Episode 9x22 - 'Mayday' - ***CONTAINS SPOILERS ***

[silentdisco]

Lots of people complained about Calleigh's screentime because it was too much, now lots of people complain on Natalia's because it is too much. Those who enjoy Calleigh didn't mind before, does who enjoy Natalia don't mind now. It's just part of watching a TV show.

While I agree with you, I also agree with others who are not so much debating the amount of screen time, but the way in which screen time is delegated to female characters. It seems like it's just a tired, old TV cliche to use the female characters as damsels in distress constantly in need of rescuing. Once in a while is fine; it does serve a dramatic purpose. Before Khandi Alexander left, they did it with Alexx, too. But we really see how obvious it is when, as others have pointed out, plot developments that most likely would have originally been written for Calleigh was written exclusively for Natalia this season, simply because of Emily Procter's absence due to her pregnancy.

That's part of why I stopped watching the show, because this pattern had become so predictable. One wishes that the writers could be a wee bit more imaginative with their female characters.

I totally agree with the damsel in distress theme. It's annoying and unnecessary. I didn't like when they did with Calleigh and I don't like that they are doing it with Natalia. I also didn't like that Eric underwent brain surgery twice because of being shot at and was shot at in the arm. To me he is also a damsel in distress at times lol.

You both make excellent points. And it's not just a problem on CSI:Miami, either: writers for today's TV shows and movies are terrible at writing female characters. They all resort to clichés and stereotypes that apply to very few women in real life. It's truly sad how sexism is still so pervasive 30-50 years after Second Wave feminism. The only difference is that it's less overt and more subtle- you're less likely to hear a male character say "She's a woman, so she can't do this on her own". Instead, a female character is never shown doing something on her own without the assistance of a male character- it implies rather than outright declares "Women can't do stuff without men". But the message is still the same.

 

[elliecatt]

your remark about Renee looking like she needed a laxative made me laugh so hard I banged my forehead on my screen!:guffaw:your thoughts on her are not far off the mark of my own...H has always loved Yelina. I have wondered since the very first WHY they were never explored because they smoke up the tv screen EVERY time they are together...now THATS chemistry, writers. get Nat outta the trunk and lock Renee in it.
bring back Yelina if you want to pair him with someone...she's perfect to help nurse him back to health.:luvlove:

 

[elliecatt]

agreed on both counts...'Out of Time' rocked. made me tear up quite a bit, myself.
and that little sound H made when Natalia asked him where he was hit just KILLED me for some reason...

 

[GregNickRyanFan]

EllieCatt, since you're new, you may not be aware of this, but you can edit your post for up to 24hrs after posting it.

We don't even know 100% that Renee was meant to be a love interest. That could all just be buzz. Personally, I liked Renee. I don't truly believe she'll be a love interest for Horatio though.

I do miss Yelina and wonder why the writers never went there with them. It seemed so obvious. Oh well, its probably best they didn't because in all likelihood, the writers probably would have screwed it up anyway lol.

 

[hiphugger17]

EllieCatt, since you're new, you may not be aware of this, but you can edit your post for up to 24hrs after posting it.

We don't even know 100% that Renee was meant to be a love interest. That could all just be buzz. Personally, I liked Renee. I don't truly believe she'll be a love interest for Horatio though.

I do miss Yelina and wonder why the writers never went there with them. It seemed so obvious. Oh well, its probably best they didn't because in all likelihood, the writers probably would have screwed it up anyway lol.

Interview O'Brien (spoiler codes just in case):

Spoiler: Renne

The Florida-based spinoff will close the book on season nine this weekend, and fans will get their first glimpse of Agent Renee Locklear, who is played by Natasha Henstridge. The character will also appear in the season ten premiere this fall, and she could return on a recurring basis as a love interest for Horatio. “We set up the possibility for [sparks] to happen, but I give the actors all the credit for the way the relationship turned,” co-executive producer Barry O’Brien told TV Guide. “It was David and Natasha. They look great in a two shot. They really reacted well with each other and it was all very natural and organic, so we all looked at each other and said, ‘OK, more of this!’”

Apparently there was the possibility for them to become romantically involved and after seeing them together they got convinced. Honestly I didin't see the sparks or the chemistry. I'm with those who think that Yelina is the one he should end up with.

 

[bill_az]

Just way too predictable as a finale. We are left for month to speculate over who died, therefore preserving rating over the Summer.

The "''H' got shot," scenario is not new. But it will explain the cancellation of the show, if it were to happen. And the death of NBV (which would suck, IMO) would allow CBS to pay other actors their exorbitant demands to be second-bananas on other shows; Eva LaRue deserves much better.

The series deserved a much better finale to this year, which may or may not be the last. The ceaseless gunfire and semi-broken relationships make this show a mockery of what it used to be. Gary Sinise did much better in CSINY, with the same "next-year" questions.

 

[daisymay]

The "''H' got shot," scenario is not new..

Be fair, man - H really getting shot certainly is new...

 

[byline]

It's truly sad how sexism is still so pervasive 30-50 years after Second Wave feminism. The only difference is that it's less overt and more subtle- you're less likely to hear a male character say "She's a woman, so she can't do this on her own". Instead, a female character is never shown doing something on her own without the assistance of a male character- it implies rather than outright declares "Women can't do stuff without men". But the message is still the same.

Amen! Or, if we do see a woman go off on her own, she usually gets into trouble for it. It's the old film rule on "femme fatales"; they were actually assertive women who took control, but they were portrayed as "bad news" and always got their comeuppance at the end.

 

[fanilowchick]

agreed on both counts...'Out of Time' rocked. made me tear up quite a bit, myself.
and that little sound H made when Natalia asked him where he was hit just KILLED me for some reason...

OMG I know!!! I just heard that for the first time last night watching on my Ipod. That was heart breaking. It was almost a whimper

 

[Solitaire]

While I agree with you, I also agree with others who are not so much debating the amount of screen time, but the way in which screen time is delegated to female characters. It seems like it's just a tired, old TV cliche to use the female characters as damsels in distress constantly in need of rescuing. Once in a while is fine; it does serve a dramatic purpose. Before Khandi Alexander left, they did it with Alexx, too. But we really see how obvious it is when, as others have pointed out, plot developments that most likely would have originally been written for Calleigh was written exclusively for Natalia this season, simply because of Emily Procter's absence due to her pregnancy.

That's part of why I stopped watching the show, because this pattern had become so predictable. One wishes that the writers could be a wee bit more imaginative with their female characters.

I totally agree with the damsel in distress theme. It's annoying and unnecessary. I didn't like when they did with Calleigh and I don't like that they are doing it with Natalia. I also didn't like that Eric underwent brain surgery twice because of being shot at and was shot at in the arm. To me he is also a damsel in distress at times lol.

You both make excellent points. And it's not just a problem on CSI:Miami, either: writers for today's TV shows and movies are terrible at writing female characters. They all resort to clichés and stereotypes that apply to very few women in real life. It's truly sad how sexism is still so pervasive 30-50 years after Second Wave feminism. The only difference is that it's less overt and more subtle- you're less likely to hear a male character say "She's a woman, so she can't do this on her own". Instead, a female character is never shown doing something on her own without the assistance of a male character- it implies rather than outright declares "Women can't do stuff without men". But the message is still the same.

Totally agree with this. I know all the characters on this show are in danger at some point or other, but it is definitely the women who seem like the damsels in distress. I would much rather see a storyline for either Cal or Natalia that showed there strengths. They are both very capable characters, but this constant 'being in peril' seems to go against that.

 

[elliecatt]

yeah I know. it will certainly be interesting how the writers handle it next season. I really hope that they don't heal him up too fast, ya know? like I said before he is always so stoic and strong I REALLY want to see them explore a more vulnerable and human side of Horatio. I know DC definitely has the acting chops to play weak and injured convincingly. it was really beginning to frustrate me that virtually every member of the team has been injured and imperiled on the job at one time or another, some more than once and H just walks thru everything unscathed. the writers better not f this up. I'm just sayin...

 

[Hardline Pro]

The "''H' got shot," scenario is not new.

Horatio got shot (for real) before? I don't think he ever did... :shifty:

 

[fanilowchick]

elliecatt and hardline_pro: Agree with both you 100%. H has never been injured since the show began, and I hope they make his recovery convincing, instead of him magically bouncing back to work. I for one don't think they well. Don't let me down CBS!!

 

[ruby&theheadmen]

your remark about Renee looking like she needed a laxative made me laugh so hard I banged my forehead on my screen!:guffaw:your thoughts on her are not far off the mark of my own...H has always loved Yelina. I have wondered since the very first WHY they were never explored because they smoke up the tv screen EVERY time they are together...now THATS chemistry, writers. get Nat outta the trunk and lock Renee in it.
bring back Yelina if you want to pair him with someone...she's perfect to help nurse him back to health.:luvlove:

Glad you thought that was funny- the one thing Horatio doesn't need is having to squabble and fight with someone before falling for them. Hoping that Yelina will make a grand entrance. I like Natalia, but she'd do better with someone else. Her and Ryan seem to get along very well too...

 

[BauerAlmeida]

This is gonna sound mean to poor H, but first thing that popped into my head when I saw H's expression of shock at being shot, I thought H must be thinking, "NOOO Someone ACTUALLY shot me!! This can't be happening! I am superman! I don't get hurt ever!!" :lol:

Like many others on here, as much as I adore Horatio, I was very happy and actually cheered when he finally got hurt!!! It was ABOUT TIME after the 3 millionth time he keeps on surviving bizzare attacks and shootouts without even a strand of hair out of place!

Horatio Caine is human, who would have thunk...

Now if only they can do a realistic follow up for the next season premiere and not just have Super!H return and save the day again! :shifty:

Overall this episode was good, it's not the most amazing, it's just pretty standard but the last few minutes was definitely riveting and great to watch!!! :thumbsup: