‘CSI’ series finale: George Eads declines participation; script being rewritten

Right when it seemed like “CSI” was going to be able to get a big chunk of the original gang back together, a report comes in like this that throws a big wrench into at least part of the story.

According to TVLine, longtime cast member George Eads, who had been a part of the show virtually from the beginning, has decided to not be a part of the two-hour TV movie serving as the series finale. Both Marg Helgenberger and William Peterson are going to return for the episode written by Anthony Zuiker. Unfortunately, we’re not seeing any more of Nick Stokes. The character had technically exited the show at the end of season 15, and while Eads’ decision is going to force Zuiker to rewrite parts of the script, it is apparently not going to change the story fundamentally.

In theory, Eads had never formally signed on, but obviously the show was operating under the idea that he would be back one final time. There is no reason given for his decision.

Even with this, we hope that this movie will prove to be a great celebration of all things “CSI” when it airs on September 27. At the very least, we know that it will mark an end of an era for TV history. While there is still “CSI: Cyber” out there, this is the last of the long-running versions of the franchise, and it is one of the longest-running scripted dramas on the air. “Law & Order: SVU” is really one of the few with a longer tenure.

We’ll have other news on this big finale for the show as time passes, but for now, let us know what you think about Eads’ decision in the comments below.