CSI Season Finale Review: The Fate of Nate Haskell

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Was this Ray Langston's swan song? That's the only question on my mind after watching "In a Dark, Dark House."

CSI Season 11 Finale Pic

Ray killed Nate Haskell, which isn't exactly shocking. Most of the moments since Haskell's escape have been foretelling of a final showdown. We've known that someone dying was going to be the only viable resolution, lest the cycle continue on forever.

The surprising bit was that Ray didn't kill Nate in self defense. He let his darker side emerge and let his vengeance fly. Not that I could blame him after everything Haskell had put him through. And maybe that wasn't even all that shocking.

Here's the question, though: how can Ray continue to be a CSI after what he's done? How can his colleagues at the lab ever look at him the same way?

The guys seem to have Ray's back for the most part. I think Nick and Greg can fully convince themselves that no matter the lingering questions left by the evidence, Ray killing Haskell was entirely justified. Even Doc Robbins was on board, making sure Ray knew he's a good man by telling him so. Brass obviously knows the whole truth, but Brass has had his darker moments, and would have done the same thing in Ray's shoes.

On the surface, Catherine seems to be letting this go, but just underneath I have to wonder if she isn't a little bothered by the possibility that Ray acted in cold blood.

Sarah, on the other hand, was the only team member acting as a CSI. She had questions, and because Brass was smart, the evidence proved Ray acted in self defense. It does seem like she saw past that trick, but with no other evidence she'd have to let it go. She had followed the trail as far as it would lead her, but she'll probably always have her doubts.

Schultz from I.A. wasn't exactly a popular guy with the team, but I was sort of on his side. The reasons why don't always matter in the eye of the law. He's after justice, and his final question to Ray - "Was it self defense or was it murder?"- won't be answered until next season.

Unless Ray leaves the lab, the repercussions from this episode will echo into next season. It's hard to say whether it will help or hinder the show.

There was a hint that Gloria, Ray's ex-wife, may have been impregnated by Nate Haskell. That would certainly make for some added drama.

I was happy that Ray killed Haskell right away, and the show was about whether it was a murder or self defense. I was a little worried the tired plot of the CSIs having to rescue one of their own was going to be used again.

This was a dark and brutal episode. All the scenes flashing between evidence being collected at the crime scene and Gloria gave me chills. I think it heightened my support for Ray, and the struggle he felt within himself to be good.

I can't give this episode a perfect rating, generally for little things I found lacking. But it was solid and left me anxious for next season to start. I really can't ask for more than that.

In a Dark, Dark House Review

Editor Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
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CSI Season 11 Episode 22 Quotes

Look, we are the only two people in the world who know what really happened here. And it stays between you and me. Cos' if I.A. gets a hold of it internal affairs is gonna kick this up to a criminal case. They'll try you for murder, Ray. They'll lock you up...And it won't just be you you'll be crucifying.

Brass

Doc Robbins: After everything that's happened between the two of you it's natural that you'd need some reflection.
Ray: Reflection...That's what he saw when he looked at me.
Doc Robbins: That's what he wanted you to believe. He wanted to bring you into that house with him. He wanted to make you a helpless child just like him.