When I did a post on women who were turning 50 in 2008, I was dismayed to find few previous AfterEllen.com mentions of one of those women, Marg Helgenberger.

As it turns out, we have not been too attentive of CSI, in general. I have to confess, I don't watch any of the CSI shows regularly. I thought it was because of the goriness, but my love of all things Dexter sort of blew that theory out of the water. I have, however, always been appreciative of the CSI casting directors' taste in women. Despite the fact that they let my favorite investigator go.

Now, research has confirmed that, indeed, the women of CSI are hot. Duh. I won't go into the particulars of the survey because, frankly, it's lame. But, in one of the questions, researchers asked men which of three CSI women they'd most like to romance: Calleigh Duquesne (Emily Procter) of CSI: Miami, Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) of the original CSI or Stella Bonasera (Melina Kanakaredes) of CSI: New York. … continue reading

One of my childhood memories is a time at my cousin's 12th birthday party when I thoughtfully said, "Twelve is such a ripe old age." I don't know what led to that pronouncement, but I remember it often, even several multiples of 12 later. Age is like that. Each milestone seems far away, then one day you realize that a lot of them are behind you. It's not a bad thing — older really is better — it's just surprising. A few weeks ago, one of America's favorite children reached one of those milestones when Caroline Kennedy turned 50.

Kennedy certainly has accomplished a lot in her adulthood, but to many of us, she always will be JFK's little girl. And "Sweet Caroline." … continue reading

Sara Sidle has left the building. And she has left of her own free will. But don’t cry too much into your Petri dishes, forensics fans: She may be back to visit every now and then. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, veteran CSI cast member Jorja Fox said leaving the series was her decision, one that had nothing to do with money, and that she might return for guest spots later down the road.

“It’s my call — and a very, very difficult one, something I’ve been thinking about for a long, long time. It's one of the hardest decisions I've made in my life. It has nothing to do with my contract, nothing to do with money. ... It could be the stupidest thing I've ever done in my life. Only time will tell. ... There are so many things I want to do! Some are personal. Some are professional. And I really need to do some of them before I get too old.”

Fans have been atwitter about Jorja’s possible exit since last season’s cliffhanger finale saw her character kidnapped and pinned under a car by the Miniature Killer. Of course she survived, only to dash her fans' hopes by announcing she would leave the show later this season. Her final episode (episode eight of season eight ... oh, the symmetry) will air in mid-November. … continue reading

As you've probably heard by now, Jorja Fox is leaving CSI after the seventh episode this season — or just sometime in November, depending on which report you read.

Sigh. Now I have even fewer reasons to watch the show. Fewer as in one (the one named Marg Helgenberger).

In an interview with TVGuide.com, Jorja said it's been a good run:

Were you ever bored by the constraints of acting in a procedural?
Fox: I never was. I've been one of the luckiest people in the history of TV, getting to play the character of Sara. Almost since Episode 10 in Season 1, I've had a lot to do. My character has had a very full personal life.

Well, sorta full. Not quite as full as we wanted it to be. Jorja also noted that "the story of Sara and Grissom is a little like a fable." I agree, if she means a completely fantastical story that would never, ever happen in real life.

If Jorja's departure is terrible news to you, there's a "Keep Jorja Fox on CSI" campaign (thanks, DJSmurf!) you can join. Hey, if letters kept Cagney & Lacey on the air, maybe they can keep Sara from sidling away.

Here's a little Sara/Catherine fan video to soothe the pain (or feed the fanfic): … continue reading