Though CSI: Crime Scene Investigation has featured a bevy of rotating detectives throughout its twelve season run, one name certainly sticks out amongst the rest: Detective Vartann. Alex Carter plays one of Las Vegas’ finest detectives–in more ways than one, some will argue–but also gets the very high honor of playing a member of law enforcement who shares somewhat of a romantic relationship with a CSI. In an exclusive interview with CSI Files’ Shane Saunders, Carter discusses where his relationship stands with Catherine Willows, name changes, and which CSI star he’s hoping to work with again. Spoilers after the jump!

CSI Files: Vartann made his first appearance since “The List” during last week’s “Brain Doe.” Is there a certain reason why there was such a long gap?

Alex Carter: That’s a good question, you should ask CBS that. I have no idea. There’s been some changes with writers and producers the last couple years and some cast changes as well. I think transitioning into a new team–when I started the relationship stuff with Marg [Helgenberger, Catherine Willows], it was a couple of specific writers who came up with that idea and those writers are gone. I have no idea what happens behind doors but there has been some transition with writers and I think every time you make that change it might take a while for people to get to know you. I love working on the show so when they call and I’m available it’s always great for me. It’s an easy show to step in and step out of. It’s first rate and everyone is very welcoming and super nice. It’s one of the best and easiest jobs I’ve ever had so for me I’d rather be doing CSI than to go off and do another show.

In 2003 there was a writer, Josh Berman, who I worked with on a big episode. He liked some of the stuff I did and he came up to me and said, “You’re going to be in every episode I write.” He was true to his word. He left the show and went on to do his own stuff. So there’s always that transition.

CSI Files: The status of Catherine and Vartann is clearly undefined. What’s your read on the relationship?

Carter: Well, again, you have to work with what you get. For instance, when I first came back for this episode and not having been in in how many episodes I haven’t been in, you just have to make a decision and say, “I guess we maybe sleep together occasionally; it’s a relationship of convenience.” Obviously we don’t live together and don’t have a true relationship because it doesn’t make any sense if you haven’t seen me in a while. It’s more a result of the realities of the writing in the show. To me, it never made sense to come in and have a really strong episode with her, say something’s happening in the relationship, and then all of a sudden you’re not there for a while; I was confused as an actor. It doesn’t make sense to me either.

CSI Files: It seems Vartann wants something, but Catherine isn’t quite sure…

Carter: Yeah, I think she’s afraid to make that committment. Once again, that comes as a surprise to me. I read the scripts and go, “It appears that I’m a little jealous here.” When I play scenes with Marg, I have nothing but really great chemistry with her. Personally, like when we’re on set, we get along really well and we combine a lot of little nuances into those scenes. Sometimes the scene will ask you to have a conflict, but I can’t really have a lot of conflict with her. [Laughs.] I feel like just maybe kissing her. [Laughs.] I think these two episodes will reveal a bit on that note, but, yeah, my character seems to want more from her.

CSI Files: She was just offered a job in D.C. From what you know right now does it seem like there’s a future for them?

Carter: This script right now that I just read and about to shoot–I thought it was over. I thought, “I’m not sure what they’re going to do with the relationship.” And then I realized when I read it I went, “Oh! I’m definitely going to do the episode after that, too.” There’s a link that allows it to move forward. But in what way and what direction and what capacity? I have no idea. Even when I read the scene that I had with her coming up that we have to shoot I thought, “This is still open ended.” I don’t know where it’s going to go in the next episode. The following episode will be the answer to that I think.

CSI Files: Grissom (William Petersen) and Sara (Jorja Fox) are currently in a long-distance relationship, so it’s somewhat feasible they could end up together…

Carter: Anything is possible. I don’t know what Marg is going to do after she leaves, but everything is open.

CSI Files: Let’s talk about the upcoming episode “Crime After Crime.” Three separate crimes somehow connect to each other. How does Vartann factor in?

Carter: I have some history with one of the cases from the past. I worked on the case as a young detective.

CSI Files: Does Vartann interact at all with Catherine?

Carter: Yes.

CSI Files: Episode Nine–I don’t know if you’re in this one or not–but it introduces a possible new flame for Catherine.

Carter: Right.

CSI Files: Is Vartann aware of what transpires between her and the FBI agent played by Grant Show?

Carter: I am not in nine or ten, so I definitely wasn’t there for that. There’s a scene that kind of addresses a little bit of that in eleven.

CSI Files: How has the atmosphere on set changed since Marg’s leaving? Is it more melancholy than when you joined back in Season Four?

Carter: When I started on the show she’s exactly the same personality, same person now; so there’s nothing really different about her. She’s sort of steady as a rock. The show itself I think has a lighter, more energetic feel to it. I think Ted‘s [Danson, DB Russell] involvement in the show, everybody just–and I have yet to work with him–but everybody is just raving about him. I think it’s been a real boost to the show in spite of the fact she’s leaving. One might be bouncing off of the other. The time I saw her a couple weeks ago and we talked about her leaving and stuff, I think it’s just a lot of feelings to process and it hasn’t really sunk in. She said, “It’d be different if the entire show was coming to an end; we’d all be going through that together. The fact that I’m leaving and everybody else is staying is something I have to process on my own. And I just don’t know yet, there’s a lot of feelings about it.” But the mood was really great and positive and fun… I think because of Ted. Everybody said that to me. I was looking forward to meeting him and working with him, which hasn’t happened yet. In this episode we will work together. He’s a great guy and a lot of energy and apparently a lot of fun to work with.

CSI Files: Is there anything you can tease about these two upcoming episodes?

Carter: All I know is the episode that I read last night was kind of like a standard CSI episode on steroids. It really had a lot of stuff in the episode in addition to what I guess people expect from the show. It was really fun to read. I caught myself a couple times going, “Wow.” It had a lot to it.

I ran into the director of photography in Larchmont Village a couple weeks ago and he was prepping for this episode. He said it’s great and he was right. When I read the episode I was like, “This is going to be a really great episode.”

CSI Files: Last season’s “Targets Of Obsession” came very close to killing you off! What was your reaction when you read the script?

Carter: I don’t know. I didn’t think they would kill me off. One of the writers told me Marg’s had two relationships on the show–one turned out to be an asshole and the other one was killed. So they said they probably weren’t going to kill me or turn me into an asshole. I don’t know… that was the logic. I don’t remember having any feeling about it.

CSI Files: It’s kind of amazing how far your character has come since “Grissom Versus The Volcano.” Did you ever expect to be on the show for over seven seasons?

Carter: No. I think I left for a season… I was in a show with Grant! I worked on another series and I just wasn’t available. I don’t think I was on the show for a while and then I got a call, “Could you come back and do an episode next week?” I was shocked to get the call because I hadn’t been on the show for a long time. When the show started Ken Fink and Richard Lewis, the directors who did most of the episodes, I worked with them a lot; I had good relationships with them. When I worked with Ken he was really happy to have me on set. Richard Lewis is a really good friend of mine so working with him was really good.

CSI Files: Was Point Pleasant the show you worked on with Grant?

Carter: Yeah.

CSI Files: That’s interesting. Elisabeth Harnois (Morgan Brody) was on it as well.

Carter: That’s right. Elisabeth and Grant were on it.

CSI Files: When you first joined Vartann’s first name was “Tony,” and now it’s “Lou.” Why the change?

Carter: Boy, you’re really good man. You’re really good. I worked on the show, did a bunch of episodes, and they never had a first name. I didn’t even really want a first name. They asked me what I wanted for a first name and I was like, “Just keep it Vartann.” Then Anthony Zuiker, who created the show, was on set one day and I don’t even think I had met him. He walked over and went, “Hey, man.” We just started chatting and I thought he was one of the crew guys; he was very low-key, wearing jeans and a T-shirt. Very nice and personable. He goes, “I created your character” and I didn’t know what the hell he was talking about; I didn’t know who he was. [Laughs.] He says, “My wife really likes Michael Vartan who was on Alias. She really likes him so I created this character and called him Vartann.” Then I realized it was Anthony and he created CSI. So he created that name because his wife liked Michael Vartan. The first name… I don’t know. It was Tony at some point and Lou… I don’t know how all that stuff went down. I really don’t.

AUDIO FEATURE: Press ‘Play’ to hear Alex’s favorite moments from the show.

CSI Files’ Shane Saunders Interview With CSI’s Alex Carter by ShaneSSSaunders

CSI Files: Speaking of personal connections, I bet the sex scene in “Blood Moon” was a really boring day for you.

Carter: [Laughs.] That was a lot of fun. Forget the scene; Marg just likes to laugh and have a good time. That was fun and easy to do. When you like somebody, everything’s fun. The sex scene was actually really funny. We laughed a lot. When you’re uncomfortable or nervous then it becomes a lot of work. With her it was a lot of fun for a lot of reasons. She’s just great to work with. I’ve never seen her raise her voice, I’ve never seen her get pissy or angry at something, she respects everybody’s decision. Anybody on that call sheet comes up and has something to offer or has a question, she gives them the same amount of respect as she would to the director. She’s one of a kind. We had a lot of fun and laughs with that scene.

CSI Files: One of your most recent television appearances was on ABC’s Revenge. Any chance you’ll be going back to that?

Carter: I think so. Maybe. My character is the ex-husband of one of the series regulars, I guess. So, yeah. There’s a chance of that. Really nice people to work with.

CSI Files: Thinking way back to Veritas, who was your favorite love interest slash villain?

Carter: That’s easy. Liz Vassey. She was the best and when she showed up on that show we were all so tired and so beaten down because we started at six in the morning on a Monday every week and finished on a Saturday morning. She showed up and was funny and charming and beautiful. Very talented and a breath of fresh air. I would love to do a series with her. That’s a no brainer: she was the best. I’m sure CSI fans absolutely loved her because it’s hard not to like her.

Shane Saunders is a freelance writer and reviewer. His work can be seen on EDGE Network and ShaneSSaunders.com. Twitter: @ShaneSSaunders.

A fan of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation since the first season, Gavin Harris is working a dream job as a Supervising Producer on the series during its twelfth season. So far this season, Harris has been tasked with writing the season premiere, developing a story that placed a CSI’s life in jeopardy, and introducing the son of the new graveshift supervisor in tonight’s “Brain Doe.”  In an exclusive interview, the brain behind tonight’s episode talks with CSI Files’ Shane Saunders about expanding DB Russell’s family, a CSI’s new job opportunity, joining the series and more. Mild spoilers after the jump!

CSI Files: DB Russell’s (Ted Danson) son, Charlie (Brandon Jones), was introduced tonight. Was the decision to bring him in this early in the season used as a way to provide some background on DB–will he be back to further develop Ted’s character?

Gavin Harris: He will be back. I think the short-term was we’ve been talking a lot about family with DB and I think we’re slowly rolling out some of his family. Hopefully some day in the future we’ll meet his wife. But the kid is a great actor and we’re really happy with him. We think he’s a really interesting character and a good insight into DB. We do want to do more with him and develop him. Yeah, he’ll be back.

CSI Files: Is introducing DB’s family a parallel to the theme this season on CSI? You have Ecklie’s daughter joining the team and Catherine (Marg Helgenberger) exploring her options in life. Do the two go hand in hand?

Harris: I think it does in a sense. I think in a sense we’ve always felt that CSI is our family and that this is the new guy; he’s sort of that father role. Yeah, there are a lot of parallels going on between DB’s family and the CSI family that viewers have known for years.

CSI Files: Another significant moment tonight was Catherine getting a visit from Sheriff Liston (Barbara Eve Harris). I’m assuming that’s going to play a part in her exit.

Harris: It may or may not, sir! I cannot confirm or deny that. But I do think it’s going to inform Catherine’s thinking for when she does finally make a decision about her future. So whether it’s that or not… I think the point in that episode is someone pointed out that there’s options outside of CSI and her worldview of where she could work.

CSI Files: Catherine and Vartann (Alex Carter) shared their first scene of the season tonight. How did you write that scene in terms of whether the two are in a exclusive relationship, or the possibility that they’re not?

Harris: Right. I think in a good way I don’t think they know what they are, and perhaps they’ve hooked up occasionally. I don’t think they’re a full-time couple. But, obviously, more on Vartann’s side, he wishes there was more going on. But I think the read is they’re not a couple but possibly they’re hooking up occasionaly. I think Vartann wants more.

CSI Files: Do you have a character that you particularly graviate towards?

Harris: Nah. Sometimes when we think of an idea or I’m working on an idea, suddenly one character will pop. Certainly Hodges (Wallace Langham) is always fun to write; he’s funny and you never know what’s going to come out of that guy’s mouth. I think each one brings their own thing and some stories naturally gravitate towards them.

CSI Files: When I was on set for “Brain Doe” and we were talking, you mentioned “write what you know.”

Harris: [Laughs.] Which is the octopus sex [from "73 Seconds"]! Which is what I know. I try to work that into every episode of television that I write. [Laughs.]

CSI Files: Well, for the premiere you went to Las Vegas and rode one of the rails and explored that. And for “CSI Down,” Tom Mularz mentioned that you live by a hospital, so you pitched the idea for a case involving a medevac.

Harris: That is correct.

CSI Files: What was your personal take for this episode?

Harris: The other two were much more specific to me. This was actually based–I grew up in Chicago, and I’m a big Chicago Bears fan. One of the Chicago Bears had the disease that we talked about in the episode and sadly did kill himself. So, for one, I thought it was a great tragic story. Secondly, I thought it would be an interesting CSI mystery where all we have to go on is a brain. Sort of went from there.

CSI Files: You wrote for another crime show, Cold Case. How do you keep the case ideas flowing without recycling something?

Harris: I think crime goes hand in hand with a great emotional story. I don’t think you just want to depend on the crime and the twists, but you want to tell a great human story. Then, I think it’s just fun going in that world and finding different twists and turns. When I look at true crime books or websites, the shit that really happens and continues to happen is unbelievable. The things that happen and the stories that are out there are endless.

CSI Files: How did you get the job on CSI?

Harris: [Laughs.] How did I get it? This is my third [Jerry] Bruckheimer show so they’re familiar with my work. Thankfully, Don [McGill, Executive Producer] and Carol [Mendelsohn, Executive Producer] had read some of my work. So they read my work, I met with them, I love the show; I was eager to do it. We quickly decided it was a good move and here we are.

CSI Files: There was a nice Brass (Paul Guilfoyle) story going on tonight. Are you guys thinking about bringing Ellie back this season?

Harris: It’s… been discussed. I don’t know if we are. We honestly haven’t talked that much about it. It’s an option and we’re always intrigued with Brass. I think Paul is just a fantastic actor and he was so good with this kid. Anytime we spend time with Paul and Brass it’s great. We might bring her in.

CSI Files: Final question for you tonight. You mentioned earlier that you’re writing Episode Sixteen. Can you tease a little bit about that episode?

Harris: I don’t know if I can. [Laughs.] I’ll say this and tease it: it’s a bit of a departure episode. It’s whatever that means; it’s different.

CSI Files: CSI meets Glee?

Harris: It’s a musical. You got me.

CSI Files: You’re serious?

Harris: I’m kidding. It’s not a musical. [Laughs.] But it is a bit of a departure episode and I think it will be an exciting way to look at our characters a little differently. We’ll leave it at that.

Shane Saunders is a freelance writer and reviewer. His work can be seen on EDGE Network and ShaneSSaunders.com. Twitter: @ShaneSSaunders.

This season’s twelfth episode will see the departure of Marg Helgenberger, one of the few remaining original cast members. Originally planning on leaving during season eleven, Helgenberger delayed her exit to provide a proper closure for her character. And she’s getting one.

While filming is about to wrap on episode eight, the show’s writers are hard at work completing scripts for episodes eleven and twelve, which will act as a two-part exit for the character of Catherine Willows. Starting in episode nine, the series will introduce four new characters who will play an important role in her exit arc. The characters include one of Catherine’s old friends, the friend’s husband, and two FBI agents. One of the FBI agents winds up in a steamy encounter with the recently demoted CSI, but does that mean the relationship is over for Catherine and Vartann (Alex Carter)? A source close to the show tells CSI Files there’s been no concrete evidence to prove the two were in an exclusive relationship, and when things left off in “The List,” the status of the relationship was undefined. “Perhaps infuriatingly undefined,” the source says, but “Catherine will not be cheating on Vartann.” In the case of Catherine, the show is trying to display that her life is “in flux and she’s searching for something, but she’s not even sure what that might be.” By the time her departure happens, most of those answers will be explained.

Though he hasn’t appeared in any of the episodes to air so far, Vartann will be making a return to the series. Fans can look forward to his return in episode eight, “and he will be in eleven,” the source confirms. Speculation online currently points to a grim ending for Catherine, but that is fortunately not the case. “The door will be open for her to return,” a source teases. “There may be something in the finale, but for now [episode] twelve is definitely her final episode.” And while Catherine may be exiting, Vartann will “continue to be in future episodes.” As for those closest to Catherine, fans will likely see the return of several key family members in this season’s twelfth episode. Could that mean a visit from Catherine’s daughter, Lindsey (Kay Panabaker) and mother, Lily (Anita Gillette)? The source plays the vague card, only saying “her family will be a part of her final episode.” At this time, unfortunately, plans have not been made to bring back William Petersen as Gil Grissom. “Scheduling wise, it doesn’t look like it will happen,” but nothing is set in stone.

Several past characters will also make a return visit within the next few episodes. Detective Vega (Geoffrey Rivas), who was last seen in “Hog Heaven,” will appear during this season’s eighth episode. Archie (Archie Kao) has been missing so far this season, but the show is finding a way to bring him back into the fold. The show hopes to get some other previous detectives and techs to stop by; meanwhile, there are no current plans to have Sofia Curtis (Louise Lombard) return, but “things can always change.”

There are no immediate plans to bring someone in to replace Helgenberger as the new leading lady, but the source suspects the show will go that route at some point. “There may be a time where there won’t be someone filling in, but it has not been decided.” The source adds, “there will probably be a transitional phase–it might be a couple of episodes, it might just be one episode.”

In terms of helping usher Catherine off the show, Nick Stokes (George Eads) will play a pivotal role. “Without giving away spoilers about what the storyline is, Stokes will hopefully play an integral role in helping Catherine solve her final case.” Someone may be going rogue, but it’s up to DB Russell (Ted Danson) to “keep the team on task,” a source shares.

“Marg has been a part of the DNA of the show,” and the source says they’re being very sensitive in regards to doing justice for the character.

CSI Files previously reported that Helgenberger is planning to leave CSI after season 11, but plans have not been finalized just yet. “I’m only actually negotiated for this season. That’s all I’m really thinking about right now is just finishing up this season,” the actress told Entertainment Weekly. “So no, I don’t … not much longer. Not much longer.”

Helgenberger is getting good material to work with this year. “I’m getting the opportunity to play different colors this season because I have a boyfriend on the show, played by Alex Carter (Detective Vartann),” she explained. “He’s been great. I’ve enjoyed it because it hasn’t been like all cerebral stuff. It’s been passionate. It’s been vulnerable. It’s been emotional. It’s been taking me to places that I don’t get to do on the show. That’s kept it fresh. And I enjoy working with him.”

Source: Entertainment Weekly

As CSI Files previously reported, the relationship between Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) and Detective Vartann (Alex Carter) will continue when season eleven gets underway. According to Fancast, things will “heat up” between the pair during the show’s third episode. Meanwhile, executive producer Pam Veasey revealed that Dr Sheldon Hawkes (Hill Harper) is due for a romantic storyline on New York.

It has been more than a year since Jessica Angell (Emmanuelle Vaugier) was killed on CSI: NY, but Don Flack (Eddie Cahill) will not be entering another relationship any time soon. However, he is moving on after the downward spiral he experienced during season six. “As a result of playing all that [last season], I personally felt that the character started to feel a little alienated,” Cahill explained, “so I am longing to get back into the groove.”

Source: Fancast. Thanks to perlnoir from TalkCSI for the link.

As CSI Files previously reported, Helgenberger will only appear in 19 episodes during the upcoming season. Her character’s budding relationship with Detective Vartann (Alex Carter) will be explored during that time. The storyline is “a real life-mirrors-art scenario,” Helgenberger told the Daily Express. The actress got divorced last year, and her new relationship helps her relate to her onscreen counterpart. “When viewers see Catherine fall head over heels, that’s pretty much the way it’s going for me too,” she revealed.

Helgenberger might be saying goodbye to CSI, but she is leaving “on the best of terms.” She added, “It will be a wrench but it’s time to move on. The show is seen in something like 120 countries and, while others fall by the wayside, CSI goes from strength to strength.”

Source: Express.co.uk via Margamania. Thanks to EricaSJ from TalkCSI for the heads up.

Helgenberger knew CSI would do well from the very beginning. “I had a very strong hunch when I read the script of CSI, the original script, that it had a very strong chance of becoming a success,” the actress told Corriere TV. However, she added, “I wouldn’t have guessed it to be as successful as it is. It’s a world-wide success, [and] it’s inspired generations of kids to become criminalists. I wouldn’t have anticipated it to become a global hit, but you know, as I always say, too, that a great mystery show will always be popular.”

Helgenberger explained that CSI combines the latest forensic technology with “old-fashioned storytelling” to create a new twist on the mystery genre. “I always describe CSI as a modern day Sherlock Holmes,” she said. “It’s Sherlock Holmes for the twenty-first century.”

Although CSI is a fictional television show, there are elements of the series that are all-too-real. “Many of the stories on CSI are based on real crimes,” Helgenberger explained. “In fact, those are the ones that I, as an actor, feel most compelled to do justice to because either I have access to the police reports, or I have access to perhaps even some of the people who were involved in solving that crime.” Getting to hear those stories makes Helgenberger eager to “do them justice and be honest and truthful.”

“Catherine is a very strong woman,” the actress said of her character. “Yeah she is a role model and I feel a responsibility towards the young people. I want to make sure that I’m presenting this character in the best possible light and [as] somebody who’s got all the qualities I would like to see in a young person: intelligence, someone who’s thorough, someone who’s passionate about what they do, someone who’s competent, somebody who’s got incredible integrity and strength.”

When Helgenberger met with the CSI producers a few weeks ago, she got some hints about what’s coming up during the show’s eleventh season. “There’s some special guest stars which I don’t want to reveal because it will spoil the surprise,” she said. However, the actress did say the show will address the fate of Dr Ray Langston (Laurence Fishburne), who was stabbed in the season ten finale. “I know in the beginning of the season we’re going to wrap up how our tenth season ended because it was a bit of a cliffhanger,” the actress revealed.

“Catherine has a boyfriend [Detective Vartann, Alex Carter] on the show now which I couldn’t be happier with because it’s something that I’ve wanted for a while,” Helgenberger continued. “I wanted to show a little bit more intimate side of Catherine because she’s always so kind of contained and together, and this shows her vulnerability and shows her passion.”

You can see the video embedded below:

Source: Margamania. You can find the full transcript of the interview here, courtesy of Anne. Thanks to EricaSJ from TalkCSI for the links.

Helgenberger will be back in the fall, but she won’t appear in every episode during CSI‘s eleventh season. “I asked to do less episodes, so I am doing only 19,” the actress told TVGuide.com. CBS wanted her to stay longer, but “it was on terms I didn’t find agreeable.” She added, “I wanted to do 13 [episodes] and be finished by Christmas, but they wouldn’t go for it. I’m thinking of this as my last 19 episodes.”

Rather than getting a pay increase, Helgenberger took a pay cut when she renegotiated her contract. “CBS was also using the poor economy as a way to pull in the reins, so honestly all of us took pay cuts this year,” she said. “Because I’m doing [fewer episodes], I won’t be making as much. Plus, I negotiated to do a few episodes in which I’m only working three days, so the salary was adjusted. Apart from the money, I wasn’t quite ready to let go of the character and the people I work with.”

Despite the pay cut, Helgenberger admitted that finances played a role in her decision to return for another season. “Well, there’s been a few changes in my personal life,” she explained, referring to her divorce from Alan Rosenberg. “My ex-husband and I are on very, very good terms, but the way the money was divided certainly had something to do with me deciding to come back for another season.” She added that CSI “[has] been a very lucrative job for me, so this wasn’t something I financially had to do. It was something I wanted to do to build up my savings a bit more.”

Former leading man William Petersen (Gil Grissom) left CSI to return to the theatre during the show’s ninth season. Helgenberger understands his desire to leave “when it’s a late night on set and I’m exhausted.” She added, “I saw Billy in a play last summer, and he apparently is coming to the set soon [in his role] as a producer on the show. We have a great fondness for each other, and I, too, would love to switch it up and do other characters in plays, television and films. That is my plan after this season.”

Helgenberger isn’t sure how her character will be written out of CSI, but she’s hoping she doesn’t end up in the morgue. “I certainly would not want to die and have my body autopsied,” she said. “Nor would the fans. We’re going to get into what’s left of the casino Catherine inherited from her father, some of it told in flashback. This could possibly lead to Catherine’s exit. It’s very interesting to me to think that a woman my age [51] could have a big career change and develop a whole other set of skills. That’s how I’d like to see it—she’s still in Las Vegas in a whole other world and close to the action if she needs to be.”

Catherine will also be getting a different sort of “action” during season eleven as her romance with Detective Vartann (Alex Carter) is revisited. That particular development mirrors the actress’s personal life. “I have a new boyfriend who’s not in the business,” Helgenberger revealed. “Life imitates art because Catherine has her boyfriend as well. And I just heard that we are going to have a love scene together—in bed. I haven’t done that since George Clooney in ER. I’m going to have to worry if my legs are shaved!”

Each season, the actress continues “to explore and redefine” Catherine as a character. Part of that exploration during CSI‘s tenth season included a burgeoning romance between Catherine and Detective Vartann (Alex Carter). “I’ve actually wanted a relationship on the show for quite a while, and I’ve been begging the producers for one,” Helgenberger said. She added, “I just wanted to show some other sides of Catherine’s character, like her vulnerability and her passion, her softer side. Finally, ten seasons in, I got myself a boyfriend, and they’re going to continue to do that this coming season. I enjoy the actor that plays Detective Vartann quite a bit too. He’s a really decent guy and a good actor.”

The actress also discussed the transitional period that occurred when William Petersen (Gil Grissom) left CSI and Laurence Fishburne (Dr Ray Langston) took his place in the cast. “William Petersen played Gil Grissom really brilliantly,” she said. “He was beloved by people all over the world, and it was sad to see him go.” Getting Fishburne to join the show was “an absolute score”, Helgenberger added, although it took a bit of time before the actor and character really meshed to create a cohesive addition to the CSI team. “This season [the writers] really defined who his character was, and I think that there was a great marriage that finally took place between Ray Langston and Laurence Fishburne,” she said, and the end result was “a much more solid character.”

Catherine grew up in Las Vegas, creating a very intimate relationship between the character and the city. Helgenberger’s interaction with Las Vegas, on the other hand, is dictated by CSI‘s shooting schedule. “My relationship to the city is one that I have enjoyed over the past ten seasons,” she shared. “We shoot in Las Vegas probably three [or] four times a year, and each time we always look forward to going. It’s a little hectic shooting in casinos [and] shooting along the strip, but we also sometimes shoot out in the desert.” She added that she never gets tired of what Las Vegas has to offer: “a lot of entertainment and a lot of action.”

You can see the full question and answer session in the embedded video below, courtesy of Living in Rome:

Thanks to EricaSJ from TalkCSI for the links.