Billy is leaving, confirms executive producer Carol Mendelsohn.
But I dont think youve seen the last of Gil Grissom.
In fact, hes reluctant to even characterize his departure as, um, a departure.
And Im responsible enough to not do it in a way that would hurt the show.
CBS has to be concerned about that too.
But we are not out to just replace those actors.
Were out to add new characters, and the show will change as a result.
In the meantime, Mendelsohn is plotting one hell of a send-off for her leading man.
Just as this will be a year of transition forCSI, so too will it be for Grissom.
The easiest way to describe him is in crisis, Petersen says.
And dont forget lover.
But she is involved.
The Post-Petersen Plan
Grissom may be turning in his lab coat, but the show must go on.
And judging by the evidence put forth byCSIboss Carol Mendelsohn, things look promising.
She has a very wry sense of humor [and] doesnt take herself too seriously.
Another new CSI, a male professor with a genetic quirk, will be brought in later this fall.
Might this be the episode in which Petersen makes his debut as a very specialCSIguest star?
Billy will definitely be on the set for Mr. Friedkins episode, Mendelsohn says.
Whether its behind the camera or in front of the camera is TBD.
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