Tues, Jan 22nd, 2008
08:00 CSI
09:00 Prison Break
10:00 Entourage
CSI. Season 5, Episode 15. CSI is one of those shows with standard episodes and special episodes. Lots of shows are structured that way. I think The Incredible Hulk was one of the most obvious and the first I noticed as a kid. Most weeks it was all about David arrving in town, helping someone with their problems and - while doing so - turning into The Hulk twice. Always twice. Before leaving town. Then they did the episodes where something went wrong, or where it was a completely different type of story. The special episodes.
Most CSI episodes feature two cases and the teams are split. Then, on special occasions, they unite the teams for one high profile case. Or they might do an episode where something goes wrong or where they tell a different type of story. This particular outing falls into both those categories: The death of a famous casino boss is cause to unite all the CSIs on one case, and - as well as that - all of Catherine's phtographic evidence is stolen from the crime scene and later turns up in local TV. For these reasons, as well as the unusual nature of the case, this is one of the best-ever episodes of CSI.
Early on in the story, there are some scenes of conflict between Gil and Catherine. The only thing that ruins this otherwise perfect scene is the inclusion of Sofia (played by Louise Lombard). This character is completely wrong for the show. She seems forced and un-natural. Like a CSI Miami character dropped into the Vegas show by mistake.
But, aside from this minor flaw, this episode is wonderful and belongs to Catherine and Gil from start to finish. Marg Helgenberger absolutely shines in the role and the episode highlight - for me - is the closing scene where Catherine, Gil and Brass head out to dinner and Gil and Cat tease one another about their on-the-job conflicts. Smart writing, an amazing cast, perfect TV.
Prison Break. Season 3, Episode 10. Since he first appeared at the start of Season 2 (in his ill-fitting suit) Alex Mahone has been one of my favourite PB characters. That is saying a lot, considering the calibre of characters on the show. But what's not to love? It was such an audiacious move on the part of the writers: creating a new character who is every bit as clever as Michael, but a lot more dangerous. Genius. And, like everyone else, I loved following his story through the second season of the show.
Season 3 has brought forth a new Alex Mahone. And, while it has been a pleasure to watch William Fichtner do his thing as a drugged-out Alex I have been missing the Alex of old. The dangerous one. So imagine my delight when he re-appears at the start of this episode. He seems to have beaten a lot of his personal demons, and he is thinking clearly again. As usual, he is the only one in the room who knows what is going on in Michael's head. Wasn't that final scene between them absolutly wonderful? And, as the series progresses, I can see him taking on a sort of protector role for Michael and - ultimately - redeeming himself by laying down his life to save the Scofields.
Entourage. Season 3, Episode 1. A low-key episode to start off the new season. And a breath of fresh air after the tension and heartbreak of season two. As we rejoin the fab four in Hollywood all is well with their world, and Vince is concerned with getting his mother to the Aquaman premier. Sweet, cool episode with a clever resolution.
Highlight? Prison Break.
CSI, Prison Break, Entourage
