Watching CSI

Season 9 is sure to be doozy with Warrick’s being shot and William Petersen leaving we are in for bumpy ride folks. Here’s what we know so far, for sure.

• Jorja Fox will return for multiple episodes.
• Several famous male thespians are being pursued to join the cast. Names being batted about include Laurence Fishburne and Kurt Russell.
• Lauren Lee Smith from The L Word joins the cast as CSI Riley Adams(I’m digging that name). At the point when she joins the cast, she’s the only CSI that hasn’t had Grissom as a mentor. That’s going to make their relationship….different.
• Grissom will encounter the Miniature Killer again.
• Lady Heather will return. She and Grissom will spend the night together. (Honestly this Lady Heather thing just doesn’t mesh with Grissom’s personality at all. /of personal opinion.)

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Most of this knew this already but when William Petersen leaves CSI this fall he’ll leave as one of the small screen’s highest wage earners. According to E! Online, WP earns $600,000. He’s only out earned by Charlie Sheen who brings home $825,000 per episode. Law and Order SVU’s Mariska Hargity is the most well compensated woman on television at $400,000 an ep. Kyra Sedgwick who leads the Closer cast is the “highest-paid actress in a cable drama” with her $275,000 per episode paycheck.

Other big money TV folks are:

American Idol’s Simon Cowell who makes $50 million to tell people they can’t sing.

David Letter who nets $32 million for hosting CBS’ Late Show.

And of course Miz Oprah who makes five million kazillion dollars a year for waking up in the morning.  Actually she pulls in $382 million a year.

Sigh.  I love blogging but I wonder if they’ve filled Billy’s spot yet.  I’d make a good CSI.  What?

The good news is that the site is back. Thanks to all who stuck with us during the outage.

The bad news is that our dear William Petersen has decided to leave CSI. This will be Billy’s last season as the lead actor of the franchise that started it all. The show originally reported that Billy had signed a 9th season contract back in April. The thing is is the contract expires mid season. Probably when Billy’s play starts.

The other good news is that show runner Carol Mendelsohn says we having seeing the last of Billy Petersen.

“Billy is leaving. But he will remain throughout the run of the series an executive producer. And he will, whenever CBS asks, come back. I don’t think you’ve seen the last of Gil Grissom.”

For his part Billy wanted the transition to be good for everyone, “I want it to work for the writers, I want it to work for the cast, and, most importantly, I want it to work for the audience,” Billy said during at interview with ET. “I don’t want them to abandon the show.”

Billy also seems pretty pleased with where he’s landed. “For me, it’s a really good situation. I don’t want the audience to think it’s not… [It isn't] like there’s something going on, like ‘Petersen’s unhappy,’ ’cause it’s not true. It’s quite the contrary. ”

Expect the Grissom story line to be turn dark right before Billy’s departure.

The events of last season’s finale — specifically the death of Dourdan’s Warrick — will push Grissom to the breaking point. “The easiest way to describe Grissom is ‘in crisis,’” Petersen told me. “As a man. As a scientist. As a teacher. As a middle-aged person who has been very successful at what he’s done… [he] wonders, ‘What’s the point?’

Expect Jorja Fox as Sara to return to help Grissom through the difficult time.

This will be a very different CSI. It’s amazing that an ensemble castlasted 8 season. I won’t stop watching but it hasn’t been the same since Jorja left. How are you guys feeling about the changes?

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Our favorite silver haired fox is set to get his own star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. In 2009, Billy will be one of 25 stars to receive a star. Other stars include:

Cameron Diaz, Hugh Jackman, director Tim Burton, Canadian super-group Rush, Robert Downey Jr, Shakira, John Stamos, William H Macy,Felicity Huffman, The Village People, Survivor producer Mark Burnett, Kyra Sedgwick, Ralph Fiennes,The Miracles, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, and Sir Ben Kingsley

The Walk of Fame began in 1954 with “with 2,500 blank stars. A total of 1,558 stars were awarded during its first sixteen months. Since then, about two stars have been added per month.”

No word on when WP will get his star but I’m sure some Watching CSI will be there. Looking forward to seeing all the pics.

BET News is reporting that Gary Dourdan has been rehired by CSI despite his recent arrest.

After his high-profile drug arrest this past spring, amid rumors that he has a dope problem, Gary Dourdan is expected to return to TV’s “CSI.” The actor pleaded guilty to possession after he was arrested in April while asleep in an illegally parked car in California . “CSI” show execs left questions about whether Dourdan’s planned separation from the show was forced or voluntary. But he’ll return next season, having been re-hired. Dourdan first gained notice on television as a cast member of the 1990s sitcom “A Different World.”

I’ve been a Gary fan since the Different World days and I do hope he’s getting better BUT I don’t think returning to this high stress job will be good for his health. Hopefully he’ll only appear every now and then and won’t return to the series full time until his health has been completely repaired.  The season finale left everything up in the air.  I guess we’ll see in September.  There has also been some indication that Jorja Fox is set to return.  (More about that later.)

Do you think that Gary should return to the series so soon? In all honestly I do hope Jorja is actually coming back.

Paps caught Gary Dourdan smiling and driving last week. Hopefully his health is on the mend.

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Marg recently did her annual duty for What a Pair benefit at the Orpheus Theater in Los Angelas. What a Pair features celebrity duets and benefits breast cancer research. This is a yearly thing for Marg. One year she even sang with Jorja. You can still support the effort by buying a t-shirt or donating at the What A Pair site. This year she preformed again with Diana Harris,

Note: Sorry I haven’t posted in a while. Life has gotten in the way. Hurrah for being back on track. On to some sobering news.

Gary Dourdan plead guilty today to possession of coke and ecstasy. Heroin charges were dismissed. In exchange for the no jail time, Gary agreed to attend a 16-class treatment program. The program isn’t considered rehab. According to TMZ, Gary’s already signed up for the program. Good for him.

Gary’s charges stem from an April 28th incident in Palm Springs where he was found sleeping in his car on the wrong side of of the road. Police described Gary as disoriented and confused. He was booked on suspicion of heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and prescription drugs possession. God’s speed to Gary. Hopefull this starts a better chapter in his life.

WARRICK’S FUTURE AS A CSI IS IN JEOPARDY WHEN HE IS ACCUSED OF MURDERING A FAMOUS VEGAS GANGSTER, ON THE EIGHTH SEASON FINALE OF “CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION,” THURSDAY, MAY 15

“For Gedda” - Warrick is accused of murdering a famous Vegas gangster and even he is uncertain of his guilt or innocence, on the eighth season finale of CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Thursday, May 15 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

SERIES REGULARS:

Gil Grissom: William Petersen
Catherine Willows: Marg Helgenberger
Warrick Brown: Gary Dourdan
Nick Stokes: George Eads
Captain Jim Brass: Paul Guilfoyle
Greg Sanders: Eric Szmanda
Dr. Robbins: Robert David Hall
Hodges: Wallace Langham

RECURRING CAST:

David Phillips: David Berman
Wendy Simms: Liz Vassey
Conrad Ecklie: Marc Vann
Archie Johnson: Archie Kao

GUEST CAST:

Bobby Dawson: Gerald McCullouch
Henry Andrews: Jon Wellner
Undersheriff McKeen: Conor O’Farrell
Lou Gedda: John Capodice
IA Officer Wagenbach: Jay Karnes
Carolina Bell: Donzaleigh Abernathy
Kerwinkle Lord: Lee Weaver
Pallbearer #1: James Earl
Pallbearer #2: Kwame Patterson
Benny Harper: Randy Mulkey
Officer Metcalf: Joseph Patrick Kelly
Officer Devlin: DeLon Howell
Daniel Pritchard: David Gianopoulos
Stephane (aka Waitress): Deborah Ann Woll
Officer Akers: Larry Sullivan

TELEPLAY BY: Dustin Lee Abraham and Richard Catalani

STORY BY: Dustin Lee Abraham and Kenneth Fink

DIRECTED BY: Kenneth Fink

RATING: TV14-V

Eric and Jorja’s PSA is part of the 30 Days for a Million Voices campaign. The US Campaign for Burma unveils a spot every day(usually they are a bit early) and encourages people to sign up and support the Burmese people. Here’s bit about struggle.

The people of the Southeast Asian country of Burma are locked in one of the world’s great freedom struggles. The country’s military rulers, the State Peace and Development Council, have run the country with an iron fist for the past 19 years, after they assumed power from a 26-year socialist dictatorship. In 1988, students, professionals, and others launched a nationwide uprising aimed at bringing an end to authoritarian rule during which millions of people courageously marched on the streets, calling for freedom and democracy.

The military responded by gunning down thousands of demonstrators and imprisoning thousands more in one of Southeast Asia’s most bloody episodes in recent history. The leader of the demonstrations, Min Ko Naing (pronounced Min Ko Nine), has been held behind bars ever since, where approximately 1,400 political prisoners remain. The most recognizable face of Burma, 1991 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (pronounced Daw Aung Sawn Sue Chee), has been in and out of house arrest and prison since 1988. Presently, she is held under house arrest.

You can also show your support by joining Fanista. For the entire month of May, 10% of your purchase will go to support the the campaign.

GRISSOM AND HIS TEAM INVESTIGATE THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF A DIVA SITCOM STAR IN LAS VEGAS, ON “CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION,” THURSDAY, MAY 8

Episode was Written by Writers from Television’s Number One Comedy, “Two and a Half Men,” as Part of a Writers’ Crossover With the “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” Writers

Katey Sagal (”Married with Children”), Rachael Harris (”Notes from the Underbelly”), Diedrich Bader (”The Drew Carey Show”) And Constance Marie (”George Lopez”) Guest Star

“Two and a Half Deaths” - Grissom and the CSI team become involved in the world of Hollywood comedy when a diva sitcom star (Sagal) meets an untimely demise while filming her show in Las Vegas, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Thursday, May 8 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

The episode was written by writers from television’s number one comedy, “Two and a Half Men,” as part of a crossover with the writers of television’s number one drama, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” The “Two and a Half Men” episode written by the “CSI” writers will be broadcast Monday, May 5 (9:00-9:30 PM, ET/PT) on CBS.

Katey Sagal (”Married with Children”) Rachel Harris (”Notes from the Underbelly”), Diedrich Bader (”The Drew Carey Show”) and Constance Marie (”George Lopez”) guest star.

SERIES REGULARS:

Gil Grissom: William Petersen
Catherine Willows: Marg Helgenberger
Warrick Brown: Gary Dourdan
Nick Stokes: George Eads
Captain Jim Brass: Paul Guilfoyle
Greg Sanders: Eric Szmanda
Dr. Robbins: Robert David Hall
Hodges: Wallace Langham

RECURRING CAST: David Phillips: David Berman
Wendy Simms: Liz Vassey

GUEST CAST:

Annabelle Bundt/Natasha Steele: Katey Sagal
Megan Kupowski: Rachael Harris
Bud Parker: Diedrich Bader
Det. Carolina Flores: Constance Marie
Henry Andrews: Jon Wellner
Officer Mitchell: Larry Mitchell
Spencer Freiberg: Stephen Tobolowsky
Stewart Lytle: Benjamin King
Mark: Tom McGowan
Eddie: JD Walsh
Don: Kevin Sussman
Richard Langford: Brian Letscher

WRITTEN BY: Chuck Lorre and Lee Aronsohn, executive producers and writers of the CBS comedy TWO AND A HALF MEN

DIRECTED BY: Alec Smight

RATING: TV14-DLSV

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, those close to Gary Dourdan have been concerned before the latest incident. ”We have been worried about Gary for some time,” a member the show’s production team told the the newspaper. ”It’s just a shame that he wasn’t able to get the help he needs before this happened.”

Actor Robert David Hall spoke with Newsday.com  on Wednesday about the troubled actor’s arrest.

“I actually worked with him yesterday, and everybody was moving on. It’s real hard to get work done when your’re so close to the end of the season .”

He also talked about the support Gary has from the cast and crew. “Almost to a person, I’d say ninety-nine percent of the cast and crew are very hopeful that Gary will be OK, and we love him deeply.”

When questioned about Gary’s departure, Hall didn’t have a concrete answer.  “He wants to do other things,” Hall said. “That’s the speculation…You and I and the majority of other people would say, why would anyone leave a hit show  but everybody’s different. I can’t comment on why Gary and CBS are parting company, but I was told he has dreams of doing other things. He’s a generous, soulful guy. I read the same stuff you do. I just know him as the guy who gave me a big hug yesterday. The cast and crew want the best for Gary.”

There’s still no official statement from Gary’s camp.  He’s due to be arraigned on May 28th. Let’s keep Gary in our thoughts.

THE CSI TEAM INVESTIGATES A SERIES OF SUSPICIOUS DEATHS WHERE THE VICTIMS ARE LINKED BY THE FACT THAT THEY ALL HAVE GREEN BLOOD, ON “CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION,” THURSDAY, MAY 1

“The Theory of Everything” - Grissom and his team discover several victims who have green blood, leading them to the conclusion that their deaths are somehow connected, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Thursday, May 1 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

SERIES REGULARS:

Gil Grissom: William Petersen
Catherine Willows: Marg Helgenberger
Warrick Brown: Gary Dourdan
Nick Stokes: George Eads
Captain Jim Brass: Paul Guilfoyle
Greg Sanders: Eric Szmanda
Dr. Robbins: Robert David Hall
Hodges: Wallace Langham

RECURRING CAST:

David Phillips: David Berman
Archie Johnson: Archie Kao
Wendy Simms: Liz Vassey

GUEST CAST:

Mandy Webster: Sheeri Rappaport
Henry Andrews: Jon Wellner
Officer Mitchell: Larry Mitchell
Office Choi: Colin Kim
Evelyn Polychronopolous: Chloe Webb
Kyle Planck: Karl Makinen
Officer Casella: Sam Witwer
I.A. Officer Galvez: Jose Pablo Cantillo
Margo Delphi: Christine Lakin
Logan Martin: Joe Howard
Dave Bohr: Don Swayze
Cell Phone Dude: Jeremy Cohenour

TELEPLAY BY: Douglas Petrie and David Rambo

STORY BY: Carol Mendelsohn, one of the series’ executive producers, and David Rambo

DIRECTED BY: Chris Leitch

RATING: To Be Announced