Note: This episode was pre-empted on October 16th because of a US Presidential Address in some cities, and re-aired November 13th.

Synopsis  

Warrick’s appearance at the preliminary hearing on a rape and murder case goes terribly wrong when the only piece of evidence is thrown out on a technicality. Grissom and the team have 24 hours to make the case with new evidence or the killer will go free.

Review  

A high-priority, drop-everything case comes along – Sara protests that she’s in the middle of her own murder investigation, and Grissom slaps her down, telling her she doesn’t have a choice; Catherine later tells Grissom that he should have been even firmer with her. While waiting for the suspect’s car to be brought in from impound, Sara talks to Nick about why she hates certain cases taking priority over others; he already knows that ’lots of things’ piss her off. Sara’s frustration shows when the suspect’s car arrives – flat as a pancake. Sara and Nick unflatten the car, and discover a parking permit inside. Sara has Grissom pin her against the victim’s sheet (which she apparently enjoys) to demonstrate her theory of the crime, then tries to talk to him about the promotion she’s put in for, wondering if their relationship will affect her chances at getting the position. Grissom says nothing, Sara stumbles over her words, then stops and walks off.

Notes  

• One of the very rare times where Sara talks back to Grissom or protests an assignment.
• Sara doesn’t like high-visibility cases taking precedence over other cases.
• Sara worries that her relationship with Grissom might affect her chances at the promotion.

Quotes  

Sara: Uh, listen, I recognize the importance of this, but I’m in the middle of my own homicide investigation.
Grissom: I’ll talk to your detective. Explain the deal.
Sara: Well, it’s not about the detective. It’s about my own responsibility.
Grissom: (firmly) I’m handing out assignments, Sara. It’s not a negotiation.

Sara: You know what pisses me off?
Nick: Lots of things.
Sara: Victims aren’t equal. High profile cases get priority.

Auto Detail Paperwork mix-up?
Sara: Or some moron checked the wrong box.

Nick: So… you still upset about your case being put on hold?
Sara: (gives him a dirty look)

Sara: (to Grissom) Pin me down.
Grissom: (obliges)

Sara: Grissom, um, I, um, wanted to talk to you about something.
Grissom: Go ahead.
Sara: Well, you know, I applied for the promotion for the key position.
Grissom: (nods) Your application’s on my desk.
Sara: About that – I, um ’needed to know’… I … I wanted to make sure, rather, that anything that happened or didn’t happen between us won’t be a factor.
Grissom: (doesn’t say anything) Sara: Never mind. I-I shouldn’t have said anything.
Grissom: (still staring at Sara, not saying anything)
Sara: (smiles, embarrassed) I, um … I’m always over-talking around you.