CSI Files
Captain
<I>CSI: New York</I>'s lead-in might get its own spin-off.<p>The hit CBS show <I>Criminal Minds</I> may follow in the footsteps of the <I>CSI</I> franchise. <I>Minds</I>' executive producer <font color=yellow>Ed Bernero</font> told <A class="link" HREF="http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/">Ausiello</a> that CBS and producer ABC Studios are having "substantive" discussions about creating a spin-off of the show. "It's safe to say there will be something soon," he said.<p>"We had talked about it from the beginning," he continued, "but something always got in the way of it happening… like <font color=yellow>Mandy</font> [<font color=yellow>Patinkin</font>] leaving and the strike. But it's definitely gaining momentum now." While it is unclear what the premise of the spin-off would be, Bernero said they are "looking at all of the things the FBI does and how we can work that into the <I>Criminal Minds</I> world."<p>Another question that remains is whether the spin-off would take characters from the original show. "I don't think so," Bernero said. "We're very happy with the team we have. On the other hand, it's possible characters could be on both shows… All options are open." The spin-off will likely be introduced on an episode of <I>Minds</I> during the upcoming season.<p>The original news is from the <A class="link" HREF="http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2008/07/criminal-minds.html?xid=rss-hollywoodinsider-20080702-Exclusive:%20CBS%20Eyes%20'Criminal%20Minds'%20Spin-off">Ausiello Files</a>.<center></center>