I sure hope that's sarcasm. 'Cause if it isn't, I feel just terrible

Don't feel too terrible. If I do ever watch CSI, it is just for Marg...

I haven't seen the episode (it's not being show till next year in the UK) so won't argue the details. But i've always found CSI to be the opposite of 'dumbing down'. Within the limits of having to make it good television (ok the police procedure is nonsense, CSI's don't interview and DNA results don't come back hours later) it's the last series to insult your intelligence. Some baddies get away. some were never even crimes. the CSI's never use their guns and shootings, even by the cops are presented as the tragedy they are.
But what seems obvious to us isn't to others. And didn't to us one time. Ask around and I bet you'll find plenty of intelligent people who don't know to never leave the vehicle, or travel by day in a desert. You ever wondered why you are the only person at work with a torch and a knife?
Besides didn't someone say she had to bandage her head? Not the best situation to be thinking straight.
simon

OOhh yeah, I've been a fan of hers since the old tv show China Beach!

Oh yeah...

Good point. There was a reason that show was such a classic and developed such a die-hard fan following.

I think its biggest strength was that the writers, and even the actors, took the characters seriously, even when the plots were kind of hokey.

Too many shows seem to be written as if the writers are saying to themselves "Who cares? It's just a TV show." And I always find myself thinking, "If they don't care about the characters, why should I?"

I personally would prefer to just get rid of the d**n idiot box, but my wife unfortunately is one of those people who insists on turning it on as background noise, and is perfectly capable of ignoring it - but gets very upset if I (a) turn it off, or (b) don't pay attention to her because there's five minutes left and they're about to reveal the TRUE KILLER... :-(

But Star Trek (The Original Series) was awesome in its ability to make you believe in the characters.