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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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Not meaning to cause any trouble here, but both Sidle and Warrick chose to leave the show, they weren't "killed off" or run out of town by the show itself-that was how the show chose to portray their departures.  While I do agree with those of you who are disappointed in the diminishing cast of the show, we can't hold the producers or directors responsible for the choices the actors make.
Just my opinion,
B

Becky Pittsburgh PA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 9:23 AM)

It's a shame Warrick's character had to be killed. This leaves no blacks on either of the two best CSI shows on television. I realize Gary is in trouble in real life but to kill him off that way just shows us how mainstream television is deteriorating. I'll not watch any more.

Leroy Laughinghouse, Madison, Alabama (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 9:29 AM)

I am done watching...I am a big fan and my and I wife have spent he last few years growing to understand the show and the odd balls that play on the show, but now they have killed off the one player who we loved..goodby CSI we won't be there next year...

B. Zahrte - Oldsmar, Florida (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 9:30 AM)

I am a CSI addict and the actors are like family!

I keep hoping Warrick will somehow recover as did the Miami CSI guy who was shot in the head!

I smell CBS bureaucratic stupidity!

The strike did enough damage, don't add to it! Don't kill the goose that lays the golden eggs!

If they are truly gone, I'll really miss Warrick and Khandi Alexander!

landon kelsey, coldspring,texas (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 9:35 AM)

I love CSI and I trust that if Warrick is gone they will come up with some new characters and it will still be good. Its real life folks, at the work place people do come and go, and it does add interest now and then. I do hope they will do two things, pick up more on Greg cuz he is a fun character and the other tall blonde what happened to her? I liked her start as well, she was pretty cool, its going to be ok guys, its a good show and change is evident.

Elle Smith, Mulvane, Ks (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 9:49 AM)

I was so glad to see them take whiney Sara off the show (she needed some speech therapy to quit talking through her nose), but I NEVER NEVER expected to see them to take such an important and well liked actor off the show.  I am afraid they have really ruined the show now.  I know I won't be watching it as much because Grissom CANNOT carry the show by himself!

JV NORRIS CITY, IL (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 9:49 AM)

I wasn't a Warrick fan.  I miss Sarah Sidle more.  It's still a favorite show and I will still watch it.  I like the quirky episodes like the one where the people all wore mascot uniforms....

Jo-Ann Burton, Manchester, CT (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 9:53 AM)

I am so disapppointed in the writers of CSI. I cannot believe this is how they would handle such a main and pivitol character on the show.
I feel they should have left the door open for him to come back in case he can get his personal life turned around.
The show is never going to be the same again, I don't know if I'll watch anymore.
Warrick was one of my favorite of the show

Christy, Hiram, GA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 9:53 AM)

Well my kids and I are seriously bummed...we all liked Warrick.  I thought he was one of the more interesting characters, and I thought like Sara's character he was going to get to come back in cameos or something.  But geez...that felt so uncalled for.

Leslie, Albuquerque (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 9:55 AM)

Why mess with the exquisite chemistry created by the cast?  Warrick is one of the best young actors to come along in YEARS.  We survived the loss of Sidle because she could be in the wings, but killing Warrick?  CSI is forever damaged and will live on only because of its past glory, slowly becoming a watered down sequel to itself.  Originality is over.  The end of a brilliant show.

Jeanette M. Thomas (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 9:58 AM)

Contrivances aside, I applaud the fact that they finally had the guts to kill off Warrick. Too many times actors who leave a show get transfered, take a job in another city, run away due to pressure, or some other lame reason. To kill off a character is final for most shows, soap operas aside. It brings more of a sense of closure for the viewer. Plus it opens up more storylines for the writers. Just think of the vengence the CSI will want to seek next season.  

Nat (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 9:59 AM)

I personally loved this show.  I like this actor, but I had read (even before) his drug charge he wanted to leave the show.  Why not, he's a great actor, and will do well wherever he goes. CSI needed something, the show was getting a little stale. This was a great idea, especially if the actor was leaving anyway.

bobbie shubeck Santa Maria CA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 10:08 AM)

I love the show and had asked my co-worker if she saw the show last night.  I explained what happened and she said..."that character was arrested last month on drug charges as it was in the newspaper.  Maybe the powers that be thought it might be time to say goodbye.  I liked his character and thought he added a lot to the show.

RCB.; Concord, N.C. (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 10:08 AM)

This show is on its way out, to lose two main characters this season.  Warrick was a good guy, and they made him out to become unstable.  It makes me sad that they killed him off.  If Gary Dourdan did not want to return so be it, but to kill off a beloved character makes me sick!

Mlps, MN (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 10:12 AM)

While I am sorry to see Gary Dourdan leave the show, the episode was excellent. It is a shame the actor has gotten himself in the trouble he has. That is not the fault of the "Powers That Be" at CBS or the show itself iteself.  I am looking forward to seeing some excellent shows as Katherine, Nick, Grissom and the rest of the team deal with the aftermath of his death.  It is a chance to see some fine acting, and sets up next season for them to go after the undersheriff.

CAM, NJ (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 10:15 AM)

I cannot believe this.  Gary Dourdan no longer on CSI; Warrick Brown possibly dead.  If this is true, I will not be watching.  

CDM, Glendale, WI (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 10:15 AM)

I've been a huge fan of this show since week one back eight years ago. I have purposely avoided scheduling classes and work so I would have my one hour a week of ME time... CSI time... This season has just totally ruined it for me. It wasn't that strong to begin with, with them trying to find Sara, then Sara leaving the show... several episodes that were very weak... then the writer's strike... then a couple episodes becoming the "Hodges show"... now Warrick! This show has just gone to hell in a handbasket. I'm really pissed because this was the ONE TV show I watched. So now I don't know what to do. I know it's "just" a TV show and all, but CSI has lost one of its biggest fans, and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Pissed CSI fan, Chicago (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 10:20 AM)

I knew something like this would happen.  I read a article here he said is character was going out with a bang, so I figured killed.  Actors seem to like it when their character gets killed.  I have not been watching the show that long and speaking as a Buffy fan (where no one is safe from death) I am pretty use to characters dying even ones I like.

Amber, Austin, TX (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 10:26 AM)

First Sara, second Alex, third Warrick. It really was a disapointment even though I already knew Warrick was having contract issues and legal issues in his personal life. Why couldn't Warrick go out like Alex did which I thought was a very sentimental going and very emotional. Must we kill off characters?

Quinntus, STL (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 10:26 AM)

I was kind of upset and sad at towards the end, thinking maybe warrick would at least show up in one the the show's near future just to make the show more interesting. But I would never have expected for him to be killed at the end. This really made me sad to now know he will not show up at all.

Louisa Terrick, Bridgewater, New Jersey 08807 (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 10:35 AM)

I have been a faithful CSI fan since day one but last night did it for me.  I don't want to see cops killing cops.  He could have just decided he needed a big break from the job.  That happens all the time-everyone gets burn out.  But to kill him off.  That's it for me.

Mandy - Frankfort, Ky (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 10:37 AM)

I am an avid CSI watcher.  I watche every week, and I too could not believe they killed Warrick.  The least they could have done was leave room for him to return in the future.  Jorja was allowed to leave with an open ending, so should Gary...  Drugs or not, it's a dignity thing!  

Melisa Miller, Columbia, MO (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 10:39 AM)

Wow!.  I hadn't heard the bit about Grissom only being in "limited" episodes next season.  With that and Warrick gone it sounds like CSI is in for an anti-climatic end down the line.  I really loved this show.  This spin-offs are ok, but the aren't CSI.  I will watch it till it dies but I'm pretty sad about losing the principles.  Shows rarely recover from these things.

ls (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:03 AM)

I was totally shocked at Warrick's death.  I sat there with my mouth wide open unable to believe what I had just seen.  The show wont be the same without him.  It's just too bad..............

sheila, houston, tx (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:05 AM)

First of all, no one knows if Warrick is dead.  They intentionally left it open.  The first shot was a through-and-through to the neck.  You couldn't see clearly where the second shot was.  It is quite possible he could survive - especially in television.  However, that being said, he didn't sign a new contract and the drug charges (in real life) don't bode well.  Still, he could live and make a guest appearance or two.  But live or die, I'm still watching.  The show is way to good to stop watching.

CA, Wilmington, DE (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:06 AM)

Although I am sad at the possibility that Warwick is gone forever from the show this is a chance for things to be shaken up a bit on CSI. As I have seen it mentioned else ware this show has been on the air for eight years. That is a long run and for them to only have lost two of the main actors that is not bad as far as odds go. Also Dourdan does have some personal issue right now and the show may have not had a choice but to cut him lose. I hope the writers for CSI take this and run with it. This can go one of two way...either the show will flop and that will be the end or this will be just what the show needed to stay fresh and interesting after eight years on the air. I hope for the later as I have been a fan for years.

Marla, Kansas City, MO (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:07 AM)

I am very disappointed. Although it is to be said he has some serious problems, why not give him a chance to get hisself together. Leave an open door for a return just incase. I do not know all that the show has been through with him but everybody should be given a chance. I am sure something could have been arranged.  TV show should remember that their are fans who have supported them from the beginning. Fans/Views should have some impact.

Karen Gilmore, Lawnside, NJ (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:08 AM)

Given all of the trouble that Warrick has had I was shocked that he was shot, but maybe not really dead.  But the good thing is that the undersherrif will be caught eventually.

Julia, Portland OR (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:08 AM)

I don't ever participate in these kinds of comment places, but I was so disappointed at the killing of Warrick, that I just have to say something.  Given the take on the episode, I knew that something would happen to him, but it hurt my heart.  This has been the one show I have faithfully watched since inception, I am sorely disappointed in this years events.  

Sandy, Laramie, Wyoming (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:11 AM)

I feel like someone kicked me in the stomach. What is even worse is knowing that the first episode of next season (and maybe several episodes) will have the CSI team "dealing with" Warrick's death. How emotionally wrenching! I don't know if I'll want to watch Catherine and Nick's grieving (Grissom will be upset but will be stoic about it). I understand the emotional power of why they killed him off, I just don't think I'll want to watch the aftermath of his death for the CSI team. Maybe things will go back to normal (as much as possible) by November.

Liz, NJ (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:14 AM)

As much as I hate to see Warrick leave the show, the recent news about Gary Dourdan has pointed that way so I expected there to be some plot devise to ensure his character's exit.  What I found interesting is that we saw the Undersheriff shoot him from the right side of the car, but the bullet wound was on the left side of his neck - leaving a huge mystery to begin the next season with.

jd, Nampa, ID (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:21 AM)

STOP whining... it was, and is, an excellent show. Did you all really think that the cast would stay together forever? This will be good for some younger actor to get a shot in a hit TV Show. Also, with William Peterson in limited episodes, it will probably bring in another sweet run of guest spots, like they did with Keppler.

Jason Hicks, Shawnee, KS (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:26 AM)

I'm a little torn on it.  I hated that it happened, even though I've never been a Warrick fan. To have that happen just when he's deciding to turn his life around, by someone that he knew and trusted professionally, just a short distance from safety was heartbreaking to watch.  

But the fact that my blood ran cold and my heart was pounding...no episode of TV has had that effect on me since the Sopranos finale last year (what's up with diners, anyhow? :)  And I'm already looking forward to next season...ahhhh, the aftermath!  

Kate, Seattle, Washington (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:30 AM)

I stopped watching regularly after Jorja Fox left, but I don't consider the loss of Warrick a major blow to what's left of the show. He hadn't had a story line in quite a while (and given the actor's current dilema we may know why he wasn't used), and I really have little interest left in the show unless they bring back Sara.

MHC, Kansas City, MO (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:31 AM)

Hey...CBS is good for goofy scenarios. How about another dream sequence like on Dallas when they brought Bobby back do to popular demand?!

Leigh, Florida (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:32 AM)

This was my favorite CSI, but I too am upset that the actors are one by one being eliminated.  The reason viewers  watch programs is to see the actors! Roles are created and developed over time and fans are born.  Maybe it is time to end the show!
All CSI programs have adapted a story line that the actors, one by one, must develope a 'dark side'.  They no long wear the 'white hats', instead they have 'gray hats' which have not been very comforting.  CSI programs were most interesting to watch when it was more about technology than who did what in the off time.  
It would be refreshing IF we could get back to the original CSI concept of HIGH DEF Technology! Don't assume the elimination of actors don't matter to the fans, because U are wrong!

Karen Ault, Roseville, IL (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:32 AM)

Considering Gary Dourdan's real life problems, this ending is not too surprising. Looking back with 20/20 hindsight, one can see that his appearances has been declining but this fact has been obscured by the ensemble nature of the show. Killing Warrick Brown rather than firing him is more dramatic and sets up the first episode of the season. The death fits the character as Brown has a history of self destructive behavior starting with the first season. It is too bad that the behavior is mirrored in real life as well by Dourdan.

Kenneth, Fairfield CA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:33 AM)

Well since it was Dourdan's CHOICE to leave CSI, I am sure he had a little say in his character's leaving.  I thought the story was great, and was still a little surprised when he was shot.  The scene was actually pretty disturbing.  But who knows, maybe he won't actually die and will be later revealed to be in the witness protection program.  

Katie, Norfolk, VA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:36 AM)

It was just so sad to see Warrick killed off like that.  He leaves the show under such cloudy circumstances. His real life drama mirrors such cloudy circumstances--arrested for drugs, but having none in his system. I thought that television, at least, was equal opportunity, and would not simply waste the life of an intelligent and personable African American man. Hopefully, President Obama will be able to influence this outlook.

Marie Drake, Oak Park, IL (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:39 AM)

WARRICK is the reason I loved and watched the show!  My daughter loves Katherine so we were all excited that they might "hook up".  Bummer...this show is definitely fading away!

Jamie, State College, PA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:39 AM)

He was my least favorite character so I had no problems w/ him being a goner. I also heard he was terrible to work w/ and w/ him gone comes the opportunity for Sarah to come back. Fair trade? I sure think so!

KP st paul,MN (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:42 AM)

What next? Kill off Grissom why don't ya?!! I'm heartbroken about Warrick. With all the drunk driving and drugs in Hollywood, I don't see how this could be the reason to get rid of Gary Dourdan.

Cathy Gumtow Lake Mary Fl (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:43 AM)

I am deeply disappointed in the ending; I loved his character & his acting.  His personal life is completely seperate from - in fact I didn't even know about his legal issues until moments ago.  I think they are killing the show one by one.  I will not be a committed watcher anymore.  yes everything must come to an end or be stagnate but this is ridiculus.  

rw, Ames, IA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:44 AM)

WHAT were "they" thinking!!??  With Sara gone and now to have Warrick killed by supposedly a "good guy" WHATEVER!!  I guess Gary is looking to do something else with his life BUT CSI will never be the same.  Gary is such a great actor and was so real i.e. dealing with problems and still doing his job.  I had no idea what was coming until the end but Warrick's end left me feeling VOID.

Nancy Alford, Laramie, Wyoming (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:45 AM)

I'm way too attached to this show (watching since the pilot episode) but now after reading, I realize that I'm not alone and in good company with the sentiments expressed about the characters.  This feeling is reminiscent of those felt when I was a sophomore and junior in high school and college and my upperclassmen friends moved on.  I guess things are no different in TV land, although I feel that make believe should have some sort of constant (queue violins and kleenex).  Warrick will be greatly missed, as is Sidle.  Writers are going to have to bring their A game to keep this one running without those two.

Hollywood, Washington, D.C. (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:45 AM)

I was so upset I seriously bawled when he died. He was by far my favorite character. But I definitely saw it coming. The way he was able to walk away from the murder scene he was found at without any charges would have been a lame ending. So of course they had to spice it up a bit. I just wish it had been someone like Hodges who got shot.

Chelsea, Omaha NE (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:46 AM)

Dammit!

Stephen Martin Atlanta GA (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 11:59 AM)

If Warrick is not there next season I will not watch, they don't give him enough air time anyway and now he's leaving?  He was the only reason I watched anyway.

Kim Speers, Scottsboro, AL (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 12:06 PM)

I hadn't heard that he was leaving the show, so I was shocked (although I did hear about the drug charges)!  Warrik was never my favorite character, but I didn't want to see him go.  I will still watch next season though....

Jane Texas (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 12:06 PM)

If Warrick is not there next season I will not watch, they don't give him enough air time anyway and now he's leaving?  He was the only reason I watched anyway.

Kim Speers, Scottsboro, AL (Sent Friday, May 16, 2008 12:07 PM)



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