CSI New York - Season 5 (7-DVD)

The second of two spinoffs launched by the hugely popular television series CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, this crime drama distinguishes itself with an even grittier tone than either of its predecessors by grounding the action in the gloomy aftermath of post-9/11 New York. The always brilliant Gary Sinise anchors the series as former Marine and police detective Mac Taylor, a stern professional whose stoic exterior masks the pain of losing his wife in the World Trade Center attacks. Taylor's forensics team includes his tough-as-nails partner, Stella Bonasera (Melina Kanakaredes); street-smart investigator Aiden Burn (Vanessa Ferlito); no-nonsense tough guy Don Flack (Eddie Cahill); smart-aleck detective Danny Messer (Carmine Giovinazzo); and briskly efficient coroner Sheldon Hawkes (Hill Harper). Bathed in somber, blue-tinged lighting, the spinoff emphasizes well-drawn characters without sacrificing any of the grisly criminal and scientific elements that made its parent show such a smashing success. This collection presents every episode from the series' fifth season.