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{{confuse|Gus Grissom}}
{{CSI character
|csi_serie = CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
|image = WilliamPetersen.jpg
|image_size = 150px
|caption = Petersen on the set of ''CSI'', March 2004
|color = #32CD32
|name = Gil Grissom
|born = August 17, 1956<br />Santa Monica, California
|city = Las Vegas, Nevada
|job = CSI (Retired)
|rank = CSI Level 3
|position = Head of Crime Lab/Night Shift Supervisor
|seasons = [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 1)|1]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 2)|2]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 3)|3]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 4)|4]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 5)|5]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 6)|6]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|7]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 8)|8]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 9)|9]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 11)|11]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 13)|13]]
|portrayer = [[William Petersen]]
|first = [[Pilot (CSI)|The Pilot]]
|last = The Two Mrs. Grissoms
}}

'''Dr. Gilbert Arthur "Gil" Grissom''', [[Doctor of Philosophy|Ph.D.]], is a [[fictional character]] on the CBS [[crime drama]] ''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]]'', portrayed by [[William Petersen]]. Grissom was a [[Forensic entomology|forensic entomologist]] and the night shift supervisor of the [[Clark County, Nevada]] CSI ([[forensics]]) team, investigating crimes in and around the city of [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]]. He was the show's [[protagonist]] from seasons one to nine, when Petersen left the show as a regular, and was replaced by [[Laurence Fishburne]] as Dr. [[Raymond Langston]], [[Doctor of Medicine|M.D.]] He appeared in 190 episodes.

''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]]'' producer and writer [[Carol Mendelsohn]] considers Grissom the center of the show,<ref>[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/05/solving_the_mys.html Chicago Tribune "Solving the mystery of the 'CSI' finale shocker"] par.19 approx. Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> and in the first seven years of the show he appeared in every episode, with the exception of "Hollywood Brass", from [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 5)|season five]], "Gum Drops" and "The Unusual Suspect" from [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 6)|season six]], and "Sweet Jane" and "Redrum" from [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]]. In late season six, it is revealed that he has become romantically involved with subordinate CSI [[Sara Sidle]].

Grissom has received positive responses from critics, ranking number 82 on Bravo's 100 Greatest TV Characters list, along with [[Catherine Willows]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bravotv.com/The_100_Greatest_TV_Characters/index.shtml |title=The 100 Greatest TV characters |publisher=''[[Bravo (US TV channel)|Bravo!]]'' |accessdate=2008-11-30|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071015070449/http://www.bravotv.com/The_100_Greatest_TV_Characters/index.shtml |archivedate = October 15, 2007|deadurl=yes}}</ref> He was ranked at number 9 on [[Sleuth Channel]]'s poll of ''America's Top Sleuths''.<ref>{{cite web|title=America's Top Sleuths|url=http://magnum-mania.com/Lists/Americas_Top_Sleuths.html|accessdate=February 3, 2013|year=2006}}</ref> [[AOL TV]] named him one of TV's Smartest Detectives.<ref>{{cite web|title=TV's Smartest Detectives|url=http://www.aoltv.com/2011/11/28/smartest-detectives-in-tv-history/#photo-11|work=[[AOL TV]]|accessdate=February 3, 2013|date=November 18, 2011}}</ref> Grissom's final episode as a regular drew over 23 million viewers.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/01/16/thursday-ratings-csis-petersen-farewell-draws-23-million/10960#more-10960 |publisher=TV by the Numbers |author=Gorman, Bill |date=2009-01-16 |title=Thursday Nielsen TV Ratings: CSI's Petersen Farewell Draws 23 Million |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref>

Although Petersen has confirmed that Grissom will not return to the show as a regular,{{citation needed|date=September 2011}} he did reprise his role for an uncredited appearance in the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 11)|season eleven]] episode "The Two Mrs. Grissoms."<ref>http://www.csifiles.com/content/2011/01/petersen-returns-to-csi-for-guest-appearance/</ref> This return was kept secret until [[CTV Television Network|CTV]] accidentally leaked the promo; since then, most copies have been pulled. He was present at the end of the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 13)|season thirteen]] episode "Dead Air", voice only, on the phone with Sara. This appearance was uncredited.

== Creation and development ==
[[Anthony E. Zuiker]], who created the show, loosely based Grissom on real life [[Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department]] criminalist Daniel Holstein.<ref name="Peoplecreation" /> Zuiker was "fascinated" by Holstein, who, like Grissom, kept maggots and pig's blood in his refrigerator.<ref name="EWcreation">{{cite news |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,278442,00.html |title=Esprit de Corpse |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |author=Flaherty, Mike |date=2000-11-10 |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> Holstein works as a consultant for the show.<ref name="Peoplecreation">{{cite news |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20138223,00.html |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |last=Gliatto|first=Tom |authorlink=Tom Gliatto|date=2002-10-14 |title=The Dead Zone |pages=112–115 |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> Zuiker originally named the character Gil Sheinbaum,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/01/13/ew.petersen/index.html |publisher=[[CNN]] |author=Rice, Lynette |title=''CSI''{{'}}s Petersen: "I won't miss Grissom" |date=2009-01-13 |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> but after he became part of the cast, [[William Petersen]] requested the name to be changed, Petersen and Zuiker decided to rename the character "Grissom", after [[astronaut]] [[Gus Grissom]], of whom Petersen was a great admirer.<ref name="DanPatrickshow" /> The name Gil came from one of the actor's hobbies, [[fishing]].<ref name="DanPatrickshow">{{cite interview |last=Petersen |first=William |authorlink=William Petersen |interviewer=[[Dan Patrick]]; [[Rob Dibble]] |program=[[The Dan Patrick Show]] |callsign=[[ESPN]] |city=[[Bristol, Connecticut|Bristol, CT]] |date=2003-09-05}}</ref>

In 2000, [[CBS]] had bought the pilot script from Zuiker, and [[Nina Tassler]], CBS's head of drama development, passed it on to Petersen, who had a [[pay or play contract]] with the network.<ref name="CTinterview" /> Petersen has said that many TV shows were offered to him over the years, but he "didn't want to get locked down".<ref name="CTinterview" /> However, he was impressed with the complexity of Grissom's character, and he decided to audition.<ref name="CTinterview">{{cite news |url=http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/09/post.html |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |author=Ryan, Maureen |date=2006-09-20 |title=Bound for home: Chicago's William Petersen looks beyond 'CSI' to a return to the stage |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> It was the second time Petersen portrayed a [[forensic science|forensic scientist]], having portrayed [[Will Graham]] in the 1986 film ''[[Manhunter (film)|Manhunter]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jumpin' Jack Flash |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=2001-08-16 |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,171472_2,00.html |author=Susman, Gary |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref>

== Appearances ==
Gil Grissom first appears in ''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]]'' on the pilot episode. After this he has appeared in almost every single episode throughout the show's eight years, except in "Hollywood Brass", from [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 5)|season five]], an episode that turns entirely around [[Jim Brass]]; besides him, only three other regular characters appear.<ref>"Hollywood Brass". [[Sarah Goldfinger]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & Bill Eagles (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2005-04-21. Season 5 Ep. 2.</ref>

Again, William Petersen did not appear during the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 6)|season six]] episode "Gum Drops". This episode was originally going to be how Grissom was convinced that an abduction victim was still alive. When Petersen's nephew died, he flew home and was unavailable for the filming of the episode, which was rewritten to be centered around [[Nick Stokes|Nick]].<ref>[http://www.tv.com/csi/gum-drops/episode/488541/summary.html TV.com episode summary] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref>

During 2007 (''CSI''{{'s}} [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]]) [[William Petersen]] took a break from ''CSI'' to appear in a five-week run of the [[Trinity Repertory Company]] production of ''[[Dublin Carol]]'' in [[Providence, Rhode Island]], resulting in Grissom taking a sabbatical, being replaced by [[Liev Schreiber]], as [[Michael Keppler]], who developed a small [[story arc]] through "Sweet Jane", "Redrum" and "Meet Market".

[[Carol Mendelsohn]], one of the show's producers and writers, considers Grissom the center of the show.<ref>[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/05/solving_the_mys.html Chicago Tribune-"Solving the mystery of the 'CSI' finale shocker"] paragraph 19 approx. Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> He does play an important role in most episodes, although he is not always the center; for example, both "[[Grave Danger]]" episodes center around [[Nick Stokes|Nick]], and "The Execution of Catherine Willows", "Weeping Willows", and "[[Built To Kill, Part 2]]" all focus on [[Catherine Willows|Catherine]].

When [[Marg Helgenberger]] left ''CSI'' in [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 12)|season twelve]], she revealed that Grissom almost returned to the show. Petersen intended to come back for a couple of guest appearances, but writer Carol Mendelsohn wanted Catherine's final two episodes to be about her not about Grissom returning; but Mendelsohn also admits that she frequently asks Petersen about possibly returning.<ref>http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/news/a362045/william-petersen-almost-returned-to-csi-reveals-marg-helgenberger.html</ref>

== Parallelism with Sherlock Holmes ==
Gil Grissom has a more than passing similarity to [[Sherlock Holmes]]. Like Holmes, Grissom is dispassionate with a fierce devotion to logic and little regard for societal norms of behavior; Grissom once smashed [[Mustard (condiment)|mustard]] jars in a grocery store to illustrate a theory ("[[I-15 Murders]]"), much as Holmes once practiced spearing a pig in a butchers to determine how strong a man would have to be to transfix a man with a harpoon.

Grissom possesses a [[Professor Moriarty|Moriarty]]-like nemesis, [[Paul Millander]], whom he pursues in several episodes ([[The Pilot (CSI episode)|"Pilot"]], [[Anonymous (CSI episode)|"Anonymous"]] and [[Identity Crisis (CSI episode)|"Identity Crisis"]]). Coincidentally, "Paul Millander" has the same initials as "Professor Moriarty." There's also a woman, [[Lady Heather]], in whom he takes an unusual interest. Their relationship is similar to that of [[Irene Adler]] and Holmes. Both Irene and Lady Heather enchant Holmes and Grissom with their beauty, their [[wit]] and their resolution. Lady Heather often wears [[Victorian era|Victorian]]-style dresses, referencing Holmes's era ("[[Slaves of Las Vegas]]", "[[Lady Heather's Box]]," "[[Pirates of the Third Reich]]," and "[[The Good, the Bad, and the Dominatrix]]").

=== Public reaction ===
This [[fictional character]] has an extensive [[fandom|fan base]]. There are more than one thousand videos made using the character on sites such as [[YouTube]] and a thousand more depicting his relationship with [[Sara Sidle]].

Of more than twenty-five-thousand [[fan fiction]]s written about ''CSI'' on [[FanFiction.Net]], more than half include Gil Grissom.<ref>[http://www.fanfiction.net/tv/CSI/ Fanfiction.net/tv/CSI] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> There are also many other sites that update daily news about either Gil Grissom's status on ''CSI'' or [[William Petersen]]'s activities in real life.<ref>[http://www.billypetersen.com/V4/home.html The William Petersen Appreciation Page] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref><ref>[http://www.william-petersen.com/ The William Petersen Attic] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref>

The GSR ("Grissom and Sara Romance"; the abbreviation is a play on the term for [[gunshot residue]], often mentioned in ''CSI'') has accumulated an extensive fan base during the years with some sites getting thousands of viewers a week.<ref>[http://www.grissomsararomance.com/ GSR:GrissomandSaraRomance.com] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> Some fans consider this "[[shipping (fandom)|ship]]" very similar to the one of [[Fox Mulder|Mulder]] and [[Dana Scully|Scully]] in the ''[[X-Files]]''. From the beginning, both shows showed a lot of chemistry between the two co-workers, leading viewers to assume that a relationship between the two would soon begin, when in fact it would take years of a platonic relationship and sexual tension for something to actually be seen, with both couples only sharing their first on-screen kiss in the eighth season of their respective shows.

On September 27, 2007, after ''CSI'''s season eight premiered, a miniature model of Gil Grissom's office (which he was seen building during [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]]) was put up for auction on [[eBay]]. The auction ended on October 7 with the prop being sold for US$15,600, which CBS donated to the [[Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse|National CASA Association]].<ref>[http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280154305542&ssPageName=STRK:MESC:IT&ih=018 CBS CSI Gil Grissom's rare office replica TV prop] Retrieved on 2007-10-22. {{Wayback|url=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280154305542&ssPageName=STRK:MESC:IT&ih=018|date =20071011004258|bot=DASHBot}}</ref>

== Character background ==
=== Early life ===
Gilbert Arthur "Gil" Grissom was born on August 17, 1956, as an only child to a middle-class family in [[Santa Monica, California]].
Grissom's father taught botany at a local college and passed his enthusiasm for natural sciences onto his son. His father died when Grissom was 9 years old. Grissom recalls the day his father died to Catherine Willows in the episode "Still Life". "He came home from school, one hot humid day, laid down on the couch. I was watching TV, my mom brought in some cold drinks, but she couldn't wake him up. No one would tell me why." Consequently, as a young child, Grissom ''played doctor'' by performing [[necropsies]] on small, deceased animals in the local area.
Gil's mother, Betty, who was rendered deaf by the genetic disorder [[Otosclerosis]], was responsible for his love of books. As a result of his mother's deafness, Gil became fluent in [[American Sign Language]] in order to be able to communicate with her.
In the earlier seasons of [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation|CSI]], it becomes clear that Gil is also beginning to suffer with the degenerative disease; however, after seeking medical treatment, the disease was prevented from developing.

In the episode "Grissom Vs. the Volcano", Catherine tells the story of losing at a science competition as a child against a "kid with some lame red ants". Later in the episode Nick also reveals that he lost a science competition and Grissom tells him to let it go. In his childhood science competition, Grissom was the kid with the ants.

In a [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 2)|season two]] episode "Bully for You", he told Warrick that in high school, he was a "ghost" (meaning that he did not belong to any group in particular).<ref>"Ellie". [[Anthony E. Zuiker]] &Charlie Correll (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-12-06. Season 2 Ep. 10.</ref> When he was in college, Grissom financed his first [[body farm]] with his winnings from a high stakes [[poker]] game.<ref>"Revenge Is Best Served Cold". [[Anthony E. Dannie Cannon]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-09-26. Season 3 Ep. 1.</ref> At the same time, he also attended [[boxing]] matches to learn about the patterns of bruise formations on bodies and eventual blood spatters from the injuries.

He became a [[Forensic entomology|forensic entomologist]]. He earned his [[Bachelor of Science]] degree in [[biology]] ''[[magna cum laude]]'' from the [[University of California, Los Angeles]] (UCLA), and his Ph.D. in Biology from the [[University of Chicago]].<ref>Season 1 Ep. 10, "Sex, Lies and Larvae."</ref>

=== Career ===
Grissom became a crime scene investigator around 1985 (Grissom mentioned in "Living Doll", which first aired on May 17, 2007, that he had been a crime scene investigator for 22 years). Grissom once mentioned losing a body while in [[Minneapolis]], implying he spent time there before taking a job in Las Vegas.<ref>"Precious Metal". Andrew Lipsitz, Naren Shankar (writers) & Deran Sarafian (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2003-03-04. Season 3 Ep. 18.</ref> This is mentioned again when he works with his former mentor, Dr. Phillip Gerard, played by [[Raymond J. Barry]], stating that he used to work for him in [[Hennepin County, Minnesota|Hennepin County]], whose seat is Minneapolis.<ref>"The Accused Is Entitled". [[Elizabeth Devine (writer)|Elizabeth Devine]], [[Ann Donahue]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-10-03. Season 3 Ep. 2.</ref>

He became the night shift team supervisor for the Las Vegas CSI unit on the second episode of the series, after [[Jim Brass]] got demoted following the death of co-worker Holly Gribbs.<ref>"Cool Change". [[Anthony E. Zuiker]] (writers) & [[Michael Watkins]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2000-10-13. Season 1 Ep. 2.</ref>

In [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]], Grissom took a sabbatical to teach a class at [[Williams College]] in [[Williamstown, Massachusetts]] for four weeks.<ref>"Leaving Las Vegas". Allen MacDonald, [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-01-04. Season 7 Ep. 11.</ref> Prior to his sabbatical, Grissom had been showing signs of "[[burnout (psychology)|burnout]]". Upon his return, however, he appears reinvigorated and tells [[Warrick Brown]] that he "missed" Las Vegas.<ref>"Law of Gravity". Richard Catalani, [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-02-08. Season 7 Ep. 15.</ref> After the resignation of [[Sara Sidle]], his fiancee, from the lab, and the murder of Warrick Brown, his burnout seems to be resurfacing. This is particularly evident in "Say Uncle", where, at the end of the episode, he expresses deep regret over solving a particularly depressing case.

Grissom announced his retirement just as evidence comes to light that The Dick and Jane Killer, a [[serial killer]] from the 1990s currently serving two life sentences, did not act alone, and that his accomplice has begun killing again. Rather than leave in the middle of a case, Grissom stays on to help solve it, and ultimately proves instrumental in saving the life of a woman who would have been the killer's latest victim. The case closed, Grissom, having already had a series of one-on-one farewells with his co-workers, silently left the crime lab and departed for [[Costa Rica]] for a reunion with fiancee [[Sara Sidle]], an allusion perhaps to his comments in a [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 1)|season one]] episode that when he left, people would not throw a party for him because he was not the sort of person who people would get deeply involved with. He also says to Warrick in season two ("Ellie") that when he left there would not be a cake in the break room—he would just pick up and leave.

During [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 10)|season ten]], he was guest-lecturing at the [[University of Paris|Sorbonne]]. In [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 11)|season eleven]], he was in [[Peru]] consulting with the government.

==Character development==
===Personality===
Early episodes revealed Grissom to be a witty, enthusiastic, and quirky scientist who had some sense of humor. He flirted regularly and seemed to be constantly in a [[Hyperactivity|hyperactive]] state.<ref>"I-15 Murders". [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Oz Scott]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-01-12. Season 1 Ep. 11.</ref><ref>"[[Crate 'n Burial]]". [[Ann Donahue]] (writer) & [[Danny Cannon]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2000-10-20. Season 1 Ep. 3.</ref>
[[Image:CSI Grissom.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Grissom gives Dr. Phillip Gerard ([[Raymond J. Barry]]) his mother's regards, in sign language (''The Accused Is Entitled'')]]

However, when he began to lose his hearing, Grissom retreated into himself and became easily irritated and unapproachable.<ref>"High and Low". [[Naren Shankar]], Eli Talbert (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-12-12. Season 3 Ep. 10.</ref> After his surgery, he lightened up a bit, but never returned to the whimsical science nerd he once was.

Grissom is often regarded as well-educated, but unusual in his approach toward his work and social life. In the series, some of his comments and actions can be seen to dumbfound his co-workers and superiors. His relationship with his subordinates in the office is portrayed as being a [[father figure]] to the team, but very professional in his work.

Despite being calm, Grissom can get very angry or annoyed if interrupted during an interrogation as seen in season one episode "Table Stakes" when he berates [[Nick Stokes]] for calling him out of interrogation.

In addition to being a [[genius]] and somewhat of a [[polymath]] beyond his career training, he exhibits [[Asperger syndrome|Asperger]]-like traits. In [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 2)|season two]], it is hinted that (in fact) he has Asperger's syndrome.<ref>"Caged". [[Elizabeth Devine (writer)|Elizabeth Devine]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-11-08. Season 2 Ep. 7.</ref> Another character on CSI who shares these kind of traits is his subordinate (and ex-wife), [[Sara Sidle]]. She once insinuated that Grissom was a [[misanthrope]] when he quoted her [[Thoreau]]'s ''[[Walden]]''.<ref>"Happenstance". [[Sarah Goldfinger]] (writers) & [[Jean de Segonzac]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2006-11-16. Season 7 Ep. 8.</ref>

In the season two episode "Alter Boys", Grissom confides in a priest that he does not believe in the concept of [[organized religion]] and is a lapsed [[Catholic]], but does believe in the idea of God.<ref>"Alter Boys". [[Ann Donahue (writer)|Ann Donahue]] (writer) & [[Danny Cannon]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-11-01. Season 2 Ep. 6.</ref> In addition to belief in God, Grissom and Greg would later agree that scientific education should not necessarily preclude belief in occultism and other paranormal concepts.

Although he is very dedicated to his job and sometimes goes to extremes in his investigations, his unwillingness to dabble in office politics often alienates his superiors, and sometimes his subordinates.<ref>"Sex, Lies and Larvae". [[Josh Berman]], [[Ann Donahue]] (writers) & [[Thomas J. Wright]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2000-12-22. Season 1 Ep. 10.</ref> He gets a lot of help in these areas from right-hand woman [[Catherine Willows]], who is always trying to make him "look up from the [[microscope]]".<ref>"Burden of Proof". [[Ann Donahue]] (writer) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-02-07. Season 2 Ep. 15.</ref><ref name="Anthony E p. 22">"Evaluation Day". [[Anthony E. Zuiker]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-05-10. Season 1 Ep. 22.</ref>

Grissom claims to have never hired a prostitute for sex, stating that sex is intended to create a human emotional connection. He has also expressed distaste for carrying a firearm when in the field, a tendency that has brought several scoldings from co-worker [[Jim Brass]].<ref>"Ending Happy". Evan Dunsky (writer) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-04-26. Season 7 Ep. 21.</ref> Despite this, he has proven to have an exceptional accuracy at the firing range.<ref>"Assume Nothing". [[Danny Cannon]], [[Anthony E. Zuiker]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2003-09-25. Season 4 Ep. 1.</ref>

He once listed his hobbies to [[Lady Heather]]: "I have outlets. I read. I study bugs. I sometimes even ride roller coasters".<ref>"Slaves of Las Vegas". [[Jerry Stahl]] (writer) & [[Peter Markle]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-11-15. Season 2 Ep. 8.</ref> Indeed, he has proven to be a very cultured man on many occasions, having a wide knowledge of [[history]], [[literature]], and [[art]]. He often offers quotes from a variety of literary sources, including [[Shakespeare]] and [[Keats]]. Later in this [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 2)|same season]], he reveals himself to be a [[baseball]] fan. Sara notes that this is typical of Grissom, saying that he would like "all those stats".<ref name="Richard J p. 16">"Primum Non Nocere". [[Danny Cannon]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-01-31. Season 2 Ep. 16.</ref> However, Grissom is not too familiar with [[popular culture]]. In "[[Two and a Half Deaths]]", [[Jim Brass]] was talking about a TV program which he thought had already "[[Jumping the shark|jumped the shark]]," but Grissom did not know the term. While trying to explain, Brass says, "Remember the [[Fonz]]?", which Grissom did not know either.

Being an [[entomologist]], he has a wide and varied knowledge of insects, which he applies to his investigations. This has led to his nickname, "The Bug Man". In the beginning of the show, he was referred as "Gruesome Grissom" for his sometimes morbid fascination with the more bizarre aspects of man and nature. Grissom keeps a variety of specimens in his office, including a radiated [[fetal]] [[pig]], a [[tarantula]], and a two-headed [[scorpion]]. He also has a bulletin board that looks like a fish on which unsolved cases go: "the ones that got away".<ref>"Who Are You?". [[Josh Berman]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Danny Cannon]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2000-11-10. Season 1 Ep. 6.</ref> Occasionally, he keeps evidence from closed cases (such as the models created by "[[The Miniature Killer]]"). In [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]], CSI newcomer [[Michael Keppler]] takes a look around Grissom's office and observes that he must be quite a freak.<ref>"Sweet Jane". [[Kenneth Fink]], [[Naren Shankar]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-01-18. Season 7 Ep. 12.</ref> In "The Grave Shift", even after his office has been cleared out (and later reclaimed by a somewhat-reluctant [[Nick Stokes]] after [[Catherine Willows]] passed on the offer), the fetal pig in a jar was placed back in there by [[David Hodges (CSI)|Hodges]], who felt that it belonged there.

When asked why he is a CSI, he responds, "Because the dead can't speak for themselves." This is one of his favorite quotes, and he uses it frequently.<ref>"Toe Tags". [[Allen MacDonald]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]], [[Richard Catalani]], [[Douglas Petrie]] (writers) & [[Jeffrey Hunt]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2006-10-05. Season 7 Ep. 3.</ref>

== Relationships with other characters ==
In the sixth season episode "Bang-Bang," Grissom tells Doc Robbins, concerning a woman shot in the mouth, "This was someone who was emotionally close to her." Doc Robbins asks him if he has ever even been close to getting married. Grissom tells him about "Nicole Daley," who, like him, was interested in bugs. He goes on a bit about her, then says, "Second grade."

Grissom may not ask to take on the role of mentor, but it seems to happen naturally, going all the way back to [[Sara Sidle]] when they first met in [[San Francisco]], then [[Nick Stokes]] and [[Greg Sanders]] in Vegas. Although he can be annoyed with his protégés at times, he is visibly proud when they succeed, as Greg did by passing his field test and becoming a CSI.<ref>"Who Shot Sherlock?". [[David Rambo]], [[Richard Catalani]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2005-01-06. Season 5 Ep. 11.</ref> He is also protective of his staff and defends them as much as he can, as seen in episode 521 ("Rashomama") for example.

He also shares a good friendship with Dr. [[Al Robbins]] and the two were seen singing together in the autopsy room while processing the body of a murdered rock 'n' roll star (season 7, "Built to Kill, Part 2"). In the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 6)|season six]] finale, it was revealed that [[Jim Brass]]'s [[Advance health care directive|living will]] gave Grissom [[power of attorney]], showing that Grissom was the one person Brass trusted with his life.<ref name="CSI. p. 24">"Way To Go". [[Jerry Stahl]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2006-05-18. Season 6 Ep. 24.</ref> He has also been shown to be something of an inadvertent mentor-figure to [[David Hodges (CSI)|David Hodges]], who looks up to him and often seeks his advice or approval, despite not always receiving it. Upon learning of Grissom's plans to quit CSI, Hodges becomes visibly upset.

His relationship with [[Warrick Brown]] had aspects of a mentor/student bond, but out of all the CSIs (Catherine included), Grissom seemed to view Warrick as his successor, the one who would lead when he was gone.<ref>"Leaving Las Vegas". [[Allen MacDonald]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-01-04. Season 7 Ep. 11.</ref>

Some fans have always expected to see a relationship between Grissom and [[Catherine Willows]], in whom he is shown confiding many times, once even likening her to being his "wife".<ref>"Jackpot". [[Carol Mendelsohn]] and [[Naren Shankar]] (writers) & [[Danny Cannon]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2003-10-06. Season 4 Ep. 6.</ref> The two were never more than very good friends, as the show's producers see them as more of brother and sister than lovers.<ref>[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/07/a_very_special_.html Chicago Tribune-"A very special 'CSI' Thanksgiving"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> Catherine has many times encouraged Grissom to be more open and less self-absorbed,<ref name="Anthony E p. 22"/> and to pursue something with [[Sara Sidle]].<ref>"Burden of Proof". [[Ann Donahue]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-02-07. Season 2 Ep. 15.</ref>

Grissom has been allegedly involved with forensic anthropologist [[Teri Miller]]<ref>"To Halve and to Hold". [[Ann Donahue]], [[Andrew Lipsit]] (writers) & [[Lou Antonio]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-02-15. Season 1 Ep. 14.</ref> and with [[Sadomasochism|S&M]] parlor operator [[Lady Heather]], whose "[[safeword]]" it has been suggested that he knows <ref>"Pirates of the Third Reich". [[Jerry Stahl]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2006-02-09. Season 6 Ep. 5.</ref> - however, as all he says is "Heather, stop!" and "I'm saying Stop", he evidently does not use it, as "Stop" is never a "[[safeword]]". Rather, this is a reference to the episode ''Lady Heather's Box'', in which she reminds Grissom that the submissive is in control; Grissom tells her when they begin kissing, "You can always say stop," and she replies, "So can you."

=== Sara Sidle ===
Since the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 1)|first season]], there were hints that both [[Sara Sidle]] and Grissom were interested in each other romantically. In fact, the show's creators made Sara Sidle while thinking of a future love interest for Grissom,<ref>[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/09/post.html Chicago Tribune-"Bound for home"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref><ref>[http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,645191271,00.html Deseret Morning News - Apparently, autopsies and romance do mix] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> but during the show's first three seasons, Grissom flirted with all the female characters, and when Sara asked him out to dinner, he rejected her, claiming that he did not know what to do about what is going on between them.<ref name="Richard J p. 16"/><ref>"Play with Fire". [[Andrew Lipsitz]], [[Naren Shankar]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2003-05-08. Season 3 Ep. 22.</ref>
[[Image:Grissomsara csi.jpeg|left|thumb|250px|A sizzling moment between Grissom and [[Sara Sidle]] on the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 4)|fourth season]] episode "Invisible Evidence".]]
In season four, Grissom's true feelings are revealed in "Butterflied", an episode that centers entirely around him discovering his sentiments for Sara. It was then that he admitted not being able to risk his career to be with her.<ref>"Butterflied". [[David Rambo]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2004-01-15. Season 4 Ep. 12.</ref> In season four, Sara apparently develops a drinking problem, which Grissom acknowledges on the season finale; after this, they would hardly see each other, and Grissom becomes interested in detective [[Sofia Curtis]].

In mid-season five, Sara is suspended for insubordination and she reveals to Grissom her tormented childhood. He refuses to fire her and has her working in every case of the next two seasons with him.<ref>"Nesting Dolls". [[Sarah Goldfinger]] (writers) & [[Bill Eagles]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2005-02-03. Season 5 Ep. 13.</ref>

It was not until the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 6)|sixth season]] finale that it is revealed that Grissom and Sara have worked through whatever issues they had, and are, in fact, a couple, and have been for two years.<ref name="CSI. p. 24"/> This revelation caused mixed reviews among critics, some of them see this relationship as ''CSI'' "[[jumping the shark]]", an attempt to include more drama and romance to the show, so as to be able to compete with the [[medical drama]] ''[[Grey's Anatomy]]'', which airs at around the same time.<ref name="featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com">[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/05/the_gus_and_sar.html Chicago Tribune-"The Gil and Sara show on 'CSI'"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref><ref>[http://www.jumptheshark.com/topic/Csi-Crime-Scene-Investigation/Csi-Crime-Scene-Investigation-General/449 CSI in JumpTheShark.com] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> By killing off the sexual tension between the two characters and making them an item, the production crew were seen to be adding more personal drama to the show, increasing the appeal to some of ''Grey's Anatomy'''s younger audience.<ref name="featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com"/><ref>[http://www.buddytv.com/articles/csi/csis-gil-grissom-and-sara-sidl-5240.aspx Buddy TV-"CSI's Gil Grissom and Sara Sidle"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref><ref>[http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Hein-Sight/Note-Csi-Dont/700003961&start=30 TVguide-"Note to CSI—Don't Do It"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22. {{Wayback|url=http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Hein-Sight/Note-Csi-Dont/700003961&start=30|date =20071012221136|bot=DASHBot}}</ref> This has been denied by the writers, [[Carol Mendelsohn]] even said that she has never been able to see Grissom with someone else other than Sara and that this episode was seen by the writers as the right time to reveal the relationship, [[Jorja Fox]] and [[William Petersen]] have also admitted that the relationship is not new.<ref>[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/07/a_terrifying_ro.html Chicago Tribune-"A 'terrifying' romance on 'CSI'"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref><ref>[http://www.visimag.com/culttimes/c115_display.htm Cult Times, April 2005, Interview with Jorja Fox] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref>

Throughout [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]], the audience sees Grissom and Sara as a couple,<ref>"Leapin' Lizards". [[Evan Dunsky]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-05-03. Season 7 Ep. 22.</ref><ref>"Fallen Idols".''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-02-22. Season 7 Ep. 17.</ref> but the relationship is kept secret from the others in the lab until Sara's abduction by [[The Miniature Killer]] in the season finale when Grissom unwittingly refers to his feelings for Sara.<ref>"Living Doll". [[Sarah Goldfinger]], [[Naren Shankar]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-05-17. Season 7 Ep. 24.</ref> During season eight, they have become engaged.<ref>"The Case of the Cross-Dressing Carp". [[David Rambo]], [[Jacqueline Hoyt]] (writers) & [[Alec Smight]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-10-18. Season 8 Ep. 4.</ref> When [[Jorja Fox]] decided to leave the show,<ref>[http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20054547_20055147_20152746,00.html Jorja Fox: Why I Quit 'CSI'] Retrieved on 2007-11-18.</ref> both she and the writers decided not to kill the character, so as to leave the doors open for a possible comeback.<ref>[http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/Exclusive-Csi-Boss/800024964 Exclusive: CSI Boss Vows Jorja Fox is "Coming Back"]</ref> Consequently, Sara Sidle is submerged into depression after her kidnap in the season seven finale, and, even though she accepts Grissom's marriage proposal on the season's [[The Case of the Cross-Dressing Carp|fourth episode]], she shows signs of [[Burnout (psychology)|burnout]] during the subsequent episodes, breaking down on the season's seventh episode, leaving Las Vegas and the CSIs with only a goodbye letter for Grissom and a good luck note for Ronnie Lake. In the letter she claims that ever since her father's death she has been dealing with "ghosts" and that she now needs to go away and deal with them before self-destructing.<ref>"Goodbye and Good Luck". [[Sarah Goldfinger]], [[Allen MacDonald]], [[Naren Shankar]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-11-15. Season 8 Ep. 7.</ref>

After Grissom leaves CSI, he goes to Costa Rica, in hopes of finding Sara. Once they see each other, they embrace in a passionate kiss.

Sara's return to CSI in the first episode of season ten reveals that she and Grissom are now married.

In "[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 13)|Forget Me Not]]", Sara reveals "he's not my husband anymore" as she and Grissom had split up. According to her, he was the one to propose an end to the relationship, saying that it was in her best interest.
{{s-start}}
{{s-bef|before=unknown}}
{{s-ttl|title=CSI Grave Shift Co-Asst. Supervisor [with Catherine Willows] ("Pilot")}}
{{s-aft|after=None - Willows became sole Asst. Supervisor}}
{{end}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Jim Brass]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=CSI Grave Shift Supervisor ("Cool Change"-"One to Go")}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Catherine Willows]]}}
{{end}}

==See also==
*[[List of fictional medical examiners]]

== Footnotes ==
{{reflist|2}}

== References ==
* Marrinan, Corinne and Parker, Steve. ''Ultimate CSI: Crime Scene Investigation'' (2006). DK Publishing Inc. ISBN 0-7566-2353-7

== External links ==
* [http://www.gsrforeverlove.com GSRForeverLove A Grissom and Sara Romance Fan Site]
* [http://csiwiki.cbs.com/page/01.+Gil+Grissom Gil Grissom] at the Unofficial CSI Wiki
* [http://slate.com/id/2113347/ The Sexiest Man in the Morgue], ''[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]'', February 11, 2005

{{CSI: Crime Scene Investigation}}

{{Good article}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Grissom, Gil}}
[[Category:CSI: Crime Scene Investigation characters]]
[[Category:Fictional Las Vegas Police Department detectives]]
[[Category:Fictional scientists]]
[[Category:Fictional characters introduced in 2000]]

{{Link GA|bs}}

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'{{confuse|Gus Grissom}} {{CSI character |csi_serie = CSI: Crime Scene Investigation |image = WilliamPetersen.jpg |image_size = 150px |caption = Petersen on the set of ''CSI'', March 2004 |color = #32CD32 |name = Gil Grissom |born = August 17, 1956<br />Santa Monica, California |city = Las Vegas, Nevada |job = CSI (Retired) |rank = CSI Level 3 |position = Head of Crime Lab/Night Shift Supervisor |seasons = [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 1)|1]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 2)|2]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 3)|3]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 4)|4]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 5)|5]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 6)|6]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|7]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 8)|8]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 9)|9]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 11)|11]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 13)|13]] |portrayer = [[William Petersen]] |first = [[Pilot (CSI)|The Pilot]] |last = The Two Mrs. Grissoms }} '''Dr. Gilbert Arthur "Gil" Grissom''', [[Doctor of Philosophy|Ph.D.]], is a [[fictional character]] on the CBS [[crime drama]] ''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]]'', portrayed by [[William Petersen]]. Grissom was a [[Forensic entomology|forensic entomologist]] and the night shift supervisor of the [[Clark County, Nevada]] CSI ([[forensics]]) team, investigating crimes in and around the city of [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]]. He was the show's [[protagonist]] from seasons one to nine, when Petersen left the show as a regular, and was replaced by [[Laurence Fishburne]] as Dr. [[Raymond Langston]], [[Doctor of Medicine|M.D.]] He appeared in 190 episodes. ''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]]'' producer and writer [[Carol Mendelsohn]] considers Grissom the center of the show,<ref>[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/05/solving_the_mys.html Chicago Tribune "Solving the mystery of the 'CSI' finale shocker"] par.19 approx. Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> and in the first seven years of the show he appeared in every episode, with the exception of "Hollywood Brass", from [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 5)|season five]], "Gum Drops" and "The Unusual Suspect" from [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 6)|season six]], and "Sweet Jane" and "Redrum" from [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]]. In late season six, it is revealed that he has become romantically involved with subordinate CSI [[Sara Sidle]]. Grissom has received positive responses from critics, ranking number 82 on Bravo's 100 Greatest TV Characters list, along with [[Catherine Willows]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bravotv.com/The_100_Greatest_TV_Characters/index.shtml |title=The 100 Greatest TV characters |publisher=''[[Bravo (US TV channel)|Bravo!]]'' |accessdate=2008-11-30|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071015070449/http://www.bravotv.com/The_100_Greatest_TV_Characters/index.shtml |archivedate = October 15, 2007|deadurl=yes}}</ref> He was ranked at number 9 on [[Sleuth Channel]]'s poll of ''America's Top Sleuths''.<ref>{{cite web|title=America's Top Sleuths|url=http://magnum-mania.com/Lists/Americas_Top_Sleuths.html|accessdate=February 3, 2013|year=2006}}</ref> [[AOL TV]] named him one of TV's Smartest Detectives.<ref>{{cite web|title=TV's Smartest Detectives|url=http://www.aoltv.com/2011/11/28/smartest-detectives-in-tv-history/#photo-11|work=[[AOL TV]]|accessdate=February 3, 2013|date=November 18, 2011}}</ref> Grissom's final episode as a regular drew over 23 million viewers.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/01/16/thursday-ratings-csis-petersen-farewell-draws-23-million/10960#more-10960 |publisher=TV by the Numbers |author=Gorman, Bill |date=2009-01-16 |title=Thursday Nielsen TV Ratings: CSI's Petersen Farewell Draws 23 Million |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> Although Petersen has confirmed that Grissom will not return to the show as a regular,{{citation needed|date=September 2011}} he did reprise his role for an uncredited appearance in the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 11)|season eleven]] episode "The Two Mrs. Grissoms."<ref>http://www.csifiles.com/content/2011/01/petersen-returns-to-csi-for-guest-appearance/</ref> This return was kept secret until [[CTV Television Network|CTV]] accidentally leaked the promo; since then, most copies have been pulled. He was present at the end of the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 13)|season thirteen]] episode "Dead Air", voice only, on the phone with Sara. This appearance was uncredited. == Creation and development == [[Anthony E. Zuiker]], who created the show, loosely based Grissom on real life [[Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department]] criminalist Daniel Holstein.<ref name="Peoplecreation" /> Zuiker was "fascinated" by Holstein, who, like Grissom, kept maggots and pig's blood in his refrigerator.<ref name="EWcreation">{{cite news |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,278442,00.html |title=Esprit de Corpse |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |author=Flaherty, Mike |date=2000-11-10 |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> Holstein works as a consultant for the show.<ref name="Peoplecreation">{{cite news |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20138223,00.html |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |last=Gliatto|first=Tom |authorlink=Tom Gliatto|date=2002-10-14 |title=The Dead Zone |pages=112–115 |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> Zuiker originally named the character Gil Sheinbaum,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/01/13/ew.petersen/index.html |publisher=[[CNN]] |author=Rice, Lynette |title=''CSI''{{'}}s Petersen: "I won't miss Grissom" |date=2009-01-13 |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> but after he became part of the cast, [[William Petersen]] requested the name to be changed, Petersen and Zuiker decided to rename the character "Grissom", after [[astronaut]] [[Gus Grissom]], of whom Petersen was a great admirer.<ref name="DanPatrickshow" /> The name Gil came from one of the actor's hobbies, [[fishing]].<ref name="DanPatrickshow">{{cite interview |last=Petersen |first=William |authorlink=William Petersen |interviewer=[[Dan Patrick]]; [[Rob Dibble]] |program=[[The Dan Patrick Show]] |callsign=[[ESPN]] |city=[[Bristol, Connecticut|Bristol, CT]] |date=2003-09-05}}</ref> In 2000, [[CBS]] had bought the pilot script from Zuiker, and [[Nina Tassler]], CBS's head of drama development, passed it on to Petersen, who had a [[pay or play contract]] with the network.<ref name="CTinterview" /> Petersen has said that many TV shows were offered to him over the years, but he "didn't want to get locked down".<ref name="CTinterview" /> However, he was impressed with the complexity of Grissom's character, and he decided to audition.<ref name="CTinterview">{{cite news |url=http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/09/post.html |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |author=Ryan, Maureen |date=2006-09-20 |title=Bound for home: Chicago's William Petersen looks beyond 'CSI' to a return to the stage |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> It was the second time Petersen portrayed a [[forensic science|forensic scientist]], having portrayed [[Will Graham]] in the 1986 film ''[[Manhunter (film)|Manhunter]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jumpin' Jack Flash |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=2001-08-16 |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,171472_2,00.html |author=Susman, Gary |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> == Appearances == Gil Grissom first appears in ''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]]'' on the pilot episode. After this he has appeared in almost every single episode throughout the show's eight years, except in "Hollywood Brass", from [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 5)|season five]], an episode that turns entirely around [[Jim Brass]]; besides him, only three other regular characters appear.<ref>"Hollywood Brass". [[Sarah Goldfinger]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & Bill Eagles (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2005-04-21. Season 5 Ep. 2.</ref> Again, William Petersen did not appear during the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 6)|season six]] episode "Gum Drops". This episode was originally going to be how Grissom was convinced that an abduction victim was still alive. When Petersen's nephew died, he flew home and was unavailable for the filming of the episode, which was rewritten to be centered around [[Nick Stokes|Nick]].<ref>[http://www.tv.com/csi/gum-drops/episode/488541/summary.html TV.com episode summary] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> During 2007 (''CSI''{{'s}} [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]]) [[William Petersen]] took a break from ''CSI'' to appear in a five-week run of the [[Trinity Repertory Company]] production of ''[[Dublin Carol]]'' in [[Providence, Rhode Island]], resulting in Grissom taking a sabbatical, being replaced by [[Liev Schreiber]], as [[Michael Keppler]], who developed a small [[story arc]] through "Sweet Jane", "Redrum" and "Meet Market". [[Carol Mendelsohn]], one of the show's producers and writers, considers Grissom the center of the show.<ref>[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/05/solving_the_mys.html Chicago Tribune-"Solving the mystery of the 'CSI' finale shocker"] paragraph 19 approx. Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> He does play an important role in most episodes, although he is not always the center; for example, both "[[Grave Danger]]" episodes center around [[Nick Stokes|Nick]], and "The Execution of Catherine Willows", "Weeping Willows", and "[[Built To Kill, Part 2]]" all focus on [[Catherine Willows|Catherine]]. When [[Marg Helgenberger]] left ''CSI'' in [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 12)|season twelve]], she revealed that Grissom almost returned to the show. Petersen intended to come back for a couple of guest appearances, but writer Carol Mendelsohn wanted Catherine's final two episodes to be about her not about Grissom returning; but Mendelsohn also admits that she frequently asks Petersen about possibly returning.<ref>http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/news/a362045/william-petersen-almost-returned-to-csi-reveals-marg-helgenberger.html</ref> == Parallelism with Sherlock Holmes == Gil Grissom has a more than passing similarity to [[Sherlock Holmes]]. Like Holmes, Grissom is dispassionate with a fierce devotion to logic and little regard for societal norms of behavior; Grissom once smashed [[Mustard (condiment)|mustard]] jars in a grocery store to illustrate a theory ("[[I-15 Murders]]"), much as Holmes once practiced spearing a pig in a butchers to determine how strong a man would have to be to transfix a man with a harpoon. Grissom possesses a [[Professor Moriarty|Moriarty]]-like nemesis, [[Paul Millander]], whom he pursues in several episodes ([[The Pilot (CSI episode)|"Pilot"]], [[Anonymous (CSI episode)|"Anonymous"]] and [[Identity Crisis (CSI episode)|"Identity Crisis"]]). Coincidentally, "Paul Millander" has the same initials as "Professor Moriarty." There's also a woman, [[Lady Heather]], in whom he takes an unusual interest. Their relationship is similar to that of [[Irene Adler]] and Holmes. Both Irene and Lady Heather enchant Holmes and Grissom with their beauty, their [[wit]] and their resolution. Lady Heather often wears [[Victorian era|Victorian]]-style dresses, referencing Holmes's era ("[[Slaves of Las Vegas]]", "[[Lady Heather's Box]]," "[[Pirates of the Third Reich]]," and "[[The Good, the Bad, and the Dominatrix]]"). === Public reaction === This [[fictional character]] has an extensive [[fandom|fan base]]. There are more than one thousand videos made using the character on sites such as [[YouTube]] and a thousand more depicting his relationship with [[Sara Sidle]]. Of more than twenty-five-thousand [[fan fiction]]s written about ''CSI'' on [[FanFiction.Net]], more than half include Gil Grissom.<ref>[http://www.fanfiction.net/tv/CSI/ Fanfiction.net/tv/CSI] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> There are also many other sites that update daily news about either Gil Grissom's status on ''CSI'' or [[William Petersen]]'s activities in real life.<ref>[http://www.billypetersen.com/V4/home.html The William Petersen Appreciation Page] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref><ref>[http://www.william-petersen.com/ The William Petersen Attic] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> The GSR ("Grissom and Sara Romance"; the abbreviation is a play on the term for [[gunshot residue]], often mentioned in ''CSI'') has accumulated an extensive fan base during the years with some sites getting thousands of viewers a week.<ref>[http://www.grissomsararomance.com/ GSR:GrissomandSaraRomance.com] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> Some fans consider this "[[shipping (fandom)|ship]]" very similar to the one of [[Fox Mulder|Mulder]] and [[Dana Scully|Scully]] in the ''[[X-Files]]''. From the beginning, both shows showed a lot of chemistry between the two co-workers, leading viewers to assume that a relationship between the two would soon begin, when in fact it would take years of a platonic relationship and sexual tension for something to actually be seen, with both couples only sharing their first on-screen kiss in the eighth season of their respective shows. On September 27, 2007, after ''CSI'''s season eight premiered, a miniature model of Gil Grissom's office (which he was seen building during [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]]) was put up for auction on [[eBay]]. The auction ended on October 7 with the prop being sold for US$15,600, which CBS donated to the [[Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse|National CASA Association]].<ref>[http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280154305542&ssPageName=STRK:MESC:IT&ih=018 CBS CSI Gil Grissom's rare office replica TV prop] Retrieved on 2007-10-22. {{Wayback|url=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280154305542&ssPageName=STRK:MESC:IT&ih=018|date =20071011004258|bot=DASHBot}}</ref> == Character background == === Early life === Gilbert Arthur "Gil" Grissom was born on August 17, 1956, as an only child to a middle-class family in [[Santa Monica, California]]. Grissom's father taught botany at a local college and passed his enthusiasm for natural sciences onto his son. His father died when Grissom was 9 years old. Grissom recalls the day his father died to Catherine Willows in the episode "Still Life". "He came home from school, one hot humid day, laid down on the couch. I was watching TV, my mom brought in some cold drinks, but she couldn't wake him up. No one would tell me why." Consequently, as a young child, Grissom ''played doctor'' by performing [[necropsies]] on small, deceased animals in the local area. Gil's mother, Betty, who was rendered deaf by the genetic disorder [[Otosclerosis]], was responsible for his love of books. As a result of his mother's deafness, Gil became fluent in [[American Sign Language]] in order to be able to communicate with her. In the earlier seasons of [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation|CSI]], it becomes clear that Gil is also beginning to suffer with the degenerative disease; however, after seeking medical treatment, the disease was prevented from developing. In the episode "Grissom Vs. the Volcano", Catherine tells the story of losing at a science competition as a child against a "kid with some lame red ants". Later in the episode Nick also reveals that he lost a science competition and Grissom tells him to let it go. In his childhood science competition, Grissom was the kid with the ants. In a [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 2)|season two]] episode "Bully for You", he told Warrick that in high school, he was a "ghost" (meaning that he did not belong to any group in particular).<ref>"Ellie". [[Anthony E. Zuiker]] &Charlie Correll (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-12-06. Season 2 Ep. 10.</ref> When he was in college, Grissom financed his first [[body farm]] with his winnings from a high stakes [[poker]] game.<ref>"Revenge Is Best Served Cold". [[Anthony E. Dannie Cannon]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-09-26. Season 3 Ep. 1.</ref> At the same time, he also attended [[boxing]] matches to learn about the patterns of bruise formations on bodies and eventual blood spatters from the injuries. He became a [[Forensic entomology|forensic entomologist]]. He earned his [[Bachelor of Science]] degree in [[biology]] ''[[magna cum laude]]'' from the [[University of California, Los Angeles]] (UCLA), and his Ph.D. in Biology from the [[University of Chicago]].<ref>Season 1 Ep. 10, "Sex, Lies and Larvae."</ref> === Career === Grissom became a crime scene investigator around 1985 (Grissom mentioned in "Living Doll", which first aired on May 17, 2007, that he had been a crime scene investigator for 22 years). Grissom once mentioned losing a body while in [[Minneapolis]], implying he spent time there before taking a job in Las Vegas.<ref>"Precious Metal". Andrew Lipsitz, Naren Shankar (writers) & Deran Sarafian (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2003-03-04. Season 3 Ep. 18.</ref> This is mentioned again when he works with his former mentor, Dr. Phillip Gerard, played by [[Raymond J. Barry]], stating that he used to work for him in [[Hennepin County, Minnesota|Hennepin County]], whose seat is Minneapolis.<ref>"The Accused Is Entitled". [[Elizabeth Devine (writer)|Elizabeth Devine]], [[Ann Donahue]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-10-03. Season 3 Ep. 2.</ref> He became the night shift team supervisor for the Las Vegas CSI unit on the second episode of the series, after [[Jim Brass]] got demoted following the death of co-worker Holly Gribbs.<ref>"Cool Change". [[Anthony E. Zuiker]] (writers) & [[Michael Watkins]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2000-10-13. Season 1 Ep. 2.</ref> In [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]], Grissom took a sabbatical to teach a class at [[Williams College]] in [[Williamstown, Massachusetts]] for four weeks.<ref>"Leaving Las Vegas". Allen MacDonald, [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-01-04. Season 7 Ep. 11.</ref> Prior to his sabbatical, Grissom had been showing signs of "[[burnout (psychology)|burnout]]". Upon his return, however, he appears reinvigorated and tells [[Warrick Brown]] that he "missed" Las Vegas.<ref>"Law of Gravity". Richard Catalani, [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-02-08. Season 7 Ep. 15.</ref> After the resignation of [[Sara Sidle]], his fiancee, from the lab, and the murder of Warrick Brown, his burnout seems to be resurfacing. This is particularly evident in "Say Uncle", where, at the end of the episode, he expresses deep regret over solving a particularly depressing case. Grissom announced his retirement just as evidence comes to light that The Dick and Jane Killer, a [[serial killer]] from the 1990s currently serving two life sentences, did not act alone, and that his accomplice has begun killing again. Rather than leave in the middle of a case, Grissom stays on to help solve it, and ultimately proves instrumental in saving the life of a woman who would have been the killer's latest victim. The case closed, Grissom, having already had a series of one-on-one farewells with his co-workers, silently left the crime lab and departed for [[Costa Rica]] for a reunion with fiancee [[Sara Sidle]], an allusion perhaps to his comments in a [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 1)|season one]] episode that when he left, people would not throw a party for him because he was not the sort of person who people would get deeply involved with. He also says to Warrick in season two ("Ellie") that when he left there would not be a cake in the break room—he would just pick up and leave. During [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 10)|season ten]], he was guest-lecturing at the [[University of Paris|Sorbonne]]. In [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 11)|season eleven]], he was in [[Peru]] consulting with the government. ==Character development== ===Personality=== Early episodes revealed Grissom to be a witty, enthusiastic, and quirky scientist who had some sense of humor. He flirted regularly and seemed to be constantly in a [[Hyperactivity|hyperactive]] state.<ref>"I-15 Murders". [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Oz Scott]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-01-12. Season 1 Ep. 11.</ref><ref>"[[Crate 'n Burial]]". [[Ann Donahue]] (writer) & [[Danny Cannon]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2000-10-20. Season 1 Ep. 3.</ref> [[Image:CSI Grissom.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Grissom gives Dr. Phillip Gerard ([[Raymond J. Barry]]) his mother's regards, in sign language (''The Accused Is Entitled'')]] However, when he began to lose his hearing, Grissom retreated into himself and became easily irritated and unapproachable.<ref>"High and Low". [[Naren Shankar]], Eli Talbert (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-12-12. Season 3 Ep. 10.</ref> After his surgery, he lightened up a bit, but never returned to the whimsical science nerd he once was. Grissom is often regarded as well-educated, but unusual in his approach toward his work and social life. In the series, some of his comments and actions can be seen to dumbfound his co-workers and superiors. His relationship with his subordinates in the office is portrayed as being a [[father figure]] to the team, but very professional in his work. Despite being calm, Grissom can get very angry or annoyed if interrupted during an interrogation as seen in season one episode "Table Stakes" when he berates [[Nick Stokes]] for calling him out of interrogation. In addition to being a [[genius]] and somewhat of a [[polymath]] beyond his career training, he exhibits [[Asperger syndrome|Asperger]]-like traits. In [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 2)|season two]], it is hinted that (in fact) he has Asperger's syndrome.<ref>"Caged". [[Elizabeth Devine (writer)|Elizabeth Devine]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-11-08. Season 2 Ep. 7.</ref> Another character on CSI who shares these kind of traits is his subordinate (and ex-wife), [[Sara Sidle]]. She once insinuated that Grissom was a [[misanthrope]] when he quoted her [[Thoreau]]'s ''[[Walden]]''.<ref>"Happenstance". [[Sarah Goldfinger]] (writers) & [[Jean de Segonzac]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2006-11-16. Season 7 Ep. 8.</ref> In the season two episode "Alter Boys", Grissom confides in a priest that he does not believe in the concept of [[organized religion]] and is a lapsed [[Catholic]], but does believe in the idea of God.<ref>"Alter Boys". [[Ann Donahue (writer)|Ann Donahue]] (writer) & [[Danny Cannon]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-11-01. Season 2 Ep. 6.</ref> In addition to belief in God, Grissom and Greg would later agree that scientific education should not necessarily preclude belief in occultism and other paranormal concepts. Although he is very dedicated to his job and sometimes goes to extremes in his investigations, his unwillingness to dabble in office politics often alienates his superiors, and sometimes his subordinates.<ref>"Sex, Lies and Larvae". [[Josh Berman]], [[Ann Donahue]] (writers) & [[Thomas J. Wright]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2000-12-22. Season 1 Ep. 10.</ref> He gets a lot of help in these areas from right-hand woman [[Catherine Willows]], who is always trying to make him "look up from the [[microscope]]".<ref>"Burden of Proof". [[Ann Donahue]] (writer) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-02-07. Season 2 Ep. 15.</ref><ref name="Anthony E p. 22">"Evaluation Day". [[Anthony E. Zuiker]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-05-10. Season 1 Ep. 22.</ref> Grissom claims to have never hired a prostitute for sex, stating that sex is intended to create a human emotional connection. He has also expressed distaste for carrying a firearm when in the field, a tendency that has brought several scoldings from co-worker [[Jim Brass]].<ref>"Ending Happy". Evan Dunsky (writer) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-04-26. Season 7 Ep. 21.</ref> Despite this, he has proven to have an exceptional accuracy at the firing range.<ref>"Assume Nothing". [[Danny Cannon]], [[Anthony E. Zuiker]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2003-09-25. Season 4 Ep. 1.</ref> He once listed his hobbies to [[Lady Heather]]: "I have outlets. I read. I study bugs. I sometimes even ride roller coasters".<ref>"Slaves of Las Vegas". [[Jerry Stahl]] (writer) & [[Peter Markle]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-11-15. Season 2 Ep. 8.</ref> Indeed, he has proven to be a very cultured man on many occasions, having a wide knowledge of [[history]], [[literature]], and [[art]]. He often offers quotes from a variety of literary sources, including [[Shakespeare]] and [[Keats]]. Later in this [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 2)|same season]], he reveals himself to be a [[baseball]] fan. Sara notes that this is typical of Grissom, saying that he would like "all those stats".<ref name="Richard J p. 16">"Primum Non Nocere". [[Danny Cannon]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-01-31. Season 2 Ep. 16.</ref> However, Grissom is not too familiar with [[popular culture]]. In "[[Two and a Half Deaths]]", [[Jim Brass]] was talking about a TV program which he thought had already "[[Jumping the shark|jumped the shark]]," but Grissom did not know the term. While trying to explain, Brass says, "Remember the [[Fonz]]?", which Grissom did not know either. Being an [[entomologist]], he has a wide and varied knowledge of insects, which he applies to his investigations. This has led to his nickname, "The Bug Man". In the beginning of the show, he was referred as "Gruesome Grissom" for his sometimes morbid fascination with the more bizarre aspects of man and nature. Grissom keeps a variety of specimens in his office, including a radiated [[fetal]] [[pig]], a [[tarantula]], and a two-headed [[scorpion]]. He also has a bulletin board that looks like a fish on which unsolved cases go: "the ones that got away".<ref>"Who Are You?". [[Josh Berman]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Danny Cannon]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2000-11-10. Season 1 Ep. 6.</ref> Occasionally, he keeps evidence from closed cases (such as the models created by "[[The Miniature Killer]]"). In [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]], CSI newcomer [[Michael Keppler]] takes a look around Grissom's office and observes that he must be quite a freak.<ref>"Sweet Jane". [[Kenneth Fink]], [[Naren Shankar]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-01-18. Season 7 Ep. 12.</ref> In "The Grave Shift", even after his office has been cleared out (and later reclaimed by a somewhat-reluctant [[Nick Stokes]] after [[Catherine Willows]] passed on the offer), the fetal pig in a jar was placed back in there by [[David Hodges (CSI)|Hodges]], who felt that it belonged there. When asked why he is a CSI, he responds, "Because the dead can't speak for themselves." This is one of his favorite quotes, and he uses it frequently.<ref>"Toe Tags". [[Allen MacDonald]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]], [[Richard Catalani]], [[Douglas Petrie]] (writers) & [[Jeffrey Hunt]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2006-10-05. Season 7 Ep. 3.</ref> == Relationships with other characters == In the sixth season episode "Bang-Bang," Grissom tells Doc Robbins, concerning a woman shot in the mouth, "This was someone who was emotionally close to her." Doc Robbins asks him if he has ever even been close to getting married. Grissom tells him about "Nicole Daley," who, like him, was interested in bugs. He goes on a bit about her, then says, "Second grade." Grissom may not ask to take on the role of mentor, but it seems to happen naturally, going all the way back to [[Sara Sidle]] when they first met in [[San Francisco]], then [[Nick Stokes]] and [[Greg Sanders]] in Vegas. Although he can be annoyed with his protégés at times, he is visibly proud when they succeed, as Greg did by passing his field test and becoming a CSI.<ref>"Who Shot Sherlock?". [[David Rambo]], [[Richard Catalani]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2005-01-06. Season 5 Ep. 11.</ref> He is also protective of his staff and defends them as much as he can, as seen in episode 521 ("Rashomama") for example. He also shares a good friendship with Dr. [[Al Robbins]] and the two were seen singing together in the autopsy room while processing the body of a murdered rock 'n' roll star (season 7, "Built to Kill, Part 2"). In the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 6)|season six]] finale, it was revealed that [[Jim Brass]]'s [[Advance health care directive|living will]] gave Grissom [[power of attorney]], showing that Grissom was the one person Brass trusted with his life.<ref name="CSI. p. 24">"Way To Go". [[Jerry Stahl]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2006-05-18. Season 6 Ep. 24.</ref> He has also been shown to be something of an inadvertent mentor-figure to [[David Hodges (CSI)|David Hodges]], who looks up to him and often seeks his advice or approval, despite not always receiving it. Upon learning of Grissom's plans to quit CSI, Hodges becomes visibly upset. His relationship with [[Warrick Brown]] had aspects of a mentor/student bond, but out of all the CSIs (Catherine included), Grissom seemed to view Warrick as his successor, the one who would lead when he was gone.<ref>"Leaving Las Vegas". [[Allen MacDonald]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-01-04. Season 7 Ep. 11.</ref> Some fans have always expected to see a relationship between Grissom and [[Catherine Willows]], in whom he is shown confiding many times, once even likening her to being his "wife".<ref>"Jackpot". [[Carol Mendelsohn]] and [[Naren Shankar]] (writers) & [[Danny Cannon]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2003-10-06. Season 4 Ep. 6.</ref> The two were never more than very good friends, as the show's producers see them as more of brother and sister than lovers.<ref>[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/07/a_very_special_.html Chicago Tribune-"A very special 'CSI' Thanksgiving"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> Catherine has many times encouraged Grissom to be more open and less self-absorbed,<ref name="Anthony E p. 22"/> and to pursue something with [[Sara Sidle]].<ref>"Burden of Proof". [[Ann Donahue]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-02-07. Season 2 Ep. 15.</ref> Grissom has been allegedly involved with forensic anthropologist [[Teri Miller]]<ref>"To Halve and to Hold". [[Ann Donahue]], [[Andrew Lipsit]] (writers) & [[Lou Antonio]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-02-15. Season 1 Ep. 14.</ref> and with [[Sadomasochism|S&M]] parlor operator [[Lady Heather]], whose "[[safeword]]" it has been suggested that he knows <ref>"Pirates of the Third Reich". [[Jerry Stahl]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2006-02-09. Season 6 Ep. 5.</ref> - however, as all he says is "Heather, stop!" and "I'm saying Stop", he evidently does not use it, as "Stop" is never a "[[safeword]]". Rather, this is a reference to the episode ''Lady Heather's Box'', in which she reminds Grissom that the submissive is in control; Grissom tells her when they begin kissing, "You can always say stop," and she replies, "So can you." === Sara Sidle === Since the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 1)|first season]], there were hints that both [[Sara Sidle]] and Grissom were interested in each other romantically. In fact, the show's creators made Sara Sidle while thinking of a future love interest for Grissom,<ref>[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/09/post.html Chicago Tribune-"Bound for home"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref><ref>[http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,645191271,00.html Deseret Morning News - Apparently, autopsies and romance do mix] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> but during the show's first three seasons, Grissom flirted with all the female characters, and when Sara asked him out to dinner, he rejected her, claiming that he did not know what to do about what is going on between them.<ref name="Richard J p. 16"/><ref>"Play with Fire". [[Andrew Lipsitz]], [[Naren Shankar]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2003-05-08. Season 3 Ep. 22.</ref> [[Image:Grissomsara csi.jpeg|left|thumb|250px|A sizzling moment between Grissom and [[Sara Sidle]] on the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 4)|fourth season]] episode "Invisible Evidence".]] In season four, Grissom's true feelings are revealed in "Butterflied", an episode that centers entirely around him discovering his sentiments for Sara. It was then that he admitted not being able to risk his career to be with her.<ref>"Butterflied". [[David Rambo]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2004-01-15. Season 4 Ep. 12.</ref> In season four, Sara apparently develops a drinking problem, which Grissom acknowledges on the season finale; after this, they would hardly see each other, and Grissom becomes interested in detective [[Sofia Curtis]]. In mid-season five, Sara is suspended for insubordination and she reveals to Grissom her tormented childhood. He refuses to fire her and has her working in every case of the next two seasons with him.<ref>"Nesting Dolls". [[Sarah Goldfinger]] (writers) & [[Bill Eagles]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2005-02-03. Season 5 Ep. 13.</ref> It was not until the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 6)|sixth season]] finale that it is revealed that Grissom and Sara have worked through whatever issues they had, and are, in fact, a couple, and have been for two years.<ref name="CSI. p. 24"/> This revelation caused mixed reviews among critics, some of them see this relationship as ''CSI'' "[[jumping the shark]]", an attempt to include more drama and romance to the show, so as to be able to compete with the [[medical drama]] ''[[Grey's Anatomy]]'', which airs at around the same time.<ref name="featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com">[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/05/the_gus_and_sar.html Chicago Tribune-"The Gil and Sara show on 'CSI'"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref><ref>[http://www.jumptheshark.com/topic/Csi-Crime-Scene-Investigation/Csi-Crime-Scene-Investigation-General/449 CSI in JumpTheShark.com] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> By killing off the sexual tension between the two characters and making them an item, the production crew were seen to be adding more personal drama to the show, increasing the appeal to some of ''Grey's Anatomy'''s younger audience.<ref name="featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com"/><ref>[http://www.buddytv.com/articles/csi/csis-gil-grissom-and-sara-sidl-5240.aspx Buddy TV-"CSI's Gil Grissom and Sara Sidle"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref><ref>[http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Hein-Sight/Note-Csi-Dont/700003961&start=30 TVguide-"Note to CSI—Don't Do It"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22. {{Wayback|url=http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Hein-Sight/Note-Csi-Dont/700003961&start=30|date =20071012221136|bot=DASHBot}}</ref> This has been denied by the writers, [[Carol Mendelsohn]] even said that she has never been able to see Grissom with someone else other than Sara and that this episode was seen by the writers as the right time to reveal the relationship, [[Jorja Fox]] and [[William Petersen]] have also admitted that the relationship is not new.<ref>[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/07/a_terrifying_ro.html Chicago Tribune-"A 'terrifying' romance on 'CSI'"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref><ref>[http://www.visimag.com/culttimes/c115_display.htm Cult Times, April 2005, Interview with Jorja Fox] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> Throughout [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]], the audience sees Grissom and Sara as a couple,<ref>"Leapin' Lizards". [[Evan Dunsky]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-05-03. Season 7 Ep. 22.</ref><ref>"Fallen Idols".''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-02-22. Season 7 Ep. 17.</ref> but the relationship is kept secret from the others in the lab until Sara's abduction by [[The Miniature Killer]] in the season finale when Grissom unwittingly refers to his feelings for Sara.<ref>"Living Doll". [[Sarah Goldfinger]], [[Naren Shankar]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-05-17. Season 7 Ep. 24.</ref> During season eight, they have become engaged.<ref>"The Case of the Cross-Dressing Carp". [[David Rambo]], [[Jacqueline Hoyt]] (writers) & [[Alec Smight]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-10-18. Season 8 Ep. 4.</ref> When [[Jorja Fox]] decided to leave the show,<ref>[http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20054547_20055147_20152746,00.html Jorja Fox: Why I Quit 'CSI'] Retrieved on 2007-11-18.</ref> both she and the writers decided not to kill the character, so as to leave the doors open for a possible comeback.<ref>[http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/Exclusive-Csi-Boss/800024964 Exclusive: CSI Boss Vows Jorja Fox is "Coming Back"]</ref> Consequently, Sara Sidle is submerged into depression after her kidnap in the season seven finale, and, even though she accepts Grissom's marriage proposal on the season's [[The Case of the Cross-Dressing Carp|fourth episode]], she shows signs of [[Burnout (psychology)|burnout]] during the subsequent episodes, breaking down on the season's seventh episode, leaving Las Vegas and the CSIs with only a goodbye letter for Grissom and a good luck note for Ronnie Lake. In the letter she claims that ever since her father's death she has been dealing with "ghosts" and that she now needs to go away and deal with them before self-destructing.<ref>"Goodbye and Good Luck". [[Sarah Goldfinger]], [[Allen MacDonald]], [[Naren Shankar]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-11-15. Season 8 Ep. 7.</ref> After Grissom leaves CSI, he goes to Costa Rica, in hopes of finding Sara. Once they see each other, they embrace in a passionate kiss. Sara's return to CSI in the first episode of season ten reveals that she and Grissom are now married. In "[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 13)|Forget Me Not]]", Sara reveals "he's not my husband anymore" as she and Grissom had split up. According to her, he was the one to propose an end to the relationship, saying that it was in her best interest. {{s-start}} {{s-bef|before=unknown}} {{s-ttl|title=CSI Grave Shift Co-Asst. Supervisor [with Catherine Willows] ("Pilot")}} {{s-aft|after=None - Willows became sole Asst. Supervisor}} {{end}} {{s-start}} {{s-bef|before=[[Jim Brass]]}} {{s-ttl|title=CSI Grave Shift Supervisor ("Cool Change"-"One to Go")}} {{s-aft|after=[[Catherine Willows]]}} {{end}} ==See also== *[[List of fictional medical examiners]] == Footnotes == {{reflist|2}} == References == * Marrinan, Corinne and Parker, Steve. ''Ultimate CSI: Crime Scene Investigation'' (2006). DK Publishing Inc. ISBN 0-7566-2353-7 == External links == * [http://www.gsrforeverlove.com GSRForeverLove A Grissom and Sara Romance Fan Site] * [http://csiwiki.cbs.com/page/01.+Gil+Grissom Gil Grissom] at the Unofficial CSI Wiki * [http://slate.com/id/2113347/ The Sexiest Man in the Morgue], ''[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]'', February 11, 2005 {{CSI: Crime Scene Investigation}} {{Good article}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Grissom, Gil}} [[Category:CSI: Crime Scene Investigation characters]] [[Category:Fictional Las Vegas Police Department detectives]] [[Category:Fictional scientists]] [[Category:Fictional characters introduced in 2000]] {{Link GA|bs}}'
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'@@ -1,171 +1 @@ -{{confuse|Gus Grissom}} -{{CSI character -|csi_serie = CSI: Crime Scene Investigation -|image = WilliamPetersen.jpg -|image_size = 150px -|caption = Petersen on the set of ''CSI'', March 2004 -|color = #32CD32 -|name = Gil Grissom -|born = August 17, 1956<br />Santa Monica, California -|city = Las Vegas, Nevada -|job = CSI (Retired) -|rank = CSI Level 3 -|position = Head of Crime Lab/Night Shift Supervisor -|seasons = [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 1)|1]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 2)|2]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 3)|3]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 4)|4]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 5)|5]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 6)|6]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|7]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 8)|8]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 9)|9]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 11)|11]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 13)|13]] -|portrayer = [[William Petersen]] -|first = [[Pilot (CSI)|The Pilot]] -|last = The Two Mrs. Grissoms -}} -'''Dr. Gilbert Arthur "Gil" Grissom''', [[Doctor of Philosophy|Ph.D.]], is a [[fictional character]] on the CBS [[crime drama]] ''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]]'', portrayed by [[William Petersen]]. Grissom was a [[Forensic entomology|forensic entomologist]] and the night shift supervisor of the [[Clark County, Nevada]] CSI ([[forensics]]) team, investigating crimes in and around the city of [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]]. He was the show's [[protagonist]] from seasons one to nine, when Petersen left the show as a regular, and was replaced by [[Laurence Fishburne]] as Dr. [[Raymond Langston]], [[Doctor of Medicine|M.D.]] He appeared in 190 episodes. - -''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]]'' producer and writer [[Carol Mendelsohn]] considers Grissom the center of the show,<ref>[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/05/solving_the_mys.html Chicago Tribune "Solving the mystery of the 'CSI' finale shocker"] par.19 approx. Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> and in the first seven years of the show he appeared in every episode, with the exception of "Hollywood Brass", from [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 5)|season five]], "Gum Drops" and "The Unusual Suspect" from [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 6)|season six]], and "Sweet Jane" and "Redrum" from [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]]. In late season six, it is revealed that he has become romantically involved with subordinate CSI [[Sara Sidle]]. - -Grissom has received positive responses from critics, ranking number 82 on Bravo's 100 Greatest TV Characters list, along with [[Catherine Willows]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bravotv.com/The_100_Greatest_TV_Characters/index.shtml |title=The 100 Greatest TV characters |publisher=''[[Bravo (US TV channel)|Bravo!]]'' |accessdate=2008-11-30|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071015070449/http://www.bravotv.com/The_100_Greatest_TV_Characters/index.shtml |archivedate = October 15, 2007|deadurl=yes}}</ref> He was ranked at number 9 on [[Sleuth Channel]]'s poll of ''America's Top Sleuths''.<ref>{{cite web|title=America's Top Sleuths|url=http://magnum-mania.com/Lists/Americas_Top_Sleuths.html|accessdate=February 3, 2013|year=2006}}</ref> [[AOL TV]] named him one of TV's Smartest Detectives.<ref>{{cite web|title=TV's Smartest Detectives|url=http://www.aoltv.com/2011/11/28/smartest-detectives-in-tv-history/#photo-11|work=[[AOL TV]]|accessdate=February 3, 2013|date=November 18, 2011}}</ref> Grissom's final episode as a regular drew over 23 million viewers.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/01/16/thursday-ratings-csis-petersen-farewell-draws-23-million/10960#more-10960 |publisher=TV by the Numbers |author=Gorman, Bill |date=2009-01-16 |title=Thursday Nielsen TV Ratings: CSI's Petersen Farewell Draws 23 Million |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> - -Although Petersen has confirmed that Grissom will not return to the show as a regular,{{citation needed|date=September 2011}} he did reprise his role for an uncredited appearance in the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 11)|season eleven]] episode "The Two Mrs. Grissoms."<ref>http://www.csifiles.com/content/2011/01/petersen-returns-to-csi-for-guest-appearance/</ref> This return was kept secret until [[CTV Television Network|CTV]] accidentally leaked the promo; since then, most copies have been pulled. He was present at the end of the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 13)|season thirteen]] episode "Dead Air", voice only, on the phone with Sara. This appearance was uncredited. - -== Creation and development == -[[Anthony E. Zuiker]], who created the show, loosely based Grissom on real life [[Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department]] criminalist Daniel Holstein.<ref name="Peoplecreation" /> Zuiker was "fascinated" by Holstein, who, like Grissom, kept maggots and pig's blood in his refrigerator.<ref name="EWcreation">{{cite news |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,278442,00.html |title=Esprit de Corpse |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |author=Flaherty, Mike |date=2000-11-10 |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> Holstein works as a consultant for the show.<ref name="Peoplecreation">{{cite news |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20138223,00.html |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |last=Gliatto|first=Tom |authorlink=Tom Gliatto|date=2002-10-14 |title=The Dead Zone |pages=112–115 |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> Zuiker originally named the character Gil Sheinbaum,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/01/13/ew.petersen/index.html |publisher=[[CNN]] |author=Rice, Lynette |title=''CSI''{{'}}s Petersen: "I won't miss Grissom" |date=2009-01-13 |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> but after he became part of the cast, [[William Petersen]] requested the name to be changed, Petersen and Zuiker decided to rename the character "Grissom", after [[astronaut]] [[Gus Grissom]], of whom Petersen was a great admirer.<ref name="DanPatrickshow" /> The name Gil came from one of the actor's hobbies, [[fishing]].<ref name="DanPatrickshow">{{cite interview |last=Petersen |first=William |authorlink=William Petersen |interviewer=[[Dan Patrick]]; [[Rob Dibble]] |program=[[The Dan Patrick Show]] |callsign=[[ESPN]] |city=[[Bristol, Connecticut|Bristol, CT]] |date=2003-09-05}}</ref> - -In 2000, [[CBS]] had bought the pilot script from Zuiker, and [[Nina Tassler]], CBS's head of drama development, passed it on to Petersen, who had a [[pay or play contract]] with the network.<ref name="CTinterview" /> Petersen has said that many TV shows were offered to him over the years, but he "didn't want to get locked down".<ref name="CTinterview" /> However, he was impressed with the complexity of Grissom's character, and he decided to audition.<ref name="CTinterview">{{cite news |url=http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/09/post.html |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |author=Ryan, Maureen |date=2006-09-20 |title=Bound for home: Chicago's William Petersen looks beyond 'CSI' to a return to the stage |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> It was the second time Petersen portrayed a [[forensic science|forensic scientist]], having portrayed [[Will Graham]] in the 1986 film ''[[Manhunter (film)|Manhunter]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jumpin' Jack Flash |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=2001-08-16 |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,171472_2,00.html |author=Susman, Gary |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> - -== Appearances == -Gil Grissom first appears in ''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]]'' on the pilot episode. After this he has appeared in almost every single episode throughout the show's eight years, except in "Hollywood Brass", from [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 5)|season five]], an episode that turns entirely around [[Jim Brass]]; besides him, only three other regular characters appear.<ref>"Hollywood Brass". [[Sarah Goldfinger]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & Bill Eagles (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2005-04-21. Season 5 Ep. 2.</ref> - -Again, William Petersen did not appear during the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 6)|season six]] episode "Gum Drops". This episode was originally going to be how Grissom was convinced that an abduction victim was still alive. When Petersen's nephew died, he flew home and was unavailable for the filming of the episode, which was rewritten to be centered around [[Nick Stokes|Nick]].<ref>[http://www.tv.com/csi/gum-drops/episode/488541/summary.html TV.com episode summary] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> - -During 2007 (''CSI''{{'s}} [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]]) [[William Petersen]] took a break from ''CSI'' to appear in a five-week run of the [[Trinity Repertory Company]] production of ''[[Dublin Carol]]'' in [[Providence, Rhode Island]], resulting in Grissom taking a sabbatical, being replaced by [[Liev Schreiber]], as [[Michael Keppler]], who developed a small [[story arc]] through "Sweet Jane", "Redrum" and "Meet Market". - -[[Carol Mendelsohn]], one of the show's producers and writers, considers Grissom the center of the show.<ref>[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/05/solving_the_mys.html Chicago Tribune-"Solving the mystery of the 'CSI' finale shocker"] paragraph 19 approx. Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> He does play an important role in most episodes, although he is not always the center; for example, both "[[Grave Danger]]" episodes center around [[Nick Stokes|Nick]], and "The Execution of Catherine Willows", "Weeping Willows", and "[[Built To Kill, Part 2]]" all focus on [[Catherine Willows|Catherine]]. - -When [[Marg Helgenberger]] left ''CSI'' in [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 12)|season twelve]], she revealed that Grissom almost returned to the show. Petersen intended to come back for a couple of guest appearances, but writer Carol Mendelsohn wanted Catherine's final two episodes to be about her not about Grissom returning; but Mendelsohn also admits that she frequently asks Petersen about possibly returning.<ref>http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/news/a362045/william-petersen-almost-returned-to-csi-reveals-marg-helgenberger.html</ref> - -== Parallelism with Sherlock Holmes == -Gil Grissom has a more than passing similarity to [[Sherlock Holmes]]. Like Holmes, Grissom is dispassionate with a fierce devotion to logic and little regard for societal norms of behavior; Grissom once smashed [[Mustard (condiment)|mustard]] jars in a grocery store to illustrate a theory ("[[I-15 Murders]]"), much as Holmes once practiced spearing a pig in a butchers to determine how strong a man would have to be to transfix a man with a harpoon. - -Grissom possesses a [[Professor Moriarty|Moriarty]]-like nemesis, [[Paul Millander]], whom he pursues in several episodes ([[The Pilot (CSI episode)|"Pilot"]], [[Anonymous (CSI episode)|"Anonymous"]] and [[Identity Crisis (CSI episode)|"Identity Crisis"]]). Coincidentally, "Paul Millander" has the same initials as "Professor Moriarty." There's also a woman, [[Lady Heather]], in whom he takes an unusual interest. Their relationship is similar to that of [[Irene Adler]] and Holmes. Both Irene and Lady Heather enchant Holmes and Grissom with their beauty, their [[wit]] and their resolution. Lady Heather often wears [[Victorian era|Victorian]]-style dresses, referencing Holmes's era ("[[Slaves of Las Vegas]]", "[[Lady Heather's Box]]," "[[Pirates of the Third Reich]]," and "[[The Good, the Bad, and the Dominatrix]]"). - -=== Public reaction === -This [[fictional character]] has an extensive [[fandom|fan base]]. There are more than one thousand videos made using the character on sites such as [[YouTube]] and a thousand more depicting his relationship with [[Sara Sidle]]. - -Of more than twenty-five-thousand [[fan fiction]]s written about ''CSI'' on [[FanFiction.Net]], more than half include Gil Grissom.<ref>[http://www.fanfiction.net/tv/CSI/ Fanfiction.net/tv/CSI] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> There are also many other sites that update daily news about either Gil Grissom's status on ''CSI'' or [[William Petersen]]'s activities in real life.<ref>[http://www.billypetersen.com/V4/home.html The William Petersen Appreciation Page] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref><ref>[http://www.william-petersen.com/ The William Petersen Attic] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> - -The GSR ("Grissom and Sara Romance"; the abbreviation is a play on the term for [[gunshot residue]], often mentioned in ''CSI'') has accumulated an extensive fan base during the years with some sites getting thousands of viewers a week.<ref>[http://www.grissomsararomance.com/ GSR:GrissomandSaraRomance.com] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> Some fans consider this "[[shipping (fandom)|ship]]" very similar to the one of [[Fox Mulder|Mulder]] and [[Dana Scully|Scully]] in the ''[[X-Files]]''. From the beginning, both shows showed a lot of chemistry between the two co-workers, leading viewers to assume that a relationship between the two would soon begin, when in fact it would take years of a platonic relationship and sexual tension for something to actually be seen, with both couples only sharing their first on-screen kiss in the eighth season of their respective shows. - -On September 27, 2007, after ''CSI'''s season eight premiered, a miniature model of Gil Grissom's office (which he was seen building during [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]]) was put up for auction on [[eBay]]. The auction ended on October 7 with the prop being sold for US$15,600, which CBS donated to the [[Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse|National CASA Association]].<ref>[http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280154305542&ssPageName=STRK:MESC:IT&ih=018 CBS CSI Gil Grissom's rare office replica TV prop] Retrieved on 2007-10-22. {{Wayback|url=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280154305542&ssPageName=STRK:MESC:IT&ih=018|date =20071011004258|bot=DASHBot}}</ref> - -== Character background == -=== Early life === -Gilbert Arthur "Gil" Grissom was born on August 17, 1956, as an only child to a middle-class family in [[Santa Monica, California]]. -Grissom's father taught botany at a local college and passed his enthusiasm for natural sciences onto his son. His father died when Grissom was 9 years old. Grissom recalls the day his father died to Catherine Willows in the episode "Still Life". "He came home from school, one hot humid day, laid down on the couch. I was watching TV, my mom brought in some cold drinks, but she couldn't wake him up. No one would tell me why." Consequently, as a young child, Grissom ''played doctor'' by performing [[necropsies]] on small, deceased animals in the local area. -Gil's mother, Betty, who was rendered deaf by the genetic disorder [[Otosclerosis]], was responsible for his love of books. As a result of his mother's deafness, Gil became fluent in [[American Sign Language]] in order to be able to communicate with her. -In the earlier seasons of [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation|CSI]], it becomes clear that Gil is also beginning to suffer with the degenerative disease; however, after seeking medical treatment, the disease was prevented from developing. - -In the episode "Grissom Vs. the Volcano", Catherine tells the story of losing at a science competition as a child against a "kid with some lame red ants". Later in the episode Nick also reveals that he lost a science competition and Grissom tells him to let it go. In his childhood science competition, Grissom was the kid with the ants. - -In a [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 2)|season two]] episode "Bully for You", he told Warrick that in high school, he was a "ghost" (meaning that he did not belong to any group in particular).<ref>"Ellie". [[Anthony E. Zuiker]] &Charlie Correll (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-12-06. Season 2 Ep. 10.</ref> When he was in college, Grissom financed his first [[body farm]] with his winnings from a high stakes [[poker]] game.<ref>"Revenge Is Best Served Cold". [[Anthony E. Dannie Cannon]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-09-26. Season 3 Ep. 1.</ref> At the same time, he also attended [[boxing]] matches to learn about the patterns of bruise formations on bodies and eventual blood spatters from the injuries. - -He became a [[Forensic entomology|forensic entomologist]]. He earned his [[Bachelor of Science]] degree in [[biology]] ''[[magna cum laude]]'' from the [[University of California, Los Angeles]] (UCLA), and his Ph.D. in Biology from the [[University of Chicago]].<ref>Season 1 Ep. 10, "Sex, Lies and Larvae."</ref> - -=== Career === -Grissom became a crime scene investigator around 1985 (Grissom mentioned in "Living Doll", which first aired on May 17, 2007, that he had been a crime scene investigator for 22 years). Grissom once mentioned losing a body while in [[Minneapolis]], implying he spent time there before taking a job in Las Vegas.<ref>"Precious Metal". Andrew Lipsitz, Naren Shankar (writers) & Deran Sarafian (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2003-03-04. Season 3 Ep. 18.</ref> This is mentioned again when he works with his former mentor, Dr. Phillip Gerard, played by [[Raymond J. Barry]], stating that he used to work for him in [[Hennepin County, Minnesota|Hennepin County]], whose seat is Minneapolis.<ref>"The Accused Is Entitled". [[Elizabeth Devine (writer)|Elizabeth Devine]], [[Ann Donahue]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-10-03. Season 3 Ep. 2.</ref> - -He became the night shift team supervisor for the Las Vegas CSI unit on the second episode of the series, after [[Jim Brass]] got demoted following the death of co-worker Holly Gribbs.<ref>"Cool Change". [[Anthony E. Zuiker]] (writers) & [[Michael Watkins]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2000-10-13. Season 1 Ep. 2.</ref> - -In [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]], Grissom took a sabbatical to teach a class at [[Williams College]] in [[Williamstown, Massachusetts]] for four weeks.<ref>"Leaving Las Vegas". Allen MacDonald, [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-01-04. Season 7 Ep. 11.</ref> Prior to his sabbatical, Grissom had been showing signs of "[[burnout (psychology)|burnout]]". Upon his return, however, he appears reinvigorated and tells [[Warrick Brown]] that he "missed" Las Vegas.<ref>"Law of Gravity". Richard Catalani, [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-02-08. Season 7 Ep. 15.</ref> After the resignation of [[Sara Sidle]], his fiancee, from the lab, and the murder of Warrick Brown, his burnout seems to be resurfacing. This is particularly evident in "Say Uncle", where, at the end of the episode, he expresses deep regret over solving a particularly depressing case. - -Grissom announced his retirement just as evidence comes to light that The Dick and Jane Killer, a [[serial killer]] from the 1990s currently serving two life sentences, did not act alone, and that his accomplice has begun killing again. Rather than leave in the middle of a case, Grissom stays on to help solve it, and ultimately proves instrumental in saving the life of a woman who would have been the killer's latest victim. The case closed, Grissom, having already had a series of one-on-one farewells with his co-workers, silently left the crime lab and departed for [[Costa Rica]] for a reunion with fiancee [[Sara Sidle]], an allusion perhaps to his comments in a [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 1)|season one]] episode that when he left, people would not throw a party for him because he was not the sort of person who people would get deeply involved with. He also says to Warrick in season two ("Ellie") that when he left there would not be a cake in the break room—he would just pick up and leave. - -During [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 10)|season ten]], he was guest-lecturing at the [[University of Paris|Sorbonne]]. In [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 11)|season eleven]], he was in [[Peru]] consulting with the government. - -==Character development== -===Personality=== -Early episodes revealed Grissom to be a witty, enthusiastic, and quirky scientist who had some sense of humor. He flirted regularly and seemed to be constantly in a [[Hyperactivity|hyperactive]] state.<ref>"I-15 Murders". [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Oz Scott]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-01-12. Season 1 Ep. 11.</ref><ref>"[[Crate 'n Burial]]". [[Ann Donahue]] (writer) & [[Danny Cannon]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2000-10-20. Season 1 Ep. 3.</ref> -[[Image:CSI Grissom.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Grissom gives Dr. Phillip Gerard ([[Raymond J. Barry]]) his mother's regards, in sign language (''The Accused Is Entitled'')]] - -However, when he began to lose his hearing, Grissom retreated into himself and became easily irritated and unapproachable.<ref>"High and Low". [[Naren Shankar]], Eli Talbert (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-12-12. Season 3 Ep. 10.</ref> After his surgery, he lightened up a bit, but never returned to the whimsical science nerd he once was. - -Grissom is often regarded as well-educated, but unusual in his approach toward his work and social life. In the series, some of his comments and actions can be seen to dumbfound his co-workers and superiors. His relationship with his subordinates in the office is portrayed as being a [[father figure]] to the team, but very professional in his work. - -Despite being calm, Grissom can get very angry or annoyed if interrupted during an interrogation as seen in season one episode "Table Stakes" when he berates [[Nick Stokes]] for calling him out of interrogation. - -In addition to being a [[genius]] and somewhat of a [[polymath]] beyond his career training, he exhibits [[Asperger syndrome|Asperger]]-like traits. In [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 2)|season two]], it is hinted that (in fact) he has Asperger's syndrome.<ref>"Caged". [[Elizabeth Devine (writer)|Elizabeth Devine]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-11-08. Season 2 Ep. 7.</ref> Another character on CSI who shares these kind of traits is his subordinate (and ex-wife), [[Sara Sidle]]. She once insinuated that Grissom was a [[misanthrope]] when he quoted her [[Thoreau]]'s ''[[Walden]]''.<ref>"Happenstance". [[Sarah Goldfinger]] (writers) & [[Jean de Segonzac]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2006-11-16. Season 7 Ep. 8.</ref> - -In the season two episode "Alter Boys", Grissom confides in a priest that he does not believe in the concept of [[organized religion]] and is a lapsed [[Catholic]], but does believe in the idea of God.<ref>"Alter Boys". [[Ann Donahue (writer)|Ann Donahue]] (writer) & [[Danny Cannon]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-11-01. Season 2 Ep. 6.</ref> In addition to belief in God, Grissom and Greg would later agree that scientific education should not necessarily preclude belief in occultism and other paranormal concepts. - -Although he is very dedicated to his job and sometimes goes to extremes in his investigations, his unwillingness to dabble in office politics often alienates his superiors, and sometimes his subordinates.<ref>"Sex, Lies and Larvae". [[Josh Berman]], [[Ann Donahue]] (writers) & [[Thomas J. Wright]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2000-12-22. Season 1 Ep. 10.</ref> He gets a lot of help in these areas from right-hand woman [[Catherine Willows]], who is always trying to make him "look up from the [[microscope]]".<ref>"Burden of Proof". [[Ann Donahue]] (writer) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-02-07. Season 2 Ep. 15.</ref><ref name="Anthony E p. 22">"Evaluation Day". [[Anthony E. Zuiker]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-05-10. Season 1 Ep. 22.</ref> - -Grissom claims to have never hired a prostitute for sex, stating that sex is intended to create a human emotional connection. He has also expressed distaste for carrying a firearm when in the field, a tendency that has brought several scoldings from co-worker [[Jim Brass]].<ref>"Ending Happy". Evan Dunsky (writer) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-04-26. Season 7 Ep. 21.</ref> Despite this, he has proven to have an exceptional accuracy at the firing range.<ref>"Assume Nothing". [[Danny Cannon]], [[Anthony E. Zuiker]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2003-09-25. Season 4 Ep. 1.</ref> - -He once listed his hobbies to [[Lady Heather]]: "I have outlets. I read. I study bugs. I sometimes even ride roller coasters".<ref>"Slaves of Las Vegas". [[Jerry Stahl]] (writer) & [[Peter Markle]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-11-15. Season 2 Ep. 8.</ref> Indeed, he has proven to be a very cultured man on many occasions, having a wide knowledge of [[history]], [[literature]], and [[art]]. He often offers quotes from a variety of literary sources, including [[Shakespeare]] and [[Keats]]. Later in this [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 2)|same season]], he reveals himself to be a [[baseball]] fan. Sara notes that this is typical of Grissom, saying that he would like "all those stats".<ref name="Richard J p. 16">"Primum Non Nocere". [[Danny Cannon]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-01-31. Season 2 Ep. 16.</ref> However, Grissom is not too familiar with [[popular culture]]. In "[[Two and a Half Deaths]]", [[Jim Brass]] was talking about a TV program which he thought had already "[[Jumping the shark|jumped the shark]]," but Grissom did not know the term. While trying to explain, Brass says, "Remember the [[Fonz]]?", which Grissom did not know either. - -Being an [[entomologist]], he has a wide and varied knowledge of insects, which he applies to his investigations. This has led to his nickname, "The Bug Man". In the beginning of the show, he was referred as "Gruesome Grissom" for his sometimes morbid fascination with the more bizarre aspects of man and nature. Grissom keeps a variety of specimens in his office, including a radiated [[fetal]] [[pig]], a [[tarantula]], and a two-headed [[scorpion]]. He also has a bulletin board that looks like a fish on which unsolved cases go: "the ones that got away".<ref>"Who Are You?". [[Josh Berman]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Danny Cannon]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2000-11-10. Season 1 Ep. 6.</ref> Occasionally, he keeps evidence from closed cases (such as the models created by "[[The Miniature Killer]]"). In [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]], CSI newcomer [[Michael Keppler]] takes a look around Grissom's office and observes that he must be quite a freak.<ref>"Sweet Jane". [[Kenneth Fink]], [[Naren Shankar]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-01-18. Season 7 Ep. 12.</ref> In "The Grave Shift", even after his office has been cleared out (and later reclaimed by a somewhat-reluctant [[Nick Stokes]] after [[Catherine Willows]] passed on the offer), the fetal pig in a jar was placed back in there by [[David Hodges (CSI)|Hodges]], who felt that it belonged there. - -When asked why he is a CSI, he responds, "Because the dead can't speak for themselves." This is one of his favorite quotes, and he uses it frequently.<ref>"Toe Tags". [[Allen MacDonald]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]], [[Richard Catalani]], [[Douglas Petrie]] (writers) & [[Jeffrey Hunt]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2006-10-05. Season 7 Ep. 3.</ref> - -== Relationships with other characters == -In the sixth season episode "Bang-Bang," Grissom tells Doc Robbins, concerning a woman shot in the mouth, "This was someone who was emotionally close to her." Doc Robbins asks him if he has ever even been close to getting married. Grissom tells him about "Nicole Daley," who, like him, was interested in bugs. He goes on a bit about her, then says, "Second grade." - -Grissom may not ask to take on the role of mentor, but it seems to happen naturally, going all the way back to [[Sara Sidle]] when they first met in [[San Francisco]], then [[Nick Stokes]] and [[Greg Sanders]] in Vegas. Although he can be annoyed with his protégés at times, he is visibly proud when they succeed, as Greg did by passing his field test and becoming a CSI.<ref>"Who Shot Sherlock?". [[David Rambo]], [[Richard Catalani]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2005-01-06. Season 5 Ep. 11.</ref> He is also protective of his staff and defends them as much as he can, as seen in episode 521 ("Rashomama") for example. - -He also shares a good friendship with Dr. [[Al Robbins]] and the two were seen singing together in the autopsy room while processing the body of a murdered rock 'n' roll star (season 7, "Built to Kill, Part 2"). In the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 6)|season six]] finale, it was revealed that [[Jim Brass]]'s [[Advance health care directive|living will]] gave Grissom [[power of attorney]], showing that Grissom was the one person Brass trusted with his life.<ref name="CSI. p. 24">"Way To Go". [[Jerry Stahl]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2006-05-18. Season 6 Ep. 24.</ref> He has also been shown to be something of an inadvertent mentor-figure to [[David Hodges (CSI)|David Hodges]], who looks up to him and often seeks his advice or approval, despite not always receiving it. Upon learning of Grissom's plans to quit CSI, Hodges becomes visibly upset. - -His relationship with [[Warrick Brown]] had aspects of a mentor/student bond, but out of all the CSIs (Catherine included), Grissom seemed to view Warrick as his successor, the one who would lead when he was gone.<ref>"Leaving Las Vegas". [[Allen MacDonald]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-01-04. Season 7 Ep. 11.</ref> - -Some fans have always expected to see a relationship between Grissom and [[Catherine Willows]], in whom he is shown confiding many times, once even likening her to being his "wife".<ref>"Jackpot". [[Carol Mendelsohn]] and [[Naren Shankar]] (writers) & [[Danny Cannon]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2003-10-06. Season 4 Ep. 6.</ref> The two were never more than very good friends, as the show's producers see them as more of brother and sister than lovers.<ref>[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/07/a_very_special_.html Chicago Tribune-"A very special 'CSI' Thanksgiving"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> Catherine has many times encouraged Grissom to be more open and less self-absorbed,<ref name="Anthony E p. 22"/> and to pursue something with [[Sara Sidle]].<ref>"Burden of Proof". [[Ann Donahue]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-02-07. Season 2 Ep. 15.</ref> - -Grissom has been allegedly involved with forensic anthropologist [[Teri Miller]]<ref>"To Halve and to Hold". [[Ann Donahue]], [[Andrew Lipsit]] (writers) & [[Lou Antonio]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-02-15. Season 1 Ep. 14.</ref> and with [[Sadomasochism|S&M]] parlor operator [[Lady Heather]], whose "[[safeword]]" it has been suggested that he knows <ref>"Pirates of the Third Reich". [[Jerry Stahl]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2006-02-09. Season 6 Ep. 5.</ref> - however, as all he says is "Heather, stop!" and "I'm saying Stop", he evidently does not use it, as "Stop" is never a "[[safeword]]". Rather, this is a reference to the episode ''Lady Heather's Box'', in which she reminds Grissom that the submissive is in control; Grissom tells her when they begin kissing, "You can always say stop," and she replies, "So can you." - -=== Sara Sidle === -Since the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 1)|first season]], there were hints that both [[Sara Sidle]] and Grissom were interested in each other romantically. In fact, the show's creators made Sara Sidle while thinking of a future love interest for Grissom,<ref>[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/09/post.html Chicago Tribune-"Bound for home"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref><ref>[http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,645191271,00.html Deseret Morning News - Apparently, autopsies and romance do mix] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> but during the show's first three seasons, Grissom flirted with all the female characters, and when Sara asked him out to dinner, he rejected her, claiming that he did not know what to do about what is going on between them.<ref name="Richard J p. 16"/><ref>"Play with Fire". [[Andrew Lipsitz]], [[Naren Shankar]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2003-05-08. Season 3 Ep. 22.</ref> -[[Image:Grissomsara csi.jpeg|left|thumb|250px|A sizzling moment between Grissom and [[Sara Sidle]] on the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 4)|fourth season]] episode "Invisible Evidence".]] -In season four, Grissom's true feelings are revealed in "Butterflied", an episode that centers entirely around him discovering his sentiments for Sara. It was then that he admitted not being able to risk his career to be with her.<ref>"Butterflied". [[David Rambo]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2004-01-15. Season 4 Ep. 12.</ref> In season four, Sara apparently develops a drinking problem, which Grissom acknowledges on the season finale; after this, they would hardly see each other, and Grissom becomes interested in detective [[Sofia Curtis]]. - -In mid-season five, Sara is suspended for insubordination and she reveals to Grissom her tormented childhood. He refuses to fire her and has her working in every case of the next two seasons with him.<ref>"Nesting Dolls". [[Sarah Goldfinger]] (writers) & [[Bill Eagles]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2005-02-03. Season 5 Ep. 13.</ref> - -It was not until the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 6)|sixth season]] finale that it is revealed that Grissom and Sara have worked through whatever issues they had, and are, in fact, a couple, and have been for two years.<ref name="CSI. p. 24"/> This revelation caused mixed reviews among critics, some of them see this relationship as ''CSI'' "[[jumping the shark]]", an attempt to include more drama and romance to the show, so as to be able to compete with the [[medical drama]] ''[[Grey's Anatomy]]'', which airs at around the same time.<ref name="featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com">[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/05/the_gus_and_sar.html Chicago Tribune-"The Gil and Sara show on 'CSI'"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref><ref>[http://www.jumptheshark.com/topic/Csi-Crime-Scene-Investigation/Csi-Crime-Scene-Investigation-General/449 CSI in JumpTheShark.com] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> By killing off the sexual tension between the two characters and making them an item, the production crew were seen to be adding more personal drama to the show, increasing the appeal to some of ''Grey's Anatomy'''s younger audience.<ref name="featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com"/><ref>[http://www.buddytv.com/articles/csi/csis-gil-grissom-and-sara-sidl-5240.aspx Buddy TV-"CSI's Gil Grissom and Sara Sidle"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref><ref>[http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Hein-Sight/Note-Csi-Dont/700003961&start=30 TVguide-"Note to CSI—Don't Do It"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22. {{Wayback|url=http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Hein-Sight/Note-Csi-Dont/700003961&start=30|date =20071012221136|bot=DASHBot}}</ref> This has been denied by the writers, [[Carol Mendelsohn]] even said that she has never been able to see Grissom with someone else other than Sara and that this episode was seen by the writers as the right time to reveal the relationship, [[Jorja Fox]] and [[William Petersen]] have also admitted that the relationship is not new.<ref>[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/07/a_terrifying_ro.html Chicago Tribune-"A 'terrifying' romance on 'CSI'"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref><ref>[http://www.visimag.com/culttimes/c115_display.htm Cult Times, April 2005, Interview with Jorja Fox] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> - -Throughout [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]], the audience sees Grissom and Sara as a couple,<ref>"Leapin' Lizards". [[Evan Dunsky]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-05-03. Season 7 Ep. 22.</ref><ref>"Fallen Idols".''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-02-22. Season 7 Ep. 17.</ref> but the relationship is kept secret from the others in the lab until Sara's abduction by [[The Miniature Killer]] in the season finale when Grissom unwittingly refers to his feelings for Sara.<ref>"Living Doll". [[Sarah Goldfinger]], [[Naren Shankar]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-05-17. Season 7 Ep. 24.</ref> During season eight, they have become engaged.<ref>"The Case of the Cross-Dressing Carp". [[David Rambo]], [[Jacqueline Hoyt]] (writers) & [[Alec Smight]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-10-18. Season 8 Ep. 4.</ref> When [[Jorja Fox]] decided to leave the show,<ref>[http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20054547_20055147_20152746,00.html Jorja Fox: Why I Quit 'CSI'] Retrieved on 2007-11-18.</ref> both she and the writers decided not to kill the character, so as to leave the doors open for a possible comeback.<ref>[http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/Exclusive-Csi-Boss/800024964 Exclusive: CSI Boss Vows Jorja Fox is "Coming Back"]</ref> Consequently, Sara Sidle is submerged into depression after her kidnap in the season seven finale, and, even though she accepts Grissom's marriage proposal on the season's [[The Case of the Cross-Dressing Carp|fourth episode]], she shows signs of [[Burnout (psychology)|burnout]] during the subsequent episodes, breaking down on the season's seventh episode, leaving Las Vegas and the CSIs with only a goodbye letter for Grissom and a good luck note for Ronnie Lake. In the letter she claims that ever since her father's death she has been dealing with "ghosts" and that she now needs to go away and deal with them before self-destructing.<ref>"Goodbye and Good Luck". [[Sarah Goldfinger]], [[Allen MacDonald]], [[Naren Shankar]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-11-15. Season 8 Ep. 7.</ref> - -After Grissom leaves CSI, he goes to Costa Rica, in hopes of finding Sara. Once they see each other, they embrace in a passionate kiss. - -Sara's return to CSI in the first episode of season ten reveals that she and Grissom are now married. - -In "[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 13)|Forget Me Not]]", Sara reveals "he's not my husband anymore" as she and Grissom had split up. According to her, he was the one to propose an end to the relationship, saying that it was in her best interest. -{{s-start}} -{{s-bef|before=unknown}} -{{s-ttl|title=CSI Grave Shift Co-Asst. Supervisor [with Catherine Willows] ("Pilot")}} -{{s-aft|after=None - Willows became sole Asst. Supervisor}} -{{end}} -{{s-start}} -{{s-bef|before=[[Jim Brass]]}} -{{s-ttl|title=CSI Grave Shift Supervisor ("Cool Change"-"One to Go")}} -{{s-aft|after=[[Catherine Willows]]}} -{{end}} - -==See also== -*[[List of fictional medical examiners]] - -== Footnotes == -{{reflist|2}} - -== References == -* Marrinan, Corinne and Parker, Steve. ''Ultimate CSI: Crime Scene Investigation'' (2006). DK Publishing Inc. ISBN 0-7566-2353-7 - -== External links == -* [http://www.gsrforeverlove.com GSRForeverLove A Grissom and Sara Romance Fan Site] -* [http://csiwiki.cbs.com/page/01.+Gil+Grissom Gil Grissom] at the Unofficial CSI Wiki -* [http://slate.com/id/2113347/ The Sexiest Man in the Morgue], ''[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]'', February 11, 2005 - -{{CSI: Crime Scene Investigation}} - -{{Good article}} - -{{DEFAULTSORT:Grissom, Gil}} -[[Category:CSI: Crime Scene Investigation characters]] -[[Category:Fictional Las Vegas Police Department detectives]] -[[Category:Fictional scientists]] -[[Category:Fictional characters introduced in 2000]] - -{{Link GA|bs}} '
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[ 0 => '{{confuse|Gus Grissom}}', 1 => '{{CSI character', 2 => '|csi_serie = CSI: Crime Scene Investigation', 3 => '|image = WilliamPetersen.jpg', 4 => '|image_size = 150px', 5 => '|caption = Petersen on the set of ''CSI'', March 2004', 6 => '|color = #32CD32', 7 => '|name = Gil Grissom', 8 => '|born = August 17, 1956<br />Santa Monica, California', 9 => '|city = Las Vegas, Nevada', 10 => '|job = CSI (Retired)', 11 => '|rank = CSI Level 3', 12 => '|position = Head of Crime Lab/Night Shift Supervisor', 13 => '|seasons = [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 1)|1]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 2)|2]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 3)|3]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 4)|4]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 5)|5]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 6)|6]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|7]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 8)|8]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 9)|9]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 11)|11]], [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 13)|13]]', 14 => '|portrayer = [[William Petersen]]', 15 => '|first = [[Pilot (CSI)|The Pilot]]', 16 => '|last = The Two Mrs. Grissoms', 17 => '}}', 18 => ''''Dr. Gilbert Arthur "Gil" Grissom''', [[Doctor of Philosophy|Ph.D.]], is a [[fictional character]] on the CBS [[crime drama]] ''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]]'', portrayed by [[William Petersen]]. Grissom was a [[Forensic entomology|forensic entomologist]] and the night shift supervisor of the [[Clark County, Nevada]] CSI ([[forensics]]) team, investigating crimes in and around the city of [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]]. He was the show's [[protagonist]] from seasons one to nine, when Petersen left the show as a regular, and was replaced by [[Laurence Fishburne]] as Dr. [[Raymond Langston]], [[Doctor of Medicine|M.D.]] He appeared in 190 episodes.', 19 => false, 20 => '''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]]'' producer and writer [[Carol Mendelsohn]] considers Grissom the center of the show,<ref>[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/05/solving_the_mys.html Chicago Tribune "Solving the mystery of the 'CSI' finale shocker"] par.19 approx. Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> and in the first seven years of the show he appeared in every episode, with the exception of "Hollywood Brass", from [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 5)|season five]], "Gum Drops" and "The Unusual Suspect" from [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 6)|season six]], and "Sweet Jane" and "Redrum" from [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]]. In late season six, it is revealed that he has become romantically involved with subordinate CSI [[Sara Sidle]].', 21 => false, 22 => 'Grissom has received positive responses from critics, ranking number 82 on Bravo's 100 Greatest TV Characters list, along with [[Catherine Willows]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bravotv.com/The_100_Greatest_TV_Characters/index.shtml |title=The 100 Greatest TV characters |publisher=''[[Bravo (US TV channel)|Bravo!]]'' |accessdate=2008-11-30|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071015070449/http://www.bravotv.com/The_100_Greatest_TV_Characters/index.shtml |archivedate = October 15, 2007|deadurl=yes}}</ref> He was ranked at number 9 on [[Sleuth Channel]]'s poll of ''America's Top Sleuths''.<ref>{{cite web|title=America's Top Sleuths|url=http://magnum-mania.com/Lists/Americas_Top_Sleuths.html|accessdate=February 3, 2013|year=2006}}</ref> [[AOL TV]] named him one of TV's Smartest Detectives.<ref>{{cite web|title=TV's Smartest Detectives|url=http://www.aoltv.com/2011/11/28/smartest-detectives-in-tv-history/#photo-11|work=[[AOL TV]]|accessdate=February 3, 2013|date=November 18, 2011}}</ref> Grissom's final episode as a regular drew over 23 million viewers.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/01/16/thursday-ratings-csis-petersen-farewell-draws-23-million/10960#more-10960 |publisher=TV by the Numbers |author=Gorman, Bill |date=2009-01-16 |title=Thursday Nielsen TV Ratings: CSI's Petersen Farewell Draws 23 Million |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref>', 23 => false, 24 => 'Although Petersen has confirmed that Grissom will not return to the show as a regular,{{citation needed|date=September 2011}} he did reprise his role for an uncredited appearance in the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 11)|season eleven]] episode "The Two Mrs. Grissoms."<ref>http://www.csifiles.com/content/2011/01/petersen-returns-to-csi-for-guest-appearance/</ref> This return was kept secret until [[CTV Television Network|CTV]] accidentally leaked the promo; since then, most copies have been pulled. He was present at the end of the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 13)|season thirteen]] episode "Dead Air", voice only, on the phone with Sara. This appearance was uncredited.', 25 => false, 26 => '== Creation and development ==', 27 => '[[Anthony E. Zuiker]], who created the show, loosely based Grissom on real life [[Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department]] criminalist Daniel Holstein.<ref name="Peoplecreation" /> Zuiker was "fascinated" by Holstein, who, like Grissom, kept maggots and pig's blood in his refrigerator.<ref name="EWcreation">{{cite news |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,278442,00.html |title=Esprit de Corpse |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |author=Flaherty, Mike |date=2000-11-10 |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> Holstein works as a consultant for the show.<ref name="Peoplecreation">{{cite news |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20138223,00.html |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |last=Gliatto|first=Tom |authorlink=Tom Gliatto|date=2002-10-14 |title=The Dead Zone |pages=112–115 |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> Zuiker originally named the character Gil Sheinbaum,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/01/13/ew.petersen/index.html |publisher=[[CNN]] |author=Rice, Lynette |title=''CSI''{{'}}s Petersen: "I won't miss Grissom" |date=2009-01-13 |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> but after he became part of the cast, [[William Petersen]] requested the name to be changed, Petersen and Zuiker decided to rename the character "Grissom", after [[astronaut]] [[Gus Grissom]], of whom Petersen was a great admirer.<ref name="DanPatrickshow" /> The name Gil came from one of the actor's hobbies, [[fishing]].<ref name="DanPatrickshow">{{cite interview |last=Petersen |first=William |authorlink=William Petersen |interviewer=[[Dan Patrick]]; [[Rob Dibble]] |program=[[The Dan Patrick Show]] |callsign=[[ESPN]] |city=[[Bristol, Connecticut|Bristol, CT]] |date=2003-09-05}}</ref>', 28 => false, 29 => 'In 2000, [[CBS]] had bought the pilot script from Zuiker, and [[Nina Tassler]], CBS's head of drama development, passed it on to Petersen, who had a [[pay or play contract]] with the network.<ref name="CTinterview" /> Petersen has said that many TV shows were offered to him over the years, but he "didn't want to get locked down".<ref name="CTinterview" /> However, he was impressed with the complexity of Grissom's character, and he decided to audition.<ref name="CTinterview">{{cite news |url=http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/09/post.html |work=[[Chicago Tribune]] |author=Ryan, Maureen |date=2006-09-20 |title=Bound for home: Chicago's William Petersen looks beyond 'CSI' to a return to the stage |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref> It was the second time Petersen portrayed a [[forensic science|forensic scientist]], having portrayed [[Will Graham]] in the 1986 film ''[[Manhunter (film)|Manhunter]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jumpin' Jack Flash |work=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=2001-08-16 |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,171472_2,00.html |author=Susman, Gary |accessdate=2009-04-29}}</ref>', 30 => false, 31 => '== Appearances ==', 32 => 'Gil Grissom first appears in ''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]]'' on the pilot episode. After this he has appeared in almost every single episode throughout the show's eight years, except in "Hollywood Brass", from [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 5)|season five]], an episode that turns entirely around [[Jim Brass]]; besides him, only three other regular characters appear.<ref>"Hollywood Brass". [[Sarah Goldfinger]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & Bill Eagles (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2005-04-21. Season 5 Ep. 2.</ref>', 33 => false, 34 => 'Again, William Petersen did not appear during the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 6)|season six]] episode "Gum Drops". This episode was originally going to be how Grissom was convinced that an abduction victim was still alive. When Petersen's nephew died, he flew home and was unavailable for the filming of the episode, which was rewritten to be centered around [[Nick Stokes|Nick]].<ref>[http://www.tv.com/csi/gum-drops/episode/488541/summary.html TV.com episode summary] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref>', 35 => false, 36 => 'During 2007 (''CSI''{{'s}} [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]]) [[William Petersen]] took a break from ''CSI'' to appear in a five-week run of the [[Trinity Repertory Company]] production of ''[[Dublin Carol]]'' in [[Providence, Rhode Island]], resulting in Grissom taking a sabbatical, being replaced by [[Liev Schreiber]], as [[Michael Keppler]], who developed a small [[story arc]] through "Sweet Jane", "Redrum" and "Meet Market".', 37 => false, 38 => '[[Carol Mendelsohn]], one of the show's producers and writers, considers Grissom the center of the show.<ref>[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/05/solving_the_mys.html Chicago Tribune-"Solving the mystery of the 'CSI' finale shocker"] paragraph 19 approx. Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> He does play an important role in most episodes, although he is not always the center; for example, both "[[Grave Danger]]" episodes center around [[Nick Stokes|Nick]], and "The Execution of Catherine Willows", "Weeping Willows", and "[[Built To Kill, Part 2]]" all focus on [[Catherine Willows|Catherine]].', 39 => false, 40 => 'When [[Marg Helgenberger]] left ''CSI'' in [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 12)|season twelve]], she revealed that Grissom almost returned to the show. Petersen intended to come back for a couple of guest appearances, but writer Carol Mendelsohn wanted Catherine's final two episodes to be about her not about Grissom returning; but Mendelsohn also admits that she frequently asks Petersen about possibly returning.<ref>http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/news/a362045/william-petersen-almost-returned-to-csi-reveals-marg-helgenberger.html</ref>', 41 => false, 42 => '== Parallelism with Sherlock Holmes ==', 43 => 'Gil Grissom has a more than passing similarity to [[Sherlock Holmes]]. Like Holmes, Grissom is dispassionate with a fierce devotion to logic and little regard for societal norms of behavior; Grissom once smashed [[Mustard (condiment)|mustard]] jars in a grocery store to illustrate a theory ("[[I-15 Murders]]"), much as Holmes once practiced spearing a pig in a butchers to determine how strong a man would have to be to transfix a man with a harpoon.', 44 => false, 45 => 'Grissom possesses a [[Professor Moriarty|Moriarty]]-like nemesis, [[Paul Millander]], whom he pursues in several episodes ([[The Pilot (CSI episode)|"Pilot"]], [[Anonymous (CSI episode)|"Anonymous"]] and [[Identity Crisis (CSI episode)|"Identity Crisis"]]). Coincidentally, "Paul Millander" has the same initials as "Professor Moriarty." There's also a woman, [[Lady Heather]], in whom he takes an unusual interest. Their relationship is similar to that of [[Irene Adler]] and Holmes. Both Irene and Lady Heather enchant Holmes and Grissom with their beauty, their [[wit]] and their resolution. Lady Heather often wears [[Victorian era|Victorian]]-style dresses, referencing Holmes's era ("[[Slaves of Las Vegas]]", "[[Lady Heather's Box]]," "[[Pirates of the Third Reich]]," and "[[The Good, the Bad, and the Dominatrix]]").', 46 => false, 47 => '=== Public reaction ===', 48 => 'This [[fictional character]] has an extensive [[fandom|fan base]]. There are more than one thousand videos made using the character on sites such as [[YouTube]] and a thousand more depicting his relationship with [[Sara Sidle]].', 49 => false, 50 => 'Of more than twenty-five-thousand [[fan fiction]]s written about ''CSI'' on [[FanFiction.Net]], more than half include Gil Grissom.<ref>[http://www.fanfiction.net/tv/CSI/ Fanfiction.net/tv/CSI] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> There are also many other sites that update daily news about either Gil Grissom's status on ''CSI'' or [[William Petersen]]'s activities in real life.<ref>[http://www.billypetersen.com/V4/home.html The William Petersen Appreciation Page] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref><ref>[http://www.william-petersen.com/ The William Petersen Attic] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref>', 51 => false, 52 => 'The GSR ("Grissom and Sara Romance"; the abbreviation is a play on the term for [[gunshot residue]], often mentioned in ''CSI'') has accumulated an extensive fan base during the years with some sites getting thousands of viewers a week.<ref>[http://www.grissomsararomance.com/ GSR:GrissomandSaraRomance.com] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> Some fans consider this "[[shipping (fandom)|ship]]" very similar to the one of [[Fox Mulder|Mulder]] and [[Dana Scully|Scully]] in the ''[[X-Files]]''. From the beginning, both shows showed a lot of chemistry between the two co-workers, leading viewers to assume that a relationship between the two would soon begin, when in fact it would take years of a platonic relationship and sexual tension for something to actually be seen, with both couples only sharing their first on-screen kiss in the eighth season of their respective shows.', 53 => false, 54 => 'On September 27, 2007, after ''CSI'''s season eight premiered, a miniature model of Gil Grissom's office (which he was seen building during [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]]) was put up for auction on [[eBay]]. The auction ended on October 7 with the prop being sold for US$15,600, which CBS donated to the [[Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse|National CASA Association]].<ref>[http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280154305542&ssPageName=STRK:MESC:IT&ih=018 CBS CSI Gil Grissom's rare office replica TV prop] Retrieved on 2007-10-22. {{Wayback|url=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280154305542&ssPageName=STRK:MESC:IT&ih=018|date =20071011004258|bot=DASHBot}}</ref>', 55 => false, 56 => '== Character background ==', 57 => '=== Early life ===', 58 => 'Gilbert Arthur "Gil" Grissom was born on August 17, 1956, as an only child to a middle-class family in [[Santa Monica, California]].', 59 => 'Grissom's father taught botany at a local college and passed his enthusiasm for natural sciences onto his son. His father died when Grissom was 9 years old. Grissom recalls the day his father died to Catherine Willows in the episode "Still Life". "He came home from school, one hot humid day, laid down on the couch. I was watching TV, my mom brought in some cold drinks, but she couldn't wake him up. No one would tell me why." Consequently, as a young child, Grissom ''played doctor'' by performing [[necropsies]] on small, deceased animals in the local area.', 60 => 'Gil's mother, Betty, who was rendered deaf by the genetic disorder [[Otosclerosis]], was responsible for his love of books. As a result of his mother's deafness, Gil became fluent in [[American Sign Language]] in order to be able to communicate with her.', 61 => 'In the earlier seasons of [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation|CSI]], it becomes clear that Gil is also beginning to suffer with the degenerative disease; however, after seeking medical treatment, the disease was prevented from developing.', 62 => false, 63 => 'In the episode "Grissom Vs. the Volcano", Catherine tells the story of losing at a science competition as a child against a "kid with some lame red ants". Later in the episode Nick also reveals that he lost a science competition and Grissom tells him to let it go. In his childhood science competition, Grissom was the kid with the ants.', 64 => false, 65 => 'In a [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 2)|season two]] episode "Bully for You", he told Warrick that in high school, he was a "ghost" (meaning that he did not belong to any group in particular).<ref>"Ellie". [[Anthony E. Zuiker]] &Charlie Correll (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-12-06. Season 2 Ep. 10.</ref> When he was in college, Grissom financed his first [[body farm]] with his winnings from a high stakes [[poker]] game.<ref>"Revenge Is Best Served Cold". [[Anthony E. Dannie Cannon]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-09-26. Season 3 Ep. 1.</ref> At the same time, he also attended [[boxing]] matches to learn about the patterns of bruise formations on bodies and eventual blood spatters from the injuries.', 66 => false, 67 => 'He became a [[Forensic entomology|forensic entomologist]]. He earned his [[Bachelor of Science]] degree in [[biology]] ''[[magna cum laude]]'' from the [[University of California, Los Angeles]] (UCLA), and his Ph.D. in Biology from the [[University of Chicago]].<ref>Season 1 Ep. 10, "Sex, Lies and Larvae."</ref>', 68 => false, 69 => '=== Career ===', 70 => 'Grissom became a crime scene investigator around 1985 (Grissom mentioned in "Living Doll", which first aired on May 17, 2007, that he had been a crime scene investigator for 22 years). Grissom once mentioned losing a body while in [[Minneapolis]], implying he spent time there before taking a job in Las Vegas.<ref>"Precious Metal". Andrew Lipsitz, Naren Shankar (writers) & Deran Sarafian (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2003-03-04. Season 3 Ep. 18.</ref> This is mentioned again when he works with his former mentor, Dr. Phillip Gerard, played by [[Raymond J. Barry]], stating that he used to work for him in [[Hennepin County, Minnesota|Hennepin County]], whose seat is Minneapolis.<ref>"The Accused Is Entitled". [[Elizabeth Devine (writer)|Elizabeth Devine]], [[Ann Donahue]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-10-03. Season 3 Ep. 2.</ref>', 71 => false, 72 => 'He became the night shift team supervisor for the Las Vegas CSI unit on the second episode of the series, after [[Jim Brass]] got demoted following the death of co-worker Holly Gribbs.<ref>"Cool Change". [[Anthony E. Zuiker]] (writers) & [[Michael Watkins]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2000-10-13. Season 1 Ep. 2.</ref>', 73 => false, 74 => 'In [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]], Grissom took a sabbatical to teach a class at [[Williams College]] in [[Williamstown, Massachusetts]] for four weeks.<ref>"Leaving Las Vegas". Allen MacDonald, [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-01-04. Season 7 Ep. 11.</ref> Prior to his sabbatical, Grissom had been showing signs of "[[burnout (psychology)|burnout]]". Upon his return, however, he appears reinvigorated and tells [[Warrick Brown]] that he "missed" Las Vegas.<ref>"Law of Gravity". Richard Catalani, [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-02-08. Season 7 Ep. 15.</ref> After the resignation of [[Sara Sidle]], his fiancee, from the lab, and the murder of Warrick Brown, his burnout seems to be resurfacing. This is particularly evident in "Say Uncle", where, at the end of the episode, he expresses deep regret over solving a particularly depressing case.', 75 => false, 76 => 'Grissom announced his retirement just as evidence comes to light that The Dick and Jane Killer, a [[serial killer]] from the 1990s currently serving two life sentences, did not act alone, and that his accomplice has begun killing again. Rather than leave in the middle of a case, Grissom stays on to help solve it, and ultimately proves instrumental in saving the life of a woman who would have been the killer's latest victim. The case closed, Grissom, having already had a series of one-on-one farewells with his co-workers, silently left the crime lab and departed for [[Costa Rica]] for a reunion with fiancee [[Sara Sidle]], an allusion perhaps to his comments in a [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 1)|season one]] episode that when he left, people would not throw a party for him because he was not the sort of person who people would get deeply involved with. He also says to Warrick in season two ("Ellie") that when he left there would not be a cake in the break room—he would just pick up and leave.', 77 => false, 78 => 'During [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 10)|season ten]], he was guest-lecturing at the [[University of Paris|Sorbonne]]. In [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 11)|season eleven]], he was in [[Peru]] consulting with the government.', 79 => false, 80 => '==Character development==', 81 => '===Personality===', 82 => 'Early episodes revealed Grissom to be a witty, enthusiastic, and quirky scientist who had some sense of humor. He flirted regularly and seemed to be constantly in a [[Hyperactivity|hyperactive]] state.<ref>"I-15 Murders". [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Oz Scott]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-01-12. Season 1 Ep. 11.</ref><ref>"[[Crate 'n Burial]]". [[Ann Donahue]] (writer) & [[Danny Cannon]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2000-10-20. Season 1 Ep. 3.</ref>', 83 => '[[Image:CSI Grissom.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Grissom gives Dr. Phillip Gerard ([[Raymond J. Barry]]) his mother's regards, in sign language (''The Accused Is Entitled'')]]', 84 => false, 85 => 'However, when he began to lose his hearing, Grissom retreated into himself and became easily irritated and unapproachable.<ref>"High and Low". [[Naren Shankar]], Eli Talbert (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-12-12. Season 3 Ep. 10.</ref> After his surgery, he lightened up a bit, but never returned to the whimsical science nerd he once was.', 86 => false, 87 => 'Grissom is often regarded as well-educated, but unusual in his approach toward his work and social life. In the series, some of his comments and actions can be seen to dumbfound his co-workers and superiors. His relationship with his subordinates in the office is portrayed as being a [[father figure]] to the team, but very professional in his work.', 88 => false, 89 => 'Despite being calm, Grissom can get very angry or annoyed if interrupted during an interrogation as seen in season one episode "Table Stakes" when he berates [[Nick Stokes]] for calling him out of interrogation.', 90 => false, 91 => 'In addition to being a [[genius]] and somewhat of a [[polymath]] beyond his career training, he exhibits [[Asperger syndrome|Asperger]]-like traits. In [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 2)|season two]], it is hinted that (in fact) he has Asperger's syndrome.<ref>"Caged". [[Elizabeth Devine (writer)|Elizabeth Devine]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-11-08. Season 2 Ep. 7.</ref> Another character on CSI who shares these kind of traits is his subordinate (and ex-wife), [[Sara Sidle]]. She once insinuated that Grissom was a [[misanthrope]] when he quoted her [[Thoreau]]'s ''[[Walden]]''.<ref>"Happenstance". [[Sarah Goldfinger]] (writers) & [[Jean de Segonzac]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2006-11-16. Season 7 Ep. 8.</ref>', 92 => false, 93 => 'In the season two episode "Alter Boys", Grissom confides in a priest that he does not believe in the concept of [[organized religion]] and is a lapsed [[Catholic]], but does believe in the idea of God.<ref>"Alter Boys". [[Ann Donahue (writer)|Ann Donahue]] (writer) & [[Danny Cannon]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-11-01. Season 2 Ep. 6.</ref> In addition to belief in God, Grissom and Greg would later agree that scientific education should not necessarily preclude belief in occultism and other paranormal concepts.', 94 => false, 95 => 'Although he is very dedicated to his job and sometimes goes to extremes in his investigations, his unwillingness to dabble in office politics often alienates his superiors, and sometimes his subordinates.<ref>"Sex, Lies and Larvae". [[Josh Berman]], [[Ann Donahue]] (writers) & [[Thomas J. Wright]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2000-12-22. Season 1 Ep. 10.</ref> He gets a lot of help in these areas from right-hand woman [[Catherine Willows]], who is always trying to make him "look up from the [[microscope]]".<ref>"Burden of Proof". [[Ann Donahue]] (writer) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-02-07. Season 2 Ep. 15.</ref><ref name="Anthony E p. 22">"Evaluation Day". [[Anthony E. Zuiker]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-05-10. Season 1 Ep. 22.</ref>', 96 => false, 97 => 'Grissom claims to have never hired a prostitute for sex, stating that sex is intended to create a human emotional connection. He has also expressed distaste for carrying a firearm when in the field, a tendency that has brought several scoldings from co-worker [[Jim Brass]].<ref>"Ending Happy". Evan Dunsky (writer) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-04-26. Season 7 Ep. 21.</ref> Despite this, he has proven to have an exceptional accuracy at the firing range.<ref>"Assume Nothing". [[Danny Cannon]], [[Anthony E. Zuiker]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2003-09-25. Season 4 Ep. 1.</ref>', 98 => false, 99 => 'He once listed his hobbies to [[Lady Heather]]: "I have outlets. I read. I study bugs. I sometimes even ride roller coasters".<ref>"Slaves of Las Vegas". [[Jerry Stahl]] (writer) & [[Peter Markle]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-11-15. Season 2 Ep. 8.</ref> Indeed, he has proven to be a very cultured man on many occasions, having a wide knowledge of [[history]], [[literature]], and [[art]]. He often offers quotes from a variety of literary sources, including [[Shakespeare]] and [[Keats]]. Later in this [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 2)|same season]], he reveals himself to be a [[baseball]] fan. Sara notes that this is typical of Grissom, saying that he would like "all those stats".<ref name="Richard J p. 16">"Primum Non Nocere". [[Danny Cannon]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-01-31. Season 2 Ep. 16.</ref> However, Grissom is not too familiar with [[popular culture]]. In "[[Two and a Half Deaths]]", [[Jim Brass]] was talking about a TV program which he thought had already "[[Jumping the shark|jumped the shark]]," but Grissom did not know the term. While trying to explain, Brass says, "Remember the [[Fonz]]?", which Grissom did not know either.', 100 => false, 101 => 'Being an [[entomologist]], he has a wide and varied knowledge of insects, which he applies to his investigations. This has led to his nickname, "The Bug Man". In the beginning of the show, he was referred as "Gruesome Grissom" for his sometimes morbid fascination with the more bizarre aspects of man and nature. Grissom keeps a variety of specimens in his office, including a radiated [[fetal]] [[pig]], a [[tarantula]], and a two-headed [[scorpion]]. He also has a bulletin board that looks like a fish on which unsolved cases go: "the ones that got away".<ref>"Who Are You?". [[Josh Berman]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Danny Cannon]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2000-11-10. Season 1 Ep. 6.</ref> Occasionally, he keeps evidence from closed cases (such as the models created by "[[The Miniature Killer]]"). In [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]], CSI newcomer [[Michael Keppler]] takes a look around Grissom's office and observes that he must be quite a freak.<ref>"Sweet Jane". [[Kenneth Fink]], [[Naren Shankar]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-01-18. Season 7 Ep. 12.</ref> In "The Grave Shift", even after his office has been cleared out (and later reclaimed by a somewhat-reluctant [[Nick Stokes]] after [[Catherine Willows]] passed on the offer), the fetal pig in a jar was placed back in there by [[David Hodges (CSI)|Hodges]], who felt that it belonged there.', 102 => false, 103 => 'When asked why he is a CSI, he responds, "Because the dead can't speak for themselves." This is one of his favorite quotes, and he uses it frequently.<ref>"Toe Tags". [[Allen MacDonald]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]], [[Richard Catalani]], [[Douglas Petrie]] (writers) & [[Jeffrey Hunt]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2006-10-05. Season 7 Ep. 3.</ref>', 104 => false, 105 => '== Relationships with other characters ==', 106 => 'In the sixth season episode "Bang-Bang," Grissom tells Doc Robbins, concerning a woman shot in the mouth, "This was someone who was emotionally close to her." Doc Robbins asks him if he has ever even been close to getting married. Grissom tells him about "Nicole Daley," who, like him, was interested in bugs. He goes on a bit about her, then says, "Second grade."', 107 => false, 108 => 'Grissom may not ask to take on the role of mentor, but it seems to happen naturally, going all the way back to [[Sara Sidle]] when they first met in [[San Francisco]], then [[Nick Stokes]] and [[Greg Sanders]] in Vegas. Although he can be annoyed with his protégés at times, he is visibly proud when they succeed, as Greg did by passing his field test and becoming a CSI.<ref>"Who Shot Sherlock?". [[David Rambo]], [[Richard Catalani]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2005-01-06. Season 5 Ep. 11.</ref> He is also protective of his staff and defends them as much as he can, as seen in episode 521 ("Rashomama") for example.', 109 => false, 110 => 'He also shares a good friendship with Dr. [[Al Robbins]] and the two were seen singing together in the autopsy room while processing the body of a murdered rock 'n' roll star (season 7, "Built to Kill, Part 2"). In the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 6)|season six]] finale, it was revealed that [[Jim Brass]]'s [[Advance health care directive|living will]] gave Grissom [[power of attorney]], showing that Grissom was the one person Brass trusted with his life.<ref name="CSI. p. 24">"Way To Go". [[Jerry Stahl]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2006-05-18. Season 6 Ep. 24.</ref> He has also been shown to be something of an inadvertent mentor-figure to [[David Hodges (CSI)|David Hodges]], who looks up to him and often seeks his advice or approval, despite not always receiving it. Upon learning of Grissom's plans to quit CSI, Hodges becomes visibly upset.', 111 => false, 112 => 'His relationship with [[Warrick Brown]] had aspects of a mentor/student bond, but out of all the CSIs (Catherine included), Grissom seemed to view Warrick as his successor, the one who would lead when he was gone.<ref>"Leaving Las Vegas". [[Allen MacDonald]], [[Carol Mendelsohn]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-01-04. Season 7 Ep. 11.</ref>', 113 => false, 114 => 'Some fans have always expected to see a relationship between Grissom and [[Catherine Willows]], in whom he is shown confiding many times, once even likening her to being his "wife".<ref>"Jackpot". [[Carol Mendelsohn]] and [[Naren Shankar]] (writers) & [[Danny Cannon]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2003-10-06. Season 4 Ep. 6.</ref> The two were never more than very good friends, as the show's producers see them as more of brother and sister than lovers.<ref>[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/07/a_very_special_.html Chicago Tribune-"A very special 'CSI' Thanksgiving"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> Catherine has many times encouraged Grissom to be more open and less self-absorbed,<ref name="Anthony E p. 22"/> and to pursue something with [[Sara Sidle]].<ref>"Burden of Proof". [[Ann Donahue]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2002-02-07. Season 2 Ep. 15.</ref>', 115 => false, 116 => 'Grissom has been allegedly involved with forensic anthropologist [[Teri Miller]]<ref>"To Halve and to Hold". [[Ann Donahue]], [[Andrew Lipsit]] (writers) & [[Lou Antonio]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2001-02-15. Season 1 Ep. 14.</ref> and with [[Sadomasochism|S&M]] parlor operator [[Lady Heather]], whose "[[safeword]]" it has been suggested that he knows <ref>"Pirates of the Third Reich". [[Jerry Stahl]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2006-02-09. Season 6 Ep. 5.</ref> - however, as all he says is "Heather, stop!" and "I'm saying Stop", he evidently does not use it, as "Stop" is never a "[[safeword]]". Rather, this is a reference to the episode ''Lady Heather's Box'', in which she reminds Grissom that the submissive is in control; Grissom tells her when they begin kissing, "You can always say stop," and she replies, "So can you."', 117 => false, 118 => '=== Sara Sidle ===', 119 => 'Since the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 1)|first season]], there were hints that both [[Sara Sidle]] and Grissom were interested in each other romantically. In fact, the show's creators made Sara Sidle while thinking of a future love interest for Grissom,<ref>[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/09/post.html Chicago Tribune-"Bound for home"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref><ref>[http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,645191271,00.html Deseret Morning News - Apparently, autopsies and romance do mix] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> but during the show's first three seasons, Grissom flirted with all the female characters, and when Sara asked him out to dinner, he rejected her, claiming that he did not know what to do about what is going on between them.<ref name="Richard J p. 16"/><ref>"Play with Fire". [[Andrew Lipsitz]], [[Naren Shankar]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2003-05-08. Season 3 Ep. 22.</ref>', 120 => '[[Image:Grissomsara csi.jpeg|left|thumb|250px|A sizzling moment between Grissom and [[Sara Sidle]] on the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 4)|fourth season]] episode "Invisible Evidence".]]', 121 => 'In season four, Grissom's true feelings are revealed in "Butterflied", an episode that centers entirely around him discovering his sentiments for Sara. It was then that he admitted not being able to risk his career to be with her.<ref>"Butterflied". [[David Rambo]] (writers) & [[Richard J. Lewis]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2004-01-15. Season 4 Ep. 12.</ref> In season four, Sara apparently develops a drinking problem, which Grissom acknowledges on the season finale; after this, they would hardly see each other, and Grissom becomes interested in detective [[Sofia Curtis]].', 122 => false, 123 => 'In mid-season five, Sara is suspended for insubordination and she reveals to Grissom her tormented childhood. He refuses to fire her and has her working in every case of the next two seasons with him.<ref>"Nesting Dolls". [[Sarah Goldfinger]] (writers) & [[Bill Eagles]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2005-02-03. Season 5 Ep. 13.</ref>', 124 => false, 125 => 'It was not until the [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 6)|sixth season]] finale that it is revealed that Grissom and Sara have worked through whatever issues they had, and are, in fact, a couple, and have been for two years.<ref name="CSI. p. 24"/> This revelation caused mixed reviews among critics, some of them see this relationship as ''CSI'' "[[jumping the shark]]", an attempt to include more drama and romance to the show, so as to be able to compete with the [[medical drama]] ''[[Grey's Anatomy]]'', which airs at around the same time.<ref name="featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com">[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/05/the_gus_and_sar.html Chicago Tribune-"The Gil and Sara show on 'CSI'"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref><ref>[http://www.jumptheshark.com/topic/Csi-Crime-Scene-Investigation/Csi-Crime-Scene-Investigation-General/449 CSI in JumpTheShark.com] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref> By killing off the sexual tension between the two characters and making them an item, the production crew were seen to be adding more personal drama to the show, increasing the appeal to some of ''Grey's Anatomy'''s younger audience.<ref name="featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com"/><ref>[http://www.buddytv.com/articles/csi/csis-gil-grissom-and-sara-sidl-5240.aspx Buddy TV-"CSI's Gil Grissom and Sara Sidle"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref><ref>[http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Hein-Sight/Note-Csi-Dont/700003961&start=30 TVguide-"Note to CSI—Don't Do It"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22. {{Wayback|url=http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Hein-Sight/Note-Csi-Dont/700003961&start=30|date =20071012221136|bot=DASHBot}}</ref> This has been denied by the writers, [[Carol Mendelsohn]] even said that she has never been able to see Grissom with someone else other than Sara and that this episode was seen by the writers as the right time to reveal the relationship, [[Jorja Fox]] and [[William Petersen]] have also admitted that the relationship is not new.<ref>[http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2006/07/a_terrifying_ro.html Chicago Tribune-"A 'terrifying' romance on 'CSI'"] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref><ref>[http://www.visimag.com/culttimes/c115_display.htm Cult Times, April 2005, Interview with Jorja Fox] Retrieved on 2007-10-22.</ref>', 126 => false, 127 => 'Throughout [[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 7)|season seven]], the audience sees Grissom and Sara as a couple,<ref>"Leapin' Lizards". [[Evan Dunsky]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-05-03. Season 7 Ep. 22.</ref><ref>"Fallen Idols".''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-02-22. Season 7 Ep. 17.</ref> but the relationship is kept secret from the others in the lab until Sara's abduction by [[The Miniature Killer]] in the season finale when Grissom unwittingly refers to his feelings for Sara.<ref>"Living Doll". [[Sarah Goldfinger]], [[Naren Shankar]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-05-17. Season 7 Ep. 24.</ref> During season eight, they have become engaged.<ref>"The Case of the Cross-Dressing Carp". [[David Rambo]], [[Jacqueline Hoyt]] (writers) & [[Alec Smight]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-10-18. Season 8 Ep. 4.</ref> When [[Jorja Fox]] decided to leave the show,<ref>[http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20054547_20055147_20152746,00.html Jorja Fox: Why I Quit 'CSI'] Retrieved on 2007-11-18.</ref> both she and the writers decided not to kill the character, so as to leave the doors open for a possible comeback.<ref>[http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/Exclusive-Csi-Boss/800024964 Exclusive: CSI Boss Vows Jorja Fox is "Coming Back"]</ref> Consequently, Sara Sidle is submerged into depression after her kidnap in the season seven finale, and, even though she accepts Grissom's marriage proposal on the season's [[The Case of the Cross-Dressing Carp|fourth episode]], she shows signs of [[Burnout (psychology)|burnout]] during the subsequent episodes, breaking down on the season's seventh episode, leaving Las Vegas and the CSIs with only a goodbye letter for Grissom and a good luck note for Ronnie Lake. In the letter she claims that ever since her father's death she has been dealing with "ghosts" and that she now needs to go away and deal with them before self-destructing.<ref>"Goodbye and Good Luck". [[Sarah Goldfinger]], [[Allen MacDonald]], [[Naren Shankar]] (writers) & [[Kenneth Fink]] (director). ''CSI''. [[CBS]]. 2007-11-15. Season 8 Ep. 7.</ref>', 128 => false, 129 => 'After Grissom leaves CSI, he goes to Costa Rica, in hopes of finding Sara. Once they see each other, they embrace in a passionate kiss.', 130 => false, 131 => 'Sara's return to CSI in the first episode of season ten reveals that she and Grissom are now married.', 132 => false, 133 => 'In "[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (season 13)|Forget Me Not]]", Sara reveals "he's not my husband anymore" as she and Grissom had split up. According to her, he was the one to propose an end to the relationship, saying that it was in her best interest.', 134 => '{{s-start}}', 135 => '{{s-bef|before=unknown}}', 136 => '{{s-ttl|title=CSI Grave Shift Co-Asst. Supervisor [with Catherine Willows] ("Pilot")}}', 137 => '{{s-aft|after=None - Willows became sole Asst. Supervisor}}', 138 => '{{end}}', 139 => '{{s-start}}', 140 => '{{s-bef|before=[[Jim Brass]]}}', 141 => '{{s-ttl|title=CSI Grave Shift Supervisor ("Cool Change"-"One to Go")}}', 142 => '{{s-aft|after=[[Catherine Willows]]}}', 143 => '{{end}}', 144 => false, 145 => '==See also==', 146 => '*[[List of fictional medical examiners]]', 147 => false, 148 => '== Footnotes ==', 149 => '{{reflist|2}}', 150 => false, 151 => '== References ==', 152 => '* Marrinan, Corinne and Parker, Steve. ''Ultimate CSI: Crime Scene Investigation'' (2006). DK Publishing Inc. ISBN 0-7566-2353-7', 153 => false, 154 => '== External links ==', 155 => '* [http://www.gsrforeverlove.com GSRForeverLove A Grissom and Sara Romance Fan Site]', 156 => '* [http://csiwiki.cbs.com/page/01.+Gil+Grissom Gil Grissom] at the Unofficial CSI Wiki', 157 => '* [http://slate.com/id/2113347/ The Sexiest Man in the Morgue], ''[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]'', February 11, 2005', 158 => false, 159 => '{{CSI: Crime Scene Investigation}}', 160 => false, 161 => '{{Good article}}', 162 => false, 163 => '{{DEFAULTSORT:Grissom, Gil}}', 164 => '[[Category:CSI: Crime Scene Investigation characters]]', 165 => '[[Category:Fictional Las Vegas Police Department detectives]]', 166 => '[[Category:Fictional scientists]]', 167 => '[[Category:Fictional characters introduced in 2000]]', 168 => false, 169 => '{{Link GA|bs}}' ]
Whether or not the change was made through a Tor exit node (tor_exit_node)
0
Unix timestamp of change (timestamp)
1380451850