‘CSI: Vegas’ Creator Reveals the ‘Really, Really Exciting’ Differences Between the Original Version and the 2021 Reboot
ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS
- ‘CSI: Vegas’ will call into question all of the cases from the original series
- Sara and Grissom aren’t the only returning characters
- ‘CSI: Vegas’ will also have the traditional case-of-the-week format
CSI: Vegas is the latest revival of a once popular series that is coming back to broadcast television. It’s the next chapter of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, which ran on CBS from 2000 to 2015. The new version will feature a mix of familiar characters and a few new faces.
According to creator Anthony Zuiker, the reboot will have some “really, really exciting” differences from the original version.
‘CSI: Vegas’ will call into question all of the cases from the original series
In the weeks leading up to the premiere, CBS dropped a couple of trailers to promote CSI: Vegas. They revealed that the reboot will begin with accusations of fraudulent misconduct within the same Las Vegas crime lab where Grissom (William Petersen) and Sara (Jorja Fox) worked in the original series.
In one clip, Sara tells Grissom that every case and every defendant that was put away with evidence from their lab “has been called into question.” She says, “Our life’s work is on the line.”
‘Justice is coming’
In another promo titled “Nightmare in Sin City,” Grissom wakes up to a news report that details the accusations made against the lab where he worked for more than a decade.
The reporter says, “Good morning Las Vegas. Yesterday, CSIs uncovered evidence of fraudulent misconduct within their own department, dating back 20 years. A suspect has not been identified in a conspiracy that could affect the entire Nevada justice system. Internal affairs is investigating the case. Justice is coming, it will be swift.”
‘CSI: Vegas’ creator reveals the ‘really, really exciting’ differences between the two series
Creator and executive producer of CSI: Vegas Anthony Zuiker recently noted at a TCA panel for the reboot that a lot has changed in the world of forensic science and technology in the past two decades. The new series will show just how different things are compared to when the original CSI premiered in 2000.
“Science has changed. Technology has changed. Forensics has changed. And I think the great benefit to the franchise for CSI: Vegas is you can really see the upgrade in not only the storytelling, but the cinematic storytelling, and the forensic gadgets, and just how to tell stories in 2021 versus 2000 proper,” Zuiker said, according to Deadline.
“That’s what’s really, really exciting. Because we have a whole treasure trove of never — heard — before episodes, 814, we can go back and explore those for many, many seasons.”
Sara and Grissom aren’t the only returning characters
Along with Petersen and Fox, fans will see the return of Wallace Langham as David Hodges and Paul Guilfoyle as Jim Brass. Zuiker also teased that it’s possible more beloved characters from the mothership series will pop up. He said that anytime they can get any of their veterans back, “it’s such a great plus for all of [the CSI] fans.”
“We have a couple more surprises in store,” Zuiker teased. “I could probably say that. But the fantastic blend of the original cast members with a brand new, diverse team in 2021 and beyond is such a great treat for the CSI fans and the franchise.”
‘CSI: Vegas’ will also have the traditional case-of-the-week format
The other creator of CSI: Vegas — Jason Tracey — promised that the reboot will keep the traditional case-of-the-week format from the original series. However, there will also be a “serialized arc” that begins in dramatic fashion with the attack on Brass and the Vegas Crime Lab.
Tracey says that this event “sets in motion something that Grissom and Sara primarily drive through the course of the season, but becomes something that involves all of our new characters as well.”
CSI: Vegas premieres October 6 on CBS.
