Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

CSI viewers overjoyed as Marg Helgenberger returns to universe after leaving 10 years ago

Mystery surrounding Catherine Willows’ comeback teased in new episode

Jacob Stolworthy
Friday 30 September 2022 03:57 EDT
Comments
(Sonja Flemming/CBS)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

CSI star Marg Helgenberger has returned to the show’s universe after 10 years – and viewers are overjoyed.

The original cast member, who plays Catherine Willows, recently signed a one-year deal to reprise the role in spin-off CSI: Vegas.

Helgenberger’s presence was very welcome considering the second season began without longtime stars William Petersen and Jorja Fox, who decided not to return for the spin-off’s follow-up.

During Catherine’s time away from the world of CSI, she retired to help mentor women in forensic science.

She explained the reason behind her return to fellow character Maxine (Paula Newsome), stating: “The job is in my blood.”

There appears to be more than meets the eye, though. It emerges that one of the girls Catherine was mentoring has gone missing.

“Seeing Catherine back in CSI gear is a great way to start the new season, she can fit right in with the newbies,” one viewer wrote, with another adding: “Catherine was my favorite character on the original CSI. I’m happy Marg is back to play her again!”

One fan commented: “I never thought I’d hear @MargHelgen saying I’m Catherine Willows in a new 2022 episode of CSI. I never knew that was something I needed so badly.”

Speaking about her decision to quit the show in 2012, Helgenberger said: “Oh, absolutely, that was one of the reasons why it was a little easier for me to leave the show because the producers said to me practically every day the door is wide open. If I’m available and I’m up for it, you betcha.”

Despite this, she rceenty revealed she had many questions before agreeing to the comeback.

Deadline reports the actor as saying: “It’s a tough gig. Why would Catherine, at this age, come back?” That was important to me. I had several conversations with [showrunner] Jason Tracey about that. I really want to get it right and we did.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in