Fans of the 1968-1980 criminal drama know that Five-O didn’t focus on cops in flowered shirts driving around in convertibles while cameras panned through scenes of the island paradise. The Five-O task force dealt with the dark and dirty side of the islands. Everything from the mafia to international espionage to drug smuggling. The series itself featured straight-forward stories full of action and devoid of most personal storytelling. Then there was Jack Lord, who played the original McGarrett. With his never moving coif of hair, square jaw and simple suits, McGarrett was a no-nonsense cop who did his job very well.
Now, take Alex and put him into Lord’s shoes. Ahhh, now you see!
O’Loughlin could certainly do the job, as long as the writing and supporting cast were up to par — something he never had in Moonlight or Three Rivers. But the show would need to be re-jiggered to add more personal angst into each story. See, in addition to being so pretty, O’Loughlin is an emotional actor (though his deadpan delivery sometimes hides this). You can’t put him into a show featuring high-profile crimes if he’s going to be one of those sympathetic and joking chief detectives whom all the other police just like. He needs to be respected, revered, and a bit scary; someone who takes the job seriously and is willing to get his hands dirty. In other words… Jack Lord.
As usual, we’ll have to see how this all works out. If Alex can channel the spirit of Jack Lord, he and this Hawaii Five-O remake can have a chance. If it turns out to be another disaster he may need to hang it up for awhile until we all forget about his bad luck with television.
Clacked by Richard Keller 
on Feb 16, 2010 @ 16:00 EST5EDT
Alex O’Loughlin is perfect and ideal to portray the tough heroic detective Steve McGarrett (son of Steve McGarrett, according to the spoilers), on Hawaii Five-O with excellent writers and producers. The new crime drama will be successful and long running show on CBS, when given an appropriate time slot during one of the week nights.
This is the perfect role for Alex O’Loughlin (if given a good script). He will be very successful and the show longrunning. But the character developtment has to start with the first episode and the script has to be very well thought through. Moonlight would have been a huge success, if CBS had believed in it, but that’s old history. Three Rivers was just the wrong script for him. Alex O’Loughlin can do the role of Steve McGarret, he has proven to be fantastic in these kind of shows (i.e. Moonlight, The Shield, Criminal Minds)…. and so much more. Just give him the real story and a time slot where he can shine.
I couldn’t agree more. If he is portrayed as the straight up hard ass cop it will work. If they are going to put him in “no shirt, nothing but a smile” type clothes and have him raising his eyebrow etc. as in moonlight… SEE YA. TURNING THE CHANNEL!!!
Either act or get off my tv!
I LOVE Alex but I don’t know if this role is good for him. The remake of Rockford Files seems like the better fit for him, especially personality wise. Of course, I will watch H5O, but I have my doubts as to how long it will be on. Don’t like the idea of filming in Hawaii, there are just as many pretty places in CA to film. Also, they should bring in some “not-so-famous” people as part of the cast. Just because your somewhat famous doesn’t mean the show will fly..hence “Three Rivers”. There are some good actors out there that just need a chance to prove themselves.