See Also: 'Viva Las Vegas' Episode Guide

The fifth season of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation gets off to an exciting start when the Las Vegas sleuths are called upon to investigate four murders.

The Futon Critic recently released the details for CSI's opener, which airs on Thursday, September 23rd. Among the cases are a nightclub shooting and the death of a man in an alien suit at Area 51. Greg Sanders also gets out of his lab for his first day as a field officer working a case with Gil Grissom.

The episode was penned by executive producers Danny Cannon and Carol Mendelsohn. Cannon co-wrote the season four opener "Assume Nothing" with CSI creator Anthony E. Zuiker, while Mendelsohn co-wrote the second half of the season four premiere, "All For Our Country" with Andrew Lipsitz. Cannon also directed "Viva Las Vegas". He has directed numerous CSI episodes, including "Cross-Jurisdictions" and "Jackpot".

Here is The Futon Critic's description of the episode:

Greg Sanders' first day in the field has him assisting Grissom's investigation of a fatal nightclub shooting. Meanwhile, Catherine probes into the death of a stripper found in a Las Vegas hotel suite. Across town, Warrick is called to an apartment building to investigate possible foul play in the death of a man found electrocuted in his bathtub. Lastly, Nick and Sara investigate a body found buried wearing an alien costume near Area 51. Back in the lab, Greg Sanders' replacement, Chandra, (Aylesworth), is overwhelmed by the fast-paced world of the CSIs.

The large guest case includes Reiko Aylesworth, who plays Chandra Moore, a new DNA tech who takes over for Greg. Aylesworth just finished up two seasons as a regular on the show 24, where she played CTU agent Michelle Dessler.

French Stewart, best known for portraying alien Harry Solomon on NBC's sitcom Third Rock from the Sun will be in familiar territory on CSI. He'll be playing an alien minister who becomes a suspect in the case Nick and Sara are investigating at Area 51.

Nicholas Lea, last seen in fourth season's "No More Bets", returns as Catherine's boyfriend, Chris Bezich. Lea is well-known for his recurring role as Krycek in The X-Files.

"Viva Las Vegas" will also feature a new detective, Detective Travis, who is played by Jonathan Penner. Penner appeared on the Fox comedy Arrested Development last season, and also starred in the movie The Last Supper.

To read the original release, please visit The Futon Critic!

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