Training Day opens with Bill Paxton tribute after tragic death

Tonight, Training Day gave us the latest new episode on CBS, but before that, the show understandably took a minute or two in order to properly honor someone who was gone far too soon in the late, great Bill Paxton. The actor passed away over the weekend due to complications of a recent surgery, and it rocked the entire Hollywood community. Luckily, the show did find a way to include a Bill Paxton tribute into the start of the episode.

Before the installment tonight began, the show aired a variation of a tribute card (see below) to the actor, not even waiting until the end of the show as many other programs often do. This situation was a little bit different than many others when you consider the sheer body of work of Paxton, and then also the recency of his passing. It was so sudden that the Oscars were not able to edit him into the In Memoriam package, and he instead was honored with words from Jennifer Aniston before the package played.

This was the right thing for the show to do, just as it was also the right thing for them to air the episode as planned. While this may be a dark, gritty show, at the same time this is a tribute to his work at every turn. You want people to heal, and sometimes, being able to watch the art that they put out there is the best way to do that. One of the reasons why Paxton took this or any acting job is that he wanted people to see the end result and appreciate it. We imagine that there will be many chances to do that over the weeks ahead with this show, no matter the content of each story.

In case you did not hear, production on Training Day ended prior to Paxton passing away. The show should air uninterrupted.

As we’ve stated before, our thoughts and condolences go out to everyone who loved Paxton during what has to be an incredibly difficult time. We certainly are going to remember him for all of his work, whether you are talking about this show or something beyond. (Photo: CBS.)