I have a couple questions regarding television programs?

Ok, I will try to tackle as many of these questions as I can. :-P

1) Melina Kankarades left CSI NY because she decided not to renew her contract and felt it was the right time for her to leave the show. Some actors get bored or tired of doing a show for years.

2) The producers of CSI:NY approached Sela Ward for the role because she is a good dramatic actress & can hold her own against Gary Sinise. She was great with Hugh Laurie on House, a few years ago. Plus, she was available and not contracted to another show or movie.

3) Unfortunately, lots of great performances on TV are often ignored by the Emmys. Howell's performance being overlooked could be a number of reasons that we shall never know.

4) Money. The longer an actor is on a show, then the more money a network has to pay them. Budget cuts are happening in Hollywood due to the low state of our economy. So those actors/actresses (with long running tenure and who are not the star actor) contracts' are being re-negotiatied or not being picked up for another season. Thus, JJ leaving Criminal Minds for example. ;_;

5) I hated how they made the cute, smart dude on Bones into a killer, also. I assume it was for the shock value and mind screw effect. They sincerely wanted it to be unexpected and it was indeed a horrible, horrible surprise.

6) Maybe the writers on Bones just hated his character and wanted him to leave the show through horrible means.

7) The writers switched up the character roles on Criminal Minds just to mess around with the format. It's their way of "shaking things up" you might say.

8) Most actors and actresses do settle into their TV roles. However, money, behind the scenes drama, real life issues, sudden disinterest, contract disputes, or budget cuts will always play a factor.

9) I don't know how Charlie Sheen keeps being employed. I think his salary is bankrupting CBS, lol. But seriously, his comedy is still high rated and they will keep giving their "star" actor big bucks as long as the money keeps flowing.

I judge a player's greatness by how much he changed the way the game is played (for the better). With that in mind, Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr share first place. Other players have great careers and great moments. Gordie Howe is certainly at the top of that list, and if Sidney Crosby can stay healthy and play until he's 40 like Wayne Gretzky did, he should have a resume that rivals any top 10 player in the history of the NHL. Its too early to make that call. Everyone thought early on that Eric Lindros was going to be that guy.