Alex O’Loughlin’s Killer Performance Reviewed

Because we can’t get enough of Alex O’Loughlin and love hearing others wax poetic about him, here’s a collection of comments from different web sources on his recent guest starring role as serial killer on Criminal Minds:

“Did anyone catch the April 29th Criminal Minds episode titled “Big Wheel”, where Alex O’Loughlin guest starred? I have never seen an actor transform so differently between television roles like Alex did for this one. In fact I watched the episode and it wasn’t until the teaser opener was done that I recognized his eyes. And if I didn’t know at some point he was guest starring, I’d never have caught it. He changed his looks, his voice and mannerisms to the point of being this character.

“Aside from O’Loughlin guest starring, for the first time in my life, I felt truly bad for the murderer. O’Loughlin pulled this off in a way I never expected and if you are even a partial fan of either the franchise or the actor, TRACK IT DOWN. That’s my recommendation for the week.

“After seeing that, I truly am looking forward to his new pilot on CBS, a medical drama called Three Rivers.” — Screen Rant Weekly TV Wrap Up, May 7, 2009

“I have to admit that when I heard Moonlight’s Alex O’Loughlin was guest starring as the Creep Of The Week in The Big Wheel, I was extremely skeptical. I never watched the show, but I heard plenty to make me never want to. But what I was treated to in this episode was actually a pretty good performance, coupled with an interesting story and a totally irrational desire to get new glasses that aren’t quite as similar to Vincent’s. Thank you, contact lenses.” — TheTwoCents.com, May 1, 2009

“The real gem of the evening was Moonlight star Alex O’Loughlin playing against type on Criminal Minds. The charming, and handsome former vampire played a shy, nerdy, serial killer with OCD. From repeated door openings, to a new soap bar everyday, Vincent’s life is cluttered with ‘must dos’ and one of those is a yearly murder. O’Loughlin’s performance was so consuming, I actually felt bad for him when he died in the end. Yes, I felt bad for the serial killer — now that’s great storytelling.” — SheKnows.com, April 30, 2009

“This was possibly the best Criminal Minds episode yet, and it was due, in large part, to the help of Alex O’Loughlin. Fortunately, viewers may not have to wait much longer for another dose of the Aussie. His pilot, Three Rivers, may be picked up by CBS for next fall.” — Thunder Bay Television, April 30, 2009

“‘Minds’ has always been great fodder for featuring guest stars. And tonight O’Loughlin puts in an Emmy-worthy performance as an obsessive-compulsive serial killer with a strange attachment to a little boy. The case piques the interest of the BTU team because O’Loughlin’s “unsub” leaves a message at one of his crime scenes asking them to stop him. It’s a great hour of TV.” — StarNewsOnline.com, April 29, 2009

“Cheers to Alex O’Loughlin for his chilling–and moving–turn as a serial killer on Criminal Minds. The ex-Moonlight bloodsucker actually made Vincent, a Buffalo videographer who wrestles with his obsessively murderous impulses and bonds with a young blind boy, a sympathetic character. If CBS doesn’t pick up O’Loughlin’s fall pilot, Three Rivers, they’re crazier than Vincent. This guy’s a Simon Baker waiting to happen.” — Cheers & Jeers, TV Guide Magazine, April 29, 2009