Ceci M.
This show ventures to be television’s answer to Silence of the Lambs (1991). The best part about this program is that the violence is implied, not executed. And it quietly delves into the effects of a crime to the point to the legal and social ramifications. It is this staid approach that makes the show more disturbing than the average “shoot-‘em-up and book-‘em” kind of affair. The C.S.I. group deals with horrifying crime scenes and their real lives. That makes them do their jobs with a sense of empathy, professionalism and compassion—which could be a burden and a curse to some.
Sadly, violence seems sensational when viewers watch it on the news because the emotional stakes of the crime are played up to get ratings and draw in viewers. Because viewers are used to seeing the aspects of murder within the length of a minute and a couple of sound-bytes, no one ever seems to think that there are loved-ones who are affected by those they lose. This show tries to change that. Sometimes, the best drama happens behind the scenes. And the program shows that forensic study of a crime is long, tedious work which is hardly gratifying. It also takes strong people dedicated to justice to finally see their work come to a good end. This usually happens in the final parts of the show to the point of implosion. When the program reaches its climax, it does so at a subliminal level that hits the emotions so deep that you are still reeling with the final credits run. And because you grow to care about each of the individuals that make up the C.S.I. team, next week cannot come soon enough. That is the aspect which gives the program its force. Less dreary than Gideon’s Crossing and filled with a rich story-line, it is an involving hour of television that makes you think.
Therefore, the show must be commended for its sense of plot-lines dealing with the minor details viewers would miss in other cop shows. It is a show that works with depth and understanding that the story doesn’t stop when the killer strikes his or her victim.
“C.S.I.: Certainly Sensational Investigation”©2000 by Ceci M.
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