Give CSI Stars The Respect Earned

To Whom It May Concern:

Throughout the second half of season nine, there has been an inbalance with character involvement in the most recent storylines. While we do understand that new characters need a chance to develop, we feel that older characters, played by Eric Szmanda, George Eads, and Marg Helgenberger, particularly Eric Szmanda, have not received the credit they deserve for years of dedication to CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. There are many members of the audience who feel that Eric Szmanda has been extremely patient for the second of this season, as he has been the one most underrepresented, and yet portrays a characters who is one of the most loved, ever since his time as an occasional guest star. One particular example is the 200th episode, Mascara. The storyline featured only Laurence Fishburne's new character, and barely touched on those who are the reason fans kept watching and bringing the show to 200 episodes.

For many of us, extending beyond those who have signed this petition, the reason we continue to watch CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is because of the characters we have watched from the beginning, and we do not appreciate having the newest character being the constant center of attention. We understand that new characters need a certain amount of time to develop, however this should not be at the expense of established characters who the audience have grown to know and love. We would love to see the new characters develop, but this should not be forced right away. It should take time like the older characters, who still have areas they need to develop in on their own.

We would love to continue to watch your program for years to come, and hope you give the opinions of the long-term audience your full consideration.