Shane interviewed Don McGill last month (which I didn’t so much miss as forget to post while on vacation). There’s a little bit about Grissom and Ma Sidle that may interest you.
CSI Files: There’s also an unwavering amount of requests from the fans for an appearance by William Petersen. An attempt was made last season but some personal matters conflicted with filming, and now he has a potential new series on pay-cable. Has progress been made to lure him back for an episode or two?
McGill: The door is always open. As you’ve pointed out, we talked to Billy in the past about storylines that would bring Grissom back to CSI. We’re glad that Billy’s coming back to TV in his new show Hurt People, but we’d love to have him come back to CSI, too. There is always an opening because of the Sara/Grissom relationship and that’s a relationship that we do want to continue exploring further this season.
CSI Files: Might this be the season viewers finally meet Sara’s mother?
McGill: We’ve talked about it and yes, it would be a great idea. We just want to have the right story to introduce Sara’s mom. We have a list of actresses and we’re really excited when we look at some of the names of who we would like to approach for the role.
Let’s hope! Check the whole article at CSI Files – Interview: Don McGill.
Rad.
Coolies, give us a peek at the list then we can open the pool on the winner! More on the upcoming storylines would help as they finished last season on a downer.
I vote for Mary Steenburgen first and Kathleen Turner second.
I second that!
Christine Lahti is out as a candidate. The new TV Guide says she will be playing Steve McGarrett’s mother next season in “Hawaii Five-0″.
Mary Steenburgen is she married to Ted Danson.
Yes, Mary is Ted’s wife. On the show Peri Gilpin plays D.B.’s wife. I’m thinking Mary is the front runner for the role of Laura Sidle. I wish I could put money on it in Vegas.
I do think she should/will be the best option to go with!!!
If Lily Tomlin was available I’d vote for her to be Laura. Second choice would be Sissy Spacek.
To be perfectly honest with you all, a ‘known’ actress would do a great job, however an unknown actress could throw more of herself into the part without having to live up to the obligatory ‘ oh she was better in that other part’ or ‘she didn’t live up to our high hopes’. Bit like Fishburne dominating when he arrived. I hope you see what I’m driving at.
Sorry for not including this in the post previously. I wonder if anyone knows if Jorja has any say in who play Sara’s mother?
Jorja mentioned Kathy Bates, to play her mother in an interview last year.
I always thought Sally Field would make a great Laura!
My comment has nothing to do with this conversation. Sorry
But I have to write it. I have wanted for a long time to see Sara and Calleigh in same episode. Two stubborn, intelligent woman… And since Jorja and Emily are friends, it would be interesting. 
For what it’s worth, that’s exactly why there are the forums: http://jorjafox.net/agora/
You don’t have to register, just comment/post like you would here
I think Daphne Zuniga would be a good one