partly

The most recent TV Guide had a short bit (under "Highlights") that focused on Hawkes.

Hill, Yeah!

A life-changing moment from Dr. Hawkes' past -- the event that inspired the former surgeon to become a CSI -- comes back to haunt him when the team investigates the rape and murder of a subway musician. "The evidence [points to] the same person who raped my ex-girlfriend," reveals star Hill Harper. "That incident is what caused our breakup." It's an emotional, years-old crisis the often pragmatic Hawkes was unable to come to terms with. "He was surgeon then and felt helpless. He could stitch someone up, but he couldn't fix her internal pain." Those same emotions resurface tonight. "This case brings all of that right back into my face in an unexpected way," he says. It also brings back his ex (Nichole Galicia), who Harper hopes may stick around as a love interest. "Whether it's my ex or someone new... I definitely want Hawkes to have a girlfriend," he says. "there's a measure of closure by the end of the episode that gives Hawkes the opportunity to move on and have a healthy relationship." The doctor -- and available.. (by Joseph Hudak)

Hey, I'm all for letting Hawkes have a social life. However, it was the quote they had next to his (extremely nice) picture that caught my attention:

"I have a scene with Gary Sinise that is one of the most powerful I've shot. It's rare that two male characters on a procedural have a conversation about something that's going on in their own hearts or personal lives." - Hill Harper

I find the relationship between Hawkes and Mac to be one of the most interesting on the show. While Hawkes obviously respects Mac and gives him the deference due to the head of the lab, Hawkes never seems intimidated nor put off by Macs attitude or behavior. In fact, he often treats Mac as an equal, both professionally and personally -- openly discussing topics that I don't see any other member of the team casually discussing with Mac (ie, the topic of assisted suicide, accusing Mac of losing his perspective on the case in "Murder Sings the Blues"). He also seems relatively unaffected by Mac's reprimands or criticisms (again in "Murder Sings the Blues").

What's equally, if not more, surprising is the way Mac responds to Hawkes. He shares personal information (about his father's death) and accepts Hawkes accusations and (non-apologetic) explanation of his behavior (Murder Sings the Blues") without comment. Mac not only respects Hawkes' eclectic knowledge (of things from mosquitoes to J-Los butt), but trusts him implicitly (with the flash drive, and before that with the information about the Mayor).

They are both very much alike and polar opposites at the same time. I'm thrilled to see that they are continuing to build on that complex relationship between Hawkes and Mac. And, as I adore both Gary Sinise and Hill Harper, I am really looking forward to this episode.