Site Columns

By Kristine
December 1, 2003 - 10:05 PM

Hello World!

After reading William Petersen's comments about his reservations about CSI's first spinoff CSI: Miami, one has to wonder how he feels about the news of a third CSI spinoff. The question must be asked: how many spinoffs are too many?

Looking over at the success of Law & Order and its two spinoffs, it's easy to see why the folks at CSI would be tempted to create a third show. And when one looks at how much more successful spinoffs of successful shows seem to be than copycats, it's obvious that spinoffs are a much safer bet. Even innovative new shows in the genre are hit or miss; for every critically acclaimed hit like 24, there's a critically-loved but ratings bomb like Boomtown.

So how to keep it fresh? The setting of the show seems to be the answer for CSI. While the Law & Order spinoffs move through different areas of crime, CSI relies heavily on setting to give each show a unique feel. It's hard to argue that Las Vegas and Miami aren't two of the most colorful places in the U.S.

So where should the third show be set? I'd argue strongly against New York--that's Law & Order's turf. Besides, we don't really need another show set in New York. Same with Los Angeles--too many shows are set there as well.

My vote would probably go to New Orleans or Chicago. New Orleans would be different enough (and colorful enough!) to set it apart from the other two CSI shows, while Chicago would offer a gritty contrast to the glitzer cities of Las Vegas and Miami.

Of course, the only option we know for sure that they're considering is New York. However, we've created a poll of some likely "contenders" so that you can cast your vote for where you'd like to see the next CSI show set.

TalkCSI BBS

Below are some of the topics currently being discussed at the TalkCSI:

-"Bait?!"

-You know you're addicted to CSI when...

-On the subject of a third CSI

More topics can be found at the TalkCSI BBS!

Poll Results

Below are the results of the most recent TrekToday poll:

How Would You Rate 'Bait'?
9-10	46% - (70 Votes)
7-8	21% - (32 Votes)
Wasn't able to see it	11.1% - (17 Votes)
1-2	7.8% - (12 Votes)
Didn't want to see it	6.5% - (10 Votes)
5-6	5.2% - (8 Votes)
3-4	1.9% - (3 Votes)
Total Votes: 152

Today's Television Listings

CBS will be showing CSI: Miami's "Blood Brothers" at 10:00 p.m. tonight. Here's how TV Guide describes the episode:
"Horatio investigates the murder of a model intentionally run down outside of a Miami hotel by a driver who fled the scene. When the evidence leads to a suspect, governmental red tape puts an unexpected twist on the proceedings. Also: Horatio and Yelina begin to confront their feelings for one another."
CBS will be showing CSI: Crime Investigation's "Homebodies" at 9:00 p.m. on Thursday night. From TV Guide's description:
"Grissom leads the investigation when the mummified remains of an elderly woman are discovered in a closed closet that the victim tried to claw through to get out. Meanwhile, Catherine links the discovery of a handgun in a yard to the shooting death of a bounty hunter in a park across town."