Over there is the Strip - this is just a strip *mall*...

If the real Las Vegas is as crime-ridden as it is portrayed by CSI, I have no urge to visit. This season of CSI has more ludicrous plot twists than most of its predecessors, and can feel far-fetched, but is still a compulsive ride which keeps you gripped from start to finish. With gruesome murders which are so consistent you would think Vegas was suffering from a population decrease, intricate plot turns which weave seamlessly and impressively throughout episodes, and a consistently great cast of characters, this season only cements Vegas as the strongest of the three locational CSI programs.

The series opens with a celebrity dead in mysterious circumstances; after the departure of Riley Adams from the squad, Sarah, who is now married to Grissom, returns to make up the numbers. Laurence Fishburne returns once more as Raymond Langston, who really shines as a lead character and a worthy replacement for Grissom. The emotions that Raymond deals with throughout the series and the underlying problems regarding his father bring a real sense of connection to the character, and he becomes as likeable as he is admirable. This underlying emotion also comes through in Nick Stokes, who has always had trouble holding back his personal connection with the victims throughout the series. This season is no exception, and in several episodes Nick has trouble dealing with the victims of various crimes due to his inability to keep his work and personal experiences separate. These character profiles are what makes CSI such a commercial success, both here and in the US; and whereas other crime based series fall flat due to their lack of character integrity, CSI shines in almost every aspect.

As always, CSI is a high-budget, blockbuster TV show brimming with action and fantastic-looking sets ranging from exotic hotels to seedy strip clubs. The city of Las Vegas is as integral to the show as the characters or plotlines, proving itself as an absolutely perfect backdrop for the grim proceedings. Jerry Bruckheimer does a stellar job of creating a seamless experience which never feels cheesy or cheap, and although the various elements of investigatory work are often bordering on unreal, it all seems stylish and possible in the context of the show.

However, CSI isn’t all perfect; it tends to fall into familiar rhythms, with many of the episodes following the same paths to unsatisfactory conclusions. This isn’t helped by the often disjointed feel of the episodes; the various recurring characters and plotlines which are spread across series are often not enough to keep a sense of pace which would make the series a far more cohesive package.

Overall, this season of CSI: Las Vegas is as strong as ever, boasting episodes which can stand alone, while still retaining a sense of progression through the series. The characters are as diverse and likeable as ever, and their roles in the CSI squad give a sense of quick familiarity to both fans of the series and newcomers alike. The variety in cases throughout the episodes is wonderfully thought-out, ranging from sickening homicides through to suicides and accidental deaths. There are some pacing issues, lacking consistency throughout the episodes, and it is easy to view the series as episodes strewn together with some recurring plot lines, instead of an actual “series”. But as a viewing opportunity, CSI is as easy and enjoyable to watch as ever; just don’t watch it while eating your dinner.

CSI: Las Vega Season 10 is out now.

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