A couch-wrenching episode

By Casey Gillis

Published: October 18, 2008

The season premiere of “CSI” completely traumatized me.

Sure, I knew Warrick (Gary Dourdan) was a goner, but it still broke my heart to see Grissom cradling his bloody, broken body as the episode began. And it only got worse from there.

It was gut-wrenching as his body was wheeled through the office, a blood-covered Grissom at his side, and the team’s reactions to his death only made it harder.

I’d finally composed myself about halfway through the episode, just in time for the video of Warrick saying he wished Grissom had been his father. Cue the waterworks again.

If this top-notch episode is any indication, we’ve got a great season ahead of us — well at least until episode 10, when Grissom and portrayer William Petersen are leaving the show.

I’m not sure what to think about a Grissom-less “CSI.” He’s the backbone of the team, and Petersen has always brought so much more to what could’ve been a simple procedural.

Supernatural
This CW series is definitely my favorite show right now.

Last season, demon-fighting brothers Sam and Dean were separated when Dean was sent to Hell.

Going into this year, it wasn’t so much a question of whether Dean would get out. It was how. And, boy, did the writers throw us a curveball: it was an angel, under orders from God, who pulled him out.

“We have work for you,” angel Castiel told Dean in the final moments of the premiere.

Whoa, baby. It was a great twist, especially considering Dean’s well-documented lack of faith. (Can I just mention that the title of the season’s second episode was “Are You There, God? It’s Me, Dean Winchester?” Priceless.)

One of the best episodes of this season — and probably, the series — aired earlier this month and offered another great reveal about the Winchester family history. Castiel sent Dean into the past, where he met a younger version of his parents and discovered that his mother and her family were hunters, too.

It looks like this season will be all about an epic battle between good and evil, and it makes sense that God would want the Winchester brothers on His side, don’t you think?

Greek
I kick myself just about every week for not watching this show sooner. Yes, I — a self-professed couch potato who watches ridiculous amounts of television — had never seen “Greek” before this season.

Cappie has quickly emerged as my favorite character (the adorable Rusty is a close second). Cap is the perfect TV boyfriend: cute, funny and full of sarcastic wit and clever pop culture references.

He and Casey definitely belong together somewhere down the line. But right now, I’m totally smitten with her and the socially awkward Max. I love that guy, and they are too cute together.

Smallville
This show is making me so happy these days. Clark is finally moving toward his destiny as Superman. He’s traded in those signature red and blue tees, for the most part, for collared shirts and ties that are more appropriate for his job at the Daily Planet.

As Lois and Clark, Erica Durance and Tom Welling have a great chemistry. Clark has always had the tendency to be a bit of a martyr, but Lois brings out his fun, playful side.

The cast additions — following the departures of Michael Rosenbaum (Lex) and Kristen Kreuk (Lana) — have also been inspired, especially Justin Hartley as Oliver/Green Arrow.

I didn’t think I’d like this Tess Mercer (Cassidy Freeman) woman, who took over LutherCorp for Lex, but she’s feisty and evil. And I kinda like it.

Then there’s Sam Witwer as Davis, the cute paramedic with a dark secret. Is it wrong that part of me wants him and Chloe together? I’ve always been a huge Chloe/Jimmy fan, but there’s something about Davis that gives him an edge.

Random thoughts
I wore out the rewind button on my DVR when Jim proposed to Pam on The Office. Finally! … So far, the only thing I’m digging about Grey’s Anatomy is Cristina and that hot Army doctor (where did he go, by the way?!)… Having Betty go all Kelly Taylor on us, by not choosing Henry or Gio, was such a cop out, and I want my Gio back on Ugly Betty immediately … Hodgins and Angela’s break-up on Bones was lame, but Sweets and his contributions to the cases continue to amuse me … Pushing Daisies remains a favorite; I just wish more people would watch and give it the ratings it deserves … The bromance developing between Mike and Susan’s new guy, Jackson, on Desperate Housewives is hilarious, as is Tom’s impending mid-life crisis (first a red convertible, now a garage band? Yikes). Edie’s new hubby, Dave, has presented us with a fascinating mystery — let’s just hope Mrs. McCluskey figures out what he’s up to sooner rather than later … I want to know what is going on with Danny and Lindsay on CSI: NY already! … I’ll need to devote an entire, future column to Heroes, which, despite a fabulous season premiere, just isn’t doing it for me.

When not in front of the tube, Gillis can be reached at