'CSI' Casts Squabble Over Spin-Offs

[CSI Files]

During a recent round-table discussion with members of the press, the cast of the three CSI shows proved the fans aren't the only ones who argue about which CSI is the best.

"I don't think the spinoffs have hurt our show," <font color=yellow>Jorja Fox</font> (Sara Sidle) told the Canadian Globe and Mail, "but I think that they were certainly motivated by a certain level of greed. And they weren't anybody's creative brainchild. They came out of a way to make as much money as quickly as possible."

Fox made her comments during a weekend-long press junket for entertainment journalists, who were given a tour of the CSI: New York set and got to watch special effects artist <font color=yellow>John Goodwin</font> put the finishing touches on one of CSI's gruesome prosthetics. As part of the event, people such as showrunner <font color=yellow>Anthony E. Zuiker</font> attempted to hype the remainder of the season for all three CSI shows, but Globe and Mail reporter <font color=yellow>Gayle MacDonald</font> seemed more interested in the bad blood that was clearly evident between the various casts.

<font color=yellow>Gary Dourdan</font> (Warrick Brown) backed up Fox, saying he doesn't even watch CSI: Miami and CSI: New York. "One, I don't have the time. And two, they're just not as good. I'm sorry. [...] They don't have the chemistry that we have. We've been really fortunate to have a great chemistry in the cast. And the other ones are kind of contrived, you know?"

With the original CSI cast members making comments like this, it'd be logical for the stars of the spin-offs to get defensive. And indeed, <font color=yellow>Vanessa Ferlito</font> (Aiden Burns) seemed rather angry, saying she felt like saying "dude, relax. It is showbiz." But <Font color=yellow>David Caruso</font> (Horatio Caine) was more understanding. "I can't imagine what it is like to try to maintain [the original CSI's] 28- to 30-million viewers a week," he said. "That is a high-stakes situation. I have empathy for them because they are toeing the line and facing a huge responsibility each week."

As for <font color=yellow>Emily Procter</font> (Calleigh Duquesne), she just appeared baffled by the whole situation, and the negative comments about CSI: Miami. "I don't understand it at all. But if I were the number-one show and people copied me and I remained the number-one show, I would just feel very proud of that. And also I just think if you are an actor and you are working today, we are very fortunate."

Besides alll this forensic infighting, did any actual news come out of the press junket? Anthony Zuiker did reveal that the man who was flattened after getting a shipping container dropped on his head in a recent New York episode, was actually made of rubber and urethane foam. He also said that <font color=yellow>Quentin Tarantino</font> recently turned in a first draft of the script for the original CSI season finale, but refused to say anything about the contents of the finale, besides confirming that it will put one of the members of Grissom's team in a life-and-death situation.

Even here, the actors' displeasure showed through. When asked if she thought the CSI character placed in danger will actually end up being killed, Jorja Fox said she didn't anticipate that happening. "But all bets are off at this point," she added. "I don't think any of us felt we could get fired, and that happened. So who knows?"

Much more from the CSI casts, including comments by <font color=yellow>Marg Helgenberger</font> (Catherine Willows) on last Summer's firings and re-hirings, and some words from <font color=yellow>Gary Sinise</font> (Mac Taylor) on the amount of gore in his show, head over to the Globe and Mail<center></center>

 

[Destiny]

IMO i think they need to grow up.
Seriously Petersen & Helgenberger came out against the spin off's early on saying how they were going to take away from LV and so on, now Fox and Dourdan's comments give me a break, they sound like little kids arguing over a toy, the problem is that their the only ones doing the arguing.

Seems to me Vanessa Ferlito, Emily Procter, David Caruso and some other cast members have said it best, its an awesome responsiblity to be the lead show and keep the viewers, but they should be proud of their show, it hasn't taken away from them at all.

To claim no one else has their chemistry, well not to result to a childish comments but NO DUH!
Each show has its own chemistry and it draws in many fans be it to the orginial or to miami or new york.
BTW love Khandi's comment about a pushup bra :lol: to funny.

Actually i have heard people say i didn't care for CSI orginially then i seen (miami or new york or both) and decided to re-check out the orginial and thought okay its not to bad, and they have been watching it since.

But like i said its my opinion only that after 5 yrs on the air to come out and say that the spin offs are just greed motivated, make it sound like they are threatened by the fact that they (the spin offs) didn't tank, and honestly to me that is really poor taste, not only are they saying that miami and new york are making money off them but that those involved in making the shows (all three) are also greedy as well.

I admit i didn't care for New york when it first came on it was way to dark and to many things going on at once for me to care for, i have seen portions of certain eps and since it lightened its IMO gotten better.
Miami is so far different from the orginial that its not funny and i like both shows the same, inspite or despite the differences.

Some may totally disagree with me on this, and don't get me wrong i like the CSI franchise, i just think there are some actors like VF and EP said need to realize how lucky they are to be working, and be proud of their show without the negative bashing.
But like i said its only My Opinion!

 

[Guest]

Personally, I'm getting really tired of the original CSI. It's been scraping the bottom of the perversion barrel lately and drawing big numbers for it but it's beginning to turn my stomach.

Sure, Miami and NY both need some work on their scripts but for now, I've had it with Petersen and Co. so much that i'll just stick with Caruso and Sinise. At least they know how to play the show biz game, gracefully.

Talk about greedy SOBs. CBS isn't the only one grabbing at the money with these spinoffs but they sure know how to breed the most ungrateful pile of mediocre actors with their original gimmick-ridden show. I've never seen such a collection of whining wealthy fools who'd do well to recall what it's like to be on the unemployment line.

And they used to call Caruso "Mr. Difficult." What shall we call Petersen and his co-horts now? CSI-Crybabies? "Ooo, the spinoffs are more successful than we thought they'd be and we're STILL number one!" Too bad. That must really hurt them... all the way to the bank.

What a load of crap and what a bunch of spoiled brats! Frankly, I hope that the show dies from over-exposure. I hear that they aren't doing all that well in Australia. Perhaps it's already begun. One can only hope. It's time for the next gimmick show.

 

[Bad_Bishop]

Besides alll this forensic infighting, did any actual news come out of the press junket? Anthony Zuiker did reveal that an upcoming New York episode will feature a man completely flattened after getting a shipping container dropped on his head...

How old is this news item? CSI: NY has already aired a story about a guy flattened by a shipping container.

 

[Destiny]

Bad Bishop the story here is:
'CSI' Casts Squabble Over Spin-Offs
#82959 - Sun Mar 20 2005 11:35 AM

The article:
On the set of TV's red-hot CSI franchise, you have to watch out for all the gore, not to mention the bloody infighting among the rival casts
Saturday, March 19, 2005

 

[Lucy]

Posted by Destiny: Some may totally disagree with me on this, and don't get me wrong i like the CSI franchise, i just think there are some actors like VF and EP said need to realize how lucky they are to be working, and be proud of their show without the negative bashing.
But like i said its only My Opinion!

Totally agree with you. They should be happy that the spin-offs are successful, and grateful that the original CSI is still going strong. It just comes across as rather petty and arrogant. Talk about success going to their heads!

I was particularly disappointed with Gary Dourdan's comments. If he doesn't even get time to watch Miami and NY, how can he pass judgement on the cast's chemistry? Saying that they are contrived is so way off the mark IMO and just makes him sound rather bitter and ignorant.

 

[Guest]

i love the Cast of CSI but they are reallie harsh with all their words about Miami and NY. what Vanessa ferlito and Emily Procter said are true, they should be happy if their show is number one every week and everywhere and that they have jobs.

i never saw why the CSI cast needed to say things about the other shows when their show does amazing every week. Miami and NY are in no way a threat to CSI's ratings or even close to becoming as popular as the show is.

i will agree with what Jorja Fox said though about the network getting greedy with the franchise and just starting one right after the other and then with CBS firing her and George Eads. but other than that the regular cast should not be complaining. if they can draw half 60million tv viewers a week there's just no reason for it.

 

[midnight_tiptoes]

I wasn't gonna comment on this, cause I didn't wanna start anything, but I completely agree with Destiny and fishlips357.

I read this when I went to work this morning and it bothered me all day. I can't believe the CSI cast is still complaining about this after three (nearly four) years. I've seen more reasonable two year olds and I'm not exaggerating. The spin offs are here, they're doing really well, they each have their own niche... get over it! How about being a good sport and congratulating Caruso and Sinise for their shows' success? No, that would take a certain level of maturity, wouldn't it? You never hear the L & O actors complaining about the spin offs, do you? The Miami and New York casts are constantly praising the original CSI and what do they get in return? Insulted. I'm still waiting to read this article was a joke. The CSI cast has always been whiny, but this is ridiculous. Millions of people are dying of hunger and disease around the world and Fox and Dourdan are complaining about the fact that their number one show has two spin offs. Spin offs that constantly get more people to watch the original CSI, by the way. Wow. If they're looking for sympathy they get absolutely none from me.

"They don't have the chemistry that we have."

Obviously, they've never watched CSI: New York. Other than having great cast chemistry, they're humble actors who know how to put things in perspective. That, alone, certainly puts them light years above the CSI cast. And wow, what an egotistical thing to say, not to mention completely trivial. I'm surprised he didn't add a, "neener, neener, neener," at the end of that sentence.

"They came out of a way to make as much money as quickly as possible."

Says the woman who got fired over a money dispute last year. And I'm sorry, are you telling me CSI wasn't created to make money? Cause that makes me laugh so hard I'll pop a lung. CSI this season has done nothing but sensationalize obscure storylines as a way to draw in more viewers (which translates into more money). CSI hasn't been about creating good storylines for years now. And considering how often the cast whines about pretty much every little thing that comes their way, I have to wonder who's being selfish here.

If you're gonna step on the soapbox, would you really waste everyone's time and make a fool out of yourself with this? How about encouraging people to donate money for charity, or educate the young viewers about acting and the industry, or even be civil for a change and try to bury the hatchet? I mean, how could they possibly benefit from saying something like this? It doesn't make anyone look good.

Kudos to Caruso, Ferlito, and Procter for not sinking down to their level. I've always tried to ignore the CSI cast every time they pull something like this, but this is the last drop.

 

[Guest]

I've got a few more things to add to all this mess that the original CSI cast has created.

I believe that the real reason why they despise the Miami and NY spinoffs so much is that with three shows to produce and three full casts of actors and staffs to provide for, CBS has less money to divide up among the original CSI cast and THAT'S what's really bothering them. Just imagine the salaries Petersen, et al, could command if CBS didn't have to pay Caruso, Sinise and the rest.

And CBS wouldn't have pulled a stunt like firing Fox and Eads otherwise. They knew they could never get away with it if they'd tried to fire Petersen. But given the show's ever-growing popularity and ability to pull in huge numbers each week, even with mediocre and controversial storylines, they could each be lugging around million-dollar checks per episode without CBS batting an eye. Of course, CBS would never do such a thing, not with THREE full shows to have to produce each week. And an insatiable greed to devour all of the profits possible.

Perhaps CSI is also pissed at the fact that CBS has committed more money towards producing longer, feature-length episodes for Miami than the original show. All three (BODY COUNT, CRIME WAVE and NOTHING TO LOSE) scored very high ratings while CSI only had LADY HEATHER'S BOX two years ago.

It may also be why Caruso may never get his desire to move the show permanently to Miami for full-time shooting. CBS would rather pocket the cash than spend it on anything that would not generate the most profits for themselves. Guess that's why they also decided to chuck plans for calendars this year. Why spend $5 on a CSI Miami calendar when you can only get a measly $15 back for it. Toss a few million at an episode and you can get it back in spades globally. More bang for the buck.

What I really love now though is Zuiker's reaction to CBS' decision to NOT come up with a third spinoff. No, it isn't because two is enough already or that they're disgusted with Law and Order's decision to come up with yet another spinoff of their own, which seems to be hanging in there at present. No, it's because when all is said and done, CSI NY has not been the stellar blockbuster hit it was intended to be. L&O has frequently beat NY in heat-to-head competition. And that's why there won't be another new CSI.

Miami is doing very well and continues to grow in popularity, but reruns have been faltering of late thanks to CBS' sweeps-are-the-only-things-that-matter mentality and MEDIUM's growing audience. But the original CSI continues to draw big numbers. Might this be what the folks at the original show really have in mind? Trash the spinoffs often and loud enough and CBS might get the idea: dump Miami and NY and pour all the money into the original and biggest money-maker. CBS is just stupid enough to fall for it too.

TV sucks.

 

[SorenTheLurker]

May as well start disagreeing with people.
I read the article, and found myself wondering exactly how neutral the journalist was trying to be. Seevral of his/her comments overtly confused actor and character (And in almost every case did so on a 'sesationalist' level: Sara is alcoholic; Katherine used to be an exotic dancer; Calleigh is fashion-challenged (I think I got that one right) without mentioning the characters' positive aspects (dedicated to her work 24/7; single mother now leading a shift; intuitive ballistics expert).
That leads me to wonder how many of the actors' quotes are accurate and how many stitched together (possibly from things actually said) through elision and recontentualisation.
Not, of course (perish the thought), that I am arguing that journalists make up their stories -- oh, no -- but simply wondering whether, if they were in different circumstances, the actors wouldn't have been a sight less confrontational.

But dramas sells papers, and journalists have to contribute.

Having only seen 1/2 a season of NY I don't pretend to be able to evaluate it fully. What i do know is that Miami has improved greatly from its early days (farewell, megan !!), and that, contrary to some people's views (to which they're fully entitled) I think the new Vegas scripts are easily up to par, and indeed are demonstrating how versatile cast, crew, and writers are being at cutting edge subjects that (perhaps) sting a few more staid attitudes.

There. Had my say. Back to lurking now.

 

[Sillie]

*sighs* You know... I can see where all the comments are coming from. And I don't tbink anyone is trying to be arrogant or something. So please people, calm down, okay?

I've been a CSI fan for, what, 4/5 years now? And in my eyes, the original is still and will always be the best. CSI: Miami is nice, and I've only seen two episodes of CSI: NY, but they're not working the way for me like Las Vegas does. But that's just me. Everyone has a different opinion, and let's respect that, okay?

Okay? Thanks. *bows and wonders off*

 

[Guest]

Hi, I'm Kaetlin I am new here.

I have to side on the point taken by the spinoff actors. Everyone has already said why, so I won't re-itterate.

I also believe that Jorja Fox has a lot of gaul saying what she said, being that she got fired due to "greed" issues.

So, to my point. As an avid and possibly obsessive CSI franchise fan, I have to point out the similarities and differences between both the CSI and Law and Order Franchises.

CSI: Forensic based, doesn't really delve into personal issues. Ensemble.
CSI Miami: Storyline based, focuses more on why someone got killed instead of the how. Lead characters with supporting characters.
CSI New York: Character based, is more a melding between CSI and CSI Miami as far as plot and forensics go. Ensemble.

Law and Order: Focuses on crimes and the court cases that follow.
Law and Order SVU: Focuses on sex crimes, forensic psychiatry, some court cases that follow and the personal lives of some detectives.
Law and Order CI: Led by one man in more a Columbo Detective-like series.
Law and Order TBJ: Stupid show that shouldn't have been made, but focuses on the court cases.

I believe that Dick Wolf pulls off the spinoff much better than Zuiker/Donahue/Mendolsohn. He has created more of an original show based on the same characteristics of the original. I like SVU because it focuses on a different aspect of the "crime drama" genre.

I think to make the spinoff most sucessful, you must make it original and DIFFERENT than the first show. I say have more inter-personal storylines in NY. I personally wouldn't change Miami because it's showrunner, Ann Donohue, is a fabulous writer.

 

[Ducky]

Posted by midnight_tiptoes:
I wasn't gonna comment on this, cause I didn't wanna start anything, but I completely agree with Destiny and fishlips357.

I read this when I went to work this morning and it bothered me all day. I can't believe the CSI cast is still complaining about this after three (nearly four) years. I've seen more reasonable two year olds and I'm not exaggerating. The spin offs are here, they're doing really well, they each have their own niche... get over it! How about being a good sport and congratulating Caruso and Sinise for their shows' success? No, that would take a certain level of maturity, wouldn't it? You never hear the L & O actors complaining about the spin offs, do you? The Miami and New York casts are constantly praising the original CSI and what do they get in return? Insulted. I'm still waiting to read this article was a joke. The CSI cast has always been whiny, but this is ridiculous. Millions of people are dying of hunger and disease around the world and Fox and Dourdan are complaining about the fact that their number one show has two spin offs. Spin offs that constantly get more people to watch the original CSI, by the way. Wow. If they're looking for sympathy they get absolutely none from me.

I agree too. I still can't understand all these comments. I swear spinoffs haven't taken anything away from original.
What they are winning with this? Bashing spinoffs. Bitter. Will people get tired of listening to this whining and stop watching because of it? Will their attitude ruin the show? I think all three casts have good chemistry and I'm just glad that all three are different. Who would like to watch three shows that are just like copies?

Another thing, what is more of a fan based thing. Others like LV, some doesn't. Same goes with NY and Miami. Why? Because like with ALL DARN THINGS IN THE WORLD, eg. favourite actors. We all like different things. I like Miami more because 1) It's more style I like 2)I'm huge DC fan. But I understand not all like it. It's same thing that someone prefer to drink coffee black and some want to add milk it it, because they think it's better.

I had other thoughts too, but I yawned those away.
But this was justmy opinion.

 

[Guest]

I know that reporters will pounce on anything that smacks of sensationalism or controversy, especially when it comes from within a franchise and is directed towards its own offspring. But that is exactly why their behavior at the press junket was so very, very bad indeed.

You can look to others to rip you apart whenever they get a chance. That's part of the natural course of competition. But when you do it yourself, in front of others... and mind you, reporters are NOT ordinary folks... you're just inviting trouble. It won't matter if you have the scoop of the century to spoon-feed the press, if you squabble and trash someone in front of them, that's all they're going to remember and write about. Big surprise there. And maybe that was the whole point.

I'm not overreacting to all this. Petersen and Helgenberger were extremely vocal against Miami when it was first announced. Petersen did seem to realize once the show took off and the ratings was quite impressive, that he was fighting a losing battle and he mellowed right up. Surprisingly, he wasn't even remotely supportive of NY when it was announced, despite his pal Sinise's involvement. He wished both shows success in a couple of interviews. Guess he didn't really mean it, huh?

But to skip the press junket and then have Marg and Gary trash the hell out of both spinoffs just reeks of backroom manuevering. He'd still like the shows to fail. He just doesn't want to be the one to say so publicly anymore. He wants to be the nice guy. Let the rest of the cast do the dirty work and he can just play neutral. Yeah, right.

This sounds like stuff they would have been talking about during breaks while filming -- possibly while checking out the weekly ratings? Perhaps it should have remained there and not been aired like dirty laundry in public. Readers of the exchange can only look on all this unfavorably. Die-hard fans can put whatever spin they like on it, but the bottom line is it did not look good for the original CSI cast. They acted like a bunch of bullies beating up on their younger siblings.

BTW, when exactly did CBS shut down their chat rooms? I wonder if they hadn't been getting way too many negative or hypercritical posts a while back and just decided to close them instead of having fans read them and agree with them. Oh well...