Grissom's Exit Won't Destroy CSI

CLEVELAND - CBS' long-running hit procedural CSI: Crime Scene Investigation reached a very pivotal moment in its history last night.

Its lead character left the show for good.

William Petersen, who has portrayed eccentric lead investigator Gil Grissom since the show's 2000 debut took his highly publicized final stroll through the show's lab and into retirement. This led him immediately to a Costa Rican rainforest where he reunited with former lover (and ex-fellow CSI Sara Sidle) played by Jorja Fox.

Petersen's exit, much bandied about for months coincides with the arrival of Laurence Fishburne to the series. Fishburne will essentially take the spot that Petersen's Grissom occupied, although he won't actually "replace" the irreplaceable character.

I felt that last night's episode was a well done, fitting send-off. The conclusion with the recently departed Fox in the rainforest was excellent and quite satisfying to us long-time viewers of the show. And despite Grissom's popularity and significance, I believe the show will go on and do very well.

I didn't always feel that way.

With Fox, Gary Dourdan and now Petersen's departure, I thought this show would crash and burn, especially with the horrific nature of Dourdan's exit in the season premiere. It has since dawned on me that this show has an incredible writing team and the producers are first-rate, not to mention the great cast that remain.

CSI never really relied on Grissom the way that its sister show, CSI: Miami relies on David Caruso's Horatio Cane. In this way, I believe that CSI is more like CSI: NY, more plot-driven. Grissom's oft-repeated mantra, "follow the evidence" always seems to get each week's crimes solved. It has held true for nine seasons thus far.

Somehow, I think it applies to the show's future as well.

I'll definitely miss Grissom, even though Petersen claims he'll make the occasional guest appearance. All in all though, I am convinced this outstanding show will continue its reputation for excellence.

In other words, I'm "following the evidence" of its brilliant track record.