Calling all CSI fans! Tired of only watching the series on your TV, passively sitting by as the characters solve murder cases? CBS has predicted this restlessness and with the help of producer Jerry Bruckheimer, has brought fans CSI: The Experience. This exhibit, currently featured at the Discovery Center in Times Square, allows fans to become crime scene investigators, diving into the world of police work and forensic science. Fans are taken through the steps of crime solving, as portrayed in the exhibition by the Las Vegas team.  The first step is receiving a case. The exhibit has three unique cases, and visitors are able to solve one of the three. Cases are assigned upon arrival, fans gear up in a CSI: Las Vegas vest, and receive a clipboard, pencil, and evidence sheet. The equipment is lacking, however, because it does not include a set of rubber gloves. Any avid CSI viewer knows never to process a crime scene without Latex gloves.  After fans have their equipment, Las Vegas retired graveyard supervisor Gil Grissom briefs them on the case. Grissom describes what the investigators must do and advises that they “keep an open mind.”  Investigators make their way to their respective crime scenes where they observe and record findings on the evidence sheet. Once visitors are sure that they have examined everything and recorded detailed notes, they move on to evidence stations that correspond to their case color. These stations have computer kiosks and other materials for analyzing evidence. Depending on the case, visitors may face working with DNA analysis, fingerprints, fibers, blood, or tire treads.   Results from the evidence stations are recorded on the evidence sheets. By now, investigators should be piecing together their puzzles, remembering to be wary of first impressions.  The last part of the case is the autopsy. Investigators approach the autopsy table when a video of Vegas medical examiner Doc Robbins begins. In the video, Doc explains his findings and informs investigators of the cause of death. As Robbins speaks, projections light up on the “body” on the table, highlighting certain findings of the autopsy.  Now, the CSI’s have all necessary evidence to evaluate their case and reach a conclusion. Once visitors think they have it all solved, they head to Grissom’s office for a photo, which can be purchased at the end of the exhibit. After the photo, each investigator sits down at a computer presents their evidence and conclusion to supervisor Grissom.  Grissom goes over the facts, congratulating visitors on their work, and offers them a CSI diploma. With their case solved, investigators then must return their gear, but are welcome to head to the gift shop, which sells vests, hats, and even yellow crime scene tape.  Interested? Excited? It seems that fans are; the exhibit is making the rounds around the country. Currently it is seen in Las Vegas and New York City, previously it was rooted in Philadelphia, and it will be moving to Buffalo on January 28th.  CSI: The Experience is a great hit, and entertaining for people of all ages. However, like any show or exhibit, it is not without flaws. One flaw, according to New York Times writer Charles McGrath, is that “it doesn’t give TV viewers enough credit for being able to figure things out on their own.” McGrath is right. Although the process and overall experience is enjoyable, the cases are not too difficult to solve.  In the end, the exhibit is a great alternative to simply watching the series at home. CSI: The Experience is interactive, engaging, and genuinely fun. So CSI fans, get off your couches and head to Times Square quickly, the exhibit is only featured at the Discovery Center until March 4th. Don’t forget: follow the evidence, it never lies.