William Petersen Leaves CSI

[TedShatner10]

I don't want the original CSI to stay around much longer and while I loved Season Seven, a great collection of late episodes up there with the early golden years, I thought much of Season Six and Eight was mediocre, while key cast members jumping ship is a sign of a dying show (or an undead show like L&O, ER or The Simpsons).

 

[Super Grover]

He probably watched the show.

 

[Aragorn]

IMDB claims Laurence Fishburne and John Malkovich are being considered to join CSI amid Petersen's departure. Of course, being considering by the suits and actually willing to take the job are two different things. I really can't see CSI being something Malkovich would want to pursue.

 

[Jack Bauer]

They're also considering Kurt Russell. I doubt any of those three would take it.

 

[Aragorn]

If they really want someone with movie "name recognition," they might want to look for actors whose big screen wells have dried up. Emilio Estevez? Lou Diamond Phillips? Peter Weller? Rob Lowe? Tom Berenger? Hell, Estevez has directed episodes of CSI and Cold Case already.

 

[ladyheather69]

Well, I had seen rumors of this already, so it isn't a shock to me. I am disappointed since I do like Grissom.

I don't think the series can hold on much longer. I mean, as interesting as it is, and as much as I like the show, there really is only so much of the same ol same ol you can watch.

I don't think that even if they get good people to replace Grissom, Sarah, Warrick that they show will go on. Maybe this coming year and a next one, but nothing further. They need to go out on a high note.

 

[Jack Bauer]

It's the number one or the second most watched show on the air so unless ratings just tank I don't see it ending any time soon.

 

[Tim]

I will be far less inclined to watch after Peterson fades into the background. It will be interesting to see more of Wendy and Hodges (especially with the sexual tension between them) and I look forward to Lady Heather making a reappearance.

However, losing three main cast members including Peterson will inevitably change the character of the show. For me, it ultimately was Grissom's quirkiness that kept me tuning in.

 

[Aragorn]

Marg Helgenberger will wear even more low-cut tanktops so no one notices the lack of Grissom.

 

[AJBryant]

MMmmmmmm.

Marg Helgenberger.

 

[Brikar99]

Marg Helgenberger will wear even more low-cut tanktops so no one notices the lack of Grissom.

Well... that's something, I suppose.

 

[Gil T.Azell]

he's doing some spots this up comming season then thats it.
http://jam.canoe.ca/Television/2008/07/16/6172806-ap.html

Petersen has agreed to return for occasional guest appearances and will remain a "CSI" executive producer.

 

[Jack Bauer]

Marg Helgenberger will wear even more low-cut tanktops so no one notices the lack of Grissom.

Er --- Grissom who?

 

[nx1701g]

IMDB claims that either Laurence Fishburne or John Malkovich is being considered as the replacement.

 

[Aragorn]

^ See post #43.

 

[nx1701g]

^ Apologies. I included the link for you.

 

[Tim]

Marg Helgenberger will wear even more low-cut tanktops so no one notices the lack of Grissom.

Er --- Grissom who?

Bah...you can have Marg. As long as the stunning Melinda Clarke returns as Lady Heather, I'll deal.

 

[Jack Bauer]

IMDB claims that either Laurence Fishburne or John Malkovich is being considered as the replacement.

Entertainment Weekly

And although Mendelsohn says the new guy (who will possess a very rare genetic abnormality) will "not necessarily [replace Grissom as] supervisor," he'll inevitably be branded Petersen's replacement -- if for no other reason than the caliber of actor being sought for the role: Kurt Russell, Laurence Fishburne and John Malkovich are said to be at the top of CBS' wish list. Of the three, Mendelsohn would only confirm that Malkovich was approached, adding that "scheduling conflicts" had quickly taken him out of the running.

 

[Roger Wilco]

Maybe I'm naive, but imo the quality of the writing is more important than the lead actor. I was fond of Grissom too, but is he really that important for the show?

 

[Caretaker]

Darn - if Malkovich ended up on CSI, they would need to do a crossover episode with CSI:NY.