Character Development/Screentime Discussion

[Smokey]

This thread is for all things related to screen time, storylines, and development of characters. You can make your case (or just wish!) for why your favorite character needs/deserves more screen time. You can tally up how much screen time your favorite character got in each episode. You can discuss how your favorite character has grown over the seasons. And you can discuss what you would like to see happen for your favorite character.

Back and forth discussion is allowed and encouraged, but please be respectful of your fellow posters and their favorite characters. Do not simply bash a character because you don’t like him/her. If you disagree with someone, state your case in a civil and courteous manner.

This thread is NOT a spoiler thread. If you want to discuss something that is upcoming in an episode, you must use spoiler tags. The reason for this is because this thread is for discussion about how a character has been represented in the past or what you want for the character in the future.

Also, please remember this is not a ship discussion thread. Discussing a hope for potential romance in general is allowed, but specific ship talk belongs in the shipper forum.

Thank you for your cooperation, and let the discussion begin!

 

[Smokey]

C'mon, guys! Don't be shy!

To start you off, here are a few of the most recent items from the previous discussion....

I hate being the Negative Nancy of the forums but I don't particularly like Greg's character. I love Eric, I think he could do a lot more as an actor on the show but Greg not so much.

Greg's character is a complex as a piece of paper. Why would the writers risk giving a character a whole storyline when they don't even know who the character is? The whole Fannysmackin' arc was great for Greg but still left me wondering, "Who is Greg?", and sadly, I don't really care to know who he is compared to LF's family drama or Nicky's new role as assistant supervisor.

Another problem with Greg is his lack of charm that he used to have. I used to love the Greggo that was cracking jokes and the comic relief but now...I don't know who he is. He's not the crazy lab rat that listens to Blackflag but he isn't the supervisor of the night shift either. Greg's matured but he's almost lost himself in the process. I don't know where he fits in the show's dynamic and I'm pretty sure the writers must feel the same way.

I kind of agree with you.As much I love Greg he isn't the same anymore(unforunately)Back in CSI's early years he was great but in the later seasons he seemed to forget his sense of humor.

I'm not that great at character analysis, but I'll give it a shot . I think in Season 1-3 he was the comic relief, the crazy lab tech that everybody loved. Then after the lab explosion he became more serious, still jokey but a bit more responsible and sombre, understandable since he had nearly died. Then after he became a CSI from 5-8 he was still being seen as the new CSI, the rookie that although more serious was still young and jokey.

Then after Fannysmackin' he matured even more, being seen as one of the grown ups like Nick or Warrick instead of the little lab tech, even though it's only to an extent. When Ray came on Greg merged into the background, mainly because they were giving all the interesting plotlines to everyone else because they were new (Ray/Riley) or later in Season 10 when they got new jobs (Catherine/Nick) Sara coming back didn't improve things since any time left was mostly given to her, which means that there's been little to no room for any character development with Greg.

I mean, there were rumours about Greg getting a new job, and he expressed his frustration in the premiere, but it was dropped in favour of the whole Ray/Jekyll and even possibly Hodges/Wendy storyline. I think if tptb just stop and realise how much they're screwing with Greg they might actually improve on his character, instead of leaving us wondering just who the hell he is anymore :shifty:

 

[Smokey]

More discussion from the other thread...

I don't know where he fits in the show's dynamic and I'm pretty sure the writers must feel the same way.

Well, the writers did it to themselves. :lol: (not to mention to the character and the character's fans).

But this is what we Greg fans have been saying for a long time. We need to know more about Greg and we need a chance to see his personality return. And as far as Greg goes, for the most part, fanfic writers do it MUCH better.

Somewhere along the way, the show's writers seem to have for the most part lost the ability to write team scenes (there are a few exceptions of course, always are)... to include all the CSIs in one scene... and instead shift their focus on one or two or sometimes three characters solely (and sometimes its even guest characters who get the majority of the scenes lol). I think this could possibly be the REAL (main) REASON behind the decline in ratings (there are other factors too like cast changes and the writers' strike, etc). If they could just start writing the show as brilliantly as in the old days, maybe some of those fans who have strayed away will return and maybe there would be a boost in the ratings. I know the ratings are still at an acceptable level, but they have been a lot lower compared to past seasons. We need our show to get back up on top (the very very top) again.

This show used to focus on the how and we were told by Grissom (I think) that its not a CSI's job to find out the why, only the how. But as of late, this show seems to have been more focused on the why. One case in point: Dr. Jekyll. All we needed to know, all the CSIs needed to know is the who and the how. The audience didn't need the sob story of "oh this guy is killing people because Daddy didn't pay him enough attention". Really? Come on! A) In the context of this show, the why is irrelevant. B) Weakest motive EVER! :lol: This serial killer who could have been really interesting was reduced to a big whiny baby who was all upset cause his Daddy ignored him. Am I the only one who was extremely annoyed with Jekyll's motive? :lol:

I enjoy seeing how much Greg has grown and matured, but even mature people can crack jokes now and then and be silly. Practically no one on the show is even silly anymore. The show is taking itself way too serious as of late and its become way too dark. Open up a window once in a while and let a little sunshine in is all I'm saying. :lol:

BUT- There is one possible ray of sunshine coming our way. The addition of a new person on tptb's team. The guy from Numbers. I enjoyed Numbers and for the most part had no complaints whatsoever about that show. So, maybe hopefully this guy will be good for our show. :fingers crossed:

As for Wendy, I'm gonna miss the character, but she was sorely underused this past season. I just hope they write a decent exit for her and that she doesn't just simply disappear like Sofia did. :lol:

Still trying to keep hope alive.

I'm not that great at character analysis, but I'll give it a shot . I think in Season 1-3 he was the comic relief, the crazy lab tech that everybody loved. Then after the lab explosion he became more serious, still jokey but a bit more responsible and sombre, understandable since he had nearly died. Then after he became a CSI from 5-8 he was still being seen as the new CSI, the rookie that although more serious was still young and jokey.

Then after Fannysmackin' he matured even more, being seen as one of the grown ups like Nick or Warrick instead of the little lab tech, even though it's only to an extent. When Ray came on Greg merged into the background, mainly because they were giving all the interesting plotlines to everyone else because they were new (Ray/Riley) or later in Season 10 when they got new jobs (Catherine/Nick) Sara coming back didn't improve things since any time left was mostly given to her, which means that there's been little to no room for any character development with Greg.

I mean, there were rumours about Greg getting a new job, and he expressed his frustration in the premiere, but it was dropped in favour of the whole Ray/Jekyll and even possibly Hodges/Wendy storyline. I think if tptb just stop and realise how much they're screwing with Greg they might actually improve on his character, instead of leaving us wondering just who the hell he is anymore :shifty:

I agree with everything you said with the exception of the part about Riley. She was very under-developed character wise due to bad timing on introducing her character with a new leading man coming in. Most of the focus was put on the new leading man and Riley was sort of lost in the shuffle. I did enjoy each and every scene she had with Greg though. I thought they had a great connection and it could have been an interesting friendship that could have developed there. Some of Greg's humor came back when Riley was present. Also, I do think the thing about Greg's new job was just his undercover stint in that club and tptb just made it sound like something more major and long-lasting. :lol:

But wasn't there a Ray thing that was supposed to happen too that didn't? They said at one point that Ray was gonna mention to Nick that he was married, but estranged from his wife. Did this occur in "Dr. Who"? Cause I missed that first part of the finale. :lol:

 

[Smokey]

More discussion from the other thread...

I find it interesting that the apparent dislike some feel toward Greg isn't so much about his character, but the lack of character. All the negative comments posted so far don't attack anything he's done. Only what hasn't been done. I find this intriguing compared to the dislike others feel toward other characters (Hodges, Ray, Sara, Catherine). In this regard, I agree with you. And I blame TPTB for this. Any and all character development he might have received was instead given to Langston, Hodges and Wendy.

I disagree with the idea that he has the complexity of a piece of paper though. You just have to look for it since he seems to exist solely in the background these days. Looking through all of his scenes in season 10, you can see who the character is - it's just subtle. Or visit the Greg/Eric thread - the fans there will surely be able to point it out. :lol:

 

[Smokey]

More discussion from the other thread...

Back to Greg, I noticed that no one has mentioned his book, about old Vegas, When he went out with Catherines mom cause' she had all kinds of news about old Vegas. He was in the midst of writing it then bam, Warrick got shot and we never heard about his book again They also never mentioned the cocoon that Sara recieved what happened to that? Sometimes the writers show continuity, and sometimes they don't. And I thought after "Fannysmackin", he would have recieved an award for that role. The court room drama, where he was pounded, yet he kept his cool. Compelling acting. but not a nodHe is a strong force on the show and I as well hope they feature a ep. where he's the top dog. But in saying that I'm happy that he's where this character is at, and he's in every episode, and still has his comedic comments, not like the early episodes, but he's matured and grown, so that speaks for it's self~

 

[Smokey]

More discussion from the other thread...

I think one major problem is the fact that they have focused too much on the character Ray. As soon as he was introduced it was all about him, and his backstory. We knew more about him in one season than we did about any of the others. Unfortunately that means that Greg has been forgotten about slightly. I miss the old csi that focused on teamwork and each member at one point not one member and how the others react. Let's not forget that Greg isn't the only Csi that has taken a back seat this season, where has Catherine, Brass and Sara been? Catherine is the supervisor after all yet she has had very little screentime. Brass isn't the same and Sara although she has some good scenes she is still not a prominant as she should be. So i think the writers need to get back teamwork principle, and stop focusing on one member alone.

 

[electra]

The writers also have neglected Catherine recently.I mean,now that she is a supervisor ,she is having less scenes.There were episodes last season that she only got 2-3 scenes per episode.I like her relationship with Vartan but I want to see more of her with Lindsay,her mother or even how a case affects her.

 

[DragonFriend95]

Is it just me or were they trying to develop the lab rats characters more? I mean they had the whole Wedges thing, then they had Henry's birthday in Appendicitement and Archie finding that dead woman in Panty Sniffer.

If they are then I'm not complaining, but still I would've liked to see some of Wedges/Ray screentime given to the characters that were not as much seen this year, like Cath, Greg, Brass etc.

electra-Agreed. Tptb seem to find it impossible to leave a woman in charge, so instead they have Ray seemingly take over the lab with Cath being pushed to the side along with Greg

 

[Speedystokesgirl]

You all have to remember that Marg may have asked for less screentime, thus less time on the set. She was already considering leaving the show when the writer's strike happened and decided to stay on a little longer. So she probably lessened her time on the set.

 

[ladyhunter]

I do like Cath's new relationship too. But I also want to see her as the supervisor and the leader.

I think her lack of screen time after The Panty Sniffer was due to the fact it was such a Cath-heavy episode. World's End was a good sort of in between one for her. And we all know where she was and who she was with after The Panty Sniffer.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say I'd like to see Vartann's character fleshed out more. I would like to see him as the detective he was not just 'Catherine's boy toy.' He had a sense of humor and he had some good snarky remarks. Sort of like Brass.

Now that we know about some of his back story, his son, his ex wife. I'd like to see a case involving his son and how conflicted Catherine would be when that came across her desk.

 

[sharp52092]

My wish list for what I would like to see in season 11

LESS Ray for starters, CSI is a crime show with a team not a one man show

NO MORE dumbing down characters (like Greg for example) and have Ray be the only one to solve the case, that's one of the reasons why I don't like the end of Coup de Grace and several season 9 episodes

I want Catherine to have some more screentime since she is supervisor and her screentime is still poor sometimes, continue her relationship with Vartann :thumbsup:, I don't have to see a piece of Vartllows every episode, I'd be happy with every 2 to 4 episodes

More Greggo, I'd like him to have more screetime, a storyline, or both plus when was the last time he had an episode

I was so happy Brass got an episode (Lost and Found) this year especially since his screentime hasn't been that good for awhile, I'd like him to have a few more scenes, some good one liners, and Ellie's return would make a good episode or storyline

I dunno I'd kinda like to see Nick get a girlfriend and have him continue to grow in his assistant supervisor role

I like having Sara back, it helps it feel like the old CSI, I don't mind if her screentime is like s10

 

[SpasmThatCat]

I think that since LF joined the cast he's been monopolising the storylines a bit, which is odd seeing as he's supposed to be the team member with the least seniority. But I can see why TPTB have done it, what with him being a big name, y'know? They've got to get their moneysworth.

But I do agree that the other characters (with the possible exception of Nick) have all paid the price for it. And Greg seems to have been pretty much in the background now for the past two seasons - he definitely needs some decent storylines and some character progression.

I think there was a question asked about his book in the previous thread? According to a Greg Sanders FB page recently (one which is actually quite funny for a character one!) David Rambo was asked about the book and said 'If I recall correctly, he said something like it didn't work out. But that doesn't mean we've heard the last of it.' There was some indignance in the response...

 

[byline]

I think that since LF joined the cast he's been monopolising the storylines a bit, which is odd seeing as he's supposed to be the team member with the least seniority. But I can see why TPTB have done it, what with him being a big name, y'know? They've got to get their moneysworth.

I've long had a theory that it wasn't just that. Others are speculating that possibly Marg was asking for less screen time; hard for us to know, but I've been wondering about that for a while know, especially when her marriage was ending. And, of course, there was the problem last season with George and his disc/sciatica issues (which hopefully are completely resolved now). It seems to me that at that point, the powers that be could've given Greg a higher profile, but maybe they didn't feel his character was a strong enough one to come to the forefront. And, of course, they'd hired an actor with a proven track record to take Billy's place, and he didn't come cheap, so of course they had to use him. Maybe they felt that Laurence was the answer to several problems all coming to the fore simultaneously.

 

[Desertwind]

I'm thrilled that Laurence Fishburne is playing Dr. Raymond Langston. Couldn't be happier, He was hired as the new "lead" and he's doing a brilliant job as this character. I have no complaints, the more of him for me the better. He's magnificent. But what is the icing on the big cake is, how he's bonded with the whole team They are are in awe and admiration of him. He's laid back, & mellow but with a twist of mystery, which is fascinating. And how the team is more relaxed and calm with his presence. I like the direction the show is going and the different perspective, it's taken. As far a character development, I want to see Ray's past issues, his dad his wife [he does wear a wedding ring] and hope he spills some of that dilemma but, "Nothing stays the same":bolian:which keeps the show interesting and still gripping~

 

[electra]

I want to know more about the detectives as well.It would be nice to see more about Vartan and his son to put an exemple.And Brass scenes has been reduced and his snark is one of the things I love the most about CSI.More of him ,please.

If Marg is the one that asked for less screentime,I guess I am OK but at least they should give her a good storyline to work.