Television networks usually keep their lips shut tight about conflicts behind the camera, until they've painstakingly figured out what to say to the fans.  It had recently been announced that William Petersen will no longer be playing the role of Gil Grissom on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.  Unlike other execs, Nina Tassler, boss of CBS Entertainment, jumped at the chance to open up about the issue once and for all. 

During an interview with critics, Tassler tried to address the issue of how the character Gil Grissom will go on after the actors' exit.  She cleared up the confusion of a replacement for Petersen, saying that he will be returning next season for what could be a multi-episode Grissom-Sidle arc. 

There have been a number of stories circulating about a new character taking the place of Petersen.  No one could definitely be no substitute for Grissom, as many fans will agree.  However, viewers will be greeted by a great new personality in the CSI universe.  “He's a doctor, a scientist who's got a very interesting DNA that is going to inform the duality of the character,” she revealed.  When asked about the DNA, Tassler disclosed another little surprise. 

“He has an interesting genetic profile that in certain sorts of medical contexts they've noticed that many times serial killers have that same genetic profile,” she said.  It seems as if the new boss will be part-serial killer.  Though this idea seems interesting enough to be pursued, Tassler says it might not be the case.  It has more to do with the personal struggle that the character will experience with this aspect of his behavior.  He knows that he carries the genes of a murderer, but the story is going to be tackled in a very private way. 

Tassler emphasized that the new character is in no way a replacement of William Petersen's character, but will be taking on the role of the team's boss.  Reports have stated that acclaimed actors Laurence Fishburne and John Malkovich have been approached.  Malkovich was said to have turned down the offer, but there have no reports of Fishburne doing so. 

The next season of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation might just be the first time the new character will be seen.  It returns on October 9, with the episode “For Warrick.”  The team grieves for one of their fallen friends in another twist involving the Undersheriff.  There is also the return of an old comrade who has not been identified. 


-Maria Gonzalez, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Star-telegram.com, TV.com
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