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The loyal audience of “CSI” appears to be split 50-50 between approving this past season’s developing Gil Grissom-Sara Sidle romantic relationship, while the other half wants the show to focus on the forensic cases, said Jorja Fox, who plays Sara.

Since “CSI” has focused so much on the procedural elements, “there are so many interesting stories we could still show” on the emotional side.

Fox has been with the “CSI” since its second episode, but notes the Grissom-Sidle romance has been in the work for the past six seasons. The breakdown, or sheets given to actors describing the characters they are auditioning for, described Sidle as a potential love interest six years ago when Fox first went out for the part.

Executive producer Carol Mendelsohn said there have been “raging debates” among the show’s writers over the relationship.

“Since I’m the show runner I won the debate,” she said.

The relationship also changes the usual dynamic between viewers and the characters, Mendelsohn said.

“In this one instance the viewers will be ahead of the CSI’s,” she said.

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