See Also: 'Payback' Episode Guide

Eclipse Magazine interviewed actor Michael Shanks, who will appear on next week's episode of CSI: Miami "Payback," about his role on the show.

Shanks will portray Doug Stets, whose girlfriend Valerie Naff was raped six years ago. But when the man who allegedly raped her is exonerated and the real rapist ends up dead, the Miami crew has to put this confusing puzzle together. "When they do actually figure out who the real rapist is, he is found dead and my character becomes the prime suspect in his murder," Shanks said.

The Stargate SG-1 actor did a screen test for CSI: Miami years ago. When the role of Doug Stets came up, the CSI: Miami producers remembered Shanks -- but as he was abroad, he had to improvise to get the part. "They told me they would love to offer me this, but the producers like to see the actors and hear them read the lines. So I just put a couple of the scenes on tape for them and a few days later they called and offered the part."

CSI: Miami writer Marc Dube, who wrote "Payback," said it was a delight to have Shanks on the show. "He can say more with a hesitation or a look than most can with a monologue. With only a couple of scenes to work with, he was able to portray not only an overly concerned boyfriend, but also a man with a violent streak. He was a pleasure to work with."

The character Doug Stets was named after Dube's brother-in-law, who shares some similarities with his fictional namesake. According to Dube, both would rather settle things with their fists. "[The real Stets] has always been a blue-collar, beer-drinking New Englander."

Watch "Payback" on Monday at 10/9c to find out if Shanks's character is the real killer. To read the rest of the article follow this link.

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