Interview: Elizabeth Devine, Melissa Byer & Treena Hancock

This week’s episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, “Altered Stakes”, was written by written by Consulting Producer Elizabeth Devine, based on a story by Co-Executive Producers Melissa Byer and Treena Hancock. All three women took some time out of their busy schedule to answer a few questions for CSI Files’ Rachel Trongo about the episode, which finds the team investigating a case from the past and features a few familiar faces. (Spoilers after the jump!)

CSI Files: What can you tell us about the plot of “Altered Stakes”?

Melissa Byer, Elizabeth Devine and Treena Hancock: It’s a different type of episode for our CSI’s. It’s a bit of a cold case and demonstrates that just because there was a conviction doesn’t mean the case is necessarily closed. Needless to say, when you’re dealing with violent offenders the stakes are really high.

CSI Files: It looks like Nick Stokes (George Eads) will be heavily featured this week. Can you tell us anything about his interaction with the rest of the team?

Byer, Devine and Hancock: We love George and this is a big episode for him. He did an incredible job. We will learn that this was one of his old cases which was solved based on a confession and very little forensics. It underlines how important confessions can be to a case and how devastating it can be when that confession is then thrown out. Nick must enlist the help of the whole team to re-work the evidence to make sure a dangerous killer stays behind bars. CSI is a family so everyone jumps in to do whatever they can to help Nick.

CSI Files: “Altered Stakes” brings back Detective Carlos Moreno (Enrique Murciano) from season ten’s “Coup de Grace”. What can you tease about his role?

Byer, Devine and Hancock: Well, we can reveal a pretty big secret. In this episode, we’ll learn that Moreno is Detective Vega’s (Geoffrey Rivas, “Crime After Crime”) step-son. Detective Vega left quite a legacy when he died and his son has been dragged into his father’s mess. Moreno has a stake in the resolution of the case although it is different than Nick’s. And let’s just say Moreno’s good looks will not go unnoticed by a certain female CSI.

CSI Files: How did you reach the decision to use Moreno for this storyline instead of bringing back (or introducing) a different character?

Byer, Devine and Hancock: We all loved the actor and when we found out he was available, it was a great opportunity to bring him back. We hope to be seeing more of him in the future. He will be in the finale.

CSI Files: Geoffrey Rivas is listed as a guest star. Does this mean we’ll get to see Detective Vega in flashbacks?

Byer, Devine and Hancock: You will see him in a flashback. This episode is very much about Detective Vega and the fallout from his rogue behavior.

CSI Files: On a different note, “Altered Stakes” will feature the CSIs playing softball. That sounds like a lot of fun!

Byer, Devine and Hancock: It was so much fun to film! We can honestly say, our actors have some real skills on the field. It was great to be able to show the CSI’s at work and play.

CSI Files: The season is winding down, but we definitely know that CSI will be back next year. Will you all be back as well?

Byer, Devine and Hancock: We certainly hope so. Lol. CSI is a family on and off screen and it’s a pleasure to be a part of it.

CSI Files: Finally, is there anything else you can tease about the end of the season?

Byer, Devine and Hancock: We meet [DB] Russell’s (Ted Danson) wife, and the stakes are high for several of the CSI’s. It’s a great script and we can just say, a lot of lives will hang in the balance, so stay tuned!

Rachel Trongo is the news and review writer for CSI Files, and you can find her on Twitter @RachelTrongo.