Summary
- CSI season 9 marked the end of the original series with Grissom, and Warrick's death in the middle of the show had a major impact.
- Gary Dourdan left CSI due to contract disputes and his character's death was not originally planned.
- Despite not being part of the original plan, Warrick's death made the show better by propelling new storylines and allowing for character development.
Gary Dourdan left CSI in season 9, and here is why Warrick Brown left CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. CSI debuted on CBS in 2000 and follows a team of investigators who use science to solve murders or other crimes. The show's use of science and its likable cast of characters saw it become one of the biggest shows in the world during its run. Fans were confused when Warrick died in CSI season 9. The show came to an end after 15 seasons in 2015, and the cancelation of CSI: Cyber in 2016 marked the end of the franchise — until the revival series. Unfortunately for fans of the original CSI, Warrick's death happened in the middle of the show.
CSI season 9 wasn't the end of the series and the show simply wasn't the same afterward. CSI was an important turning point as it marked the final series with Grissom in the lead as William Petersen exited, though he returned for various guest appearances. Warrick may have been good at his job, but he had plenty of issues outside of it, including gambling addiction and a messy love life. His friendship with fellow agent Nick Stokes was also one of the series' best bromances. CSI season 8 ended on a major cliffhanger, with Warrick shot and left for dead in an alley. CSI's season 9 premiere saw Warrick's death and final moments as he died in Grissom's arms.
Why CSI Killed Off Warrick Brown
Fans were hopeful when it was revealed that CSI would be receiving a revival show which included bringing back a number of stars from the original series. Unfortunately, Dourdan's character didn't return for CSI: Vegas — probably due to continuity and Warrick's death. For context, in CSI season 8, Warrick was framed for two murders, which included a mob boss, but he's later acquitted.
In the finale, he's shot by a Las Vegas PD mole, and the opening scenes of CSI season 9 saw Gil race to his aid. It's too late, however, and Warrick soon dies in his friend's arms. Killing off Warrick wasn't a part of the original plan for the series. However, outside influences affected Gary Dourdan's reappearance and that's why CSI killed off the beloved Warrick Brown CSI character.
Why Gary Dourdan Left CSI
On April 14th, 2008 TV Guide officially announced that Gary Dourdan would not be returning to CSI. While the actor never made any public statements regarding his exit from the show, nor his feelings behind Warrick's death, the reasoning behind it all is fairly simple. It had been announced before the character's death that Gary Dourdan was leaving the series, as his contract was coming to an end and terms couldn't be reached for a new deal.
There were reports that Gary Dourdan's 2008 arrest on drug possession charges played a part in Warrick Brown's exit too, which isn't the case, as it was announced he was leaving prior to this arrest. CSI season 9 officially closed out the character's story resulting in his tragic death as he bled out in Grissom's arms and therefore never made a CSI return for the remainder of the show.
Why Warrick's Death Made The Show Better Despite Not Being Originally Planned
While the death of the Warrick Brown CSI character was not a part of the showrunners' original plans, it did make the series (particularly season 9) better. When dealing with the subjects that CSI does, it would be unrealistic if no one was killed off. Impactful character deaths can make or break a series as audiences enjoy and grow used to seeing veterans of the show survive until its conclusion. However, sometimes, death is necessary to propel the narrative, and Warrick Brown's character's death helped develop new storylines for the series.
For example, Nick was able to bring Brown's killer to justice, and that emotional rollercoaster wouldn't have been possible if Warrick was still alive. The character's demise also helped the show through a transitionary phase. CSI experienced major changes during season 9 when William Petersen and Jorja Fox expressed that it would be their final installment. Warrick was the first wound that audiences would face, and his death marked the beginning of a major shift in the series as a whole. Warrick's death and funeral during CSI season 9 proved to be an engaging storyline on the show and had heavy consequences with a satisfying follow-through.
While there was hope that Gary Dourdan's Warrick Brown would make an appearance on the CSI revival, perhaps through a flashback, it was never on the cards. Though CSI: Crime Scene Investigation didn't plan on killing the character off, Dourdan's contract dispute forced the show creators' hands, and they made the most out of the situation.
What Gary Dourdan Did After CSI
Gary Dourdan had gotten into a lot of trouble with the law as his contract was expiring. He was arrested for drug possession and while he had one charge dropped, he still had to answer for two other drug charges, including one for cocaine and another for ecstasy. Things got worse for him in 2011 when he crashed his car and had charges dropped for another drug charge (via Toronto Star). He was arrested again that year when he broke his girlfriend's nose, and he ended up on probation for five years. In 2012, he finally filed for bankruptcy when he owed over $1.7 million to creditors (via People).
This didn't end his acting career, though. In 2011, he took on a role in the romantic comedy Jumping the Broom and then started his series of roles in B-movies and DTV releases. He also picked up a string of guest roles on various TV shows over the years, including Glee, Being Mary Jane, Power, First Wives Club, and The Last O.G. His career didn't end after Gary Dourdan left CSI, but it was never the same.