Re: "For Warrick" Season Premiere Discussion *SPOILERS*
Wow, what a great episode. It felt very 'old-school' CSI. I think this season might attract back fans who were lost from the last 2, if they can keep it up. It seems like tptb have realized the mistakes they have been making, and finally got their crap together. The episode had elements that the previous premiere were missing. It was dramatic, but not over done. There wasn't any cheesy moments, it was well written. There weren't any glaring errors in the time line or story. The acting was phenomenonal, and we finally got the feeling of a group effort again.
I disagree that this was a bad way for Warrick to leave the show. He was the tragic character of Vegas, and it seemed very fitting to me that his ending was tragic. Also, it made one hell of an episode.
I think the beginning and end were the best parts. Grissom's expression as he sees the car and runs down the alley changes as he realizes the situation and recognizes Warricks car. Well done. The scene when both Catherine and Ecklie arrives is devastating, especially when Grissom is sitting on the ground. Him being covered in blood is pretty horrific, and it seemed like he was in shock. Nick was somber, angry and in shock. I think it was better to have Grissom find Warrick, just because we are not used to seeing him so emotional, so the scene had more of an impact. But i would have liked to see his reaction.
I loved how they showed everyone grieving, really emphasized how the crime lab was like a family, and they managed to include everyone. I didn't notice Bobby until i went back to watch it again.
This episode did however point out how useless Sara's character has become on the show, in the context of CSI. It was good that she came back, to have the team together, and for her friend. But apart from dealing with the grieving, she seemed really out of place. I doubt if she would have been able to just walk around with access to the crime lab like that. I liked the reunion, and the scene with Greg in Warrick's apartment. But it appears they finally realized (or at least for one eppy), WHY people dislike GSR. Sara actually interacted with others, also Grissom was tied up dealing with it, and wasn't cut off from other people. The team was back indeed.
I thought it was cute that Warrick had a picture of them all in his room, although they should have put a wig on Jorja, it was obvious that was a recent photo!
And of course the end! I like how they had the whole team, right at the front, emphasizing that they were his family, and they were all he had. I think Grissom didn't realize how much of impact he had on Warrick's life until now, and it showed on his face. Reminds me of when Catherine told him that people were building a family around him, whether he liked it or not. Seeing Grissom starting to lose it was enough for me, that right there was the money shot of the episode. And I liked how the team also reacted, just as he started to lose it. I didn't notice the first time, i could tell they reacted, but i didn't notice both Nick and Catherine had tears running down their faces. Seeing the usual calm, collected, unemotional Grissom trying very hard not to cry had a HUGE impact, and that was very well played.
My only beef was Catherine and Grissom didn't really say anything to each other...i know its a lot to fit into one eppy, but where did their great friendship go? Bah.
Well done, i hope they keep this up. For a show to pull off episodes of this caliber in its NINTH season is unheared of. And that is why CSI is the greatest tv show of all time, period.
PS - Saw season 8 dvds today (they come out on tuesday), they are nice, not the cheap box sets like the new Miami and new york ones, have the normal amount of special features, but only 2 eppy commentaries.
