Crossovers are tricky affairs. While it's really cool to see how your favorite characters act in a familiar yet alien setting, too often crossovers feel like hastily written fan-fiction. The characters become two-dimensional, and the weaker are made more interesting to lure interest.

CBS' big plan for sweeps was to pair its scripted juggernaut, CSI, with another very good show, Without a Trace. At least, I've heard the latter is very good; somehow, I've never seen a single episode. Until tonight.

We start in Las Vegas, where a woman and child share an awkward game night, complicated when both are beaten to death. Grissom arrives to find the scene six hours old. Someone, see, put a hold on processing the bodies. Soon enough, that somebody is helicoptered in: the FBI's Jack Malone. A bloody palm print matches one from a six-year-old murder in New York City, during which a boy very much like this night's victim was abducted.

At the risk of doing disservice to what turned out to be a neat story, let me sum up. A serial killer has been traveling the nation's railways, but now it seems he wants a certain boy. The reason? That boy is his son, and our first victim was a case of mistaken identity. So was the years-old abduction; that boy's body is found in Tucson. The killer is a man named Terry Wicker, and once he finds his true son, Wicker flees back to the Big Apple. Malone follows, as does Grissom, and in the end the killer shoots himself rather than harm his son.

Unfortunately for CSI fans, Malone was clearly the main character for both hours, and while I love Anthony LaPaglia, I miss getting my forensics fix. Malone had at least one scene with each of CSI's prominent characters, lab rats included, while Grissom's time in New York was basically a cameo.

Was It Good? Sure. Wicker made for an interesting killer, because his rages were only blunted by his sister and his son. Wicker knew it, and abducted his son to try and stop killing. (Too bad he had to kill his ex-wife to do it.)

Was It True to Form? I can't speak to Without a Trace, but the CSI half felt a bit rushed. Grissom was unusually hostile toward Malone until Gil got to New York, whereupon he acted like our favorite bug expert.

Was It Stuntalicious? The shows' characters were integrated fairly well, though it was annoying to see a Fibbie order around our favorite techs. Fans of Without a Trace who had never seen CSI probably wouldn't tune in next week.

Sara Sidle Watch. One more week until Sara retires, and while she got almost as much screen time this week as the other CSIs, that's not saying much. Sara did have one scene where Wicker's work got her sawdust going, so she stormed out the door at the unfairness of it all. Her character has become too petulant for me to really miss.

Comments

I have to say that I did not like the cross over. I felt that it wasn't very well done. As you pointed out, Malone was the star of both episodes and the CSI portion was rushed.

I do feel as though Without A Trace can be a good show, but the conclusion of this ratings stunt did nothing for me. I felt it was way too boring.

As for the Sara Sidle watch - it saddens me that this next episode will be her last. She is one of my favorite characters. It's a shame that Jorja is leaving the show, and while I can't blame CBS for that, I can sure as heck blame them for the amount of screen time she has received since the season premiere. For a character who has been with the show from nearly the very beginning (with the exception of the first episode of the series), the way she is being treated now is just sad.

It would've been great to see Sara battle her demons while at work as she tried to push past the horror that Natalie put her through. See her emotions put through the wringer with difficult cases. And ultimately, her decision to leave the Lab and probably even Las Vegas . . .

When George Eads Nick was abducted in the season 5 finale, I looked forward to some personal hardships for the character in season 6. Unfortunately, his moments of ill-ease were few and far between. I felt that the storyline and it's fall out were widely ignored. And I didn't think the show would make the same mistake a season time. Unfortunately, I was wrong.

It's a shame that Nick and Sara haven't had screen time together, discussing how their own ordeals have impacted their lives. It would've been nice to see Nick reliving some of his own trauma as he helped Sara cope and promise her that it might be tough, but life goes on and that he'd help her in any way he could.

So many story lines have been wasted in the last few weeks. Jorja is a tremendous actress whose talents have been wasted and her fans are outraged at how she has been treated.

I want to give the new girl, Ronnie, a chance. After all, the actress is from Vancouver, which is where I am from. Gotta support homegrown talent after all. However, in light of the fact that Jorja is leaving, I would've much rathered seen Ronnie introduced slowly, with Jorja taking the bulk of the girls screen time. After she's gone, then I would like to get to know a newbie. Not before. Not when the screen time for Jorja is precious little to begin with.

Meg | Nov 9, 2007 1:25:19 AM | #

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My sisters and I thought the crossover was cool. Sure, in hindsight I see your point about CSI. But when I was watching it, the storytelling was engaging enough for me to enjoy myself without once thinking of the nitpicking.

CSI's Sara? Uh, my sisters and I all hate her. We've never liked the character and last night didn't add anything to her for us. Yeah, we never liked Sara and Grissom pairing up either. That was just weird.

Anna | Nov 9, 2007 6:48:12 AM | #

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As a fan of both shows, I thought is was very well done. I sat throught the whole 2 hours without ever leaving my seat.
I had actually not watched either show for a few weeks; concentrating more on new shows premiers but, I am definately back to these two old favorites.

Chris | Nov 9, 2007 7:31:21 AM | #

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I'm glad they did the cross over because while I am a big CSI fan, I've never watched Without a Trace. This event showed me that I'm not missing anything as Malone is not a character I would want to watch each week.

Ed | Nov 9, 2007 7:48:43 AM | #

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I am a huge CSI fan, but also watch Trace. I, too, was disappointed that Malone got so much air time on CSI, yet Grissom was barely on Trace and had next to nothing to do with the case. I thought the story was good though and in all, did enjoy the crossover.

As for Sara Watch, I am one of those sad to see her go. I was happy to see her and Grissom finally get together. I hope she returns late in the season for a cameo or something to help resolve their relationship. I mean, he did pop the question, what's going happen now?

Diane | Nov 9, 2007 9:51:33 AM | #

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| Nov 9, 2007 10:12:27 AM | #

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I for one will miss Sara. I can't comment on these episodes, because my recorder didn't do its job.

Trupen | Nov 9, 2007 10:33:22 AM | #

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I Love Sara, but her freak outs this season seem very forced. I understand that she might have issues after the event in the desert, but by the looks of the next episode it should be called "The Sara Sidle Show" or "The GSR show" One minute they act indiffernet, the next episode it's suddenly an epic Romance.

Ash | Nov 9, 2007 10:42:13 AM | #

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I didn't like Malone's screentime on CSI either. He was definately too prominately featured on it as a guest star, which gave the actual stars very little time to work.

I enjoyed the actress Jorja Fox, but not the character of Sara Sidle. I don't know why. I want the characters to acknowledge her departure, but not dwell on it. I would like more screentime for George Eads, Eric Szmanda and Gary Dourdan.

Penny | Nov 9, 2007 10:48:06 AM | #

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I watch both shows and I enjoyed the crossover (which always seem to be a bit awkward probably because of 2 writing staffs competing). I found it realistic both from the standpoint of Malone and Grissom. The FBI is notoriously intolerant of local police and Malone toned it down a bit but it was still there as that's the way his character is. Grissom, on the other hand, is very laid back with his emotions mostly under control. I particularly liked the bits of banter between Jack and Grissom - 'how'd that work out for you...?' I also liked Brass' intervention when Malone got too rough - 'Rendition him to Guantamo if you want, but now he's in my house... (or words to that effect).
I agree that Grissom did get shorted a bit in NY but he did still play a major role in figuring out the crime and locations. I loved the look of confusion on his face when he couldn't smell the chemicals in the basement that the FBI girl though was so stinky. Plus, he and Malone did have a nice moment of professional-bonding in the last scenes.
All-in-all, it was satisfactory but not great.

wmeador | Nov 9, 2007 11:10:11 AM | #

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I didn't care for this. I watch Without a Trace, but I don't care for CSI and I found it all a little tedious.

Lisa | Nov 9, 2007 11:52:05 AM | #

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I liked the crossover, yes, Anthony LaPaglia did get more screentime, but wasn't he chasing this case for the past 6 years? It seems relevant that he and Grissom had the final scene dealing with the worse part of their jobs: a child's death, hence revelation to the parents. I have been a huge follower of CSI since episode one. I love Sara because she is so anal, neurotic, and is so consumed with her work to have any kind of a normal, social life. I can relate. Ronnie is far from being a tough cookie like Sara as a replacement. If anyone knows the dish as to why Jorga Fox is leaving the show, can you email me? Much appreciated..

Enzo | Nov 9, 2007 12:28:58 PM | #

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I hope they kill Sara off in a most brutal & painful way!!!

El Conejo | Nov 9, 2007 1:58:10 PM | #

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I got the feeling that the original idea behind the crossover episodes sounded better on paper than the eventual execution thereof. Sure, it was fun seeing Grissom get out of the lab and out of Vegas, but as for the reverse, Malone has gone all over the place, so his being in Vegas wasn't that much of a stretch for him. I was glad that the main storyline that connected both shows was good enough to warrant having the crossover; Wicker was one evil SOB, and the young actor who played his son did an outstanding job at the end playing what would have been a totally shell-shocked boy after all that had happened to him. The problem with including the regular goings-on of both shows is that they don't make much sense to the characters on the other shows, so having Grissom in the basement at FBI headquarters rather than in a shiny new lab that surely must exist somewhere in the Big Apple (perhaps over at CSI:New York's splendid digs) was a little off-putting. Also, both Grissom and Malone are essentially loners who just happen to head a team of vibrant, well-matched people who don't need much in the way of supervision. This is why Grissom's scenes in New York and Malone's in Vegas seemed so clunky. Again, the overall multiple murder arc was well done and all, which made the two shows more fun than they really had a right to be. If they do something like this again, I hope they'll have gotten the bugs worked out. And for Enzo, the reason Jorja Fox is leaving is for two reasons: one, she was tired of playing the part without her character really growing much (based on a couple TV Guide interviews of recent vintage), and second, she didn't get the raise in pay she was demanding in order to stay around in a role she was starting to dislike. The reason she was not outright killed off is that the show's creators and Fox agreed that Sara is still a vital part of the team, and that her eventual return is something that will likely happen sometime before the show ends its run. So while Jorja Fox is gone after next week, it is not expected to be permanent. I personally wouldn't care if she came back or not, just as long as they stick to the murder du jour and leave all the messy relationship crap over on Grey's Anatomy, where it belongs. Oh, and as a personal aside...even though I don't like Sara Sidle as a character, I do not like the way the writers are handling her exit. It goes totally against her character to have her go wimpily out the door because the violence is getting to her. There has been no indication, even after being a near-victim of the Miniature Killer, that Sara has grown sick of her job, and tacking that on as an excuse for her leaving is just poor writing. Sudden pregnancy--that I could believe.

Dark Disciple | Nov 9, 2007 2:04:43 PM | #

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I am a WITHOUT A TRACE fan. I loved it all the way. I stayed on my seat the entire time. What great crossover, and I have never watched CSI before. I will start watching it now. I

chris | Nov 9, 2007 8:27:44 PM | #

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Why is it that Jorja can quietly leave CSI and Sara will survive while Rory Cochrane and Vanessa Ferlito's characters were killed off of the other series in the franchise when they wanted to leave? That seems a little unfair to me.

cm | Nov 9, 2007 8:32:58 PM | #

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I watch CSI via Comcast Video On Demand. I forgot last night was a cross over and did not tape it (was at a concert so wasn't home to watch live). CSI is on inner Tube, Comcast On Demand and Itunes. Without a Trace is not. So I cannot watch the second half of a two parter. There are more and more people watching via alternative media and for CBS not to make this particular WAT episode available on inner tube or have the entire two hours on Comcast is really poor, poor customer service on their part. Why would they be so stupid?

Dixie | Nov 9, 2007 8:55:46 PM | #

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It seems odd to me that they should cross Without a Trace with CSI:Vegas, when CSI:NY is just down the street, begging to be recognized. I guess the whole point was to try and get more eyes on Trace, which has been on for what, six years? while never getting the audience it deserves. I suppose that's why Jack Malone was the main guy in both episodes. What I liked was how peripheral characters responded to the two leads. Like Hodges sucking up to the new alpha-male in the lab, or Sam Spade looking distinctly uncomfortable around smells that Grissom doesn't even notice.

Sidle Watch: Thinking about it has made me realize that I doubt I'll miss her that much. Catherine was always the stronger female lead, and Nick and Warrick have their own thing going, but Sara always seemed boring. Its strange to think of the show without her though. Eight years and this is the first time a major character will leave the show. Not like Miami, where at least three have left. (Speed, Det. Hagen and Season one's Kim Delaney)

Steve | Nov 10, 2007 1:35:35 PM | #

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I enjoyed the cross-over, though I do agree that Anthony LaPaglia dominated both episodes. Loved his comment to Hodges; didn't take long for the FBI man to get the lay of the land. LOL.

As far as Sara is concerned. I for one will be very sorry to see her go. She is probably my favorite character, and I'm not sure how I will feel about CSI once she's gone. I've never really liked Catherine (too much drama there) and Ronnie is so not growing on me (though she is only supposed to be short-term). CSI has really misused Sara in most of the episodes since the premiere, so I hope they step up to the plate in her final episode. Unfortunately, my hopes are not too high.

Pauline | Nov 10, 2007 6:46:29 PM | #

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Without A Trace is a good show but they should have had more forensic stuff on the second hour. This crossover isn't as great as I thought it would be but it was still good TV. It killed in the ratings.

Lastly, Anthony LaPaglia is a major stud but my heart belongs to William Peterson, Grissom is all the man I need!

Rachel | Nov 11, 2007 12:59:36 AM | #

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I like both shows, but CSI rules! I haven't seen the crossover yet, but looking forward to it. As for Sara I can't wait for her to be gone.

don | Nov 11, 2007 2:25:45 PM | #

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I have never watched Without a Trace before. I love CSI and do not miss an episode. Watching it this week, I forgot that there was going to be a crossover and did not record Without a Trace. Now going on line I can not find it on line to watch. I am not sure now if I missed much and if Without a Trace is good or not?????

Wilhelmine | Nov 11, 2007 5:53:19 PM | #

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I almost never watch "without a trace" while I'm a devoted CSI fan--and the lead character's behavior {Anthony LaPagliaon) on CSI is exactly why. I can't believe the CSI team didn't make more out of that--especially considering that the murdered boy turned out to be the "suspect's" son! Moreover Sarah's character is definitely being mishandled. I don't think it's so out of character for her to be getting sick of the violence, but I do think they missed a golden opportunity to explore PTSD--and I agree with an earlier poster that they should have had Nick making some effort to commiserate-or urge her to talk to someone. You simply cannot walk away from experiences like those without some affects--remember Nick did show some signs of PTSD on later episodes without it making him look like a wimp or ineffectual--as have other characters. I like the Sarah character-especially her backstory of abuse, and I liked the low-key romance between her and Grissom. Somehow he seemed like the kind of guy that would be patient and understanding enough not to push someone like Sarah into giving more than she could give--and with her history it would seem logical that trust would be a big issue. I do think that it would also have been in character for her to have far more reaction to her experience, and have a more evident struggle to keep it from affecting her work. Hopefully Sarah can continue her relationship with grissom off-screen (with subsequent guest appearances as girlfreind and "consultant"?)and that will help keep her tied into the show!

LL Ladybug | Nov 20, 2007 1:55:28 AM | #

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