"CSI: Miami" Review: No Cheese, Just Goodness

When I made “CSI: Miami” my Pick of the Week, I was expecting some of that classic “Miami” cheesy goodness.

But instead what we got was a well-crafted episode with solid performances.

Who knew?

If you missed it, the team found Delko and for the second time in three seasons, he required brain surgery. While the surgery was happening, we got to see how the team came together for the first time. Horatio was a detective trying to introduce science into his investigations, Calleigh was a new arrival from Jacksonville, Tripp was a beat cop buried in paperwork, Boa Vista was a tech in a FBI lab and Delko was a tow truck driver/salvage collector. But they all converged to help Horatio solve a woman’s murder.

The show did a great job with makeup and hair to make everyone look younger. And the cast even acted younger to help make it look authentic. Emily Proctor playing Calleigh as a wide-eyed innocent was a real hoot. And David Caruso dialed back enough of Horatio’s mannerisms in the beginning that we could actually see him create them before our eyes.

And how could you not smile when Delko told Horatio, “I thought you were going to invest in some sunglasses?” At the end of the episode, it was Delko who presented Horatio with his classic shades. I have to admit that it was a little weird watching him without them for most of the episode.

Granted, watching Delko just wake up from yet another brain surgery was a stretch, but at least he didn’t wake up talking this time. And Jonathan Togo (Ryan) got ripped yet again by the writers (They could work Boa Vista into the flashback, but not Ryan?), but at least we got to see him.

I also liked the way that Eddie Cibrian (Jesse) was worked into the premiere so we would be familiar with him when he joins full time next week. And I know that a lot of people don’t really like him right now because of all of his personal issues, but I have to say that guy really knows how to wear a suit…

But the show was not entirely without cheesy goodness tonight. I know I couldn’t have been the only one that laughed when Horatio broke down in Delko’s hospital room…

I have to say that it was nice to see “Miami” come back so strong. Now let’s get those sunglasses on and get back to the show we know and love, okay?

“CSI: Miami” airs Mondays at 10 p.m. on CBS…

Photo Credit: Cliff Lipson/CBS