It started with CSI (Las Vegas). The show was a hit. It offers something completely different back then. Solving murder mysteries using forensic science and police; instead of logic and lawyers or private investigator (Sherlock Holmes, Columbus). The show was such a hit - it gave birth to CSI: Miami (by the way, I like Haratio the most compare to all other characters in the CSI universe).
Once, I told my friend jokingly; after watching 2 episodes of CSI: Miami, "It appears that there'll be CSI: Washington, CSI: Los Angeles, CSI: Chicago, CSI: New York etc. The producers want to cash out on this hit TV show (CSI: Las Vegas). They will conquer one city (in USA) a time ". My friend called me when he first saw the trailer of CSI: New York on television, "Dude, are you writing scripts for these CSI shows? There’s going to be CSI: New York!! WTF!!!"
I'm not a big fan of CSI: New York. Some of the computer technology that they use to assist in solving crimes makes me wonder, "Does CIA use CSI: NY technology to combat international terrorism?" I know CSI: Las Vegas and CSI: Miami also push the envelope far when it comes to using-computer-to-solve-crime, but it is of my opinion that CSI: NY pushes the envelope furthest. I bet; it will be them - that will solve the very first inter-planetary crime.
Recently, I started to enjoy NCIS (thanks to 8tv) - quite a decent show. Very similar to CSIs, however, the forensic / investigation team is from US Navy / Marine. The overall tone of the show is also slightly relaxed compare to CSIs. I've learned recently that NCIS is actually a spin-off from another TV series - JAG. I’ve never watched JAG before. Nevertheless, I do enjoy NCIS.
Now, it has come to my attention that, there'll be a spin-off from NCIS; NCIS: Los Angeles. You got to be kidding me!! I’ve had enough of CSIs / NCISs spin-offs. It is getting sick and tiring. This situation is similar to one point of time at where - every show on TV used to be a reality show - Survivor, Amazing Race, Apprentice, For Love or Money, Fear Factor etc - remember?
I understand the reason behind these spin-offs. Since these shows are hit - let's create a spin-off. After all, selling air time for commercials during a hit TV show is a lucrative business. Moreover, an actor can only dedicate certain amount of time for a particular show; it makes sense to hire different actors to star in a spin-off. Repeat the same format with different set of actors.
Lately, I'm getting addicted to Lie to Me and Burn Notice. Though I always make comparison of Lie to Me to CSI (why read facial expression to know who's lying? Why not call the CSI team to perform a check if any guest in this wedding hall has fired a gun? That's much easier!!!), I thoroughly enjoy Lie to Me (also the fact that Tim Roth acted in Reservoir Dogs & Pulp Fiction - can affect my judgment as well). The thing that I like the most of Lie to Me is that it teaches you a trick or two to know when someone is lying. It is very useful when dealing with law / business / projects.
Burn Notice is even better. He is trying to solve a mystery that is so close to him (why he got fired?) and on this journey in the valley of darkness; he is helping others using the acquired skills from CIA. Little bit of MacGyver plus A Team here - I liked that.
Getting back to CSIs / NCISs; please stop the spin-offs. I don't want to see new wine in old bottle. It is the same old bottle. Like Marsellus said it to Butch in Pulp Fiction "You see, this profession is filled to the brim with unrealistic m***********s. M***********s who thought their a$$ would age like wine. If you mean it turns to vinegar, it does. If you mean it gets better with age, it don't."
CSIs / NCISs spin-offs are turning into vinegars in my point of view. But I know this for sure – as long as the shows are hit and people demand for more - the spin-offs will continue - no doubt about it.
