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Check Out Pics From Helgenberger’s Walk Of Fame Ceremony

Rachel Trongo — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:57:08 +0000

As CSI Files previously reported, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’s former leading lady Marg Helgenberger (Catherine Willows) was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this past Monday, January 23. You can find some pictures from the ceremony below. The first image features Helgenberger alongside past and current CSI stars David Berman (David Phillips), Robert David Hall (Dr Al Robbins), Jorja Fox (Sara Sidle), Ted Danson (DB Russell), Marc Vann (Conrad Ecklie), Liz Vassey (Wendy Simms), Jon Wellner (Henry Andrews), Wallace Langham (David Hodges), Archie Kao (Archie Johnson), Elisabeth Harnois (Morgan Brody) and Eric Szmanda (Greg Sanders). The other pictures include CSI creator Anthony Zuiker, Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Executive Producer Carol Mendelsohn and Consulting Producer Dustin Lee Abraham. Click to enlarge:

Interview: David Berman

Shane Saunders — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:29:44 +0000

It’s hard to imagine how David Berman has the time to sleep, eat, or even give an interview. On CSI: Crime Scene Investigation he not only plays the role of David Phillips–the man who assists Doc Robbins with the slicing and dicing of victims brought into autopsy, looking for clues and determining cause of death on a daily basis–but behind the scenes Berman serves as head researcher, conducting his own investigations to ensure the show uses accurate information. Berman took some time out of his incredibly busy schedule to discuss his character’s evolution, a season of change, and his upcoming National Geographic Channel project with CSI Files’ Shane Saunders.

CSI Files: As the years progress more layers are peeled back on David Phillips; he’s gone from being in the background to developing a quirky sense of humor and working more prominently with the CSIs. How would you describe Super Dave’s evolution from Season One to where we’re at now?

David Berman: I think you did a pretty good job of describing it in the question. I think that over the first few seasons the character was written kind of as you said–as shy, kind of nerdy, but a very respectful guy who really just wanted to do his job. They established very early on that he came from a military background and has a deep respect for Doc Robbins [Robert David Hall], so I really was just kind of working by trade. I was in my early twenties when the show started and was dreaming up my background for the guy assuming it was my first job out of college. Even early on they did a nice job giving me fun stuff to do. I had a crush on Sara [Sidle, Jorja Fox] early on; my very first scene on camera I kind of awkwardly hit on Jorja Fox’s character which was really fun. I love playing those moments.

As time passed the writers have given me more responsibility. I like to think the team respects my opinions more and more, and I’ve gone from being Doctor Robbins’ assistant to actually being his colleague. A couple of seasons ago I got to perform my own autopsy which was a real highlight for me.

CSI Files: In “Built to Kill, Part One” we found out David was a married man, but we have yet to meet Mrs Phillips. Who would be your ideal actress to play the part?

Berman: That’s a tough one. I think she’d have to be a particularly strong woman. The writers have established that my wife kind of doesn’t take shit from anybody and doesn’t tolerate B.S. The couple conversations we’ve had are usually conversations where we’re fighting about something. It’s a very passionate marriage, which I think would seem to contradict the way David Phillips is presented most of the time; he’s respectful and somewhat quiet. I can’t think of an actress per se other than her being tall and strong and vocal.

CSI Files: How do you think Sara feels about David being married? You had feelings for her, but she didn’t quite reciprocate those feelings back to you.

Berman: I think she adores David Phillips, but in the way a big sister loves her little brother. I’ll always have a soft spot for Sara Sidle, but I think they have a very nice working relationship.

CSI Files: Doc Robbins and David had an ongoing bet in last season’s “Hitting for the Cycle.” Some say it was out of character for the two to participate in such a morbid activity. What do you think?

Berman: I disagree completely. Having met dozens and dozens of medical examiners and coroner’s assistants, and physician assistants, I’ve seen more than my fair share of autopsies and I’m very familiar with that world. If you don’t have a sense of humor you will not last very long. That doesn’t mean these aren’t compassionate people, but I think at the end of the day this is a gruesome job. Unless you are able to create some distance between you and the decedent I think you will go crazy. The case was actually based on a real life episode that happened to one of our technical consultants. It didn’t come from out of the blue, which I think lends credence to the idea that it wouldn’t be out of character for them to be making a bet.

CSI Files: The two of them clearly did not like Kevin.

Berman: Yeah, Kevin was a real jerk. But a great guy and a wonderful actor!

CSI Files: David is closest to Doc Robbins in the morgue, but David is also getting to spend a fair amount of time out in the field. Who else would you say is close with David?

Berman: David has a really nice relationship with Nick Stokes [George Eads]. Nick is the one that gave him his nickname “Super Dave” which I really love. It’s not very often I get a chance to play a quirk or something that doesn’t directly have to do with the decedent that I’m examining. So George or Nick really goes out of his way to kind of play up those moments which I love. It’s really–I’m not just saying this because you’re interviewing me for CSI Files–I really love the cast of CSI. I really look forward to working with everybody. It’s a really great group of actors to spend time with.

CSI Files: Do you get called Super David off camera?

Berman: Sometimes. I always get a kick out of it. I think it’s nice that fans really take to the show and embrace me at times.

CSI Files: You’re well into filming on Season Twelve. What do you think of the season so far?

Berman: It’s been a season of change. We’ve had Ted Danson [DB Russell] and Elisabeth Harnois [Morgan Brody] join us and soon to be Elisabeth Shue [Julie Finlay], though I haven’t met her yet and I’m really excited to. Of course Laurence Fishburne [Ray Langston] left and now Marg Helgenberger [Catherine Willows] is leaving, so it’s been a real transitional year. That being said, working with these new actors has been incredible. Ted Danson had some mighty big shoes to fill with William Petersen [Gil Grissom] and Laurence before him–two of the best actors in the world. I don’t know about you, but I think he’s done just a remarkable job; he’s charming and smart and just elevates the material in such an incredible way. When I’m through with work I’ll just stay and watch his scenes because I just love watching him work. Elisabeth is wonderful as well. She also has a really tough role to fill; traditionally a lot of women come and go on CSI and for whatever reason that’s always been a difficult role. It makes Jorja’s role on the show all the more impressive. I think Elisabeth has been doing a great job.

The way I met Ted was a pretty funny story. I filmed a documentary in Israel this summer for the National Geographic Channel and I was there for almost two months. It was a rather exhausting shoot with very long days and lots of driving and shooting in the hot desert–it was rewarding and fun, but difficult. I came home on July 14th from Israel and when I landed there was an e-mail waiting for me from one of our executive producers asking me if I would escort Ted Danson to Las Vegas on Tuesday–I got in on Sunday morning–and kind of show him around the morgue. That was all they really had planned, just a tour of the morgue, and evidently they had tried and couldn’t get him a tour of CSI or the morgue or a ride-along. Because I am a researcher on the show and I do know quite a few actual CSIs, I made a bunch of calls and I scheduled this fairly intense fourteen-hour marathon of covering basically all the sides of Clark County law enforcement. After I did it I kind of thought, “Oh no, what if he doesn’t want to do this?”

I had terrible jetlag and was absolutely exhausted–pretty much couldn’t sleep at all–and I picked him up from CSI at Universal Studios and went to the airport. Our flight was delayed like two hours, we didn’t get there until pretty late at night, and the next morning we got picked up at seven, driven to the morgue, and we’re inside where there’s several bodies splayed open. As we walk in–it was as if the director had yelled “action!”–the medical examiner picks up the bonesaw, slices off a guy’s cranium, pulls off the skull cap, and goes “Hey Ted, hold this.” I went from filming a documentary in Israel to performing an autopsy with Ted Danson in three days. That’s certainly a story I never thought would happen.

CSI Files: Based on what you’ve heard, what is your take on Julie Finlay? How different is she from Catherine?

Berman: I won’t give too much away. She’s certainly a strong-willed character and she’s definitely her own woman. She has lots of experience in law enforcement and kind of a tumultous background with DB. That will definitely play out the first couple episodes.

CSI Files: How emotional were you on Marg’s last day?

Berman: Marg’s last day was very difficult. She’s been my colleague and friend for over a dozen years and saying goodbye to her was very hard. It was bittersweet, but bittersweet because we’re still going to be friends and still going to see each other, we’ve exchanged phone calls and texts even since she left. She’s doing what she wants to do, she left on her own terms. But it was sad to say goodbye to someone who’s so talented and someone I’ve really enjoyed working with. She was very emotional and you can see just how much the show and the cast meant to her.

CSI Files: You mentioned doing research for the show, and you’ve been doing so for quite some time with Jon Wellner (Henry Andrews). Are you at all numb during the research excursions?

Berman: The actual horror of the stuff we’re researching? Yeah. It’s just a job; our job is to solve mysteries and put puzzles together and to help the writers out.

CSI Files: Your brother Josh Berman likes working behind the camera, and you seem to enjoy working behind the camera doing research duties, and also performing as an actor in front of it. Would you ever want to write or direct an episode?

Berman: Not really. My ambitions are to be an actor, that’s what I’ve wanted to do since I was eight-years-old. I got into research to pay the bills when I was very young and acting work was hard to come by. On CSI we have eight full-time writers who are spectacular. Maybe in the future I would like to writing something but on CSI I think I should leave that to our primary staff.

CSI Files: You talked a little bit about working on a documentary last summer. What else can you share about the film?

Berman: I was the on air host. I hosted a four-part miniseries for the National Geographic Channel called Faces of the Bible. It’s four one-hour segments where each episode I look at a skull or complete skeleton that was found in an archaeological dig somewhere in modern day Israel. Using forensic art, the Bible, good old fashioned deductive reasoning, we try to recreate these skulls to see what people may have looked like. Each episode loosely corresponds to an event from the Bible. In one episode, we’re looking at a three-thousand year old Philistine skull to figure out what the biblical character Delilah may have looked like. It was a pretty cool idea and I’m looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

CSI Files: Do you have an estimate on when it’s going to air?

Berman: I don’t. We haven’t even done the narration for it. But I’ll definitely let you know as soon as I find out.

CSI Files: Do you have any interesting fan encounters?

Berman: None I can think of. Lots of nice letters. One story which I hesitate to tell because I can’t really confirm it. But I was at The Grove walking down the street and I saw James Gandolfini, one of my all-time favorite actors. I was kind of trying not to stare, kind of glancing at him, and he was with I assume his wife and child. His wife and child were looking at me and I got very excited, but I thought they couldn’t possibly be looking at me. I kind of kept walking and I took about twenty steps, turned around, and all three were looking at me and James Gandolfini pointed at me and smiled. That was a pretty cool fan encounter.

CSI Files: Tony Soprano watches CSI!

Berman: [Laughs.] I guess he does.

CSI Files: What else is in store this season for David Phillips?

Berman: I really don’t know. Certainly in the next couple episodes David Phillips isn’t doing much other than investigating crimes. There’s some pretty gruesome murders coming up that David Phillips will be examining, but I don’t know much beyond that. I don’t think he’s getting divorced or having a kid in the next couple episodes. [Laughs.]

CSI Files: Maybe there’s a girlfriend on the side.

Berman: I like the way you think.

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

‘CSI’ First Look: ‘Willows in the Wind’

Shane Saunders — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:21:24 +0000

CSI Files has a first look photo from the January 25 episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, titled “Willows in the Wind.” Click the jump to see the pic, courtesy of CBS! [Updated: January 3, 2012 - 2:20pmPST]

Click the image to see it full-size. It is the exclusive property of CBS Broadcasting Inc. and may not be archived, leased, sold or distributed in any fashion without consent from CBS. It is released for one-time editorial use only.

"Willows in the Wind"-- Behind-the-scenes: Marg Helgenberger while the next scene is being set up in this behind-the-scenes photo from her last episode on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Jan. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Willows in the Wind"-- Marg Helgenberger receives her name plate knowing millions of fans across the world will miss seeing her on CSI. See her last episode airing, Wednesday, Jan. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Willows in the Wind"-- Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger, left) stands in the doorway along side Laura Gabriel (Annabeth Gish) in this scene in her last episode on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Jan. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Willows in the Wind"-- Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) walks through the walls of CSI one last time in her last episode on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Jan. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Willows in the Wind"-- Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) hugs one of her longtime co-workers (Nick Stokes (George Eads) as members of the CSI team look on in her last episode on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Jan. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Ted Danson, Paul Guilfoyle, Elisabeth Harnois, Marg Helgenberger, Eric Szmanda and George Eads. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Willows in the Wind"-- Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) hugs one of her longtime co-workers (Nick Stokes (George Eads) as members of the CSI team look on in her last episode on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Jan. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Willows in the Wind"-- Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger, left) hugs Captain Jim Brass as other CSI members including D.B. Russell (Ted Danson, left), Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox) and Greg Sanders (Eric Szmanda) look on in her last episode on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Jan. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Willows in the Wind"-- This is a very emotional moment for Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) in her last episode on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Jan. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Willows in the Wind"-- Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox, left) and Nick Stokes (George Eads) are about to be hit with some news in Marg Helgenberger's last episode on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Jan. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Willows in the Wind"-- Morgan Brody (Elisabeth Harnois, left), Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox), Nick Stokes (George Eads) and Greg Sanders (Eric Szmanda) all look concerned as they leave the lab in this scene from Marg Helgenberger's last episode on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Jan. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Willows in the Wind"-- Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox) checks her phone while being engaged in conversation in this scene in Marg Helgenberger's last episode on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Jan. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Willows in the Wind"-- Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) stands beside Laura Gabriel (Annabeth Gish) and Agent Pratt (Matt Lauria) in this scene from her last episode on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Jan. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Willows in the Wind"-- Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Jan. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Marg Helgenberger's last episode. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Willows in the Wind"-- Catherine Helgenberger on her last day on the set of CSI, Wednesday, Jan. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Willows in the Wind"-- Members of the CSI team from left to right Greg Sanders (Eric Szmanda, left), Morgan Brody, (Elisabeth Harnois), Nick Stokes (George Eads) and Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox, right) all react to what Captain Jim Brass (Paul Guilfoyle, standing) has to say in Marg Helgenberger's last episode on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Jan. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Willows in the Wind"-- Cather Willows (Marg Helgenberger, left) and D.B. Russell (Ted Danson) in Helgenberger's last episode on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Jan. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Interview: Elizabeth Devine

Shane Saunders — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:44:22 +0000

It’s good to be Elizabeth Devine. Not only is the former criminalist back on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation as a consulting producer (Devine left the series after season four to work on spinoff CSI: Miami), but “Genetic Disorder,” her first script produced this season, brought in big ratings–the highest since this season’s premiere. Just a few hours after preliminary ratings surfaced, the Jill of all trades (fair to say for someone who can write and solve crimes in real life!) talks with CSI Files’ Shane Saunders about some behind-the-scenes changes required for her episode, saying goodbye to a best friend, and teases what’s to come after CSI‘s winter hiatus. Spoilers after the jump!

CSI Files: This was your first teleplay since you returned this season. What’s different about being at CSIsince your last episode?

Marg Helgenberger (left) and Elizabeth Devine (right) on the set of "Genetic Disorder." (photo: Elizabeth Devine)

Elizabeth Devine: Well, we have a really collaborative writing staff here–not that we didn’t before–and everybody is just more seasoned. Trying to find new methods is really hard now because our fans are just so smart they know everything, so I was fortunate to be able to find the familial DNA in CODIS was something we hadn’t done before. That was kind of fun. At first when we were writing, everything was new to us and everything was cool. Now, you really have to work to get our fans interested because they know everything, so that was fun.

CSI Files: Last year David Rambo and Carol Mendelsohn had a pilot in development that dealt with geneology. Was “Genetic Disorder” an idea from Carol since the pilot was never produced?

Devine: She has a complete fascination with geneology and yes, her research in the pilot that she wrote had something to do with that, absolutely. I wouldn’t say that’s why she wanted to do geneology but she knows it’s a great arena that people are really interested in. We thought it would be fun to do an episode around it. She has a lot of research that I got to look through. She just loves this episode; she was just so excited about it. Geneology is very close to her heart.

CSI Files: How many drafts did your script go through due to the cast changes in this episode?

Devine: That was, I guess, the hardest part. I was told initially that Jorja [Fox, Sara Sidle] would not be in the episode, that Ted [Danson, DB Russell] and Marg [Helgenberger, Catherine Willows] would be light; so I thought ‘well, okay, that’s fine.’ We have such a great cast we can always focus on someone else. But at the very last minute George Eads [Nick Stokes] had a family emergency, so the night before we started shooting we did have to rewrite the whole show. That was kind of stressful. [Laughs.] And because there was personal geneology information from a character’s standpoint, I had to do a lot of research at the last minute to get the Norwegian backstory as opposed to what I had for Nick. There wasn’t just dialogue changes for the characters, it was some major geneology stuff that I had to find at the very last minute, but that’s kind of the fun part. I was sad to not have George, but things happens and we’re a family here and supported whatever had to be done on his end. We knew Eric Szmanda [Greg Sanders] would step up to the plate, which he did fabulously.

CSI Files: So your first draft had Nick working with all of the geneology information?

Devine: Yes.

CSI Files: It was a big episode for Doc Robbins last night, and Robert David Hall just knocked it out of the park. When creating the character of Judy Robbins, what did you guys have in mind? We’ve never seen her before, but she’s been mentioned during the past eleven seasons.

Devine: What I really wanted to demonstrate is that despite his disability, not only does he have a wife that loves him, but they have a very long-term marriage, which long-term anything has its ups-and-downs, but there was a general faith that they had in each other that was rocked a little bit in this episode. What I wanted to do is what you would not expect when you have someone finding their wife in a compromising situation where it really looks like she’s having an affair. I wanted him to be different than what we would expect which is the yelling and the ‘I’m gonna divorce you,’ all of that stuff that you usually see on shows. I really wanted Doc to be smarter than that and be hurt, but because he’s a forensics person he really did try to put his head before his heart and figure out what the evidence was before he got his heart into it too much.

CSI Files: Which is the polar opposite of how Brass (Paul Guilfoyle) was acting.

Devine: Right. I just felt that Paul Guilfoyle as Brass was perfect because he is a guy that got blindsided by his wife and was really hurt by her; he’s still getting over it. When he sees that tableau in Doc Robbins’ master bedroom, he had made up his mind. The last scene when they make up is actually the first scene we shot in the episode and Paul just got it; he knew where he had to end up in the episode. It’s fun when the actors really get the episode and understand what you’re trying to accomplish.

CSI Files: Will we be seeing Wendy Crewson (Judy Robbins) again?

Devine: We are leaving that open. She was such a joy; absolutely wonderful to work with. She and Doc Robbins and the real Judy Robbins, Robert David Hall’s wife really bonded. We’re really hoping we can bring her back. I think we’ve left that door open.

CSI Files: This is your first season back and of course it’s Marg Helgenberger’s last. The two of you are very close, so how has it been knowing one of your good friends is leaving just as you’re back on the show?

Devine: I know. Especially in my last episode she had other committments, and I didn’t get to have her very much. I’m going to miss Marg; no one can replace Marg. I know our fans are a little frustrated with her leaving; I can see from her own standpoint, she’s been Catherine Willows for twelve years and I can see that’s a lot to do for one role for that long. We beg her on a daily basis just to change her mind, and I think I can safely say that when our fans see her exit the door is open for her to come back. She’s fabulous. When I read articles saying she’s being replaced, that does bother me because you can’t replace these characters. What we try to do is bring in other characters that bring a different point of view and are interesting. I understand that without Grissom [William Petersen] and Catherine it is hard for some of our fans because they’re so wonderful. It’s heartbreaking for me and I can tell you her last scene… we were all in tears crying. It was just a mess. The whole stage was in tears. She’s fabulous and everyone loves her and she’s such a great person–great actress, but a really great person. We are really going to miss her here.

CSI Files: And the show has done a good job of bringing in new blood, such as Ted and Elisabeth Harnois (Morgan Brody) and coming up there will be Elisabeth Shue. What can you share about her character?

Devine: She’s going to be a reconstruction expert and I’m really excited about that because that’s what I did. [Laughs.] It’s easy for me to totally relate to that and write that. She will be very physical. She’ll be getting down into crime scenes because doing reconstruction means throwing a lot of blood around and figuring out who is standing where. Really bringing a different point of view to the characters. She will know DB from when they worked together in Seattle, so they have a bit of a connection; she was his number two there. It’ll be interesting to see DB when Catherine leaves… he was getting settled in. When Catherine leaves CSI, he realizes there’s something that he needs, so he goes to the person that can fulfill that need in the standpoint of work, which will be Elisabeth Shue, who I believe will be playing the character of Julie Finlay. It’s really going to be an interesting dynamic. They do finish each other’s sentences and they do have sort of a yin-and-yang as they say, but she’s not there to replace Catherine. She’s a completely different character and I just hope fans can–insteading of just closing things up and saying ‘I’m done’–give her a chance, because I think they’re really going to like these characters. We love our existing characters but we also think that adding a little new blood gives you a fresh take sometimes. It adds a little life being twelve years into it. We’re all very excited here and I think the fans that stick with us will be pleased.

Ted Danson’s just been wonderful and he’s such a nice man. I personally feel fortunate that he’s so dedicated to the show already and he’s only been here a few months. We’re very excited here.

CSI Files: Changing gears, you had a pilot at A&E that you were working on. Anything to come of that?

Devine: They decided they weren’t going to go that route. Pilot writing is very difficult and I enjoy it, but at the same time I’m surprised any shows get made. [Laughs.] It’s so difficult! I’m still working on some new stuff, but right now I’m just really happy to be here at CSI.

CSI Files: Do you have another episode that you’ll be working on this season?

Devine: I’m not sure. I may have involvement in some of the last episodes. We’re so far ahead–knock on wood–and we’re already breaking Episode Nineteen. We’re in such great shape that it’s just a testament to how hard everyone works. There’s only three episodes to break after this, so if they tap me on the shoulder I’m more than happy to jump in.

CSI Files: Do you anticipate that you’ll be back for Season Thirteen?

Devine: I hope to be. I would like to be, absolutely.

CSI Files: What can viewers expect after the winter hiatus?

Devine: Well of course we have the farewell to Catherine, which is a great trilogy. We’re going to rerun “Zippered” to kick off her exit. Then we have some really funky fun episodes. We have the important introduction of Elisabeth Shue’s character, which is also very fun. I think fans are going to like her right away. Some moving houses and caterpillars and all kinds of crazy stuff, so it’ll be fun.

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

Hall: I Got Treated Like A Leading Man

Rachel Trongo — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:10:59 +0000

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’s Robert David Hall (Dr Al Robbins) discusses the imminent departure of costar Marg Helgenberger (Catherine Willows), as well as an upcoming episode that features his character. (Minor spoilers after the jump!)

Hall has known Helgenberger for 12 years, and he described her as a “friend” and a “sister”. However, the actor told Hollywood Exclusive, “I support her decision to move on and try new things, and I’m looking forward to working with Elisabeth Shue.” Shue will be joining CSI in February after Helgenberger’s January exit.

Cast changes are coming in the new year, but an episode airing later this month will be a big one for Doc Robbins. “Genetic Disorder” puts the coroner and his wife (played by Wendy Crewson) front and center, and it offers fans a real glimpse of his life away from the lab. “For two weeks, I got treated like a leading man,” Hall revealed with a laugh. “I even got to kiss the girl. I’ve done 260 episodes, and it’s the first time I got to kiss the girl.”

To read the full interview, including comments about new leading man Ted Danson (DB Russell) and more about “Genetic Disorder”, visit Hollywood Exclusive.

‘CSI’ First Look: ‘Genetic Disorder’

Shane Saunders — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:40:12 +0000

CSI Files has first look photos from the December 14 episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, titled “Genetic Disorder.” Click the jump to see the photos, courtesy of CBS!

Click the images to see them full-size. It is the exclusive property of CBS Broadcasting Inc. and may not be archived, leased, sold or distributed in any fashion without consent from CBS. It is released for one-time editorial use only.

"Genetic Disorder"-- Dr. Robbins (Robert David Hall) is concerned as he looks on behind the police tape at his home, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Dec. 14 (10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Genetic Disorder"-- Morgan Brody (Elisabeth Harnois) in a moment while on the property of Dr. Robbins, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Dec. 14 (10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Genetic Disorder"-- Morgan Brody (Elisabeth Harnois) approaches Judy Robbins (Wendy Crewson) to introduce herself to her, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Dec. 14 (10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Genetic Disorder"-- Captain Jim Brass (Paul Guilfoyle) takes notes and pays close attention to the words of Judy Robbins on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Dec. 14 (10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Genetic Disorder"-- D.B. Russell (Ted Danson, left) tries to lighten the moment some with Judy Robbins (Wendy Crewson) at the Robbins' house, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Dec. 14 (10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Genetic Disorder"-- D.B. Russell (Ted Danson) gets ready to examine what he hopes will be a key in the case, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Dec. 14 (10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Genetic Disorder"-- D.B. Russell (Ted Danson, left) tries to lighten the moment some with Judy Robbins (Wendy Crewson) at the Robbins' house, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Dec. 14 (10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Genetic Disorder"-- Captain Jim Brass (Paul Guilfoyle) left) with Judy Robbins (Wendy Crewson) at the Robbins' house, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Dec. 14 (10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Genetic Disorder"-- D.B. Russell (Ted Danson, left) and Captain Jim Brass (Paul Guilfoyle) discuss the circumstances surrounding the dead body found at Dr. Robbins house, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Dec. 14 (10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Genetic Disorder"-- Dr. Robbins (Robert David Hall, left) waits as D.B. Russell (Ted Danson, middle) and Captain Jim Brass (Paul Guilfoyle) arrive at Dr. Robbins house which is now a crime scene, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Dec. 14 (10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Genetic Disorder"-- Captain Jim Brass (Paul Guilfoyle, left) prepares to interview Judy Robbins (Wendy Crewson, right) about a body found in their home, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Dec. 14 (10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Genetic Disorder"-- D.B. Russell (Ted Danson) walks through the back door of Dr. Robbins house, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Dec. 14 (10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

"Genetic Disorder"-- D.B. Russell (Ted Danson) examines pieces of plants at Dr. Robbins house, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Dec. 14 (10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Happy Birthday, Robert David Hall!

Rachel Trongo — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:44:06 +0000

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’s Robert David Hall (Dr Al Robbins) celebrates his birthday today, November 9. The actor was born on this day in 1947.

‘CSI’ First Look: ‘Crime After Crime’

Shane Saunders — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:56:48 +0000

CSI Files has first look photos from the November 16 episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, titled “Crime After Crime.” Click the jump to see the photos, courtesy of CBS!

"Crime After Crime"-- Greg Sanders (Eric Szmanda) and Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) investigate three seemingly unrelated murders, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Nov. 16 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: SONJA FLEMMING/CBS Â©2011 CBS BROADCASTING INC. All Rights Reserved.

"Crime After Crime"-- Dr. Albert Robbins (Robert David Hall), Greg Sanders (Eric Szmanda) and Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) investigate three seemingly unrelated murders, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Nov. 16 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: SONJA FLEMMING/CBS Â©2011 CBS BROADCASTING INC. All Rights Reserved.

"Crime After Crime"-- Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) and D.B. Russell investigate three seemingly unrelated murders, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Nov. 16 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: SONJA FLEMMING/CBS Â©2011 CBS BROADCASTING INC. All Rights Reserved.

"Crime After Crime"-- D.B. Russell (Ted Danson), Catherine Willows and Greg Sanders investigate three seemingly unrelated murders, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Nov. 16 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: SONJA FLEMMING/CBS Â©2011 CBS BROADCASTING INC. All Rights Reserved.

"Crime After Crime"-- Greg Sanders (Eric Szmanda) and Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) investigate three seemingly unrelated murders, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Nov. 16 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: SONJA FLEMMING/CBS Â©2011 CBS BROADCASTING INC. All Rights Reserved.

"Crime After Crime"-- D.B. Russell (Ted Danson), Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) and Greg Sanders (Eric Szmanda) investigate three seemingly unrelated murders, on CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Wednesday, Nov. 16 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: SONJA FLEMMING/CBS Â©2011 CBS BROADCASTING INC. All Rights Reserved.

Wendy Crewson Visits ‘CSI’

Shane Saunders — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:54:22 +0000

Wendy Crewson will play your not so average housewife on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI Files has learned exclusively.

Viewers will finally meet Doc Robbins’ (Robert David Hall) attractive wife in this season’s tenth episode, “Genetic Disorder.” Crewson will play the highly prestigious role that has been mentioned over the past eleven seasons but has yet to be seen. When Robbins’ wife, Judy, discovers a dead, naked man in her bed, the Las Vegas CSIs–who happen to be the resident coroner’s colleagues–try to conduct the investigation without bringing their pre-judgments to the table. Consulting Producer Elizabeth Devine wrote the episode.

Interesting fact for fans of the series: Hall’s real-life wife also happens to be named Judy. Crewson’s appearance is scheduled to air in December.

Zuiker Judges ‘America’s Next Top Model’

Rachel Trongo — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 20:44:39 +0000

CSI creator Anthony Zuiker will be a guest judge on tonight’s episode of America’s Next Top Model. The All-Stars will audition alongside Robert David Hall (Dr Al Robbins) for a role on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation in front of Zuiker, and he will join the judges’ panel for the weekly elimination. You can find a preview clip embedded after the jump!

Source: Digital Spy