CSI: Vegas' Series Finale Proves CBS Made a Mistake By Canceling The Spinoff

Warning: This article contains spoilers for CSI: Vegas season 3, episode 10.

Despite its recent cancelation, CSI: Vegas still had plenty of gas in the tank, leading to questions about why the network let such a successful series go. As the last of the five shows in the CSI franchise, Vegas was unique because it featured a mix of old and new characters in a familiar setting. Original CSI stars William Petersen and Jorja Fox appeared in season 1, and season 2 brought Marg Helgenberger back to fill the void after Petersen and Fox’s arcs concluded.

However, CSI: Vegas season 3 shifted focus considerably and used its new characters much better. The series had some questionable initial plots, but it hit its stride during its final season because it relied on the characters that originated in the spinoff. By the time the series finale aired, the show was in a strong place creatively, proving the network made a mistake in canceling it. The last episode also effortlessly set up a new direction for the planned CSI: Vegas season 4, which viewers sadly won’t see.

CSI: Vegas Ended With One Of Its Strongest Episodes

CSI: Vegas season 3, episode 10 righted many wrongs

As an unplanned series finale, CSI: Vegas season 3, episode 10 was satisfying because it found Maxine Roby using everything she learned during her years as a CSI in an attempt to save herself from Saudi spies. The installment was constructed well because it brought many big plots to a close and introduced tonal shifts that would be felt in future seasons.

Maxine Roby was a stellar team member since her first appearance in CSI: Vegas, season 1, episode 1. However, the series often undermined her by having the original CSI characters take over cases. The strongest aspect of the series finale was how the newer characters were front and center to unmask the identity of the season’s biggest villain. It highlighted that the group worked better together and that everyone was essential to the team’s success.

Maxine being held hundreds of miles away from her colleagues in the flood channels deep below Las Vegas upped the fear factor. Utilizing a part of Las Vegas that many people have probably never heard of increased the tension and unpredictability. Maxine’s back was against the wall, but her escape was plausible because she used her impressive skills to outmaneuver her captors. The brush with death undoubtedly changed Maxine, which could have manifested into a great plot for CSI: Vegas season 4.

A Killer Tease for CSI: Vegas Season 4 Was Removed After Cancelation

CSI: Vegas season 4’s villain promised to be different

A vital scene was removed from the series finale that set up CSI: Vegas season 4. According to TVLine, a press screener included a tease for the next villain in the form of an unknown assailant targeting the city’s homeless population. The new killer’s weapon of choice was a hook-style weapon, hinting at a darker storyline that could have been a change of pace from the series’ first three villains. CSI: Vegas excelled with grittier storytelling than other crime dramas, and it was poised to up the ante had it been allowed to continue.

Setting up the next villain would have been an enticing way to keep viewers invested during what is typically a lengthy hiatus between seasons, but it makes sense CBS opted against including this new adversary with no chance of resolution. Still, it’s an exciting tease that could have brought viewers back for season 4, especially considering how many watched the finale.

CSI: Vegas Went Out With Its Second Most-Watched Episode Ever

The series finale brought in 4.8 million viewers in a challenging timeslot

Most TV shows are canceled because of low viewership, but CSI: Vegas season 3 pulled in respectable numbers despite airing in one of the most challenging timeslots – Sundays at 10 p.m. EST, a spot so tough that a lot of networks have stopped running new scripted shows in it. Despite this, according to TVLine, the CSI: Vegas series finale emerged as the show’s second most-watched episode ever. At a time when broadcast TV viewership is dropping across the board, established series adding viewers in later seasons is unheard of.

Some of the show’s more casual viewers may have tuned in solely because it was the series finale. However, given the changes across the board for CSI: Vegas in season 3, it’s clear producers were taking note of criticism and remedying the situation to deliver a better version of the show. All the signs were there that CSI: Vegas season 4 could have taken the franchise to new heights, signaling CBS’ decision to end the show was an oversight.

Source: TVLine 1, 2

CSI: Vegas

CSI: Vegas is a mystery crime-drama television series created by Jason Tracey and is a spin-off of the core Crime Scene Investigation franchise. Viewers follow Maxine Roby and her team of investigators as they employ their latest and greatest scientific tools in the fight against crime.

Cast

Paula Newsome , Matt Lauria , Mandeep Dhillon , Mel Rodriguez , Jorja Fox , William Petersen , Ariana Guerra , Jay Lee , Lex Medlin , Marg Helgenberger

Release Date

October 6, 2021

Seasons

2