Parents' Guide to CSI: Vegas

CSI: Vegas is revisiting the legacy of the original CSI and expands by showing how the series has changed over the course of XX years. While a lot has stayed the same -- such as the reintroductions of fan favorites Fox and Petersen as their original CSI characters, quite a bit has changed, such as the power of visual effects. Both series rely on practical effects, such as makeup and props, to illustrate the level of forensic work done on the various corpses. But CSI: Vegas shows a distinct level-up from 2000, when CSI first came on the scene, with more gruesome bodies and dissections. The amount of gore and body horror could be cool for some viewers, but for others, it could be a lot to handle before bedtime.

The series also has a lot of diversity in its main cast, which is also a step up from the original series. Paula Newsome leads the new CSI team as lab head Maxine Roby, giving the show a much-needed focus on diverse cast members. The script-writing and characterizations are also written in a comforting way, making the audience feel as if they have known these new characters for a very long time. While the series still overinflates exactly what CSI members do -- CSI employees don't interrogate subjects or pursue suspects -- the series' focus on science leading to justice can be inspiring to viewers interested in STEM. Overall, CSI: Vegas is a fun new entry in the CSI canon.