CSI: Miami – The Complete First Season

CSI: Miami The Complete First Season consists of twenty-four episodes on seven discs and of course includes special features. Although sometimes billed as a typical crime drama, CSI: Miami is actually far more than that. Unlike similar shows which focus mainly on the psychology of the crime, this show is steeped in science and the use of forensics to solve murders and apprehend criminals.

The series, oddly enough, begins in Las Vegas in its pilot episode, Cross Jurisdiction. Miami is obviously a spin-off of the CSI franchise and this episode acts as the transition to the new series. In it, a former Chief of Detectives, now running security for the Casinos, is murdered after a kinky sex party at his home. His daughter, who was in her room during the party, goes missing and is eventually found in Miami, Florida. The CSI: Las Vegas crew must work with the Miami investigators to solve the Chief's murder. It's a clever way to introduce the Miami staff while placing the ever important CSI brand of approval on the program by associating it with the Las Vegas show.

I made sure to watch the show when it premiered on network television knowing that I liked David Caruso from his initial NYPD Blue fame and so my mind was definitely open. I scheduled time for CSI: Miami for about the first eight episodes but then stopped cold turkey; perhaps it was the repetitive nature of the program, even though as individual shows go it's entertaining and well crafted in science, technology, and story but for some reason I didn't feel a real connection with the characters. The crime investigation is the real focal point of the series not the individual characters. When asked to review CSI: Miami I hoped to examine and see if my feelings remained the same from my last visit.

The second time around I could appreciate the science and detective skills more. Watching from episode to episode I learned more about the character's lives, but apart from the lead Horatio (David Caruso), not in a substantial way; which is a shame because all the actors are very capable and deliver solid performances. Even Horatio's development is kind of slow. Then, I realized again that the show is about crime solving and not a character study. Although I believe you could do both as in other "cop series" like an NYPD Blue, where sometimes they share too much (like the fat guy's naked behind). Perhaps the other characters are more developed in the second season in Miami. This would be a bonus since they are likeable (with the exception of Horatio who often seems too much of a cowboy).

Below are a few episodes that appeared noteworthy.

Disc 1: Episode 104 Losing Face

In this episode we learn that Horatio has a bomb squad background and

that CSI members get to ride around in shiny Hummers. More importantly we see that CSI: Miami does a very good job with re-enactments and demonstrations showing us how crimes occurred from bullet trajectories via computer presentations to the use of Bunsen Burners and high tech equipment to study evidence. They are also very graphic in their displays of human bodies, which are usually bloodied or have taken on some heavy trauma in the form of burns, bullet holes, bites, or you name it. Viewing is not for the weary.

Disc 2: Episode 103 Just One Kiss

The crime scene looks difficult to crack, but Horatio is confident as he says, "the evidence as always will speak for itself." This is a good time to mention that CSI: Miami is not a show that you will be able to solve the crime or figure out who did it and why before the show is over. It isn't set up that way especially as the evidence ends up being something of a scientific nature and the crime is pretty complex in how they unfold. Furthermore whatever seems obvious is not. Things are always more involved.

Disc 7 contains the season finale Body Count and all the special features. Body Count appears to be simply a prison breakout, but ends up having serious ramifications as a former criminal caught by CSI is back on the streets. This episode links back to a previous case earlier in the season as the program goes full circle. This is a smart way to tie things together as the season ends. It adds suspense because you think the criminals are incarcerated yet they escape and the game of cat and mouse must be played all over again. The end of season one emphasizes that CSI is life for the characters, as we never really see them outside the "office" enjoying themselves. For better or worse their life is their work.

Special Features

Special features have always seemed like a one time viewing because they tend not to provide any real noteworthy or lasting content. How many times can you listen to the audio commentary? This holds true for CSI: Miami as the features provide minimal insight into the process of making the show instead giving a rapid overview on what the creators wanted the show to be, how the actors prepared, and the way things were going to look on screen.

In CSI: Miami Uncovered we learn that the actors immersed themselves in forensics studies to enhance their believability when acting. This ranged from reading texts on the subject matter to speaking with experts in the field. Director Joe Chappelle's comments establish the goal of the program as, "trying to make little Jerry Bruckheimer movies, but on an eight day schedule." This statement resonates as the show's cinematic feel and appearance rings true of a Bruckheimer production,

yet shot on television's quick paced schedule the undertaking is more noteworthy in all its go for broke action and technology.

In Creating CSI: Miami it is noted that this CSI spin-off was intended to be a daytime show in an international setting in contrast to the original CSI which is set in Las Vegas mostly at night. The objective being to spotlight Miami's diverse cultures and sunny landscape to establish its own CSI identity while still combining the science, technology, and detective drama, which the original CSI program is known for.

The final of the special features is entitled Procedures of Handling Evidence. John Haynes, the Technical Consultant and a former L.A. detective, narrates a few short, swift bursts of clips regarding how evidence is collected. Haynes explains some of the methods facilitated to examine evidence such as using a laser to project the trajectory of a bullet. This very dull textbook rendering of the material comes off like a boring science lecture. There is no enthusiasm and his monotone voice only worsens things.

All in all CSI: Miami is an entertaining program as an individual unit and it makes science look cool with book knowledge, field work, and technology used to find criminals. Can it keep your attention for a whole season? That all boils down to your interest in characters.

Series Grade: B

DVD Grade: C

Overall Grade: B-