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William Petersen

William Petersen as Gil Grissom
  • Posted at 1:20pm
  • 17 July 2008
  • by AlisonGraham-RT
  • 16 comments

What? William Petersen is leaving CSI: Crime Scene Investigation? And worse, he's doing so to spend more time working in "The Theatre"? Oh dear lord, what is it with actors and "The Theatre"? Why do they waste their time, pottering around on a stage in front of handfuls of bored and uncomfortable people, shouting at other actors?

I share my view of "The Theatre" with Mark and Jeremy from Peep Show who, in the last series, were appalled at being duped into seeing a friend's play. "You mean, we could be at home watching television, rather than being here?" the pair chuntered in wonderment before, with a joyous sense of liberation, they decided to skip the second act.

But, my views of "The Theatre" aside, this is bad, bad news. William Petersen is the beating heart of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, the original and, of course, the best of the CSI "franchise" (horrible word).

Petersen's character, Gil Grissom, is crucial - he is the keeper of the show's history. To many - including me - Grissom IS CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. When he took a sabbatical a couple of series ago to work in 'The Theatre' (oh dear), the show lost its soul and its rudder. He might not appear that much these days, but when he's not around, his absence is keenly felt.

Petersen says he will return for occasional guest spots but, really, so what? I don't want him around for guest spots, though doubtless CSI's US network, CBS, will probably bite off his hand up to the elbow to get him back, even if it's just for the occasional episode. And he's going to continue as an executive producer, apparently, but this means nothing. He belongs in front of the camera, not behind it.

Grissom's incomparable value is his constancy. He has always been there. Even when he isn't around much in an episode, his presence hovers over everything and everyone involved. The team (now depleted after the albeit welcome departures of Jorja Fox and Gary Dourdan) have been moulded by Grissom in his image.

Of course, it could be argued, with some merit, that CSI: Crime Scene Investigation isn't the show it once was, having jumped the shark a long time ago. Well, yes, you could say that, though I wouldn't agree about jumping the shark - it still has flashes of brilliance, even in substandard episodes. And it remains, for my money, probably the best crime procedural on television. Possibly, even, the best ever.

I'll keep watching Petersen-less CSI (he departs about halfway through the next series). In the meantime, you'll find me weeping over my boxed sets.

**

Alison Graham is TV editor of Radio Times - read her column in the latest issue of Radio Times magazine, out now.

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Comments

  • Posted on 30 April 2009
  • at 7:47pm
  • by Betty Boo

I will really miss Mr Petersen. He is among my very favorites!!

  • Posted on 20 March 2009
  • at 11:56am
  • by Maggi

I didnt like the violence in the last episode,and hope this wont be the start of gratuitous violence/abuse on a regular basis.Peterson is able to knock it on the head I trust.Though I dont know what Producers actually do.Grissoms leaving the job was very nicely done.His landing in the jungle-with that hat--oh,Grissom!!!But I was delighted and relieved to see him with Sarah.I wish them well---though my friends keep telling me its not real!!!Ha,Ha. I dont like the new up,n at em character.Bull dogs dont do well in China shops---even when they,re trying------------I,ll watch ,knowing Wm.has a hand in it somewhere, and I look forward to his guest appearances.

  • Posted on 18 March 2009
  • at 12:00pm
  • by AlisonGraham-RT

You should read things more carefully before you post insulting comments. I know perfectly well that William Petersen starred in Manhunter, but that's got nothing to do with my reference to Gil Grissom and The Silence of the Lambs - two different characters, two different films. Self evident really, isn't it? But you've completely missed the point. Thus, the only blunder here is yours.

And I'm TV editor of RT, not editor.

  • Posted on 17 March 2009
  • at 5:59pm
  • by Dragonfly

"We enter The Silence of the Lambs territory as Grissom (William Petersen) tries to persuade an imprisoned serial murderer to help in the hunt."

Oh please, yet another Alison Graham blunder! As editor you should know to do your research and find out that William Petersen starred in Manhunter the movie which was the prequel to Silence of the Lambs, and the better movie. Like in the sequel Petersen plays an FBI specialist who is tracking a serial killer and aids the advice of an imprisoned serial killer, yes you guessed it Hannibal Lecter played by Brian Cox. Its no doubt because of this role that William was chosen for CSI.

Quite honestly how you get away as editor of radio times bemuses me.

  • Posted on 13 March 2009
  • at 1:40am
  • by Maggi

I,ll miss that warm reliable comfortable figure he presents,whilst being the professional.I wish Petersen all success in his next career move.How do we keep tabs on him???

  • Posted on 12 March 2009
  • at 4:19pm
  • by Furillo

Sad news. Grissom is the heart of CSI (still the best of the franchise) and, whilst I think the storylines are still generally strong, I don't think the show will survive long-term without him. Another polished American drama (we used to be so good at doing these types of show until we took the easy way out and 'dumbed down' to chase audience figures. As you can see by my 'handle', I'm a fan of another great American drama - Hill Street Blues. Let's hope another professional, entertaining show appears. In the meantime I'm looking forward to seeing 'The Wire' on BBC2.

  • Posted on 07 March 2009
  • at 4:57pm
  • by dpm

can't stand the thought of us losing Gris. He's off this coming Tuesday and I fear CSI will never be the same. Scuse me while I sob....

  • Posted on 15 January 2009
  • at 3:58am
  • by Katie

Sara and Grissom have been my favorite CSI character's since the beginning. Now the have both gone.

  • Posted on 16 August 2008
  • at 7:57pm
  • by Mags

Las Vegas has definitely lost its original quality. I have been an avid fan from the beginning but the last two series have been well below par. I don't think it will be the same without Peterson as he gives it stability, but as you say, time to move on. New York is fast becoming the best of the lot as i can't bear to watch Miami!

  • Posted on 24 July 2008
  • at 10:29pm
  • by Matthew

I'll be sad to see him go - there's not many of the original cast left now. I did think that the Grissom and Sidle get together was awful mind you, I'm glad that's over anyway.

  • Posted on 24 July 2008
  • at 6:53pm
  • by MrFluffy

CSI bases it's whole premise on the science behind forensic investigation, and yet every week the "science" in the show is filled with half-truths, myths, mistakes, and out and out pieces of ridiculous bull!

Peterson has already lost most of his artistic credibility by being involved with the show in the first place, who cares what he does now.

Besides, Grissom is just a re-hash of the character that Peterson played in Manhunter, so I really don't know what you're getting so worked up about.

  • Posted on 22 July 2008
  • at 8:57pm
  • by Hannah

New York is the best CSI nowadays... only they can get away with their proposturous crimes. CSI was brilliant, but not as much now. However, I don't think it will last much longer without Grissom. Thats like Only Fools and Horses without Dellboy, it just doesn't work.

  • Posted on 17 July 2008
  • at 5:59pm
  • by Old.Yorkie

Can't agree with you. CSI Vegas has been weary for a couple of series. Better only than Miami, which is now almost unwatchable thanks to the sunglasses dummy.

Surely New York is now the best - especially since Taylor was dropped by his English tart..

  • Posted on 17 July 2008
  • at 5:24pm
  • by Anita

Why is being showing during the night? Instead of 21:00, that's useless to most viewers who can't stay up that late; it isn't the same if it has to be taped.

  • Posted on 17 July 2008
  • at 5:09pm
  • by Anita

I've enjoyed CSI all the way through especially when G&S became an item, but was sadden when she left. Please Grissom don't leave the show, because without it'll turn into rubbish like so many other shows from USA.

  • Posted on 17 July 2008
  • at 4:38pm
  • by Red17

As a semi-retired actor myself (at the grand old age of 30-ish) I have to sympathise with Petersen - he's never been terribly comfortable with his superstar status - and for any actor worth their salt, there is nothing to compare with acting in front of an audience in a theatre, it's the best buzz you can get from acting. CSI has been an amazing success and a source of financial stability for him, but now he wants to go back to doing what he loves best. CSI will miss him, but then, after 10 years, isn't it time for the show to bow out gracefully? As long as hammy Horatio Crane doesn't move in to take over, we'll be okay…

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