I have really liked the side story of Mac and Reed. Their first meeting was so poingnent (sp) because he thought Stella was his mom. He was so sad when Mac told him.
For some reason, the CSI:NY side stories feel much more real then the CSI:Miami stuff with H and his undercover bro who might or might not have crossed the line and ended up in Brazil with the wife H coveted and nephew who was starting to get into "trouble". ... whew!