Local fans say show is unique

Local residents cite their reasons for tuning into the series about crime investigations.
By VERONICA GORLEY
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- In the battlefield of Thursday night television, "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" holds its own.
In fact, the CBS series and one of its actresses have been nominated for Golden Globe awards -- and the show is only in its second season.
What makes the program so successful is its uniqueness, say local "CSI" viewers. Its thought-provoking, forensics-meets-drama-mystery approach as well as its appeal to various age groups and demographics draws in fans of all kinds.
Not only is Christina Dripps, 35, an avid "CSI" viewer, but so are her mother and 17-year-old daughter. Though they may not always watch the show together, Dripps said they do discuss it often. The Niles resident said she likes it all: the characters, methods, cases and tools.
"It's interesting to me," Dripps said. "That's the way I would investigate things. They're very thorough in their investigations."
Another locale: Hubbard residents Raymond Urban II, 43, and his 15-year-old son, Ray Urban III, said they were hooked when the show premiered. The younger Urban said he doesn't watch it often, but he enjoys it when he can. To him, the show is compelling and stands out from other shows of its kind.
"CSI" shows more "forensics and stuff like that," said Urban III.
His father said what sets "CSI" apart from the forensic documentaries he watches on the Discovery Channel are the drama and characters.
"It shows you the real stuff," said Urban II. "It's true to fact. People who do stuff like that think they can get away with it. It's amazing how little details can lead to the arrest of the guilty party."
Randy Baker, 24, of Niles watches many forensic shows, but he said "CSI" is the best show of its kind that he has seen. He enjoys the suspense aspect of the show.
"It keeps you at the edge of your seat until the end of the show," Baker said. "You think you know the answer, and then at the end, it's totally different."
Baker also believes the characters are realistic: they look like they fit their parts.
Another angle: An avid "CSI" viewer, Kerry Hull, 56, is a fan of one of the show's actresses, Marg Helgenberger, who plays senior investigator Catherine Willows. The Vienna resident said she enjoys "CSI" because the show is "thoughtful."
"They think things through and analyze," Hull said. "I read a lot of mysteries. That's the kind of show I like."
Chris Anderson, 35, of Warren said he has seen the show only once, but he liked what he saw.
"The way they went in-depth and solved crimes -- it was very unique," Anderson said. "There are no other shows like 'CSI.'"