DRAMA
Although its ratings this season have suffered many fine flicks of the scalpel from ABC's Grey's Anatomy, this pioneering forensics drama is by no means ready for that grim old morgue in its sixth year. It wasn't the greatest idea to counterprogram by casting Kevin Federline as a gang leader in a pig's mask: The episode was like a preschoolers' Clockwork Orange. (A Nov. 23 appearance by The Who's Roger Daltry makes more sense.) But CSI remains unequaled in exploiting a sense of place—Las Vegas—to sustain atmosphere. Plus, any show starring the grittily nuanced Jorja Fox and Marg Helgenberger would be worth watching. How I envy your carroty hair, Marg, and your glamorous air of seen-it-allness. Would I watch her over Grey's Sandra Oh? Hmmm—that's why there's TiVo. Meanwhile, something's up with William Petersen as Gil Grissom. Migraines. Holing up in his office. Trouble's on the way.
