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How about that 'CSI' finale (SPOILERS INSIDE)?

Posted: Thursday, May 15, 2008 7:01 PM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
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How about that 'CSI' finale Thursday night, folks? Don't read on unless you've already watched it or you want the finale to be spoiled for you. Seriously, stop reading here if you're still waiting to watch. In this case, CSI stands for Certain Spoilers Inside.

My co-worker Paige is perhaps the world's most loyal "CSI" fan, and when we read and discussed this feature, I asked her if she thought the show's powers-that-be would dare kill off Gary Dourdan's character, Warrick Brown.

It seemed pretty clear the finale would be Dourdan's swan song, but we all know how shows like to leave endings vague, in hopes that hey, maybe George Clooney will need the work, and Dr. Doug Ross can make a trip back to Chicago's "ER" once again. She thought the same might happen with Dourdan's character -- that he might be allowed the chance of eventually returning to the show.

Yeah. That won't be happening.

What did you think about how the show handled Warrick's end? Was it a thrilling end to a beloved character, or should the doors have been left open for a possible return to Vegas? I'm intentionally staying a bit vague here in case anyone slipped through the cracks who doesn't want too many details, but you should feel free to go hog-wild in the comments and discuss anything about tonight's finale. Leaving Las Vegas, indeed.

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I was SO disappointed. He was one of the most loved characters off of CSI. I hadn't read about him leaving before watching the show tonight so I wasn't expecting it, but I just knew that something horrible was going to happen at the end. He was the pure definition of someone who lives in Las Vegas yet he has made so many turn-arounds. Not to mention him and Catherine's, somewhat sexual tension, always kept me interested.

Katie, Orlando FL (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 10:19 PM)

I will not watch CSI anymore if Warrick dies.  He is one of the main reasons I watch the shoe. It just wont be the same.  I cant believe that this would be the way for him to leave the show. a blow to the head by a fellow cop.. this sucks

jd (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 10:37 PM)

I thought he would live.  But then the sense of foreboding as he walked to the car.  We knew something was going to happen.  The undersheriff whacks him.  BEAUTIFUL!  Somebodys going down next season.  This is CSI at it's best.  We'll miss you Warrick.  But maybe we watch the dirty cop get the needle.

Greg, Richmond (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 10:44 PM)

I see this show heading into a fade. This has been my show for three years now. Every Thursday I get amped up to watch. Now, Warrick is gone. He isn't going to survive two point blank range shots to the neck and head. I knew that cop was the dirt in the whole deal. So, we will see. But he was probably my fave on the show.

Ricky (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 11:21 PM)

Can we please have one black person that doesn't die, get fired, or freaks out and leaves on mainstream television?!!!!!

Effie (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 11:28 PM)

Hey! If u didnt read it already in the news. The actor who played Warrick is probably going to jail on drug charges. Therefore, he wont be able to stay on CSI as Warrick. So what can u expect from the show?? At least they didnt make him the killer.

FK Leitchfield, Ky (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 11:31 PM)

I liked the show itself but the ending was way too telegraphed....I mean Warrick himself should have seen that train coming down the tracks at him....I only wondered if they would have Nick get hit to make you wonder if maybe two CSI's would die...til next season....

Joe Hinson, Lancaster, SC (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 11:37 PM)

Nope. That episode did it for me. I'm officially washing my hands of CSI. First they lose Sidle, and Grissom will only be in "limited episodes" next season and now they pop off Warrick? That's just wrong. The whole series has lost so much momentum this season...it's like watching a favorite wool sweater unravel before your eyes. I think I'll start using that hour a week to catch up on mending my socks.

SS (Sent Thursday, May 15, 2008 11:58 PM)

I am so disappointed that they killed off Warrick.  I really thought after being on the show for so long they would send him off with a bit more class--instead he was acting like some crazed crackhead.  They allowed Sara Sidle to leave with dignity WHILE leaving the porch light on if she wanted to ever come back.  But to kill off Warrick, like everyone else I think I am through.  Enough is just enough.

JMT, Abilene, TX (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 12:39 AM)

Agree with the others - there was an edge and a soulfulness about Warrick that's missing in the other characters, who are, somewhat dull by comparison.
As for the horrible ending, once you saw how everyone was leaving through the restaurant door one by one, you knew he wasn't going to make it.  
Best wishes to Dourdan, hope he'll straighten out and give us more fine performances.

terri, cambridge, MA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 1:02 AM)

Im really irritated right now. I just wanna go to bed now. BLAH!

JKieffer, Yuck Town Ca (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 1:03 AM)

For years I've watched every episode of the CSI's and repeats galore. Tonight I'm done. This is a sickening, warped, f-you to the viewers by the writers. Never, ever again.

Ken, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 1:04 AM)

poor katherine is going to be sooo sad it upset me the way it ended and i almost certainly knew the sherrif was involved prior to him showing up...damn what a way to end a season

Gail Alvarez Las Vegas NV (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 1:04 AM)

I'm so upset at the writers for doing this!!!  He is one of the best and most interesting characters of the show. I they still have him in extremely critical condition next season, but he lives and helps them catch his attempted killer because I can't see him dead on that show. It just isn't right. I'm SOOOOOOO upset!!

VMG, Los Angeles CA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 1:07 AM)

What?? Grissom only in select episodes?? The one who should be in select episodes is Katherine - yeah because "she's a mom too" like she likes to point out in every flippin episode!  Okay, they got rid of Sarah, are limiting Grissom, and if they kill of Warrick I will NEVER watch CSI again. NEVER! I hope someone from that show is reading this too.

GGG (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 1:09 AM)

Negociations are so tough in hollywood these days, when it goes wrong you get buried in the desert in Las Vegas. I have been watching this show for eight years and hate to see Warrick leave. Next time bury the Producer!  

Michael Hall (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 1:14 AM)

Im with you JMT in TX. Warrick should have left with much more dignity. This episode has left me with uneasy feelings about the future of CSI. I can't imagine not seeing Warrick. I was really looking forward to seeing what could have developed between he and Catherine.

T.T. in TN (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 1:14 AM)

WOW!What a strange turn of events!I guess that was it for me,I'll agree to the fact that Warrick deserved a more dignified send off, despite the fact that his personal life was in trouble.This is getting too dark for my taste.

Jasmin,Las Vegas,NV (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 1:17 AM)

They telegraphed this one from the door.  Car up a dark alley???  I also guessed who the killer was so that was no shock either.

Now to see how they pick this mess up off the floor next season - I'll be there.

Mickie Ross, Jeff City, MO (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 1:18 AM)

I will not watch this show again..You can't replace Warrick...Enough is  Enough.. Not only will I not watch.. I am telling my friends not to watch!!!!!!

Ramsey, South San Francisco, CA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 1:20 AM)

I will not watch this show again..You can't replace Warrick...Enough is  Enough.. Not only will I not watch.. I am telling my friends not to watch!!!!!!

Ramsey, South San Francisco, CA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 1:22 AM)

I too was VERY upset by Gary Dourdan's character "Warrick" being killed off in such a manner. Another poster said it, they should have left more sketchy details to arise a comeback or hospitalization recovery or SOMETHING! Killing him off is the dumbest thing the writers could do.....course, on the other edge...maybe he wanted to break out in a film career? Just hate to see a good workin machine fall apart.....you learn to love these guys on tv sometimes....RIP Warrick Brown!

Kara, Ketchikan Alaska (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 1:37 AM)

I'm still in stock! I know appears Warrick is gone, however I do hope beyond all odds Warrick will survive.  With the possibilty of return, after his real life case is over.

MBC, Vernon, Al (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 1:56 AM)

I'm seriously bummed...I could see the bad end coming 10 minutes early, and I hated it already.  Why couldn't they just transfer him to day shift like Sofia and let it go like that?  It was a weakly written episode, and a cheap shot at a cliff-hanger.  Really...do you think he'd still be driving the car his stripper f-buddy was murdered in?  Come on...!!!
The soul of CSI is gone.  I'll turn it one, but my attention will be divided between the TV and dust settling on my ceiling fan.

Rich Arnold, Scottsdale, AZ (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:02 AM)

While I will also miss Gary Dourdan's enrichment of CSI episodes, the ending was appropriate.  Tragedy and injustice happen. In the real world of the Las Vegas valley, our police seem to be more trigger-happy than in most places and political and administrative corruption is still a significant problem.

I love living here but I am well aware of many problems, traps, and unfairness that may befall you, especially for those with addictive personalities. CSI-Las Vegas is still the best of three CSI shows and I expect that to continue.

New City Vegas, Las Vegas (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:09 AM)

What a huge disappointment!!CSI was the original and others followed,etc. miami,csi and NY,csi!!It will not be the same. I looked forward to Thurs. nights, not anymore. Too Bad!!

cARMEN RIO RANCHO NEW MEXICO (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:19 AM)

WTF....the one correspondant was right, they telegraphed his death explicitly, and warrick should have seen it coming....however the drug charges for dourdan (warrick brown) is probably what really killed him off.  Thats what happens to rich people who don't know how to act.  It was great while it lasted, to bad it had to end this way.  CSI is still a great show

JB-Right Burlington, NJ (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:30 AM)

I have to admit I saw who the real bad guy was in the story based on the coming from the moment you learned about the PI being an ex cop.  And the fact that Warrick was framed was to easy to see coming. Y

I think killing him off was so not right.  Sure he is facing jail time in real life but come on he's one of the best characters. Couldn't he be written off in some other fashion.  

RavenLore, IL (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:43 AM)

Oh man, do I really have to get through the next season without seeing those fabulous green eyes?  It was depressing to see such a good character be written out with no dignity, after he had such a good run.  I wasn't so much shocking as just plain sad.

MC, Kelowna, BC, Canada (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:47 AM)

Unbelievable...that was horrible. That was a tasteless way to discharge a character...just awful, awful, awful.

bartholomew (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 2:51 AM)

I think Warrick was (is?) a very important member of the CSI team because he showed that CSIs are not perfect crime solvers. They're human and make mistakes. Warrick was an officer dedicated in his fieldwork but he had some mishaps. I was, however, expecting Dourdan to leave the show but I was not expecting them to kill his character. When I heard Dourdan had been arrested at Coachella for drug possession I felt so disappointed in him. On CSI his character dealt with drug problems. Why would he put himself in that position in real life? CSI has already lost Jorja Fox who was such a great asset to CSI and CBS. Now Gary Dourdan is leaving. Who next?

Meilin (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 3:35 AM)

I knew they were going to kill Warrick as soon as I saw them all sitting happy and relaxed at the diner table. No one is ever allowed to be happy and relaxed on a crime show! I liked Warrick, but his bad decisions were wearing me out and I'm still going to watch the show.

Sara, Seattle, WA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 3:40 AM)

I was shocked when Warrick was shot.  I saw it coming the moment he was walking to his car in the dark alley.  I was hoping they wouldn't kill of his character but after eight seasons, I guess some actors feel the need to move on.  I will continue to watch CSI and support my favorite show although I'm sad to see both Sidle and Warrick go.  This show has been my favorite since the first episode!

*Just to clarify, Gary Dourdan, who plays Warrick, was arrested for drugs after this episode was filmed.  It played no part in him leaving the show.

MLS, MH AFB, ID (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 3:41 AM)

He said earlier in April he wasn't returning next season and then the drug charges. What did you expect them to do send him off with a handshake?
I think however that after last weeks show, in the words of Brass..they may have "jumped the Shark"

kevin sprague, greeley, co (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 4:56 AM)

Put the race card aside and the passion for the actor or the character and think for a minute... The man now has a REAL bad shadow with him with all the drug charges so do you really think the network wants to be part of that? Hell no. I agree they could have had him leave in some other way but also realize this was the season final episode keeping you talking about it so you will see what happens to the under sheriff next season. It's all about ratings and keeping you wanting more.

SED, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 6:35 AM)

We'll all miss Warrick but what great writing. Setting us up for next season in a great way. Finally the writers are back on the job!

Janet, New Bern, NC (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 6:58 AM)

Gary (Warrick) was the only reason why I watched the show. I am sooo going to miss him.  This show is history for me. I'll only watch the episode that captures the killer.  Why did you have to kill him off??

JHS, Bethesda, MD (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 7:07 AM)

What a great ending! If you have to go out what better way go than to go out still fighting. The under sheriff knew warrick would never stop. I think it's a fitting tribute to the character.    

DUKE Salisbury Maryland (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 7:51 AM)

I disliked the entire epi.  They had restored Warrick's past demons and then resurrected them.  Warrick desperately fought for Nick, but the CSIs seemed rather low key in fighting for Warrick.  The one thing I liked about the epi was Ecklie's compassion.  I can't believe CSI would dispose of such a central character in such an aggressive manner. Sarah left with grace and elegance, after her trauma.  Why couldn't they just have suspended or terminated Warrick and let him ride off into the sunset without a violent ending.  As my favorite character, this epi sealed the deal in losing my viewership. CSI will not be the same without Warrick.  I'll miss Grissom, Nick and Greg.  Watch - this was a way to promote that horrid Hodges (snake) character.

CR (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 7:54 AM)

To kill Warrick like that sucks.  He was one of the reasons I watched this CSI.  CSI Miami removed Khandi what's up with having black actors canceled out on TV shows.  These are good actors. Is Harper leaving too? Might as well start watching law and order.

s.barrett, flint, mi (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 7:58 AM)

I thought it was GREAT.  Yes, I loved Warrick but now we get to watch the drama unfold while they hunt for his killer and find out how high the dirty goes.  It's going to be great next season.

Afterall, lets not forget that it is TV people. Its not like Warrick was a real person and CBS killed him off.  They killed a character to create an awesome plot line, and I think its going to work.

Martha, Yorktown VA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 7:59 AM)

I have been a loyal fan to CSI and will continue to watch it. That being said, I was severely disappointed with the season finale. While it was great that Gil and the team discovered Warrick was being framed, they should have just fired him if he wasn't coming back next year. The ending was too predictable once they started showing the diner and the music played. Foreboding and obvious that SOMETHING was going to happen to SOMEONE. Especially since Warrick had said there had to be someone higher up and it wasn't just the missing cop deciding who to kill. Like other shows of this nature (e.g., CSI Miami, Without A Trace, Cold Case), as much as I love them, I'm really getting tired of something happening to the main characters. There are plenty of other cases to solve that don't directly involve them (e.g., they go missing, get killed, held hostage, etc.), and the show can still be successful (i.e., Law & Order). Are we really running out of criminal scenaris?

LilPatte (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 8:06 AM)

Well seeing Gary is one of my favorite actors I will miss him, but in reality is is hard for him to make a cast call from jail. Life changes our directions, art should imitate. Missing people who we have asssociated with is part of life.

Eugene Tucker (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 8:17 AM)

To say I am disappointed is an understatement!  Warrick was one of my favorite characters and he will be missed.  I didn't mind Sarah leaving but the show will not be the same.  Unless they bring in a really good character the show is history.

Mari Clawson, MI (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 8:37 AM)

I have watched CSI religiously since it began 8 years ago.  Warrick was one of my favorite characters.  It is unimaginable to me what the show will be like without him.  You can't replace the chemistry he had with the other cast members.  When Sara left, no biggie, but Warrick.  I am still crying.

Cindy (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 8:46 AM)

Come on people the way it possibly ended with Warrick being shot point blank twice. Hey you never know he might get the help maybe not. The cilffhanger always leave us guessing. Now if Warrick dies to all the ones who claim no no no its about time that something really bad happens to a member of the first show and not walk away from. Both the spinoffs have already lost members. But the number one always seem to have that bad things happnen but that that lucky rabbits foot and squeeks out in the end. I hate to say it but it is about time that a member of the first show dies. I to loved Warricks character but lets be honest regardless of Gary's persnal problems is chracter as Warrick would be the common sense one to be the first to go. Street kid with brains born and bred in the bright light big city of sin. He was always drawn to the dark side of the towns mystic gambling thugs girls etc. But just either focused enough to get out himself or with the help of people who really had his back. But is lust for that life even if just in spurts finally caught up with him. If he pulls through some how cool. If not he will be missed very much but like all shows must move on. So fairwell Mr Brown.

JD Ontario Canada (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 8:47 AM)

Three strikes and you're out.  I consider Warrick to be the third strike.  I loved that character.  I will not be watching the show next season.  

Tina Clayton (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 8:49 AM)

I too was disappointed with the way Warrick's departure played out.  I had read he might want out after this season and then the drug charges that have followed, but I hoped he would change his mind.
The writers strike certainly didn't help CSI's season as it seemed so disjointed, and it appears that the writers came back in a sour mood.
I can't think of any shows that have major cast changes that continue to succeed, because people begin to identify, admire, and like the shows as they are.  Changes are often hard to accept.  Another example is Law and Order.  It isn't going to be the same without Jesse Martin, in addition to the other changes it has gone through this season.
While we all wish for good things for Gary Dourdon in the future, it would appear that his departure from CSI will have a lasting impact on that show's future.

dana, miami,fl (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 8:55 AM)

I notice two patterns:  One- if an unlikely romance occurs, you can be sure someone is on their way out.  And if you really take a close look, the deeper the 'romantic' relationship, the more likely it is that the person will be on their way out.  Sarah and Grissom were undercover lovers.  Sara was allowed to leave gracefully.  Warrick unexpectantly showed up one day with a wife and a troubled marriage at that.  It was completely unnecessary.  Then the CSI writers almost blew it big time by implying Warrick and Catherine had a thing for each other.  Puhlease!!! As far as I am concerned, none of the CSI staff (on any of the shows) should have love interests.  They should, in my opinion, work 24-7 just to satisfy my viewing pleasure.  

The other pattern is how the black characters seem to leave the show under some cloud of suspicious activity and/or some unpleasant circumstance. Gary Dourdan's character is involved in a murder and gets ___ (don't want to reveal spoiler).  The son of Kandi Alexander's character from CSI-Miami was involved with drug dealers. Jesse Martin's character from Law and Order was involved in a murder and cover-up.  Give me a break.  Can't they ever just get promoted, hit the lottery, or get a spin-off show?  

Aw heck - maybe we will seem Jesse, Gary and Kandi all together in the Marvin Gaye movie.  I hear that's why Jesse Martin left L&O.    

Cris W. - Arkansas (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 9:01 AM)

let's not specualting things. For those who watched that episode remember Nick was still inside.  There's a possibility he might come back.  But If he's gone that way. I will not watch the show anymore. I have watched all the episodes of CSI Vegas, Miami and NY. but now I only like NY. Let;'s start a petition to bring Warrick back.    

charles, Morristown NJ (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 9:23 AM)



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