Peter Lenkov

CSI: New York's fifth season has gotten off to a strong start, boasting both exciting stories and impressive ratings: in a climate in which most shows are shows are losing viewers, CSI: New York is gaining them. Executive Producer Peter Lenkov, hard at work writing an episode for the fifth season, took time to give CSI Files' Kristine Huntley a quick preview of what's to come in the show's fifth season, and also to discuss the major revelation that Danny (Carmine Giovinazzo) and Lindsay (Anna Belknap) will learn they are expecting a child in an upcoming episode.

CSI Files: Obviously the big buzz in the franchise right now is the news the news that you're going to be writing Anna Belknap's pregnancy into CSI: NY. How was this decision reached?

Peter Lenkov: Anna getting pregnant? I'm afraid that was a decision between Anna and her husband. Seriously, I think we just decided instead of hiding it, we should embrace it; after all, Danny and Lindsay are in a relationship and the idea of a baby felt very organic, and would allow for us to develop these characters even further. I think we all want to see these characters grow and mature, and this felt right.

CSI Files: Is it true that plans to bring back Danny's other love interest, Rikki (Jacqueline Pinol), and to introduce a new man for Lindsay were changed or scrapped because of this real life development?

Lenkov: The storyline did indeed change... but don't write off Rikki just yet.

CSI Files: What's the status of Danny and Lindsay's relationship right now?

Lenkov: Danny and Lindsay are together, and you will get a better idea of where they stand when you see episode 509. We believe the baby might have been conceived at the end of last season when Danny invited Lindsay over [in "Personal Foul"], and although we never got to see what she decided to do, we believe she went over.

CSI Files: Fans are still a little confused as to the status of Danny and Lindsay's relationship last season. Were they in a relationship in season four? Did Danny actually cheat on Lindsay?

Lenkov: The relationship had cooled by the time Danny hooked up with Rikki, but like all relationships, it had its up and downs, and it was during that down period that Danny and Rikki connected. But [Danny and Lindsay] are together [now].

CSI Files: What does the pregnancy mean for Danny and Lindsay? Will it all be roses for them from here on in, or will they be raising the child separately?

Lenkov: Roses? Hell no. What's a drama without drama?

CSI Files: Will the Ruben storyline from last season continue into this season? Will it affect Danny's reaction to the news that he's going to be a father?

Lenkov: I don't think we're going to spend any more time on Ruben. It was a great, emotional ride, but that ride ended.

CSI Files: How will a baby fit into the CSI universe?

Lenkov: I believe it will be the first for the franchise, and our heroes will just have to juggle parenthood and their jobs. It'll be fun to write... and watch.

CSI Files: We've heard Adam (A.J. Buckley) is going to have a life crisis of sorts. Can you give us any hints as to what this might be?

Lenkov: I really don't want to give anything away, but everyone has some meaty stuff this season. We're really focused on character this season.

CSI Files: Is there any chance we'll see Quinn Sullivan (Kristen Dalton) or Jordan Gates (Jessalyn Gilsig) again?

Lenkov: Only the dead don't come back.

CSI Files: Rumor has it Mac (Gary Sinise) will have a bit of a trial at work when he's asked to fire a member of the team. Can you tease that a little bit?

Lenkov: Mac will have a bit of a trial at work when he's asked to fire a member of the team. That's as good a tease as you're going to get.

CSI Files: Fans seemed to react very well to Samantha Flack (Kathleen Munroe). Any chance we'll see her again and further explore her relationship with Flack (Eddie Cahill)?

Lenkov: If you like Samantha, then you're in for a treat. She's back, and her storyline is great.

CSI Files: What's coming up for Dr. Hawkes (Hill Harper) this season?

Lenkov: We're spending a few exploring his life before CSI. We're all very excited about where his character goes this season.

CSI Files: Any chance we'll ever meet some of Sid's (Robert Joy) family? What's in store for him this season?

Lenkov: Sid is a series regular now. It would be a shame not to explore his life outside of CSI.

CSI Files: Is Detective Angell (Emmanuelle Vaugier) going to appear again? Will her flirtation with Flack continue?

Lenkov: Magic 8 Ball says: MOS DEF.

CSI Files: Is there anything else you can hint at coming up in season five?

Lenkov: We're leaving no one behind, and no loose ends. We have multiple arcs involving all our characters, and you can be certain none of what we're writing is predictable. We're telling stories a bit differently this season. We've earned the right to stretch creatively, so we're making the most of that by making every episode an event.

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