Always fun to re-watch these episodes years later to see how they have aged. When I first started watching CSI the original was my favorite but then I moved on to liking NY and Miami much more, Miami being my favorite. Yes I know the acting and everything about it was outrageous. But that's what I personally was looking for in a show.
In this episode we are dealing with a brutal and visceral rape. IMO, the other investigation is very secondary and kind of boring. The rape case is so much more interesting. Although Sara does a great job in her role, in the end it's pathetic. These officers should know in their line of work you must leave your emotions, especially personally emotions at home. I would even argue it's a good advice to take with any job you have in any line of work.
I never liked Sara's character because of this. She just puts her emotions into too much of her work and it ultimately interferes with her life. This is a bad recipe and Grissom repeatedly tells her this in one form or another throughout the series. This is season 1 and he's already telling her.
At the end he tells her she needs to let go and she says she wishes she could feel nothing like he does. This is the WRONG interpretation of what Grissom is trying to tell her. Just because Grissom doesn't show emotion for a case doesn't mean he has no feelings! He doesn't let those feelings dominate his job, which Sara does! This is the difference.
Of course I am not blaming Sara, I almost cried for the woman to got raped and zero justice. Sara complained the criminal would be out in 48 months. Well if Sara is so upset about then FIGHT to try and make the rape laws MORE strict. Rape is a disgusting and truly violent crime that should be SEVERELY punished. That is what Sara's ultimately goal should be. Not to go home, cry and wait for the next rape victim where she can let her emotions run amok again.