C.S.I: Crime Scene Investigation - Miami - Season 1 Part 2 [DVD] [2003]

When I first saw CSI:Miami, I found David Caruso's character (Horatio Caine) to be the most annoying person on television (not counting his character in NYPD Blue Season 1, who was even worse). He is trying a little to hard for the Brando-esque brood, the smokey voice and poignant verbal spurtings (and it's really difficult to decide whether or not he's concerned and sincere, or just down-right creepy-stalker-man). However, if you watch more than one episode at a time, you realise he doesn't monopolise the screen-time, he becomes more bearable, and you find the 'extra' main characters are actually truly absorbing people - particularly the beautiful Emily Proctor's character, the gun-expert Cassy (check out the episode when she's dosed with cocaine!).

They're all great characters, played by a group of brilliant actors, and I am finding myself preferring CSI:Miami to the original - perhaps because that's been going on for much longer, and they've started to run out of ideas. In Miami, though, there are countless opportunities to explore, and I hope they do for many seasons to come! Highly recommended television, with gripping, thought-provoking stories. Also, it's great seeing the sickos get their come-uppance!

The only problem with the CSI series (all three of them - Las Vegas, Miami and New York) is that the boxsets are SO EXPENSIVE! £30-£40 for 3 DVDs, when you can get an entire series (6 DVDs) for £30 - Alias, Buffy, Angel, Tru Calling, Frasier, X-Files, etc. This is simply ridiculous.

Csi Miami is, I have to admit, one of the most unintentionally funny shows I must have ever seen. Sure, I love the CSI concept, and the acting, scriptwriting and visuals are stunning. However its the characters that are the most amusing. Lets start with my favourite, Horatio.

David Caruso plays Lieutenant Horatio Caine, the lead in CSI Miami. He plays Horatio in such a way that it is most difficult not to laugh at him. I will list my collection of Horatio-isms that occur throughout CSI Miami.

1. He never looks at the people who he is interviewing, or even talking to directly. He is usually staring into the middistance, thinking thoughts only he could possibly percieve. This is confusing if you aren't following the story well, or have just joined it late from a tea-break or similar.

2. When his first appearance in an episode occurs, it is usually accompanied by one of two things. If Detective Tripp is accompanying him at the time, he will call him by his first name, Frank, at least twice. If Alexx Woods is there, the coroner, he will make a remark that will get her attention.

3. He must have arthritis from the amount of time he spends kneeling down, then taking off his sunglasses, then putting them back on, then showing of his police badge on his hip. He may even re-do some of the steps, like a routine. Amusing. Does all three at least once in an episode.

4. Horatio says 'here's what I want you to do' or a variant very often. Even in the threat of imminent danger, he manages to routinely say these words before properly focusing on the task at hand. And he also has a habit of repeating what people have said. In one episode, admittedly not from Series 1.2, Eric Delko says something like 'My eyes are hurting'. Horatio immediately says 'Your eyes are hurting' back, in what can only be described as a mystical, strange tone.

These all come together to make the character of Horatio so amusing and you cannot help but watch him. It is apparent in this half-season of CSI Miami, where things begin to pick up.

I concur with people who say Kim Delaney brought nothing to the show. David Caruso brings all of the above, Emily Procter, as Calleigh Duquense, is amusing and intriguingly mysterious. Adam Rodriguez is practically the character of Eric Delko, sort of a cocky/reserved (depending on the writers) scuba-man who is knowledgeable and likes the ladies. Rory Cochrane is excellent as Tim Speedle, referred to as Speed by Horatio, for the last syllable puts too much weight on his mind, what with the mid-distance looking and all. Finally, Khandi Alexander as the coroner Alexx Woods is very odd, as she talks to the dead people as though they were little children who had just fallen over. Yes, she talks to the dead. Not in a sixth sense way, just as an amusing by-thought by the writers to make the solemn business of being a pathologist more fun.

This half-season is excellent, especially the episodes Dispo Day, which has an excellent shootout, and Dead Woman Walking (although this is rife with incorrect facts about half-life of radioactive isotopes). The box is nice and looks to a high standard. In conclusion this DVD is an excellent buy for anyone who likes CSI, or even wants to try it out. I enjoy all the CSIs, but my favourite is between this and CSI. I cannot decide.

This review was by Luke. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you wish for me to review any other items.

ALLWAY ON TIME AND VERY GOOD FOR THE PRICE.
ME I AND MY SISTER NEVER HAVE ANYTHING BAD TO SAY.