制霸好莱坞

Though it was just a single TV episode, not significant enough to warrant professional critics' attention, the explosive growth of the Internet in 2001 had given rise to spontaneous online social circles. Movie and TV fans gathered on IMDB's discussion boards to earnestly critique and discuss performances. As a high-profile CBS crime drama, CSI drew considerable attention.

The episode's broadcast triggered an unprecedented surge of posts. Most viewers awarded it an excellent score of 8 points, with discussions centering on Vanita Casson and her portrayer, Jennifer Jefferson.

"CSI 201 maintains the show's tradition of technical precision and solid reasoning," read one of the highest-ranked posts. "But Vanita's presence overshadows the plot entirely. Thirty minutes after watching, all I recall is Jennifer Jefferson's stunning performance and my desperate need to rewatch her scenes. The plot becomes mere backdrop to Vanita's magnetism. While casting Jennifer Jefferson was brilliant—she elevated the entire episode—it may have been a misstep. Her beauty and talent belong on the big screen. Casting her in a TV supporting role is like caging a titan; it throws the whole episode off-balance. I wouldn't be surprised to see her headlining major productions this year."

The post divided viewers equally. Loyal CSI fans, irritated by Vanita's new devotees, cited scenes proving other actors held their own against her, arguing Jennifer Jefferson's performance was too theatrical and unrefined. Others defended the episode's plot as excellent and cohesive.

Yet this thoughtful analysis ranked second to a simpler post: "Who is Jennifer Jefferson? Has anyone heard of her?"

Commenters noted her absence from IMDB's database—her newly created profile had been made by fans moments ago. Some who contacted the network learned that even CBS couldn't provide information about Jennifer's previous work, explaining guest casting fell to the production team.

Unable to reach the crew directly, fans consoled themselves that time would reveal answers. On Jennifer's fledgling IMDB page, early supporters exchanged theories about her future and posted CSI rerun schedules for those who hadn't recorded the episode.

Meanwhile, the CSI production team—including Nick's portrayer George Eads and producer Richard Lewis—fielded countless calls seeking Vanita Casson's background and contact information. Hollywood's major agencies and casting departments actively pursued exceptional talent rather than waiting for it to find them. If Vanita had only beauty or only talent, the response might have been tepid. But she had that ineffable star quality.

"This girl carries her own spotlight," agent Greg Branch excitedly told Lynch, Dave's friend, by phone. "We must sign her. I could make her a leading lady within five years. Lynch, come on—give me her number. And you should bring her back for another episode, though we can discuss that after she signs with me."

This was one of many such calls, giving the crew the surreal impression that the entire industry was hunting Jennifer Jefferson tonight.

Their response remained consistent: "She's already signed."

Lynch would add, "With your CAA colleague Cesare Vigeri. I assumed you knew. Vigeri visited the set during filming. Margo and Jorge were practically green with envy."

"Vigeri again!" came the frustrated responses, agents grinding their teeth.

They'd assumed Jennifer was unrepresented or undervalued, given her absence from the opening guest credits and closing "Special Guest" billing, appearing instead in the standard end credits. A proper agent would have fought for appropriate recognition.

Some casting directors, however, saw opportunity. They contacted Vigeri directly—his information wasn't hard to find, given his rising prominence in Hollywood.

Industry gossip traveled fast. Though few crew members witnessed Cesare watching Jenny's performance, by night's end, everyone knew she was his client. Word spread quickly to those in Cesare's orbit.

His male clients mostly brushed it off, sending playful texts congratulating him on discovering another future star. But his female clients, especially those sharing Jenny's demographic, grew anxious. They rushed to find CSI reruns—for actresses, the path to stardom could be brief. One or two breakout roles could change everything.

"Jennifer Jefferson," a beautiful blonde murmured. "Another Jennifer."

Her red nails tapped the table as her crimson lips curved upward. "Is Chesa trying to prove something to me?"

"Jane!" a voice called. "Where are you? We're leaving!"

Hollywood's rising ingenue Jennifer Bell instantly brightened, hurrying to her living room. "Stay a while, dear. We haven't finished the wine."

Her Beverly Hills mansion glittered like a jewel in the night sky, its rooms alive with well-dressed guests. The hostess's return instantly rekindled the party's energy.

Meanwhile, at Lillian's house, the mood was tense. Lillian fumed about Cesare's unauthorized name change, while Jim, finding no defense, made an early exit. Jenny, who should have been most upset, found herself calming Lillian instead.

Though she'd absorbed Jenny's memories, she retained Chen Zhen's pragmatic nature and cared little about names. Knowing it was Cesare's decision rather than network negligence, she felt unbothered. But Lillian bristled at Cesare's high-handedness. "I'll demand his apology tomorrow."

"That's unnecessary," Jenny interjected. "Dear, I appreciate your concern, but this is between Vigeri and me—"

Cultural differences between East and West emerged here. In Western culture, direct refusal rarely damaged relationships, and interpersonal dynamics were generally more straightforward. Lillian took no offense at Jenny's protest, explaining instead, "This is different. I wouldn't interfere with business matters like role assignments, but this crosses a line. You don't understand Chesa. You're caught in his childish game. Bell's departure wounded him, so he's retaliating by promoting a second Jennifer to overshadow her. That's his choice, but he can't change your name over his Bell grudge. It's an insult to your identity. You shouldn't be his revenge tool."

Oh, Lillian...

If Jenny had initially connected with her as a quasi-employer, she now genuinely considered Lillian a friend. She embodied privilege properly used—kind, independent, accomplished. Most importantly, she truly believed the world should be beautiful and fair.

She radiated warmth like a small sun, generously supporting those around her. Though perhaps not as conventionally beautiful as Jenny, she possessed greater charm and angelic qualities.

"Dear, it's done," Jenny embraced her, refilling her glass. "Confronting Cesare now won't change anything. He might think I'm manipulating your relationship. He paid me to walk dogs as a favor, not to befriend you. What if he restricts our friendship?"

"Who I befriend is my choice," Lillian responded automatically before pausing at Jenny's expression. She sighed. "But who you befriend isn't yours... Fine, I won't call. But I'll share my thoughts when I return—you can't stop that."

Face-to-face communication offered nuance that phones lacked. Jenny agreed. "That's fair. But it's just a name change. Jenny, Jennifer—aren't they essentially the same? Maybe Cesare wants to provoke Jennifer Bell, but it won't harm me. If the media compares us Jennifers, that increases my visibility, right?"

Lillian considered this, relaxing slightly but maintaining her principles. "Perhaps, but I'm still upset. Chesa shouldn't have done this."

"You're so kind to me. Truly." Jenny hugged her, raising her glass. "Let's forget it and celebrate tonight's episode."

They clinked glasses, Lillian smiling. "You were brilliant. You'll succeed!"

The earlier tension had strengthened their bond. Jenny now considered Lillian her best friend. As wine loosened her reserve, she voiced a lingering curiosity: "Lil, why are you so good to me? I'm young, beautiful, Vigeri's client, and he treats me well. Getting this job and a car feels like charity. Usually, if a boyfriend's this nice to another woman, even platonically, the girlfriend would feel—"

"Oh," Lillian smiled. "It's nothing. Not every Chesa artist is my friend, but you're special—dedicated, serious, friendly. We click naturally. Our friendship isn't about you being his client; he just introduced us."

"But you'd only know those qualities after getting to know me," Jenny pressed. "You've been warm since day one."

"Because I don't share your concerns," Lillian said frankly. "You're beautiful, but Chesar won't pursue you."

Jenny nodded silently. Lillian laughed, "Don't misunderstand! I'm not naive about his devotion to me. This is Hollywood—what love survives everything? I'm confident because I know Chesar. He never gets personal with clients—it's unprofessional, and for him, professionalism is everything."

She sipped her wine, casually dropping a bombshell, "Why else do you think Jennifer Bell left?"

Ah...!

Though it explained Bell's seemingly illogical split from such a well-connected agent.

Female curiosity piqued, Jenny eagerly anticipated more gossip about her future rival. But her phone interrupted. Lillian handed it over. "Who calls this late?"

"A good friend." Jenny checked the display, gestured an excuse to Lillian, and stepped onto the terrace. "Hi, Dave!"

"Congratulations, Jenny." Dave's warmth had returned, as if they'd always been just friends. "Lynch just called about all the inquiries..."

Note: Pardon the artistic license regarding 2001 online fan discussions. While IMDB and its forums existed then, the specific platform choice was an educated guess.