Re: Laurence/Raymond: The New Guy
This was featured in my local paper's entertainment section today!
FISHBURNE PUTS FNGERPRNTS ON HIGHLY POPULAR TV DRAMA
During a press conference last month on the sprawling set of CSI a journalist with a obviously little regard for his own well being asked Laurence Fishburne if he was intimated by the notion of joining TV's top-rated drama. "NO", the actor replied with his rich baritone voice that inspired the downtrodden to rise up against the machines in "The Matrix" and frightened the funk out of Tima Turner in "Wha'ts Love Got To Do With It". His response hung in the air for a few seconds until both cast and reporters burst into laughter. "It's Laurence Fishburne, man someone cracked. Fishburne whose last regular TV gig consisted of galloping around "Pee Wee's Playhouse" in a cowboy outfit, is stepping in for lead actor William Petersen, who left the series after 8 1/2 years, to presumably, roll around in his tons of money he collected as the star and ex. producer. Petersen never received much critical praise for his performance as Gil Grissom and unkempt [excuse me] self-contained Sherlock Holmes with an unhealthy curiosty towards bugs and insects, but his understated approach established the mood of the series. Fishburne's character Raymond Langston, a professor who lectured on the criminal mind before joining the team as an investigator, is decidedly different in both tone and posture. Fishburne who look's to be about 7 ft. tall and fully prepared to snap the neck of anyone who challenges his authority. Just how much Fishburne will play second fiddle to the drama's formula, and how much the audiences are willing to accept him, may be the most tantalizing mystery of the season. Early ratings suggest it may take some time. The first episode without Petersen drew 17.5 million viewers, a staggering number for a program that doesn't feature Simon Cowell, but about 11% drop from the seasons average. Kenneth Fink. who has directed nearly 50 episodes, admitted that Fishburne is still adapting to the pace of network TV. "He's a feature film actor, which means he's used to the rehearsal time and having that time to slowly set hmself into a scene", Fink said, but we're making the time for him and he's making the time for us. There's got to be give and take" "I've heard a lot of people talk about the grind of a series, but I haven't seen it yet' Fishburne said "I've go two responsibilities coming in and to service the show and that's tough after 9 years running, but trying to fit in and blend as harmomously as possible" Cast members say so far it's been a smooth transition and smooth sailing and laud their new co-star for his no-diva mentality and his work ethic!
Neal Justin..Star Tribune