CSI: New York to Chase Killer in Second Life

Anyone looking forward the the highly-publicized CSI: New York episode about a murder connected to Second Life? I am. It's already set on my Tivo. I really hadn't heard much about the episode itself except that it would air on October 24, but thanks to Ellen Lee from the San Francisco Chronicle I discovered this investigation will actually cross into the virtual world. Note: This post contains some spoilers.

A woman's murder takes detective Mac Taylor (played by Gary Sinise) into the world of Second Life after he discovers her avatar is brought back to life by her killer. Apparently, she's a cyber-celebrity in the virtual world or as one CSI detective puts it, she's "the Paris Hilton of Second Life." What fans of the show don't know is the killer gets away in the first episode setting the stage for a Second Life manhunt. Other murders will be staged to help catch the killer. Lee says the plot thickens when the killer returns in February just in time for the Grammy's, along with a rock star who will play a role in CSI and perform a concert in Second Life.

According to Philly.com, creator Anthony Zuiker worked with Electric Sheep Co. to build a virtual lab, that "gives people the experience of playing in the lab and doing face reconstructions." Fans will also have a chance to play other forensic games. Since the majority of CSI fans are in their 50s, according to Zuiker, Electric Sheep Co. developed a program that will offer pre-made avatars and give new players an orientation to Second Life. They'll also be given a field kit and tools to solve the murders as they move on to other stages of the game.

You can watch a clip of the show here and get a glimpse of the virtual experience here. Should be an exciting show to watch.