Some portions of this review regarding general show information are shared with the Season 1 and Season 3 reviews.
Before I saw Season 1 of CSI Miami I was quite skeptical about the shows ability to live up to the original. After watching the first season I was impressed with most aspects of the show, ranging from character development to entertaining and interesting cases. I don’t want to over praise the show though, because it does have its flaws, and can drag on a bit at times, but I’m hoping that Season 2 might just improve on these aspects.
For those of you like me, who don’t know much about CSI Miami I’ll break it down for you. You may or may not remember the CSI episode where the Las Vegas team made their way to Miami to help out on a case, but that is where Horatio Caine and his team of CSI’s were introduced. Now CBS has another money maker in the workings, and other than some altered cinematography, a new city, and a new ensemble, CSI Miami is essentially the same show as the original CSI we all know and love. But that’s on the surface, for me what made CSI so great was its originality, which has arguably been worn thin with Miami. In addition to that you just can’t match the quality of characters in the original CSI, but for the remainder of the review I will critique (without bias) CSI Miami as a stand alone show. I just thought I would make mention right off the start that in my eyes, although entertaining it doesn’t hold a candle to the original.
Horatio Caine (David Caruso, NYPD Blue) is the Miami Dade CSI Head Investigator, a forensic analysts who gathers and analyzes evidence in order to determine who is responsible for the crime in question. With him are various detectives, CSI agents, and medical examiners all who have a unique skill set to bring to the team. They compile their cumulative efforts in bringing down criminals, as well as on occasion participate in shootouts, brawls, and everything in between.
Season 2 of CSI Miami stays on par with the first season. There is some pretty entertaining episodes which range from the old Lethal Weapon 2 diplomatic immunity case to shark attacks. As far as the cases go there are quite a few that provide enjoyable entertainment, but the character arc seemed rather dry for me in this season, and a lot of the dialogue dragged on. Overall though I was pleased with the season, and am looking forward to checking out the third season.
Season 2 is just as good as the first, and worth the watch. There were some pretty interesting cases in the season, my favorite is the lead in to CSI New York in which Caine goes to New York on the trail of a brutal killer who is continuing his massacre in the city that never sleeps. So if you liked the first season you will enjoy season 2 just as much as business is pretty much as usual. I’m hoping that season 3 can spice things up a bit, I’ll find out in due time.
Video
Presented in 1.78:1 Widescreen, Season 2 of CSI: Miami looks just as great at Season 1. Season 2 did offer more in terms of eye candy as; we get a look at Miami’s nightlife including a handful of good looking women. The lights of the club look great against the black sky, free of any binding issues. Flesh tones look realistic, even the pale Harito; I guess the Miami’s sun couldn’t even give albino Caruso a tan.
The print itself is in good shape, with only the occasional grainy or soft looking shot, usually in poorly lit scenes. Overall Season 2 still offers a great visual presentation, one that will please fans.
Audio
Included with this season is a great sounding 5.1 Dolby Digital track, available in both English and French. CSI: Miami is the type of show where things are happening all the time, this season is no different. Episode Rap Sheet offered a good amount of bass, seeing as it revolved around a rapper. Other episodes remain as consistent, never sounding too front heavy and always offering some sort of rear channel support.
Special Features
Season 2 packs about the same amount of features found in season 1. The difference is that these features are longer and provide much more interesting content.
- Audio Commentary – Audio Commentary by various cast and crew for episodes Blood Brothers, Hurricane Anthony, Hard Time, Complications, Witness to Murder, Wannabe, and MIA/NYC Non Stop.
- The AV Lab Tour – (00:11:23) Forensic Consultant Elizabeth Devine takes us on tour of the Audio Video set. The feature is very interesting as it provides an impressive look at video technology and its role as evidence.
- CSI Miami: Visually Effective – (00:17:10) A look on how crew members wanted CSI: Miami to look vastly different than Vegas. From basic CGI to the impressive detailed close ups of the murders, this feature provides a very interesting look at this process.
- The Trace Lab Tour – (00:03:10) Technical Consultant John Haynes takes us inside the trace lab. We are given brief but informative information on the different equipment used in the show.
- CSI: Recalling Season II – (00:13:04) Actors and Crew discuss how much better the second season was over the first, in terms of quality and viewer ratings. David Caruso discusses how Horatio Caine became a more flushed out character in season 2.
Final Thoughts
Season 2 of CSI Miami is a good watch, the cases are entertaining, as well the introduction to CSI New York was rather interesting. Fans of the show will be pleased with the exceptional audio and video transfer, as well as some interesting features. Overall this is worth the purchase to fans of the show, otherwise it would be worth your while to check the show out on TV.
