Analysis:
The episode itself is a solid one, proving that yes, CSI can offer both character development and compelling stories. Watching the CSIs go back over evidence from the Garbett case proves that no, the evidence cannot lie, but it can hide. The idea that an evidence bag meant to preserve evidence could actually mask it is an intriguing dilemma.
Grissom pays the price for a scientific quirk and his team's oversights. On one level, it’s only natural that he, as the leader of the team, is ultimately accountable, but it's hard not to hate the slimy Ecklie in this episode. Mark Vann is delightfully sinister—his agenda is clear from the get-go.
This is the moment he's been waiting for; it wasn't enough for him to one-up Grissom by getting the assistant director position. He now feels the need to take his old rival down a rung or two. Because he can't find any actual evidence of wrongdoing on Grissom's part, he can't demote him. Rather, after witnessing the loyalty and camaraderie among Grissom's team, he decides to split them up. In an even more villainous move, he demotes Sofia Curtis simply because she doesn't deliver the news he wanted to hear.
Catherine is promoted to the swing shift, but given her reasons for wanting the promotion--to spend more time with her rebellious daughter--it's a mixed blessing. The swing shift begins at 4 pm, probably right around the time Lindsay would be arriving home from school. By the time Catherine would get home at midnight, Lindsay would probably be asleep. At best, Catherine might be able to have a quick breakfast with her daughter.
Certainly this isn't the improvement she was hoping for. The promotion will be good for her career, but Ecklie couldn't even be bothered to give her the position she really wanted. It seems likely that Ecklie only gave her the promotion to spite Grissom and facilitate splitting up the night shift team.
Review provided by CSI Files.
