Replacement on ‘CSI’ to Shake Up Show

By CHUCK BARNEY, CONTRA COSTA TIMES

CBS entertainment chief Nina Tassler provided more details at the TV critics summer press tour on how “CSI” will deal with the departure of William Petersen, the lead actor on the network’s top- rated show.

Petersen will leave after 10 episodes to work on a play. His replacement will “certainly be an actor of stature,” Tassler said, but it sounds as if the part has not been cast yet. (Either that, or she’s not ready to announce who it is.)

The new character will be an “outsider” who doesn’t arrive as CSI’s “immediate boss.” But get this: The guy will have “a genetic profile” shared by many serial killers. Do we have another Dexter on our hands?

The character’s co-workers will be unaware of this personality makeup as he attempts to get a handle on things. “He’ll go on a journey of self-discovery.”

“I don’t think you really replace Billy,” said Tassler, who pointed out that “CSI” producers are “adding an element that’s going to invigorate the show.”

Petersen will remain as an executive producer on “CSI” and is likely to make future appearances.

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