Character Development/Screentime Discussion

[Raynn]

As Dragon said, it's not so much that he's new, but that he's progressed so much faster than the other characters we've watched over the seasons (Greg, and Nick too). I completely understand that he has a background that already lends itself to being a CSI, it just seems a bit TOO abrupt and all-knowing at times.

As for GSR - it's not likely we'll see Grissom on-screen anytime soon, as that is WP's decision (and we have to respect him for it), but that doesn't mean the relationship can't be as healthy as Super-Dave or Doc Robbins' marriages. I would like to hear that Grissom is back in Vegas at least though - while I do know first-hand that long-distance marriages can work, it would still be nice to hear that they're living together again. I totally love Sara now, in her own right, so I do look forward to seeing her this season as much as Jorja wants.

 

[Smokey]

I won't go down the "Ray is a newbie" road, because I've been there and back. I think it's just a TV thing that we have to accept. Either get a newbie CSI played by a no-name actor and develop the character slowly, or get an experienced CSI played by a big-name actor. They messed up.

Sara...I actually liked her when she was kind of lost...no life other than work, the catalogs and take-out menus, and her pining after Grissom. When they got together, it ruined all of that for me, but I like her now without him. The backstory of where he is, well that's just silly. Just mention him once and awhile, like they do Mrs. Phillips.

 

[CazzBlade]

I do wish he had been brought on in a more realistic manner: I still probably wouldn't like him (the character doesn't appeal to me at all, nor the actor for that matter) but I could still bear him and enjoy the show. Instead he's the man who can do no wrong, is friends with everybody, and generally has a Marty Stu-ish vibe.

That's exactly the reason my mum doesn't like Ray, she doesn't find his character believable. Myself, I started off liking him, now I'm in the ' I don't mind him' camp. I think it would have been better if they'd brought him in as an experienced CSI who didn't want to be the boss, kind of like Rossi on Criminal Minds.

As for GSR - it's not likely we'll see Grissom on-screen anytime soon, as that is WP's decision (and we have to respect him for it), but that doesn't mean the relationship can't be as healthy as Super-Dave or Doc Robbins' marriages. I would like to hear that Grissom is back in Vegas at least though - while I do know first-hand that long-distance marriages can work, it would still be nice to hear that they're living together again. I totally love Sara now, in her own right, so I do look forward to seeing her this season as much as Jorja wants.

I don't like GSR, stopped watching the show for a while because of it, so the less GSR the better for me However, I really enjoyed Sara in season 10 so I wouldn't mind mention of Grissom being around, it'd make sense after all.

 

[Desertwind]

On GSR preferably Sara, it has turned "silly" this girl who wanted this man forever, got him, they get married, and she leaves him alone in Paris, lame and absurd. It makes no sense what-so-ever. Maybe it's because one half of this couple is off the show. To milk a few comments from her about them is sad and pathetic for me and others. Get real. Lets see what's really going on with them. I love Jorja Fox a great actress and a real beauty. I'm thrilled to see her, but this excuse they give for them "being apart" is getting real old.

And once again on Dr. Langston, he is an expert and has caught up to speed, without any help except his expert learning abilities. The team has embraced him, welcomed him and he's up to par with them. He's a completely beliveable character, and we're so lucky to have him on CSI~I watched a couple of CSI's on SPIKE, and realized again how great he is and compelling, captivating, his aura is so powerful, I'm memorized by his screen presence, what a exceptional man he is, bar none:bolian:

 

[preatorian]

From someone who is not hard core about CSI in general, but think I can be a little objective here.

I'm not one of those annoyed with Dr. Langston, but I am not impressed by him either. His character is bland, I don't find him compelling. If he was written off the show I wouldn't miss him. Maybe I haven't seen enough of the last two seasons to care enough about him. I think the problem is that he doesn't seem to struggle enough, maybe this season that will change. If he was more like Morpheus on the other hand, I would have a different opinion.

As for Sara, I like the character from the start. Except now the character seems tired and without direction. The indecision of having her leave and come back and then only for part time, is not worth the investment of my time. Where is the pay off? A reunion episode with Grissom? I think the character is just dragging. The time would be better spent giving other main character a chance to develop like Greg or a new character.

Sorry those are my opinions, don't mean to piss anyone off.

 

[DragonFriend95]

Didn't piss me off preatorian, in fact I agree with your views in regard to Langston (it's pretty much how I feel about him whenever I'm not plain irritated by him)

As for Sara...at the start she was my least favourite character. Even now I still don't like her, but I do wish they would give her relationship (which, for the record, I also dislike) some sort of reasonable continuity. This back and forthing between them seems to be annoying both fans and non-fans of their romance. I'd much rather see Greg or Brass get a juicy storyline. Have him move to Vegas and have an offscreen relationship, that way pretty much everyone is happy and other characters can be focused on.

 

[preatorian]

I was looking at CSI's IMDb cast credits, and found it a little strange for all the lack of story time devoted to Greg, his character has appeared in 250 episodes, second only to Brass and Nick who are tied with 252 episodes so far.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0247082/fullcredits

And Sara has appeared in less episodes (190) than Grissom (192) as of today.

 

[Desertwind]

To me Greg is on the show alot, I watched some old episodes and he's in every one of them. I'm happy with the screentime he gets, and once again he's not the star of the show, nor is Brass. TPTB are always going to focus on the top stars on the show. It is an ensemble, but we do see more of some than others. I don't think this will change. I appreciate that they still deliver great stories and great character development, and have no complaints. If I were unhappy with how the show was going, I wouldn't watch it, there are so many new shows debuting this season it's mind boggling, some will last and some won't. I am a happy fan that still loves CSI:bolian:

 

[blackflag]

I was looking at CSI's IMDb cast credits, and found it a little strange for all the lack of story time devoted to Greg, his character has appeared in 250 episodes, second only to Brass and Nick who are tied with 252 episodes so far.

Give it a month or so and the fans will change it so Marg has the most episodes. It goes back and forth quite frequently. :lol: That's the main problem with IMDB - fans can change things and they're not always checked for being right.

The way it goes is that once you are in the opening credits you're given as starring in the episode even if you never appear it that episode. I know for a fact that there are five episodes (Blood Lust in season 3, Butterflied & Jackpot in season 4, Committed in season 5, andSpellbound in season 6) that George Eads does not appear in, I believe in only one of them is Nick even mentioned in, but he is given credit for being in them because he's a main character who was in the opening credits. With Greg I think it was part way into season 2 before he was put in the opening credits so he was only given credit for being in an episode when he was actually phisically in that episode for the first season plus some of season 2.

now that I've confused myself and probably everyone else...


Susan

 

[PraetorCorvinus]

Concerning the number of episode appearances, that's why I hate statistics. Numbers can be changed at will and they can mean whatever someone wants them to mean. And with the internet, numbers change constantly...

And what bothers Greg fans isn't the number of episodes he's appeared in, its what he's given to do. At the beginning, he was the plucky comic relief. So naturally, he'd be given scenes that were memorable and noteworthy. In later seasons, however, he's often just... there.

Take season 9. He probably appeared on screen at least once in most of the episodes. But most often he'd show up, point and click on a computer or offer an extremely brief theory, and then disappear. Yes, I'm aware that all the characters have had this happen to them. But for three seasons? 10 was better, but nothing has been truly noteworthy for him since 7. Not even one showcase episode. I realize that this is probably hard for some to understand. All we Greg fans are asking for is something of substance for him. One episode. One minor arc. Something. If they have time for focus on Langston, Cath and Vartann, Nick, Hodges and even drop hints of Sara and Grissom, surely one thing can happen for Greg. Since Lab Rat episodes might disappear, can't one "A day in the life of Greg" - the original lab rat - episode take place?

 

[Dizzney]

And what bothers Greg fans isn't the number of episodes he's appeared in, its what he's given to do. At the beginning, he was the plucky comic relief. So naturally, he'd be given scenes that were memorable and noteworthy. In later seasons, however, he's often just... there.

Take season 9. He probably appeared on screen at least once in most of the episodes. But most often he'd show up, point and click on a computer or offer an extremely brief theory, and then disappear. Yes, I'm aware that all the characters have had this happen to them. But for three seasons? 10 was better, but nothing has been truly noteworthy for him since 7. Not even one showcase episode. I realize that this is probably hard for some to understand. All we Greg fans are asking for is something of substance for him. One episode. One minor arc. Something. If they have time for focus on Langston, Cath and Vartann, Nick, Hodges and even drop hints of Sara and Grissom, surely one thing can happen for Greg. Since Lab Rat episodes might disappear, can't one "A day in the life of Greg" - the original lab rat - episode take place?

You are so right. And all we ask for is one episode where it can focus some on him. I don't think it is that much with 23-24 episodes a season to spare one, when the others have had their chance.

 

[frickangel]

Sorry if my post is just out-of-the-blue, but I've been following the thread and reading the comments. I know it's been pointed out over and over again that Laurence Fishburne was hired as the lead, so yes, he is the lead in the show.

But it doesn't mean he's lead in the fans' hearts.

However, I'm inclined to think that his rather generous amounts of story arcs and so forth maybe contractual. As in TPTB has promised him a certain amount of character development, screen time, and etc for him to have signed up at a late stage of a show especially being such a big name in the industry. But it's just my suspicions.

Since Lab Rat episodes might disappear, can't one "A day in the life of Greg" - the original lab rat - episode take place?

I was thinking the exact same thing, but it's very clear that what we say never goes. =)

 

[KaiLUxO]

WOW a lot of comments since I last checked!

Agreed, in the beginning it was believable how Grissom had to wait for some insurance so that's why Sara was back in Vegas without him...but it's about time we get some explanations. I'd like to hear about Hank! Where did that poochie go?! Also, I think it wouldn't be too much to ask (or impossible) to have Grissom back in Vegas. That leaves open possibility for a top secret guest appearance or when the series comes to an end. I LOVE the new and improved Sara. It just goes to show even if it takes 10+ years, love can change things for the better. I'm just really happy she's at least recurring. Maybe she can step things up when Cath leaves...

 

[preatorian]

Well at least on a positive note regarding Eric's role as Greg, he is laughing all the way to the bank every season for just showing up.

 

[Desertwind]

Sorry if my post is just out-of-the-blue, but I've been following the thread and reading the comments. I know it's been pointed out over and over again that Laurence Fishburne was hired as the lead, so yes, he is the lead in the show.

But it doesn't mean he's lead in the fans' hearts.

Ah but he is the "lead" in some fans hearts I'm thrilled to see him on this series every week and hope he stays forever as long as the show lasts:thumbsup: