I found an interesting mix of reactions, much of it positive...
Kristine Huntley at CSI Files had good things to say about the SL plot device:
As someone who didn't know anything about Second Life before the press for the episode came out and hadn't seen the interface until tonight's episode, I have to say, I'm impressed. The graphics were cool, and the moniker "Second Life" is fitting, as the meta world Mac jumped into is just that--an entire world where people interact, attend social functions and even shop for hip new accessories. I was a little skeptical going into the episode about how well Second Life would mesh with the investigation, but with Adam chasing IPs as Mac interacted with suspects, the script sold the idea of the online world being a crucial part of the investigation.
"Less than 3" was disappointed that the story was so weak:
While I applaud CBS' efforts at really making a splash and working at establishing a presence in SL that will probably appeal to the fans of their shows...especially in light of the nonsplash so many rw brands have made coming into SL, I gotta say...as a CSI episode, I felt it was pretty weak...as it was obviously a lot more geared as a 'vehicle' to introduce SL with a pretty light plotline. In fact...Law & Order: SVU totally PWNED them by already airing an episode this season with a much richer and more intriguing storyline that involved a fictional virtual world that closely mirrored SL.
A.Media Circ.us thought it was a huge success from a marketing perspective:
Was This A Success? YES! I don’t care what the numbers say, nor do I care whether or not CBS or any of the involved parties thought it was a success. I have said this before and I will say it again, Experimentation Is The Mother Of Innovation and it is this type of large scale experiment that pushed the whole industry forward. My job as a marketing/media strategist has been enhanced due to this experiment, and for that I tip my hat to all involved parties.
Ewan McIntosh talks about the whole CSI:NY/Second Life package as an Alternative Reality Game:
It's a bit of an ARG, really, playing out on television, in Second Life and through blogs, videos and podcasts. If only there were mobile text messages being sent when you got stuck - that's what always happens in the TV show, isn't it? In a rather spooky yet compelling way, this is also why you're in Second Life in the first place: on the trail of a stalker cum murderer who trailed his victim into Second Life to kill her. First life, Second Life... all this transmedia stuff is getting a bit heavy.
You can also read what people are posting about the show in the official CSI:NY discussion forum. It's not exactly scintillating reading at the moment, mostly a lot of "I don't know my password," and "do I need a headset?" comments. Opinions about the actual episode are very mixed, with some seeing it as a weak episode focused mostly on promoting the Second Life experience, while others thought it was one of the best ever. YMMV.
