Las Vegas gets a new recruit.

CSI Files previously reported that Laurence Fishburne was in talks to join CSI: Crime Scene Investigation after leading man William Petersen (Gil Grissom) leaves the show this fall. CBS has now issued a press release confirming Fishburne's addition to the CSI cast. "CBS asked us, 'Who's at the top of your dream list?'" said executive producers Carol Mendelsohn and Naren Shankar. "Without hesitation, we said Laurence Fishburne. He is a powerful and intense actor, with an incredible range."

"Mr. Fishburne is also a talented writer and director," they continued. "If you distill CSI down to its essence, it's a collaboration-and we are so looking forward to collaborating with Mr. Fishburne. For all of us at CSI, this is truly a dream."

Fishburne will join the crime drama during the ninth episode of the upcoming ninth season. The character is a former pathologist with a current career as a college lecturer teaching criminalistics. He seeks to understand criminal behavior and why people commit violent acts. He sees disturbing similarities between himself and the criminals he studies. After working with the CSI team on a murder investigation, Fishburne's character will join the crime lab as a Level 1 CSI. "I am elated and delighted to be joining the cast of CSI," said Fishburne. "I look forward to a wonderful collaboration with the creative and talented team of such a successful and distinguished show."

The official press release can be found on The Futon Critic.

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