G'bye, Gil

Oh, how I've loved the Gil Grissom.

William Peterson is leaving his star vehicle, C.S.I. (not to be confused with his other movie star vehicles, Manhunter and Fear), tonight after seven seasons as the King of Smarm, Gil Grissom. I've loved his zingers (the last line he says before the theme song and credits play), I've loved groovin' to the Who every week and doin' my Who dance (ask Martin), and I feel ashamed that I haven't watched him more lately the last few years. (I do want to register a complaint, though, a LOUD complaint: Catherine (Margerine Helgenbergeren) got the zing on his last night. WHATever.)

Whenever a show, or their awesome lead, leaves the air I feel personally responsible. If I had been more faithful to the show/star, it would've lasted longer. I felt this way at the end of both "Freaks and Geeks" and "Arrested Development." I'll miss the Gil on Thursday nights. I admit I've taken him for granted, always expecting to flip to CBS and catch his trademark smirk on commercial breaks. Now, no longer will I be able to get my smarm fix on Thursdays. (I don't care that I can catch him on SPIKE. It's not the same. And don't even mention the two seasons I own on DVD. Null and void points, I say. This is the close of an era.)

Farewell, dear Gil. I sincerely hope this merely is a hiatus and that you'll be back to rescue your Vegas crew soon. Because, I love my cousin, George Eads, but the ole crew can't hold it together without you. At least you'll still be getting your Executive Producer paycheck. That's a final zing for the rest of the cast...

Oh, yeah, vote on the Gil you love best: Beard or No Beard. Personally, it's hard for me to choose. I think the beard enhances the smirk, but what do you think? Leave a message and let me know.