CSI Miami: Season 7 DVD review

Despite its slightly drab lead actor, this branch of the CSI franchise is still compulsive viewing...

CSI Miami S7

When we think of Miami, we think of sunshine, an easy going lifestyle, style and...murder? As season 7 of CSI: Miami commences, it becomes abundantly obvious that law and order is just as hard to maintain in Miami as it is anywhere else. With numerous murders and fascinating twists and turns, it is easy to see why this franchise has become just so popular and a common occurrence on both British and American television.

Season 7 opens as if a King has been slain; Horatio Caine( David Caruso) is shot after arriving on a private jet and appears to have been left for dead, leaving his team both confused and eager to seek revenge. With much bewilderment and an underlying sense of fear driving them, the team are both confused and suspicious of one another, lashing out uncontrollably and continuing to suspect that a rogue agent amongst them may be to blame for his killing. However, after some time, it is revealed that Horatio is alive and that his “assassination” was set up, a ruse to lull the criminals into a false sense of security.

From here, the season develops impressively, with many interesting plots and a real sense of originality which is often lacking in this rather saturated crime genre. What is most appealing about the series is its hyper-real qualities; CSI: Miami manages to fuse both reality and fiction together seamlessly, creating an independent and totally unique approach to an age old profession of crime solving. Through futuristic techniques and state of the art technology, the CSI team are able to bring a whole new style to crime fighting, with impressive results.

"Jerry Bruckheimer has produced yet another visual classic, one that will be sure to continue on its already well established fan base"

Combined with a slick and vibrant use of colours and unbelievable attention to detail, Jerry Bruckheimer has produced yet another visual classic, one that will be sure to continue on its already well established fan base.

However, CSI is not without its faults, with some being so fundamental that it leaves me baffled as to why it has not stunted its success.

Until CSI: Miami made him into a global star, David Caruso would not have been the most recognisable figure on television. A quick scan over his IMDB profile would suggest that Caruso had survived on minor roles throughout his career and, prior to CSI, his only prolonged role being as a detective in NYPD Blue. With these roles firmly behind him, Caruso must have impressed during his cameo appearances in many of the other CSI franchises as he was chosen by Bruckheimer as the lead for Miami. However, after appearing in over 191 episodes to date it leaves me baffled as to why he was selected.

Unlike his co-stars, Caruso lacks any sort of charisma that would make him attractive to the role. While it may be that Bruckheimer wanted his lead to portray a distant and troubled persona, Caruso instead comes across as rather boring. His performances as Horatio Caine feel very robotic and forced. Rarely making eye contact as Horatio, Caruso instead chooses to address the floor or the side of the person he is talking to. Any speech is short and dialogue is often diminutive and unappealing. Although on occasions Caruso shows glimpses of attractive acting, his many flaws means that you never really connect on a personal level with Horatio.

Another problem CSI: Miami creates is in regards to the often nonchalant reactions of the perpetrators when arrested. Whether it is a murdering mother trying to keep hold of her son or an overzealous money launderer, their reactions are often the same; unconvincing and very laid back considering what is ahead of them. At times you feel like the endings have almost been rushed, done merely because they have to be done.

"Season 7 covers everything from cannibalism to plastic surgery and features more plot turns and twists than an M. Night Shyamalan movie"

However, while it has its faults, there is no doubting that CSI: Miami is an enthralling watch. Season 7 covers everything from cannibalism to plastic surgery and features more plot turns and twists than an M. Night Shyamalan movie.

One thing CSI: Miami cannot be accused of is lacking sensationalism or imagination; the storylines are fresh and appealing and, along with some impressive acting from Adam Rodriguez (Eric Delko), Jonathan Togo (Ryan Wolfe) and Emily Procter (Calleigh Duquesne), looks likely to continue the success of previous seasons. With endless amounts of action, an already colourful history and one hell of a cliff hanger that will keep people salivating until season 8, CSI: Miami season 7 offers a fresh alternative approach that will appeal to both established fans and new comers alike.

3 stars