mariel said:
I don't know. I don't want to be the party pooper in here, but I've got the feeling Nick and Sara aren't going to see much of each other anyway. I might be wrong of course, but you know, seeing as TPTB haven't put just the two of them on a case together till now, which, by the way, cannot be coincidence anymore. Besides I haven't read a single spoiler of them working the same case, or even talking to each other for that matter, except for the locker room scene in the upcoming episode. I hope I'm wrong though.
In response to your other question: I think Grissom's abesence will cause lots and lots and lots of tension in the team. Sara, for example, has showed before that she doesn't like to be commanded by anyone but Grissom, and I found this at YTDAW:
I read somewhere that in season 5 Nick "hasn't been thrilled with Catherine's new attitude", as a boss that is. Some of you might remember his reaction in 5x16 Big Middle when Catherine asked him if he had a problem with her being the boss. I believe he said something along the lines of, "Whatever." That scene was supposed to be played out a little more. There was going to be a long conversation and another scene later on in the episode that involved this topic again. However, I wonder if it would affect Nick now. He's a pretty easygoing person (except when it comes to his pride). Of course he might miss Grissom, but I don't think he's angry or extremely sad.
Edited to remove partial script post.