In the realm of crime-solving dramas, CSI has long been a long-standing favorite, captivating audiences with its riveting cases and multidimensional characters. Among these complex personas, some stand out for their heartrending stories that leave a lasting impact on viewers. This article will explore some of the saddest partings of beloved characters in the series.
From heartbreakingly tragic backstories to gut-wrenching personal struggles, the contenders on this list represent a diverse array of experiences that have resonated deeply with fans and have made it all the more difficult to see them go away.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
- Release Date
- October 6, 2000
- Creator
- Anthony E. Zuiker
- Seasons
- 15
15 Catherine Willows
Played by Marg Helgenberger
By Season 11, Willows had left the team after a harrowing case involving a serial killer and accepted a job at the FBI. While it was hard for fans to accept Willows (who was one of the remaining original characters) to make her exit, her absence didn’t last too long as she returned to replace D.B. Russell as night shift supervisor. Even though she came back, Willows’ initial departure was a heartfelt one that made a lasting impression on fans.
14 Julie Finlay
Played by Elisabeth Shue
Shortly after Catherine Willows’ departure, one of D.B. Russell’s former associates from Seattle, Julie Finlay (Elisabeth Shue), joined the team. Known as “the blood whisperer,” Finlay had a bit of a checkered past when she illegally obtained DNA in a case in Seattle that led to her and the department being sued. Despite her negligence, Finlay was a dedicated investigator and a crucial part of the team.
The circumstances surrounding Finlay’s departure aren’t made apparent until the Season 15 finale, when Russell is packing up his things. There is a plaque among Russell’s things that says, “In Remembrance of Julie Finlay, End of Watch, February 2015,” confirming her death after the events of the Gig Harbor Killer. Even though her death wasn’t seen on-screen, it was still tragic to see a unique character and investigator like Finlay exit the series.
13 D.B. Russell
Played by Ted Danson
Ted Danson entered the series as D.B. Russell, who was hired as the new night shift supervisor, and specifically brought in by Conrad Ecklie (name) to straighten the team out. Russell brought new life to the series with his dry humor and insightful knowledge of technology. By the end of the series, Russell was hired by the FBI as the director of the Next Generation of Cyber Forensics.
Danson went on to star in the CSI spin-off series, CSI: Cyber, which picks up with Russell accepting his new position. Shortly after taking on the job, Russell is shot in the line of duty, which, even though he survives, still results in him retiring. Russell’s exit was one that was bittersweet and even though he left on a positive note, fans were still heartbroken to see him go, especially when he left CSI: Cyber.
12 Wendy Simms
Played by Liz Vassey
Lab technician, Wendy Simms (Liz Vassey) entered the series in season six and as the show progressed, she became a more frequent character and eventually became the love interest of fellow lab tech, David Hodges. Specializing in DNA analysis, Simms was a bit clumsy but, overall, a crucial component of the team, but despite her incredible work, she always wanted to work in the field and not be stuck in a lab.
In Season 11, episode 2, “Pool Shark,” Simms tearfully reveals to Hodges that she has accepted a job in Portland to be closer to her sister and also allow her to work in the field. It was hard to learn that Simms was leaving, especially Hodges, who had both developed a genuine connection and affection for one another, but sometimes love means letting go and while it was painful for Hodges, he just wanted her to be happy, even if he wasn’t a part of her happiness.
11 Sam Braun
Played by Scott Wilson
Catherine Willows’ father and casino owner, Sam Braun (Scott Wilson), may not have been father of the year, but as the show progressed, he and his daughter managed to establish a solid relationship as father and daughter. Despite Braun’s sketchy history and so-called ties to the local mafia, he was a vital asset in several cases and almost became an unofficial part of the CSI team.
In “Built to Kill: Part 2,” Braun is gunned down by an associate in front of Catherine and dies in her arms. Whether fans liked or didn’t like Braun, his death was still heartbreaking, mainly because Catherine had just started to really open up and trust her father, making Braun’s demise one of the saddest character deaths and unfortunate exits.
10 David Hodges
Played by Wallace Langham
Dave Hodges (Wallace Langham) was a trace evidence analyst for the Las Vegas crime lab. He was mostly known for his intelligence, wit, and eccentricities. Hodges’s exit from CSI was somewhat controversial for many. In the season 15 episode “Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” he was framed for faking evidence and forced to leave the lab.
Even though Dave managed to clear his name, he still chose to leave the lab to pursue growth elsewhere. Whatever the case, Dave was still a character near and dear to the fans.
9 Morgan Brody
Played by Elisabeth Harnois
Morgan Brody (Elisabeth Harnois) was a talented Crime Scene Investigator and a skilled hacker. She was the resident good-looking, fierce, and independent individual who wasn’t afraid to stand up for what she thought was right.
Most thought her exit from the show was quite sudden, given the story behind her character and the rigorous plotline during Seasons 13 and 14. The incident where she got abducted and eventually shot by Ellie after confronting the killer/abductor is the last time she served as a member of the force.
8 Captain Jim Brass
Played by Paul Guilfoyle
Captain Jim Brass (Paul Guilfoyle) was the hallmark standard of what a law enforcement officer is supposed to be like. A fair and no-nonsense cop, Jim was also fair and compassionate, which made him well-liked by the audience.
7 Greg Sanders
Played by Eric Szmanda
Greg Sanders (Eric Szmanda) was a talented CSI with lots of charisma and wit to expel. Being the resident fun guy made sure he shone through as the center of attention whenever he was present in a scene.
His bolstering personality and ability to blend in with others were central parts of the team’s dynamic. He left the team in the Season 15 finale to pursue a career as a DNA analyst at another firm. He was one of the best CSI characters fans loved to miss.
6 Sofia Curtis
Played by Louise Lombard
Sofia Curtis (Louise Lombard) was a former police detective who joined the CSI lab as the deputy chief. Her unique perspective on crime scenes made her a valuable asset to the CSI team.
Sofia’s exit from the show was never fully explained. However, there have been rumors that she left the CSI team because she was unhappy with the direction of the writers. This is a disappointing and unsatisfying explanation that doesn’t change her sad departure.
5 Raymond Langston
Played by Laurence Fishburne
Raymond Langston’s (played by Laurence Fishburne) departure from CSI X remains one of the most heart-wrenching characters exits in the show’s history. The team looked forward to his unique blend of intelligence and empathy during his tenure with them. Audiences were always vested in the intricate and emotional connections he made with the cases he worked on.
The deep-seated traumas from his past, combined with the relentless pursuit of justice, made him an exceptionally complex character. His ultimate decision to leave the CSI team was a poignant moment, as it signified a bittersweet resolution to his personal demons and a profound sense of loss for both his colleagues and the audience.
4 Sara Slide
Played by Jorja Fox
Sara Slide (Jorja Fox) was a steadfast enforcement officer with utmost dedication toward her contributions in any case assigned to her. Over the years, audiences witnessed Sara’s personal growth and resilience in the face of harrowing circumstances, making her an integral part of the CSI team’s dynamic.
Sara parting ways with the team was a heart-wrenching moment for viewers who had gotten attached to her and the romantic plotline she had with Gil Grissom, the defacto protagonist of the show.
3 Nick Stokes
Played by George Eads
Nick Stokes (George Eads) stood out from the other characters because of his ability to connect with the victims and witnesses on an emotional level which yielded unexpected but much-needed results for the case.
Even though Nick’s growth as a character was deeply appreciated by many, he eventually had to leave the team to pursue a job with the FBI in Washington. Fans will fondly remember his role in some of CSI‘s best episodes.
2 Gil Grissom
Played by William Petersen
Gil Grissom (William Petersen) was considered the brilliant and enigmatic leader of the CSI team and the defacto protagonist. His intellect and attention to detail were unmatched, and his iconic personality was unparalleled. Grissom’s quiet demeanor and introspective nature added to his mystique, making him a compelling figure on screen.
Beyond his expertise in forensics, it was his profound sense of empathy and understanding of the human condition that resonated deeply with audiences. He eventually left the team to lead a solitary life and his legacy will always be remembered.
1 Warrick Brown
Played by Gary Dourdan
Warrick Brown’s (Gary Dourdan) charisma and charm won the hearts of fans across the globe. His journey from a troubled past to a respected and invaluable member of the team made him all the more endearing. And his personal struggles and battles with addiction added layers of depth to his character.
He had by far the saddest exit from the show when tragedy struck in the ninth season, and he was murdered by the mobster Lou Gedda. Warrick was found shot in his car outside a diner, and despite the efforts of the CSI team to save him, he succumbed to his injuries, marking the saddest and most unforgettable moment of his character’s exit from the show.
