Lucas will essay the role of a young CSI named Veronica Lake. Described by the Hollywood Reporter as smart and bubbly, she is highly sought after even as a fresh trainee, who opts for the Las Vegas team from among a multitude of opportunities. Jessica Lucas will make her debut on the series in the third episode of the eighth season, “Go to Hell." Prior to landing her CSI gig, Lucas had previously played Sue Miller on Life As We Know It and also appeared on She’s the Man, Split Decision, Edgemont and The Covenant.

In other CSI season 8 news, the fate of veteran CSI, Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox’s character) remains up in the air. The only confirmed update so far is that Jessica Lucas is not coming in as Fox’s replacement, but as an altogether new cast member.

As for the other CSI mainstays, executive producer, Carol Mendelsohn revealed that Marg Helgenberger, who plays Catherine Willows, will once again have the opportunity to share screen time with her real-life husband, Alan Rosenberg. Rosenberg portrays defense lawyer, Adam Novak, who first encountered Catherine in the fifth season episode, “Weeping Willows." Mendelsohn provides a brief overview of how the two characters will interact anew.

"One of the things he's going to offer Catherine is sort of an opportunity to be on a dream-team-type defense on a high-profile case. And she gets a little touch of the high life doing that. You get paid well, you get to stay in nice hotels, you get to have nice meals.... It's going to be a little tantalizing for her."

Aside from her repeat association with Adam Novak, TV Guide also disclosed that the new season will delve more into Catherine Willows’ personal life, with particular focus on the legacy handed down to her by her late father, Sam Braun, played by Scott Wilson.