Zuiker: Big Apple Will Be More Character-Driven

See Also: 'MIA/NYC - NonStop' Episode Guide

CSI: New York won't be doling out personal details in "dropperfuls" like the original CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, according to showrunner Anthony Zuiker.

"CSI: New York will be a much more character-driven type of show," Zuiker told Gayle McDonald at Canada's Globe and Mail. "It'll be a forensic, procedural drama. We'll open the characters up more. [...] We'll be able to get to the bottom of these people much quicker."

One of the Big Apple instalment's regular faces will be a disabled character. Inspired by double-amputee and CSI star Robert David Hall (Dr. Al Robbins), Zuiker has written a part for an actor in a wheelchair. "This person will have an important role in CSI: New York. This show is going to really break new ground in television.

"David Hall's been trying to [gain acceptance for the disabled in film and TV] for 30 years. All that work has paid off because I'm going to be the one to push it through with his assistance. This character is as important to me as casting the lead actor, on an emotional level. He'll be a genius in a wheelchair."

Just like CSI and CSI: Miami, which use a wide variety of musical genres to create atmosphere, the soundtrack will be a crucial part of the Big Apple series. Zuiker told Variety the spin-off will use 1960s and 1970s songs during the episodes, with another track by "The Who" serving as the title theme. The band's "Who Are You?" and "Won't Get Fooled Again" were used as the main themes for CSI and CSI: Miami, respectively.

CSI: New York is also set to distinguish itself from its predecessors with new types of stories. Zuiker said the first season will feature an episode which takes place outside of New York City. "It could be to investigate a war crime in Iraq or 16 people stuck in a mountain in Alaska."

The series will debut in an episode of CSI: Miami to air in May. Read more about Zuiker's plans at the Globe and Mail and Variety (registration required).

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