You have to give it up for CBS. Despite being a ginormous corporate entity with an incredible run of luck over the last few television seasons (save for Jericho, but we overlook that), they are willing to give actors a fair chance of succeeding. Even if they’ve had not one, but two shows on the network that have fallen by the wayside.
Case in point, the hapless Alex O’Loughlin. Despite the failure of fan favorite/critical punching bag Moonlight and the crash and burn of the unknown Three Rivers (aired on Sunday nights, remember?), CBS is giving Alex one more chance to be a star. This time it will be as Detective Steve McGarrett in the reboot of Hawaii Five-O.
Now, O’Loughlin is a fine actor; his portrayal of Det. Kevin Hiatt on The Shield showed the kind of chops he had. Thing is, he may not be the right person for this type of remake. To sum it up in as few words a possible, O’Loughlin is too, um, pretty. That is, too pretty if the remake keeps to the style of the original.
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.