Lindsay Monroe

Template:CSI character Lindsay Monroe is a fictional character from the TV series CSI: NY. She is portrayed by actress Anna Belknap.

Background

Lindsay is a native of Bozeman, Montana - the same hometown as Catherine Willows of the original CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Her Midwestern manners, such as removing her shoes before entering a suspect's home, are a novelty to her co-workers. Because of her roots, she is particularly sensitive about cases in which the victim comes from a small town. Ten years before her arrival in New York, she was the lone witness of a multiple homicide in which four of her friends were killed (episode 312, "Silent Night"). This event is what both motivates and hinders her as a CSI, as it has also left some deep scars; she finds it difficult to talk to mothers of crime victims (episode 305, "Oedipus Hex"), and is particularly rattled by the sight of deceased girls.

On The Job

Lindsay had worked as a CSI in Bozeman for three years when she is sought out by crime lab supervisor Mac Taylor to replace the recently-dismissed Aiden Burn (episode 203, "Zoo York"). While, according to Stella Bonasera, her dedication and abilities in the lab first drew Mac's notice, she has since proven herself to be not only a good CSI in the field, but also a competent interrogator (episode 205, "Dancing With The Fishes"). Occasionally, Lindsay has put her life on the line when she believed there was no other alternative (episode 302, "Not What It Looks Like").

She is immediately put to work when she arrives in New York; Mac has her aid him in obtaining evidence from a tranquilized tiger at the zoo. She later takes down a fleeing suspect, who was much larger than her, with such ferocity that Mac asks her, "What do they feed you in Montana?" During her first few weeks, because of her newcomer status, she is given the "dirty" jobs, like sifting through tiger dung, recovering evidence from a pool full of personal lubricant, and dumpster diving to recover a discarded shotgun.

Lindsay abruptly leaves a crime scene almost as soon as she arrives in "Silent Night," forcing Stella to cover for her sudden absence. Lindsay is initially tight-lipped about her actions to Stella, but later comes clean about memories of the decade-old murder that she survived, which were triggered by her arrival at the crime scene and a trip to the morgue in which she saw the bodies of young women on the autopsy table.

Lindsay was bitten by a cobra that escaped from a victim's car at a crime scene (episode 310, "Sweet 16"). This was primarily a device used to cut back on Anna Belknap's screentime during her pregnancy.

In episode 314, "The Lying Game," Lindsay takes a leave of absence to return to Bozeman; she is to testify for the state against a suspect arrested for the murder of her friends (The leave of absence coincided with Anna Belknap's real-life maternity leave from the show.). She is shown on the witness stand in episode 318, "Sleight Out Of Hand," struggling with recalling the events when Danny Messer suddenly enters the courtroom. Buoyed by his presence, she regains her composure and confidently gives her testimony, positively identifying the suspect as the gunman. Thanks in part to Lindsay's testimony, the suspect is found guilty.

Relationships

Lindsay is still finding her place on the team though she has become friends with her colleagues. It is Stella who gives the newly-arrived Lindsay tough advice on living and working in the big city.

Danny Messer

Lindsay's relationship with Danny Messer has been a tumultuous one. Danny initially expressed resentment towards Lindsay upon her arrival, since Aiden Burn was his partner and best friend. When he meets Lindsay at the zoo on her very first case, he tells her to call Mac "Sir," a title which the CSI supervisor takes offense to. Soon after, Danny begins to call Lindsay "Montana,"

Despite their rocky start, Danny and Lindsay become friends. In "All Access," Lindsay, troubled about Stella's hostage situation, becomes frustrated during an interrogation and stalks out of the room. Danny gives chase and after reassuring her that Mac will call them if needed, talks Lindsay into returning to the interrogation.

Though Danny and Lindsay work a good number of cases together, they manage to see each other on several occasions when they are not working the same case. Lindsay tricks Danny into attending a jazz club in episode 214, "Stuck On You," so they can covertly watch their supervisor Mac playing bass in his down time. In "Cool Hunter" (episode 216), Lindsay asks for Danny's help with recreating a crime scene by having him carry her through a garden, in a sweet scene, albeit unnecessary lengths to go to for such a simple experiment. At the end of episode 215, "Fare Game," Danny sits down with Lindsay to share an insect-based banquet that he had bought on a bet that she wouldn't eat bugs.

In episode 302, "Not What It Looks Like", Danny's confused feelings for Lindsay emerge; he protests when she volunteers to go undercover. In the following episode, "Love Run Cold," Danny finally decides to ask Lindsay on a real date but she casually stands him up using the 'it's not you, it's me' excuse, and later she ignores his offer of support. The reason for Lindsay's rejection isn't made known until later in the season after having been informed that a suspect, Daniel Katums, had been arrested in the homicide that she witnessed as a teen.

Because of Lindsay's withdrawal from Danny, their relationship for most of Season 3 is professional and strained. In "The Lying Game," Lindsay leaves for Bozeman to testify for the state against Katums. Rather than say goodbye to Danny in person, she leaves him a card and signs it "Montana." After Danny unexpectedly shows up in Bozeman to lend her moral support during the trial. The two await a verdict while Lindsay takes his hand and hug after the verdict is read. Lindsay moves to kiss Danny, but the moment is interrupted by reporters ("Sleight Out Of Hand").

In the third season finale, Danny and Lindsay awaken on the billiard table. Later on, Lindsay recalls how their evening of drinking and playing pool ended up with them having sex on the pool table at Danny's apartment in episode 324, "Snow Day." Eleven episodes into season 4, it still is not clear if the two have any kind of relationship outside of work after that incident.

Family

• unnamed mother
• unnamed father
• Uncle Freddy