George Eads, a.k.a. Nick Stokes, one of the only remaining stars of the original CSI cast, will take a leave of absence from the show. This follows a bust up he had with one of the show’s writers.
The Hollywood Reporter , who broke the story, said that Eads will appear in the initial three episodes of Season 14 before beginning his leave.
A representative from CBS Television Studios said in a statement: “George Eads will not appear in several episodes during the first half of the season. We look forward to him returning to CSI very soon.” leaving an ambiguous question mark as to his return.
The argument led to Eads’ decision to take the leave of absence related to the creative direction of his character, Stokes.
The ensuing row, which Eads had with an eight month pregnant co-writer, got so heated that it was reported to the show’s bosses.
George Eads was summoned to a meeting with the show’s top brass in which he threatened to quit completely.
So how are the producers of CSI going to conveniently make Stokes disappear for a while so early on in the season? Well that’s easy. They simply adjusted the story line which sees Stokes sent to Virgina, 2,000 miles away, for “special training.”
Eads and his co-star Jorja Fox were actually fired from the show back in 2004, only temporarily though. The firing involved them holding out for more pay from the network and they returned to show soon after.
What do you think of the George Eads walkout? Will you miss him from episode 4 onwards? Or do you think CSI can get on just as well without him ? Share your thoughts in the feed below.
