.
What makes any show compelling is the characters. What drives them, what's going on in their heads, what's going on behind closed doors and how that shapes how they react and DO. These scientists deserve a personal life and we deserve to see what's shaping their characters.
As for why Grissom would ever fall for Sarah. Who can explain chemistry? My prediction is this relationship will have to end for professional reasons. I just don't think the writers can see Grissom domesticated. Although I can.
20 - Christopher Rose
The perfect woman for Grissom, and maybe even for me, was Mistress Heather. I could stare into those beautiful, intelligent eyes of hers for ever!
21 - JadeyakaStorm
I have to say... I saw this coming with Grissom and Sara, but thought Catherine and Grissom would look better together but thats just me... I have kept up on the season's (I own all of them) but missed a few off the 6th, so I'll have to catch up, when the 6th season comes out on dvd...
22 - Kiara
I loved the season finally,and I also love the fact that Grissom and Sara are together, I have waited 6 long years for this to happen and I'm glad it did. I think that Grissom and Sara being together will bring more drama to the show because of the fact that Sara is a subordinate. I personally can not see Grissom and Catherine together, simpily because of their charecters. I do hope that in the next season they do at least one episode involving the man's(Grissom)past, who knows, maybe Sara could help with that.
23 - Michelle Rawlins
Ah finally some comments outside of the shipperworld bliss!
After 6 years of increasing the bantering, upping the personal and contemplating the change, CM, and TPTB have finally made that fatal step which could be make or break for CSI.
The Grissom/Sara relationship, also known as GSR, or Geeklove, is without a doubt the most talked about 'ship on American TV, with the official fan website attracting almost 10,000 regular members to talk about every episode, every interview, and every spoiler in immense detail and now we really have something to talk about!
I haven't myself decided whether or not GSR becoming canon or not is a good thing or a bad thing, and I don't think that "Way to Go" is the episode we should be discussing, but "Built to Kill" rather. Which is the 2-part Season 7 premiere in which the CSIs are still unaware of the ship having become canon, and some doctor figures it out for himself first... let's just wait and see how this all plays out before making any quick assumptions and judgements.. eh?
24 - Colee
I think that if there wasn't any character backrounds, there wouldn't be anything to discuss or share your opinions about. And, If you are an actual fan, you would be happy that Grissom and Sara have found something to make themselves happy, eachother.
25 - barbara
I have a diffrent opinion. I have always wanted to see grissom and sara together. He may be way old for her but for grissom to have a long term relationship with a person, BRAVO for him
I mean we all knew this was going to happen. I mean all those episodes with clues:Scuba doobie
doo S2, Butterflied S4,,Time of your Death S6. Plus alot more. I am proud for Grissom but once they've slept together it will be so hard for them to work together.Espesialy if the other CSIs find out.