Despite being full of murders and dead bodies, CSI isn't a show that often tugs at the heartstrings.  The characters usually rein in their emotions to get the job done, but that was impossible during last night's season 9 premiere.  From the moment Grissom found Warrick's body slumped over in his car, it was obvious that no member of the CSI team would ever be the same.  Each of the actors had a chance to shine as the gang dealt with Warrick's death, but none more so than William Petersen, who perfectly portrayed Grissom's anguish.

The most emotional scene in the episode came at the end, when Grissom delivered the eulogy at Warrick's funeral.  We often see the CSI team visiting crime scenes, joking with one another and solving mysteries, but Grissom's speech was a nice reminder that they're more than just co-workers.  The gang lost one of their family members last night, which is a fact that Nick finally allowed himself to deal with as Gil reminisced about the last breakfast everyone shared together.  Nearly 23 million people watched the CSI season 9 premiere, and I'm betting few of them had dry eyes when the episode came to an end.

While Grissom allowed himself to openly grieve, Nick spent most of the episode longing to get revenge against Undersheriff McKeen.  I liked the way George Eads kept Nick's anger simmering just underneath the surface.  The fact that Nick was so calm throughout the episode made me believe he was going to snap and do something terrible, but thankfully he chose the right path in the end.  Warrick wouldn't have wanted his friend to go over the edge, so I'm glad Nick helped ensure that McKeen will rot in jail.

Even fans who are angry that the writers chose to kill Warrick will likely admit that last night's season 9 premiere was a touching tribute to the character.  The episode was called "For Warrick" for a reason.  Will the CSI crew ever be the same?


- Don Williams, BuddyTV Staff Writer
(Image courtesy of CBS)