制霸好莱坞

While the nation remained focused on 9/11, people still craved entertainment. CBS, known as the "old man's station," maintained strong viewership, particularly for its high-quality crime dramas. "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," which premiered in 2000, had proven itself a success. Its first season drew over 20 million viewers with ratings exceeding 10 points, firmly dominating Monday nights.

The second season, now in its prime, occupied the coveted Monday 8 PM slot—a testament to its flagship status. As the season premiere approached, viewership was expected to surge beyond the previous season's numbers. Everyone from loyal fans and DVD-converted viewers to casual channel-surfers and CBS executives tuned in that Monday night for the return of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."

The episode opened with a brief synopsis and character introductions before transitioning to an elaborate performance at the famous Caesars Palace Casino in Las Vegas. The casino had invested heavily in securing popular actress Vanita Casson for a year-long residency as their featured performer. As the concert reached its climax, amid thunderous applause and screams, Vanita gracefully worked the crowd.

Quick camera cuts established the scene, while high-end special effects—from stage lighting to the digitally enhanced audience—dazzled viewers. Though Vanita's face remained unrevealed, her commanding stage presence already captivated young female viewers.

"Could it be a celebrity guest appearance?"

"She moves like a star, but I haven't heard anything about this. Let me check Yahoo."

Naturally, Yahoo searches would yield nothing. The camera shifted to show costume assistants rushing to the dressing room with a gown, their hurried conversation revealing they had five minutes to mend Vanita's next costume after an unexpected tear.

The backstage dressing room contrasted sharply with the glamorous stage. As a costume assistant hurried back with the dress, she stopped abruptly—the hem of the black evening gown was mysteriously wet. Upon closer inspection, her expression changed to horror. The camera panned to reveal a trail of blood leading from the dressing room, accompanied by chaotic bloody footprints.

The scene transformed into a crime investigation. Behind a screen, CSI team members photographed and documented evidence. The tall, handsome Nick read the victim's profile: "Judy Watts, 36, divorced, no children, professional costumer, ten-plus years with Vanita Casson's team."

As the investigation unfolded, Vanita Casson initially avoided suspicion due to her busy schedule and apparent alibi. However, when forensics pushed the time of death back by over 20 hours and discovered Vanita's hair on the victim's collar, she became a prime suspect. Nick was dispatched to Los Angeles, where Vanita was attending an awards ceremony, to bring her in for questioning.

Accompanied by LA police, Nick discretely approached Vanita's seat at the ceremony. "Vanita Casson?"

She turned, and the audience collectively held their breath. Under the dramatic stage lighting, Vanita radiated star power. Her blonde hair, blue eyes, and red lips created a classic Hollywood beauty, but her appeal transcended mere physical features. Unlike typical TV "stars" who often fail to convince, Vanita exuded authentic celebrity magnetism. She possessed an effortless dominance before the camera, channeling the essence of Hollywood's golden age with her blend of elegant poise and natural sensuality. Her mere presence created an electrifying moment.

Seemingly unsurprised by the police, she struck a seductive pose and purred, "Yes?"

The officers, including Nick, stood momentarily stunned. Vanita's eyes lingered on Nick with particular interest as she repeated, "Yes?"

Nick's Adam's apple bobbed as he fought to maintain his composure. "You're suspected in the murder of Judy Watts. Ms. Casson, you'll need to come with us."

The surrounding celebrities stirred with concern as cameras captured the scene. Vanita made a helpless gesture to her companion before cooperatively standing. Nick signaled officers to flank her.

As photographers backpedaled for shots, Vanita walked calmly, face uncovered. "Officer," she addressed Nick, "would you mind switching to my right side?"

Nick hesitated, confused. Vanita's eyes sparkled, "My face photographs better from the left."

Her composed wit drew laughter from viewers, who sensed this would be no ordinary episode. Meanwhile, younger viewers, particularly teenagers, were captivated—despite their extensive knowledge of entertainment, none recognized this mesmerizing "Vanita Casson."

American teens might not have the vocabulary for "star quality" or "screen presence," but they felt Vanita's magnetic appeal. Some viewers congratulated themselves on recording the episode, planning to replay her memorable entrance. The production quality and casting of such a compelling guest star exceeded expectations.

"Who is she?" parents asked their entertainment-savvy children. "She's incredible. We should rent her other movies."

"I don't know, Mom," came the frustrated replies. "I've searched everywhere. Nobody knows who she is. We'll have to wait for the credits."

While regular viewers could only wait, industry professionals took direct action. CBS's phones lit up with inquiries about "Vanita Casson" from those who had stumbled upon the show.

"She has a certain magic—she elevates even basic scenery," noted seasoned TV critics. Online forums buzzed with threads titled "CSI 201: Who is Vanita Casson?"

The investigation continued onscreen. Lab analysis suggested Judy was stabbed in a small room by someone familiar, with signs of struggle and injury to both victim and killer. Vanita's bruised shoulder and hair evidence heightened suspicion, but motive remained unclear. She weathered repeated interrogations with detached confidence, often flirting with Nick despite his growing suspicions.

"Answer me!" Nick finally erupted, slamming the table. "Why was your hair found on the victim?"

Vanita's lawyer protested, prompting CSI team leader Grissom to replace Nick. As Nick reluctantly left, Vanita's gaze followed him through the one-way mirror into the observation room.

Her confident smile seemed to taunt them: Yes, she had killed, but she'd done it too perfectly to prove.

"Just the type of suspect I hate," Warrick muttered behind the glass.

The episode broke for commercials. While some viewers took breaks, many searched frantically online for information about Vanita's portrayer. IMDB's CSI forum exploded with speculation about this stunning newcomer who had "elevated the episode's entire tone."

The second half brought initial disappointment for Vanita's new fans as her screen time decreased. Released due to lack of evidence, she avoided further police scrutiny despite suspicious financial transactions with Judy that suggested blackmail. As the case seemed destined to go cold, Nick made one final attempt at Caesar's Palace—the scene Jenny had performed in her audition.

"May I come in?" Nick knocked.

"Please do." Vanita's languid voice drew eager attention from viewers anticipating the episode's climactic twist. She might prove to be only the second perpetrator in CSI history to evade justice, following another female suspect from season one's episode 21.

"Congratulations are in order," Nick said, leaning against the doorframe. "I hear you're getting nationwide publicity from the murder case. Must be good for business."

"Good for business?" Vanita's eyes caressed Nick's face as her voice softened. "Tell me, how is this good for me? My PR team working overtime? Do you even know what PR means? Public relations."

Her mockery carried flirtatious undertones that Nick steadfastly ignored. "Stars can never have too much attention. Your words, from your arrest day."

Vanita rolled her eyes and turned to her makeup.

Nick produced an evidence bag containing bloody gloves. "You know what these are."

"Judy's gloves," Vanita replied coolly via the mirror. "The same ones from your photos. What's your point?"

"Yes, Judy's gloves, worn when she died in the dressing room a hundred yards away. She covered her fatal stab wound with them. But we can't find the primary crime scene—the blood volume in the dressing room is too low, with no spatter patterns. Someone moved her there and cleaned up thoroughly, leaving no evidence."

Nick maintained eye contact, but Vanita's presence overwhelmed his intensity.

"We searched your dressing room. No blood."

Vanita's patience visibly thinned. "You're wasting my time, officer. I have a VOGUE interview. You know VOGUE, right?"

Nick smiled, stepping closer. "Let me share a theory, Ms. Casson. Say you killed Judy over her blackmail attempt. Say you eliminated all traces. Coincidentally, your room was bleached clean post-murder—at your request. Enough bleach to destroy blood evidence. Hypothetically, you've avoided leaving proof of your presence. With your legal team, you've seemingly escaped justice. We lack evidence for motive or placing you at the primary scene. We can't even find that scene. So, hypothetically, you've gotten away with it?"

The dangerous conversation peaked Vanita's interest. "Hypothetically, it seems so?"

"However," Nick pressed closer, "I bring good news. Judy's wasn't the only blood left behind. This was clearly a crime of opportunity between acquaintances. After being stabbed, Judy fought back, likely marking her attacker."

Vanita instinctively glanced at her scarred shoulder—a key reason for her suspect status.

Nick nearly pinned her to her chair. "These cashmere gloves show tear marks from the struggle. Our reconstruction shows Judy quickly weakened from blood loss. Seeking support, she scraped against rough walls, marking her palms and fingers. These torn wool gloves left crucial evidence—bloody wool fibers at the primary scene. Enough to convict."

Vanita's composure finally cracked. Her eyes darted to a textured decorative wall.

Nick pounced, examining the wall with his flashlight—but found nothing.

When he looked up, defeated, Vanita had resumed her makeup routine. Their eyes met in the mirror. She rose with elegant menace, reaching for the evidence bag. Nick withdrew it, and Vanita instead caressed his cheek. She leaned in as if to kiss him, then gracefully stepped back.

Viewers sighed collectively, men imagining themselves in Nick's position while women admired Vanita's power.

"Her presence is incredible," Jon marveled. "Mom, are you sure you've never seen her before?"

"Why do you assume my memory's failing?" his mother countered. "Did you really find nothing online?"

Similar conversations played out in homes nationwide while onscreen, Nick pursued the kiss before catching himself. Despite his obvious desire, Vanita maintained professional distance. "As I said, I have an important interview. You have your warrant, officer. Proceed."

She glided past Nick's frustrated expression with a mysterious smile. Passing a cleaning cart outside, she noted its large bucket and unconsciously touched her shoulder scar—which matched the cart's handle logo.

Quick flashbacks revealed the truth: Post-murder, Vanita had dragged in the cleaning cart, bumping her arm on the handle. Ignoring the pain, she'd hidden the body in a bucket with ice, donned a cleaner's uniform and cap, and wheeled everything to the dressing room while humming. In the post-concert chaos, no one noticed another cleaner.

She'd staged the dressing room, arranged clothes, returned the cart to her room, and meticulously bleached the primary scene, removing wool fibers with expert precision. Then she'd changed into evening wear, driven to the marina, and mingled with dignitaries on a yacht.

Alone by the railing, she'd calmly retrieved the murder weapon from her clutch and dropped it into the sea. With a satisfied smile, she'd rejoined the party, accepting a champagne flute from a passing waiter.

Breaking the fourth wall, she raised her glass to the camera in triumph.

Her earlier words echoed in voiceover: "Anyone can become a star with enough courage and practice. Above all, you must be meticulous. Everything can be perfect if you're careful enough."

The episode left viewers with burning questions: What was behind the blackmail? Why did Vanita feel no remorse? Would Nick abandon the case? Was this her first murder? Why was she so practiced? Had she truly "rehearsed" as suggested?

Most pressingly: Who was this magnetic star? She moved like a veteran performer, yet was nowhere to be found in filmographies.

The typically ignored credits now held rapt attention as viewers waited for "Vanita Casson: Jennifer Jefferson" to appear.

In Beverly Hills, Lillian cheered, "I'm so proud of you! Honey, you were amazing!"

Jim applauded beside her—Lillian had invited him to dinner on her day off to watch Jenny's debut.

"Absolutely brilliant," Jim gushed. "I've got such an eye for talent! The whole industry will hate me for signing you first, baby! But too bad—Jim DeVoe got there first!"

Jenny didn't correct his assumption about her actual agent, Cesare. Instead, she frowned at the screen. "Wait—they misspelled my name! It's Jenny, not Jennifer."

"Oh." Jim sobered. "That's not a typo... it's Cesare's doing. From now on, you're not Jenny or Jane—you're Jennifer."

"Why?"

Lillian's confusion turned to realization. "Is this about Bell?"

Jennifer Bell—the rising star who had recently "parted ways" with Cesare.

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Notes: 

1. Las Vegas casino residencies are an established tradition, with performers like Celine Dion and Britney Spears having held successful runs.

2. This episode is fictional. While the plot may seem basic, this reflects the typical scope of network TV crime dramas, which often favor technical detail over complex narratives, particularly in CSI's case.