Wow. So now a big percentage of fans are NOT true fans because we like to watch the characters? Yes - I love watching the characters evolve. I'd rather see a character morph into something I hate - than them being killed off. I love the cases - but if the cast wasn't the way they were - if it wasn't the actors who are acting, I really doubt I'd be so interested in the show.
I likely wouldn't give a big damn if it were any other show than CSI: I could care less who gets killed off Miami, or NY since I don't keep up with them. But CSI: is one of those shows where I FEEL would not be as successful if the actors didn't play the characters the way they do.
The characters are a big part of the show, without them... You'd have no show. So, before saying a true fan watches for the crime - not the characters, I'd say maybe they should figure out what makes the show in the first place?
I do think it's totally silly for people to say "Well, ohh myy gooodddddd I HATE GSR so I hate CSI. I hate watching it, it makes me puke.. I gag everytime I see them"
If you were a fan of CSI (As a whole) I doubt you'd be saying the show makes you puke everytime you see a 47 second scene.
However, nobody is in the right place to say "You are not a fan" because you dislike a ship, a character, or you watch the show for other reasons besides, well, crime - not me, not anyone. Gosh, if Grillows had become canon, I sure as hell wouldn't be sitting here saying how ridiculous it is, and how STUPID the show is now because TWO CHARACTERS got together... Because you all know if YOUR ship becomes canon, you'll be in heaven - and that's really all there is to it.
Of course, then there are those who don't watch for that - and do care less.. I know plenty of people who just watch for the show itself, and don't care who gets with who..
I've heard many casual fans (That don't go on the internet and talk on the boards and such) that this is THE best season they've ever seen. So what one may love, another may loathe.
ETA: With Lady Heather returning, you know it's going to pull in many, many fans who ship those two - even though GSR is together. I love Lady Heather (Don't like her when she's around Grissom, but..) and I'm glad to see she's returning, if only for a ratings stunt.
However, there's three more episodes until we have no more until September