As the third season on CSI:NY launches on AXN, franchise creator and executive producer Anthony Zuiker discusses the shows romantic pairings, the casting of Edward Furlong and much more.

To go deeper with Mac Taylor (Gary Sinise)’s character, they gave him a love interest this season – Dr. Peyton Driscoll (Claire Forlani). Peyton allows Mac to be warmer and more intimate. This softer side of Mac became a hit with fans immediately. Peyton was created as a colleague so that work situations could bring conflict and bring the romance to a deeper level.

Zuiker discusses the relationship between Lindsay (Anna Belknap) and Danny (Carmine Giovinazzo), saying there is something in Lindsay’s past that causes her to gravitate towards Danny. Her past led her to become a CSI and viewers will understand it at the end of the season. Zuiker describes Belknap’s portrayal as “jaw-dropping.”

Edward Furlong joined the cast for a couple episodes as Shane Casey, a man who seeks revenge for the killing of his brother in jail. Furlong’s name topped a short list of actors who could hold their own against Gary Sinise, while still being edgy and fun.

Zuiker is proud of what he has created, noting the importance of the franchise to the integrity of the medium of television. “Television used to be a second-class citizen before CSI came along in terms of the way it looks and the quality of the actors that are willing to go into it. And now with William PetersenDavid Caruso and Gary Sinise — these A-class stars have changed the face of entertainment.”

To read the full interview, visit NST Online.

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