CSI started the season off with "Karma to Burn," picking up where we left off back in May with DB's granddaughter having been kidnapped, Ecklie having been shot protecting Morgan and McKeen somehow behind it all. 

So let’s get into it!

First, I’m thrilled that Ecklie survived the shooting and that it actually has brought him and Morgan even close together. Morgan has quickly become one of my favorite characters and her effect on the formerly stern and stoic Conrad Ecklie has me glued to their storyline. 

Finn, on the other hand, decided it was a good idea to go with a suspected dirty cop into an area where her phone doesn’t work and without any form of sidearm. While she did find DB's granddaughter, had Moreno not shown up when he did, she would have paid for that stupid decision with her life. I will admit I'm curious to see where her relationship with Moreno goes. We never see much in the way of romance on CSI, so maybe we'll see Finn and Moreno's relationship take shape.

Nick is staying... as if anyone ever doubted. I did like the banter between him and Sarah about the different ways they have quit (or tried to quit). So I’m glad we aren’t losing another CSI agent after Catherine’s departure last year; in fact if you watch the opening credits, Henry (Jon Wellner) was added to them right beside Hodges. 

Speaking of Hodges, he apparently is quiet the ladies’ man. Who knew, right?!? It certainly caught me off guard. I figured Morgan would end up kissing Greg before anyone else. Then again, the writers owe Hodges after the quick departure of Wendy before that romance could fully develop.  

Overall, though, the feel for this premiere felt a bit different than what we got last year as the normally cool, calm and collected DB Russell was much more angry and rattled. I hadn’t realized what a rock he had become for the viewing audience to anchor during the normal craziness of the case each week. 

I’m hoping that with McKeen heading off to solitary confinement that DB and the rest of the team can settle in and get back to the rhythm that we all go use to last season. Personally, I’m excited to see where season number lucky 13 takes us. Not many shows get this far, and CSI is only in its stride.

Jim G. is a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. Follow him on Twitter.