Season premiere review: 'CSI' - '73 Seconds': Ted Danson takes charge
Nick meets the new night shift boss, who fits right in
Marg Helgenberger and Ted Danson on "CSI."
I'm not much a fan of CBS' crime procedurals (most of which are fine for what they're doing but not my area of interest). I am a big fan, however, of Mr. Ted Danson. What to do, then, when Danson becomes the new "CSI" leading man? Well, at the very least I could take time to watch his first two episodes as new night shift supervisor D.B. Russell, and to be impressed - but not particularly surprised - at how easily he fit into the vibe of the show(*), played off of George Eads and Marg Helgenberger, etc.
(*) And, specifically, how quickly he and the writing for his character were able to bring back the slightly offbeat comic quality from the show's early days with William Petersen. That sense of humor, as well as the insistence on always treating the Vegas CSIs as nerds, no matter how attractive they were, were two huge elements that elevated the original over the spin-offs. Glad to have that back.
All in all, I thought "73 Seconds" was a very good introduction for Danson/Russell. But then, I haven't been a regular "CSI" viewer for a very long time. For those of you who are fans, how'd you feel about the new guy? I know the Laurence Fishburne era got mixed reactions; did this seem like a step up to you? And is there anyone who might start watching the show (or return to the show after an absence) just for Danson?
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September 21, 2011 at 11:10PM EST Reply to CommentI've been watching CSI since the first episode. When William Petersen left halfway through whatever season it was, the writers really picked up the ball and gave the series some solid episodes. The next season however, they fumbled more often than not. NCIS and Criminal Minds had overtaken it on my procedural list, but I still watched the series. I thought Danson was a great addition in the premier and I definitely felt a strong Season 1 vibe that I enjoyed. I don't doubt Danson can hold his own and help the series, but ultimately it's going to come down to the writers.
Unk
September 21, 2011 at 11:36PM EST Reply to CommentLife is too short to watch shitty police procedurals.
Jeremy Yes. This.
September 21, 2011 at 11:53PM ESTjohn Life is too short to comment on articles about shows you don't like
September 22, 2011 at 12:39AM ESTJess Yes. That.
September 22, 2011 at 1:28AM EST
September 22, 2011 at 1:52AM ESTWar Chief Shake Zula
September 21, 2011 at 11:52PM EST Reply to CommentI actually half-wish I had an opinion about this. That's what I get for watching SVU instead...
Hatfield
September 22, 2011 at 12:05AM EST Reply to CommentI'll give it a whirl. The reason I like NCIS so much is the cast, and Danson is more charming than even DiNozzo or Abby.
Ryan
September 22, 2011 at 12:29AM EST Reply to CommentI've never really watched CSI except for a few episodes here and there over the years, but I've been on a Cheers kick on Netflix so I checked it out tonight. I liked what I saw and I could see myself watching for awhile
briguyx
September 22, 2011 at 4:25AM EST Reply to CommentWhat I liked about Grissom was that he was slightly weird and eccentric but was a hero through and through. While I thought the quality of the writing stayed interesting during the Fishburne years (at least until the final arc), Danson certainly brings back a bit of the offbeat fun the show needs.
I think it's a little uncomfortable having Eckley's daughter join the team though and seeing Catherine and Nick spar. Like on "NCIS" and "Criminal Minds," we want to see the team working together as a family, not falling apart.
Matt W
September 22, 2011 at 9:59AM EST Reply to CommentMac Taylor > Grissom > Russell > Horatio Caine > Langston
Liz
September 22, 2011 at 10:10AM EST Reply to CommentHysterical since we'd been talking about tentacle porn earlier that night during dinner (doesn't everyone?) I want more quirkiness with Russell, but not forced. I kinda like that he's this normal adjusted dude who happens to kick ass at looking at things outside the norm.
Miles
September 22, 2011 at 10:17AM EST Reply to CommentI'd rather see him trade jabs with Larry David
Ziggy
September 22, 2011 at 11:31AM EST Reply to CommentDanson didn't do anything for me. Same-o same-o. I haven't watched it since they dumped Wendy but the first five minutes or so was not impressive. And another CSI who looks like she belongs in high school. Bring back Wendy and some of the supporting cast. Shankar and Rambo please come back!
tednation22
September 22, 2011 at 11:57AM EST Reply to CommentI also like the new CSI quite a bit. The past few years have been very heavy and dark, even just the stand alone episodes...this episode seemed brighter, and seemed back to the good old days of just a good case being solved, no heavy or deep undertones...
BigTed
September 22, 2011 at 12:22PM EST Reply to CommentI'm not a fan of gore-heavy procedurals, but I watched this episode for Danson and was entertained. (I also enjoy the way "CSI" loves to lavish attention on far-out sex trend, as if "tentacle sex shows" with live squids were the latest thing at top casinos.)
But Danson's wry humor and the promise of the next big sex trend (furry dominatrix octopi?) aren't enough to keep me watching in the future.
UnHoly Diver
September 22, 2011 at 1:28PM EST Reply to CommentIt was OK, but once Luther and the rest BBCAmerica's Dramaville start back, it'll be off my radar(I'll be damned if I'm going to give L&O:SVU one second if my time).
UnHoly Diver Stupid fat fingers... the rest "of" BBCAmerica's Dramaville; and..
September 22, 2011 at 1:31PM ESTone second "of" my time
Rob
September 22, 2011 at 3:30PM EST Reply to CommentI loved Ted in Cheers, Curb and Damages, not so much in his other shows. I don't care for CSI, but might tune in On Demand if there's nothing else to watch.
Edo
September 22, 2011 at 4:44PM EST Reply to CommentThe name D.B. Russell reminded me of Beadie (sounds like B.D.) Russell. Any chance it might be an homage to "The Wire"?
ben
September 22, 2011 at 6:04PM EST Reply to Commentthis show feels different since i been to vegas
feels like there might be a more serialized element to the show now as well
Ed Bish
September 24, 2011 at 9:07PM EST Reply to Commentbring back Grissom. Fishburn did not fit in. Hasnt been the same since Grissom left and they killed off Brown. I still see Danson as Sam Malone.