Reviewed by Niall Browne

I think that my love for all things CSI is pretty well known (that is if you read my reviews). I was first initiated into the CSI franchise about six months ago – and since then I haven’t looked back. In my opinion CSI: New York is on a par with the William Peterson starring original (simply named CSI).

When it was first announced that Gary Sinise would be starring in this procedural show spin-off I felt sad. I felt bad because I thought that there was  another cool actor sidelined into a television show. However that was before I knew the genius of CSI.

Like its stable mates CSI: NY has a song by The Who as the theme tune – in this case it’s Baba O’Riley, a track which I feel is probably the best song by The Who, and therefore the best soundtrack for the series.

CSI: NY is a  much simpler version of the franchise. It’s less slick and a bit more old-fashioned and a bit gorier – and I don’t mean that as a criticism, it’s good to have a more traditional cop show on television. Sinise anchors the show, but that’s not to say that he’s too domineering (like Miami’s Caruso). All the actors however contribute to the show, making it more on a par with the original series. Series regulars Melina Kanakaredes, Carmine Giovinazzo and Eddie Cahill all have enough talent to carry the show when Sinise isn’t around, and they have much better chemistry than their Miami counterparts. All are given their own plot lines throughout the series, giving them all time to shine, but they all appear to be aware that “Mac” is the star.

The one qualm that I may have about this CSI series is that the finales often never match what has gone before, leading to a slight sense of anti-climax. It’s not always the case, but it happens in a couple of episodes over these three discs.

The Extras

It’s a shame. Usually the CSI DVD’s are pretty well stocked with special features. Unfortunately there’s nothing here.

Final Thoughts

This second CSI spin-off matches the quality of the original show. Foregoing the glitz and glamour of Miami, this New York set series is a solidly entertaining cop show. Gary Sinise is the standout (but aren’t all the bosses on these shows?) while the rest of the cast show a great deal of promise. Entertainment the way it should be.