Petersen: It's The Right Time

See Also: 'One To Go' Episode Guide

It's not easy to say goodbye.

William Petersen (Gil Grissom) will make his exit from CSI: Crime Scene Investigation in this week's episode, "One to Go". "I think it's the right time because I think that Grissom and myself are in similar journeys," the actor told Entertainment Tonight. "It's an adult man in his fifties who is trying to figure out what to do for the rest of his life."

After doing their jobs well for a long time, both Petersen and his character have developed a personal connection. Petersen said it was difficult to work on the final episode knowing it would be the last time he'd work on a certain set or with a certain actor. "And you try to put that away because there's a personal part of this for me that's large," the actor explained, "and there's also a part for the character of Grissom that's large as well." What's good about it, Petersen shared, "is that what Grissom is going through is also what I am going through in terms of preparing to leave the people I love and the job I love."

The actor said CSI is successful due to the "fabulous puzzles", the "great chemistry" among the cast and "courageous writing". Petersen also said the acting on the show is "good but different" than the acting that is usually seen on television. Even though he is leaving, Petersen revealed his confidence in the show: "I foresee CSI going on for a long time."

The original interview, which contains clips from "One to Go", can be seen on ET Online.

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