Wow, it's been quite a while since I posted -- my life sucks right now -- but I've been avidly following the discussions in this thread. So, here's my two cents:
Episode: Definitely one of the best episodes of the season, IMO. Just the right mixture of humor, an intriguing case, and ongoing storylines (the Novak/Catherine situation and the MCSK). The only part I really didn't like was Catherine unbuttoning her shirt for the supposed killer -- I thought it was in pretty poor taste, although I can understand Catherine's willingness to do just about anything she could in order to solve the murders -- but aside from that, every element of the episode was spot-on. Grissom's goodbyes to his team members were completely in-character, and in Catherine's and Nick's cases also completely hysterical -- I just about died laughing when Catherine asked him how long he'd known he was leaving and then gave him the "I don't even want to know" treatment, and then again at the "stop hugging me" scene. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant. Also, it was great to see the more poignant good-bye scenes with Warrick and Greg; Greg in particular has matured a great deal, and his "father-son"-like bond with Grissom has really strengthened over the years. In addition, I loved seeing Alan Rosenberg's return as the obnoxious-yet-shrewd Adam Novak; he and MH have a completely believable chemistry radiating palpable wariness mixed with an oddly fascinating magnetism. I couldn't help but admire Catherine's level-headed handling of the situation; she totally made up for the button scene in my eyes.
GSR: I was quite disappointed that Sara only appeared right at the end (and, come to think of it, Brass and Sofia were altogether missing; what's up with that?). However, that good-bye was perhaps the most in-character of all; while Grissom's relationship with Sara has made him more relational than he was in the past, he's still awkward in emotional situations, and it was oddly endearing to see him nervously push his fingertips together as he tried to figure out exactly what to say to Sara at the end. And poor Sara; the best thing that ever happened to her is leaving for a month, and she can't turn to her normal support system (i.e., the team) at a time when she needs it the most. Jorja Fox did an amazing job projecting those emotions, and when her jaw gave that little "I will NOT cry" twitch, I almost choked up myself.
Pregnancy: I really don't think TPTB will go that route; as many posters have already said, it would be difficult to fit that storyline in with the other continuing subplots already in motion, particularly if this is WP's and/or JF's last season on the show. Also, I think it would make it that much more difficult for the show to avoid wandering into territory I tend to associate with the likes of "Friends," "Sex and the City," and "Grey's Anatomy." (I'm not saying the show is too soapy right now; in fact, I think the producers/writers are currently doing a terrific job of balancing the scientific elements of the show with the personal ones.) Personally, I wouldn't mind a pregnancy subplot in the least, but I also recognize the practical problems with implementing it. However, so far this season we've seen Sam Braun getting assassinated, Grissom singing in the morgue, one person killing two identical twins while out to get only one, and another poor man accidentally killing two people while out to get neither, so I guess anything's possible.
What? No new episode next week? We have to wait TWO MORE WEEKS???!!! I hope TPTB are happy now at how much they've managed to torture us...oh, well. I'm counting down the days -- only 13 to go!
-- geekprincess
