Sela Ward's Move to 'CSI: NY' Was Quick, But Not Easy (VIDEO)

Sela Ward may fit in well in her new digs as part of the 'CSI: NY' cast, but she told 'The Early Show' (weekdays, 7AM on CBS) the transition has been a tad jarring. Ward only had three days to prepare before hopping in to replace departed cast member Melina Kanakaredes, playing an investigator from Washington. Her previous roles on 'Once and Again' and in 'Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights' didn't give her the best foundation for a crime procedural.

"All these other shows I've been on, I understood what love was all about, and breaking up and getting married and being a mama," she said. "And all of a sudden I had to learn about gunshots and murder and bludgeoning. It was quite an adjustment."

It was much tougher than she expected, but she enjoys having Gary Sinise as a co-star, and said, "I'm having a blast." This is, after all, a woman who sparred with 'House.' How tough could murder be after that?