It’s a sad day for “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” fans.
William Petersen just announced that he is leaving the popular crime drama.
Sniff. Sniff. It’s true; brainy crimebuster Gil Grissom is hitting the road.
Before you erase the show from your TiVo, you should know that the actor has agreed to return for occasional guest appearances and will remain a “CSI” executive producer. Regardless, his run as an original cast member will end this coming season, show producers confirmed today.
While the official airdate of Petersen’s final episode has yet to be determined, producers say it will likely be sometime early next year. I would predict it airs during the February sweeps period.
If there is a silver lining in the gray cloud that is Petersen’s departure it’s that a number of popular characters will return in the episodes leading up to his final show. According to producers, Grissom’s former colleague and lover Sara Sidle, played by Jorja Fox will return for a couple of episodes as will sexy Lady Heather (played by Melinda Clarke).
“CSI” producers remain tight-lipped about specific plot twists but said that Grissom will be reappraising his life after years of high-tech forensics investigations with the Las Vegas Police Department and after facing a series of personal setbacks.
Contrary to some reports, Petersen is not getting the boot from the show; rather the actor confirmed the decision to leave was his own, though he would not comment on what prompted him to part ways with the series that made him a star.
The actor had previously taken a break from the show during the 2006-07 season to perform in a play. (Back then Liev Schreiber stepped in as a visiting investigator and did a bang up job.)
Producers say they will deal with Petersen’s departure by adding a new male investigator to the show, though no one has been cast in the part as of yet.