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

Alex O'Loughlin as the OCD serial killer Vincent Rowlings in "Criminal Minds"

Watching Alex O’Loughlin guest starring as a serial killer in this week’s episode of Criminal Minds was an unforgettable experience! You could tell that he loved playing that part; it was not only a departure from the suave and sexy Mick St. John, but it also gave him the opportunity to do a character role. A change he welcomed and enjoyed even more, because there was none of the pressure on him that he was used to having as a leading man. “I thought it was a well-earned breather between roles,” he told ETonline.

Alex being Alex, he had of course prepared well for the portrayal of Vincent Rowlings, a man afflicted with extreme Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).  He explained to TVAddict.com: “My main preparation with this character was the obsessive compulsive stuff because that’s the thing that rules his life and keeps him doing what he does time and time again. His OCD is at the core of his physical being.”

It was obvious to what extent the OCD controls Vincent’s life: doors need to be opened and closed twice, clothes need to be laid out neatly in a certain order, he pulls out a brand new handkerchief every morning, he has a pair of slippers to be used only in the bathroom, a bar of soap is never used more than once, he avoids stepping on lines in the pavement, he covers his steering wheel with plastic foil, and he often repeats himself.

Undoubtedly Alex also drew from his own experiences with the disorder. “When I was a young boy in elementary school I was quite a blatant example of a child with OCD, and I remember how it used to make me feel and how difficult it was,” he admits to TV Squad in a recent interview.

Although it’s not the first time that Alex O’Loughlin steps into the shoes of a serial killer, Vincent Rowlings is not FEED’s Michael Carter, of whom Alex says, “The guy was a little deranged… more malicious”. Despite his deeds, I found myself sympathizing with Vincent. His doesn’t kill in rage — the compulsion is part and parcel of the extreme OCD and yet he remains somehow very vulnerable and in some ways quite childlike. His friendship with the blind boy, Stanley, is also very touching.

To view this episode of Criminal Minds – The Big Wheel as well as the promos and read trivia and memorable quotes, click here.

You can also visit various open threads and leave comments:

• Criminal Minds Fanatic
• TV Squad

Please also rate The Big Wheel at the Internet Movie Database!

[tags]alex o’loughlin, alex o’lachlan, CBS, criminal minds, the big wheel[/tags]