"CSI" Preview: Grissom Says Goodbye

As I’ve said before, I’ve never been a “CSI” fan.

But when a character walks out the door after nine years, it’s hard not to get a little misty-eyed—fan or not.

And that’s what happens on Thursday as Gil Grissom (William Peterson) leaves the CSI lab for good…

But before that happens, there’s a serial killer’s accomplice to catch as the creepy DJK (Dick and Jane Killer) case continues from the show’s last new episode.

Laurence Fishburne’s Dr. Langston is there to help as he tries to absolve himself of the guilt he feels for bringing DJK into his class. Langston shows some real CSI chops in the episode, so it’s not a complete shock when Grissom asks him to join the team.

No, the big shock is to the team’s system at the thought of losing their leader. But if you’re expecting sappy goodbye hugs, you’ll be disappointed because there are none (Peterson nixed them.). But Grissom does get a touching goodbye nonetheless. And maybe even a happy ending.

The question is whether “CSI” will have a happy new beginning…

“CSI” airs Thursday, January 15th at 9 p.m. on CBS…

Photo Credit: Sonja Flemming/CBS