User:Superfan95/73 Seconds

"73 Seconds" is an episode of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. It is the first episode of the twelfth season. The episode marks the debut of D.B. Russell portrayed by Ted Danson.

Production
In July 2011, it was announced that Ted Danson was joining CSI at the start of it's twelfth season. It was billed "His character comes to the team as it is still dealing with the professional and personal fall-out from last season's pursuit of serial killer Nate Haskell." Ted Danson stated, "it was a great job" and that he was happy to be on the show.

It was announced that Elisabeth Harnois who plays Morgan Brody was going to be promoted to the main cast as of this episode.

Reception
Kevin O'Sullivan writing for the Daily Mirror praised the casting of Danson he said, "Good news. Furrow-browed Fishburne’s deeply serious approach had run its course. And who better to deliver a much needed lighter touch than the star of Cheers? His elegantly coiffured hair still perfect after all these years, talented Ted plays unconventional new CSI supervisor D.B. Russell… who is eccentric but always gets results. How unusual." Although O'Sullivan then went on to say "Hard to believe… but Danson’s debut revolved around the tragedy of an octopus mowed down in a hail of bullets."

Alan Sepinwall of Hitfix stated "I thought "73 Seconds" was a very good introduction for Danson/Russell."

A writer for The A.V. Club said "Danson may be able to single-handedly restore it to its place in the network skyline." The writer then went on to state "With tonight's season premiere, Ted Danson steps in to replace the departed Fishburne, and he effortlessly fills the hole that began to appear in the show even before Fishburne's arrival."

This episode was watched by 12.74 million people in the USA.