>>Isn't that suopposed to be because there are so many channels, and the average attention span of an American is such that they don't dare risk long drawn-out investigations? Mind you, that flies in the face of series such as 24 and Lost!
>>
>>Mind you, they do actually solve at least 2 cases per week, and they don't BOTH come at the end.
>
>Here's a couple Xi (csi) and Lorder (L&Order) rules that I've compiled so far:
>
>If you're playing a suspect:
>
>- if they arrest you within first 40 minutes (theoretical minutes - assuming the show actually lasts 60, which isn't actually the case), you're either
> - free to go, they got the wrong guy. You will be paid less for your role.
> - expecting to be free to go because they'll catch the real guy between 40th and 55th minute. Your fee depends on how much time your interrogation takes.
> - free to go but won't get far, you'll get shot within the next five minutes. Your fee varies depending on how you get to die.

- Free to go - they'll get another guy for it - but a) they'll subsequently get back to you cos it turns out you ARE guilty after all or
b) at the end of the show you'll be re-arrested cos you went and killed the real perp (ref: the regurgitated, boa-eaten woman and the identity theft women episode)