In this new season, there appears to be new involvement by CSIs in the past and present in the news of Warrick's death. The real killer of Eric is the one who successfully frames another police officer at that stage in order to carry out his murder.
It has a film noir aesthetic that asks you to take it seriously in a way that the spin-offs don't (or can't), and yet it's far more comfortable with intentional comedy.
If you were worried about your favorite show's favorite character's replacement, rest assured that Fishburne's Langston is different enough to walk easily in Grissom's paper lab shoes.
The particulars of the transition involve the usual melodrama, as each regular cast member has a chance to express his or her feelings about Grissom's departure, however pissy or mundane.
Based on Laurence Fishburne's debut appearance Thursday night, easing him into the spotlight being vacated by William Petersen should ultimately serve the show well.
