On the talk show Ellen in May last year it was mentioned that Alex frequently loses his shirt as Steve McGarrett in Hawaii Five-0. Of course for me that was the biggest joke I heard all year. …… Ellen is an extremely funny lady, but I do not think she knew it was a joke though!
(As you can see, they were still using this gorgeous picture from Season 1 😦 )
I know Hawaii Five-0 is not Baywatch and I really do not expect our special task force to run around half naked on the beach in every episode. But it is Hawaii and people in Hawaii swim and surf and enjoy the outdoor life (as far as I know). We often see extras and guest stars on the beach, but speaking for myself, I do not watch the show for them. I watch it for the regular stars and what they do – and specifically for Alex.
Up until now we have had 85 episodes of Hawaii Five-0. In Season 1, there were 24 episodes and in 7 of them we see Steve shirtless (29%). Epi 1:01 at his house, Epi 1:02 swimming, Epi 1:04 changing shirts, Epi 1:05 in bed with Cath. Epi 1:07 swimming to the boat, Epi 1:10 diving with Kono and Epi 1:11 fishing with Chin.
In Season 2 there were 23 episodes, with Steve shirtless in 5 of them (21%). Epi 2:01 on Max’s couch, Epi 2:04 diving with Joe, Epi 2:06 MMA fighting, Epi 2:09 getting out of bed and Epi 2:19 surfing with Danno.
In Season 3 there were 24 episodes and we find Steve shirtless in a “record” number of 3 episodes (12%) 🙄 . Epi 3:02 at the funeral. Epi 3:03 in the dingy and Epi 3:04 in bed with Cath.
And in Season 4, we have had 14 out of 22 episodes so far, with Steve shirtless in 3 of them. Epi 4:01 when Steve changes shirts, Epi 403 waking up alone in bed and Epi 4:07 in the shower. We have seen pictures from the set of Alex in the water, so hopefully there will be one more shirtless scene for the season. That will make it 4 out of 22 for this season (18%).
Adding up all of these, by the end of this season we would have had 93 episodes, with Steve shirtless in 19 – just about 20% of them.
People who read our blog regularly will know that we love Alex just as much for his acting talent, his goofiness and his compassion, as for him being pretty, sexy and with a yummy body. I for one can’t wait to see Alex in a well written movie, where he can put all his talent on display. But let’s face it, his present job is in an averagely written action series, filmed in Hawaii. Every now and again there is a chance for him to show his real acting talent, but for the most part it they are just going through the motions of another crime of the week and Steve being Steve. As far as I understand it, that is what the Network wants, a police procedural set in Hawaii and that is what we get for the most part.
Although I am complaining about the lack of skin, I also want to thank Alex for at least being a good sport and doing the shirtless scenes. If we as fans of him are complaining, I only feel pity for the fans of the other regulars of the show, because they get even less skin ……… And I know it is sometimes difficult to have Steve shirtless, because there has to be covering up of tattoos and adding of some scars. And as an Alex fan, I thank you for the little we at least get!
Erin: I’d love to know how many sit-ups, when you started to realise that you had to come back to the show?
Alex [Jokingly]: Oh you know 30 000 a day, I try to do 30 000 a day.
– Alex O’Loughlin, ET Canada Exclusive, September 2011
I know the first thing a lot of people will say is that Alex is just a body for us Pervs and that is why we are complaining. For me life is about love, passion, humour, beauty and yes, also drama. We are humans of flesh and blood and we are made to appreciate it all, otherwise we can just as well leave these bodies and this earth. If we want those things in life, we want it in even higher doses in our entertainment …….. if we don’t get it, we search somewhere else to get our “fix”!
To summarize how I feel about this season:
Each episode on its own was good. The writers worked hard at creating a story for each episode and all the hard work in making these episodes, made each one a little masterpiece on its own. BUT even though most of the episodes brought a tear to the eye, it has left me cold about most of the regular characters and who they are. I kind of miss some real passion from Steve towards his team, the people they help during their cases and his lover, Catherine. The actors in the series are a bunch of pretty people with well kept bodies, but it is as if the creators want to hide it and make them into ordinary, mostly passionless people, with the pretty and the sexy rarely on display.
As the season has gone on, their passion dwindled, the beauty on display became less and the humour has become average old stuff. There has been some fresh humour with Lou in the show, but somehow it lacks some sort of spark for me. The overall story also missed some drama – with no Wo Fat, Mom (Doris), Mary, Joe or Rachel on a regular basis to spice things up! True, we have had some Mary and aunt Deb in a lovely ‘Thanksgiving’ episode – but as I said the episode on its own was good, without having any meaning for the series as a whole, just as the ‘Pearl Harbor’ episode……
My wish for the rest of Season 4 and if it happens Season 5, is that the story tellers will start using their biggest assets. They have created wonderful characters who we loved from day one in the Pilot episode. Please use those characters in your stories!! So many times in interviews, we hear Alex and Scott ask for some character stuff and how much they enjoy doing it. Well, we as regular viewers do as well. And more regular viewers might be created, if they got invested in a more solid ongoing story and characters.
Please use all the talents of the actors – AND by that I mean, they are all pretty decent at their craft of acting and they are pretty people, who can at least show us that they are human and passionate ……. and have great bodies!
……. AND please let Alex’s hair grow out a bit more 🙂
It’s part of why they take my clothes of on the show, it’s because I am more dangerous when I’m naked [Laughs].
– Alex O’Loughlin, ET Canada Exclusive, September 2011
Click on the link and listen to this confession 😉 :
Alex O´Loughlin ~ An Intense Study 
a lot of thought went into this piece adn I thank you for that. However I don’t agree on some things. I think the show has grown over the years. The writers keep coming up with twists in each episode. Yes, I do like character stuff and I do think the actors are very capable of doing something amazing with more depth, but it still has to be somewhat believable and these characters go through so much already, if they do a lot more emotional scenes, there’s the risk of becoming a soap opera and nobody wants that, right? It should be an actionpacked cop show. Of course they could definitely go for a swim in each episode, we wouldn’t mind surely!! The only thing that’s bothering me is that Steve’s becoming to much of a cop. Where’s the hanging criminals of buildings, blowing up caged doors, throwing people in sharktanks like in season 1? I miss the full immunity and means stuff. Please Peter Lenkov, turn McGarrett back into the dangerous seal he once was.
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Hi Miek, by what I was saying, I really do not want the character to go through more heartache and unnessecary emotional scenes – I actually got tired of Steve being so emotional all the time in the beginning of the season. Character stuff for me is not crying all the time – then Adam would have been the best character build for the season, because he was crying every time we saw him. 😀
Character stuff for me is learning something more useful about who they are and who they are to one another – if that makes any sense.
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You’re absolutely right, Steve is not supposed to be crying, he’s supposed to save the day….. Our own McHeroe! I’d love to hear some of your suggestions on how they can bring the seal back, get him shirtless and have him do some character stuff 😉 After that all we have to do is print it out, add it to a big box of cigars and sent it of to Peter 🙂
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And I absolutely agree with you on Steve becoming just another cop thing…….. We have seen him so many times in his white uniform this season, but he has never felt less of a SEAL to me, than during this season.
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It´s because that Jersey cop kept nagging at him for the crazy Seal stuff Steve used to do, for years now 😀 Now McG is tamed and follows most procedures…although there´s still hope. Grover still thinks he is a wild card 😀
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That jersey cop is doing most of the “non cop” stuff it seems, he’s the one beating up people nowadays and our tough mr Navy seal is holding him back. What’s that about?
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Just wanted to let you know that there was a teaser from PL to help us through the long wait for the show to come back on. He tweeted about how would we like a shirtless McGarrett. It was on my FB feed last week so I don’t know where it is but if you have twitter maybe looking at PL you maybe able to find it, I don’t have twitter oh and i found it on Hawaii five O undercover……I found it but I can’t paste it on here. Well FB H5O undercover is where is incase you want to add that to this. Exciting, right? Love this study it’s excellent as all you other’s are….Thanks!!!!!!! SueM
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Hi and thanks Sue
I saw that tweet from Peter and I already added that into the number of shirtless scenes for Season 4. There was some shirtless pics of Alex form the set last month and that must be when they shot the scene he talks about. https://alexoloughlinintensestudy.wordpress.com/2014/01/21/new-shirtless-alexsteve-pics-emerged-from-the-set/
Indeed something very nice to look forward to 🙂
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Love your article, agree 100%!
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🙂
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I like the synopsis thanks for that…I must tend to agree that there are some episodes that seem a little forced. PLEASE don’t get me wrong I understand there needs to be a few changes, character development, etc. but this is way too much. I personally feel that they shouldn’t have made Catherine or Grover cast regulars; it has taken away from the group dynamic (just as “Lori Weston” did).
I think the writers could come up with story arcs about these “extra” characters yet still leave the dynamics. One idea…introduce Grover as the new Captain ~ his daughter is kidnapped, he tried it his way and sees that 5-0, despite their methods, is a great unit. (Sorry Catherine lovers) I feel that their relationship is now forced and it isn’t enjoyable to watch. I think the writers should’ve left well enough alone. Maybe have Steve be tempted by another woman or have a case where he has to date a “few” ladies (one is a serial killer). Make it a bit more interesting go back to what made it work in the first place or we might not have a season 5.
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Hi Barbs
I think the problem that the writers had, was that their regular cast made life choices to do other stuff as well – so they were forced to make other people regulars
Grace Park decided to become a mother – and that had to be accommodated and Scott Caan decided to only be on set half of the season and do other stuff like plays and charity in LA.
In my opinion either Mary of Catherine should have been regular characters from the start and taken pressure of GP to be the only woman on the show.
I agree with you, Catherine outside the team also worked better for me, but I think the producers listen to much to fans and decided that Cath doing favors for Steve was not the way to keep going….for me it was perfect and it showed her as a woman who can hold her own in an independent job but also be of use to her man.
I loved Catherine in episode 320 and I think Michelle did a fantastic job with it!
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Love your idea!! Get him serial dating including a serial killer. LOL. About not having a Season 5, that’s pretty sure to be coming. Viewers went up from 9 to 11.6 mln. That’s a lot!! They are probably save and as Peter tweeted, “job security for cast and crew”. I myself am going to make myself very impopular by my own suggestion, so sorry girls: Í’d love to see Steve and Kono develop feelings they are not willing to give into. I love their kickass ways, they are so much alike that that’s bound to give some explosive situations.
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FOYeur actually likes the idea of Steve and Kono too, after years of working together, realising what they have in common, and falling for each others. We should obv be shown their first bed session, with all the awkward laughes at the end 😀
I also love the idea of Steve falling for a femme fatale that would have Steve fall hard for her and then use him for her devious plans…
Not to say I want Michelle/Cath gone. Little menage a trois could spice things up between those.
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Michelle needs to stay on the show and definitely on the team, she’s kick ass and I love kickass women! The relationship with McGarrett doesn’t have to work out though. Kono getting in there somewhere. Steve having to chose. What if Kono realises her feelings when Steve is serial dating? Then she and Cath can have some awkward moments. Steve wants out of the relationship with Cath and after sometime realises his feelings for Kono. Chin and Danny would have a fit! The team would be in for some serious trouble…..in those specific episode would have to be a lot of action, to not be getting into a soap opera, so loads of bad guys, with loads of guns, close quarter combat (of course that could bring McKono closer together)…….. I think I’m getting carried away a bit 🙂
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The opportunity was there in Season 3 with the shrink/madam. She messed with his head big time. She was so manipulative and he was basically putty in her hands.
As far as Catherine goes (ugh, why does fandom make it so scary to have an unpopular opinion), it just seems awkward and out of place to have her on the team. She was a much better asset to the team while still in the Navy and their personal relationship didn’t seem as stagnant as it does now.
Which leads me to the whole “hug” in the last episode. It bugged the crap out of me (again a very unpopular opinion). There is a place for a personal relationship and it’s not on the job.
There I said it!
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I think the fandom make it so scary because some people can’t understand the difference between real life and fiction. And then on top of that people take the fiction that the fans write about the fiction too seriously as well – believing it should become “reality” in the fiction and even in real life.
And then on top of that people would terrorize an actress for playing a role they don’t like – that is the scariest
The main thing is that people would think you hate the Cath if you criticize the hug. – I love the idea of Cath an I have no problem with MB, but the hug was forced to me as well. Unfortunately by saying it I would give ammunition to the people that hate MB and her character – so better not to say it and keep the opinion to myself (if that makes any sense.) 🙂
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I agree with what’s been said. I, too, am afraid of saying anything against Cath. Especially in light of the bullying and death threats some of her twitter fans are leveling against others who don’t like her. Scary. I used to like her better when she wasn’t a regular, now the relationship seems forced, tired and cold. I think a “serial dating” episode or 2 would maybe put back some of the zip they once had. I’ve always liked the idea of Steve and Kono. But you shouldn’t mix business and pleasure. Too bad really. The addition of Lori in s2 was a mistake. The spot wasn’t well written and the actress wrong for the part. At least Grover fits much better and adds some friction to our beloved bromance! Personally, I feel that the personal aspects of their lives shouldn’t be the focus of the show. It’s a crime procedural, not a soap opera. I would love for the show to go back to a little more of s1 BAMF. Look at NCIS and Criminal Minds, they’re on a long time and have the right amount of personal and procedural. It can be done.
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Social media, be it Twitter or Facebook, has taken fandom to an off the charts level. Used to be in the old days if you didn’t like something about the show, you grumbled out loud to the TV or quit watching.
I just wish people would understand that most times it’s the portrayal of the CHARACTER that is the problem. Not the person. It’s ok to say you don’t like the way a character is being developed, but do it in a polite, non-aggressive manner. Respect seems to be a lost art.
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Hi Karen, as far as I can tell everybody on this blog is of good mental health, unlike the people on twitter with their ridiculous hate campaigns, Since we are all sane and can form a normal opinion I think we can express that in a normal way. I know my pro-McKono opinion isn’t the most popular one, but that won’t hold me back on expressing it. As long as nobody gets hurt by my words, it’s all good. I hope everybody here can and will do the same.
I agree with you that it’s no soap opera, I like the action-packed kickass shows the best. It’s fantasy no cop or seal for that matter would ever live a life like that and that’s what makes it al the more fun to watch. the personal life should definitely not become the center, but it can stirr things up a bit.
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That’s what I enjoy most about this blog is the fact that everyone respects each other’s thoughts and feelings!! Yes, Miek we think along the same lines! A lot of action, a little romance, a shirtless Steve thrown in for good measure!! It’s all this and more that keeps me hooked!!
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I got hooked on the actionpacked characters on the show. It even got me to pursue my own dreams. I’m now a licensed gunshooter, studying for a pilot license and am in the process of finding martial arts that suits me (self defence class was the kick start for that last goal 🙂
Of course I love some romance to keep it juicy, but the action is what’s keeping me hooked (and obviously Alex). Steve and Kono are most badass and I love that.
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I am impressed with your hobbies 😀
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Exactly FOYeur!…..prudence and respect…..let’s not forget that they are actors and actresses who deserve respect from us, playing characters written by others and be able of separate fiction from real life…….maybe it could be a cultural issue in my case because I’m not american but I think and I like that Steve has finally settled down with Cath as a man in his thirties, as many men in real lifes do at that age…..I think that Steve, the character, is getting mature as Alex has become in RL and I agree with this wonderful analysis that the writers should take more advantage of this and push the characters face inner conflicts and complex feelings trigger by the cases they work on, as we have seen in other series as Criminal Minds and CBS……BUT at the end, the most important fact for me is that H50 is by far the more lasting and recognized work Alex has done and he deserves to have success not only because he is gorgeous but also talented and very hard working, dedicated actor. Thanks for letting me give my opinion, girls!
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I want more shirtless Danny 😉 ………
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LIke I said, I feel sorry for the fans of the other stars.
Definitely need more shirtless Danno. He and Chin. (Or maybe their fans don’t really mind?)
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Well I mind! lol DDK and Scott both have fabulous bods, I want more skin 😉
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Looks like Chin will be showing some skin in 420, when I look at the fan pics from the set today 😀
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Love your post! I would have to agree with you. I’ve been watching a lot of season one lately and we need that McG back. You know the guy that just happens to have a grenade in his car? 😉
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EXACTLY!!!
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Have loved your blog for ages but never commented until now. YES!!!
You nailed what’s missing this season. There’s a flatness even in eps like 4.14 which was Mcdanno centric but had none of the feeling of say 1.20 (Steve hurt hiking) or 3.6 (Danny and the bomb) where the depth and complexity of the feeling the characters have for each other all but jump off the screen. In 4.14 with a killer holding a gun to Danny’s head and taunting Gracie, Steve’s reaction came off to me as flat and one-dimensional. Ditto for both of them when the threat was over and robot like they jump back into action. In the roof top bar scene when Steve pulls Danny aside I fully expected an emotional ‘de-brief’ of sorts but instead we got Danny (once again) razzing Steve about paying and Steve remarking that Grace was a great kid.
I agree with you re character richness. It’s not about putting characters in an emotional wringer every ep- it’s about fleshing out their relationships and all that goes into them.
And finally-yeah! More of the beautiful and sexy would sure be nice. Hopefully there’s some meaty and/or sizzling stuff coming up!
Thanks for the amazing job you do no matter what’s happening to the show!
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Hi G2GS. Very nice example and summary of characters and what we as viewers feel is missing – you nailed it.
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I have to admit I only watch H50 cuz Alex is in it. I miss the cheeky character that Mick had. I miss the chemistry he had with Beth I don’t feel it with Catherine. And yes I miss the curls. Let him grow it out just a wee bit more.. But I would miss Alex a whole lot more if there was no Hawaii 5O!!!
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I think many of us only watch H50 to get our Alex fix. I am happily surprised with some episodes being mildly entertaining and every time we get shirtless on goofy or funny Steve, well, those moments are a blessing. there´s something about the procedural elements in this show that just don´t work for me. Still I like to watch Criminal Minds, and not being drawn by any of their characters, there´s no nudity and very little funny, but still the show keeps me watching in anticipation, for what´s happening next.
Moonlight was million times better (entertaining) than H50 will ever be. But since Steve is coming for a season 5, we will just keep wishing for some shirtlessness to carry us passed the tidious stuff…I could also use more humor in H50 🙂
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Hi Mz Bunty
This is the first time in my life I actually watch a TV show because of one person. AND I agree with you that the thought of seeing less of Alex scares me a bit (actually a lot).
I would love to see him in movies, but I would really miss seeing him at least 22 of the weeks, in something new. And on top of that get regular news from the set of him.
(PS – The chemisty between him and Cath has always been good to me, up untill the moment she became a member of the team. For me the chemistry between him and Coraline was hotter 🙂 )
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20% is not nearly enough with the way he maintains his body 😉
As far as the stories go, I tend to agree, Foyeur, this season so far has been lacking and in my opinion it is because of the lack of the core four. But, now that everyone is back, I think the last half of the season is going to be really good. And I have no doubt there will be a season 5 so hopefully, the character stories will continue to evolve.
I like Catherine but the chemistry is definitely off lately but I don’t see Steve cheating on her, he is too loyal. Breaking up over something else? Yes, but him cheating? No. I agree there has always been something special between Kono and Steve but I doubt they would ever go there, though I wish they would.
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Totally agree, no cheating, that would not be the right thing and they are all about doing the right thing. The way mcRoll is going now is heading for a break up. Passion is gone, living like brother and sister. Steve doesn’t have to cheat for Kono to develop some feelings. Just so that we as a viewer know. Not to obvious, just to make her a little uneasy around het friends and co-workers. That should be fun to watch.
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Great job FOYeur!
1. There will never be enough skin shown by Steve!
2. I want crazy Super SEAL to come out of Steve more often!
3. McRoll has been really lame as of late. 😦 There is no way that two gorgeous, fit, and energetic people should have such a lack luster love life. I don’t expect sex every episode, but I think McDanno was hotter in the early seasons, than McRoll is right now. How could you keep your hands off him if he was your man? The scene that comes to mind is the one where he wakes up and she’s sitting outside. Of course, he has to put his shirt on first to walk outside in warm Hawaii 😦 then when he leans down on the chair, she just sits there and he doesn’t touch her. Seriously?! I would have reached up to touch those delicious arms of his and I would think he would have done more than just lean on the chair. 😦 FAIL PL! IMO, if you don’t have time in the show to do a relationship justice, don’t bother!
I don’t wish her gone, I just think she works better outside of Five-O.
4. I am not a fan of McKono. I think they are more like brother and sister. I would like to see Steve with a cougar type (I’m available!) or someone who will push his buttons like Danny does. Not the boring “snore fest” we have been getting from McRoll. Sorry, I am venting.
I blame my attitude on lack of sleep and lack of fresh Alex/Steve material. Thank you ladies for recycling the goodies for us and making them as fresh and new as you can! Season 1 Steve never gets old! YUMMY!
😆 I have had that recording of Alex on my phone for over a year! I actually played it for a coworker yesterday, because she had never heard his Aussie voice.
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I do not really know who or what is to blame for the fact that the 2 people that had wonderful of the charts natural chemisty in epi 105, are now acting so blandly. (many factors to be considered, but no excuse)
In my opinion it is the directors who do not allow or advice the actors to act as natural lovers or maybe the writers do not script it correctly – who knows!
In an interview Michelle said that she and Alex added an unscripted kiss in the scene when he gets out of the shower before she leaves in epi 407.
– I think they should just improvise more like that – small gestures show affection and they should do it more regularly.
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That was a great show of affection and Michelle was right, the fans would never have forgiven her for not kissing him coming out of the shower 🙂
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I’m very sure that not you nor me would even have got up from the bed, having this incredible man sleeping with :P……..
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I love how in the gif from the Ellen show, his hand and foot bounce at the exact same time!! He is so cute!
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One can feel the the discomfort he is feeling about the shirtless picture being shown, through the hand and foot movements. Not difficult to read him – he is a great actor but in real life situations like that, he is very human 😀
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Yep, I love it when the OCD is kicking in. It’s very endearing 🙂
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Oh this was an interesting read. I’m always impressed about your way with words and the effort you put in your posts.
I get were you’re coming from, but this time I can’t agree. I love S4 to pieces, for me it’s their best season so far! The writers had so many obstacles (to say it neutrally) to overcome and they did it in a good way. I’m a McKono girl from day one, but I like Cath as an addition to Steve’s team. For me it works and they haven’t lost any chemistry. So the hug didn’t feel forced for me at all. It was a natural thing to do and it ‘felt’ naturally. At the end of the day these two are not SuperSEAL and tough lieutenant but just Steve and Cath. Of course, this hug was not so emotional like the scene in 4.01 (what was incredibly intense acted btw) but they weren’t in public that time.
And to be honest about the other new character, Grover – I love him! The first two episodes I thought differently, I was afraid he would become another character I really don’t like. But surprise surprise McGrover is the best thing to happen. To be honest again: Less Danny – more Grover works for me perfectly fine. Certainly one more reason I like S4 so much. Danny’s chauvinistic comment in 4.03 and calling Steve a ‘putz’ was the last straw, I lost all interest in this for me not really loveable character. I’m sorry to say that, but that’s how it is.
And I really don’t mind seeing more shirtless Steve. Really. But I always thought that maybe it was Alex’ decision to do less shirtless scenes? There were so many nasty comments in the beginning, for a lot of stupid people he was just “the guy who takes his shirt off” and in a lot of interviews he was asked about it. And sometimes I got the feeling he was just annoyed. He is an actor and he wants to be recognized because of his acting, the feelings he can express and the emotions he delivers. And he does! We all know that and we love him for that. This season gives him a lot to do, a lot of different layers of McG to portray. I love the development his Steve made. McBamf, McNerd (love love love that), McGoof, McEmo, McUncle… 🙂 I read an interview recently in which he talked about the scene in jail with Aunt Deb. He seemed to be really proud of what they did there and it warmed my heart – as cheesy as it might sound.
So I surely won’t close my eyes if he is shirtless, but it’s not that important. He gives me more through his acting. Or, to sum it up: I came to H50 because of Alex O’Loughlin and I stayed because of HIS Steve McGarrett.
(I so love your Ellen gif!!! Bouncing, mesmerizing and beaming!!!)
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Love your comments! To me season 4 is also the best season, but that doesn’t keep me from rooting for McKono and thus I’m hoping the lack of chemistry that I do think exists is a writers choice to get them disconnected a bit (In my mind both are to good an actors to just let the chemistry dissapear without reason) 🙂
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Hi LeiCa
As I said, for me every episode of S4 (or most of them) was a little masterpiece in its own right. – My complaint with them lies in the fact that they did not really add anything to the characters and the group as a team or a story development to look forward to, of what will happen next for them. (As you said there were a lot of problems to overcome)
My honest opinion is that the producers are trying to please too many people (fans, the Network and the availability of main actors and re-occurring characters) and they are not giving the writers a clear idea of who the character are – where they are coming from and where they are going too. (It feels like they are making it up as they go along)
In his latest interview Alex said he would like to have some say into the development around his mother in the future – I think it would be wise, because he as his character Steve have to be it and make it believable.
As I said, the Aunt Deb episode was a wonderful gem, but what took away from it for me, is the fact that they brought another character into Steve’s life just with the intent to be taken away from him soon and causing him heartache (how many more?). We never knew about her and have no compassion towards her as a character, so her heart breaking story of having a terminal illness leaves me without any feeling…….
For me the hug in essence was not wrong, but the way it was done, was kind of ‘we need to do this, let’s get it over with’ – they were not Steve and Cath with real concern towards each other, for me. They could have had a better moment for Cath finding out he is safe, over the phone, maybe and with a lot more real concern in the privacy of a phone conversation?
I did not really want to write anything about Grover in the piece, because it was getting too long. But I like his character and there is a lot of development set up for him to be a nice character. I am a bit scared to invest my feelings into his character, because I think his continuation will largely be decided around the fact of Scott being available full time next season or every second week, like this season or available at all!
About the shirtlessness – of course Alex does not want to do it all the time (or at all), but the fact is beauty and sex, sells. People want to be entertained. When I was younger, we used to joke about cars being advertised with a pretty female model draped over it. Today with technology, the cars features are more important and the gay factor being acknowledge more – ladies on the car no longer works.
What was laughable to me was that even with Steve hardly being shirtless in season 3, it was still used in Ellen. So having less of it did not help at all to change the thought of being the norm.
Special things should be wisely used – I really do not want Alex shirtless in every episode (it will get boring).
We saw him the first time in his white uniform this season and then they just kept on having him wear it – it lost its special feeling to me. (runs and hides)
I still keep by the story I wrote last year, that Alex simply entertains me…… and he does. My support will always be towards the work he doing at the moment……..
“Never mind that the project you’re in isn’t good; shine as bright as you can. And find the truth. We are either in the truth or we’re not. The truth is difficult to get to. This conversation we are having is the truth. We get to this place and the cameras are rolling, we’re great.” – Alex O’Loughlin, Actors workshop HI, March 2011.
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As I’m not very confortable in english I am just going to say some words. First of all “what an intense study”!!!. I don’ t know all the epi by heart but now I know where to go if I want to have a look at some shirtless Steve!
Thanks FOYeur.
Then for me the chemistry between Cath and Steve is not the better one, can’t explain but they don’t seem deeply in love with each other, and don’ t think I don’ t like Cath, I Like her but as many of you outside the team, she was perfect in the Navy.
And yes please let his hair grown, he’s not in the Navy anymore, no need to have his hair cut so short. And plus let the grey come back I don’t like his uniform black hair at all.
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Your right, what selfrespecting navyseal would dye their hair?!
I like the hair longer, but the way it is now is okay. In the episode with the savanah show (season three I think) the hair was awfull!!! high lights?!? come on…..
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They made him wear a hairpiece, and the colour was so off. Also the styling didn´t work. Poor Alex looked a bit clownish
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🙂 🙂 🙂
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thanks for all the comments above-a very good read and informative. Cannot see Steve w/Kono at ALL. Catherine running up to Steve at a crime scene & saying “oh, you’re all right ” with a big HUG is unbelievable & unprofessional. She is lovely & I like her but NOT as a member of the team. Can’t she get a job offer from t he FBI? “Mom” shouldstay in Japan!
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Oh no!!!! our Alex, don’t say that Paula!!! 😀 😀
But a hairpiece!! I had forgotten this one, surely voluntarily because my mind couldn’t stand it. Couldn’t help me stop laughing thinking about it, on my Tv it looks like an awful dark redhead. Better forgot it and rewatch in black and white.
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Thank you for your review about Steve’s shirtless scenes. As a McGarrett fan, i always enjoy this type of study.
Like you already said, we love Alex just as much for his acting talent, his goofyness and his compassion, as for him being pretty, sexy and with a yummy body. The pretty of life should be showed. So yes Alex, you’re more dangerous naked. That’s when women all over the world and of ages easily became a McPerv, all your body parts are porn, our panties melted and naughty thoughts in our minds.
About season 4: i’m enjoying this season, with good stories and a good new character (Grover) but like most of us, i missed the dynamic and interaction between all the characters. The writers and the actors that were on duty did their very best to give nice entertaiment despite all. I understand the Kono/Adam story because Grace’s personal life but for me was very boring to watch it. By the latest pics of Scott, he seems more happy with less time in Hawaii, but Danny’s plot this year is like a rollercoaster, with ups and downs that it’s not so fun to watch. We had on 4.01 Danny saying to Steve “i always have your back” but we don’t see that much this season. I didn’t like the way the new love interess was introduced and the best part it’s been Danno with Grace. Daniel portrays Chin always well and i liked to see him shine in 4.13. Steve and Catherine: for me they are perfect for each other. They show us little, but when they do it’s great. Only two scenes that for me were a little awkward: the kiss on the cheek in thankgiving episode and the hug at 4.14. And yes, i miss a little romance, the filrt, the seduction that spice every relationship. But is writers fault. PL likes to say that H50 is a family show, it’s CBS, but please i want to see at least once per season the sexy couple, not only the suportive boyfriend/girlfriend. I liked the way Steve found any excuse to have his Ohana at his side, making memories.
In short, we have a group of talent actors craving for character’s development stuck at a procedural cop show. And we the fans begging for more storyline development about our favorite characters.
Thank you Foyeur!
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I love the statistics used here, it’s very true the incidence of “skin” had gone down, for whatever reason. And regardless of if viewers in general care about it or not, it makes me wonder what the writers/costumers/producers think about it, if they do at all.
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My other thought is that the incidence of shirtlessness may have gone down in Season 2 & 3, for example, but some of those shirtless scenes were a lot LONGER than the shirtless scenes in Season 1. Some of them (changing in front of Mary, etc.) are just shirtless moments, not full scenes. Not sure if that’s important, just a thought. 🙂
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My initial thought was, that I think you are right about the scenes being longer, but after looking and thinking about them, I do not think so. Although it can only be known by actually measuring the time, the S1 & S2 longer scenes, were not shorter than the ones S3 & S4. In 107, we actually have a double scene at the car and then after that as he goes diving and get onto the boat. In 206 we also have long scenes of him shirtless, talking to Lori & the other fighter, strutting to the ring and in the ring – and that added together I think is just as long or maybe longer than the long scene in S3 in the dingy – both the other ones in S3 was short and S4 are all short.
So me conclusion by just thinking about the scenes and how they play out, is that they not only got less but also shorter and not longer as you suggest. (one day when I have time, I will measure them. 😀 )
Interesting also, is that the first half of the every season is packed with shirtless scenes – and then they forget about it till the next season?! (S1 – all in epi’s 1-11, S2 only one in 2nd half (epi 219), S3 (epi’s 2-4), s4 2 in first epi’s and as far as we can see 1 for the last part 😦 )
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LOL, the MMA and “Dinghy” scenes were exactly the two I was thinking of as being longer than the others. Very interesting about how they’re all early in the season. I wonder what the circumstances could be that explain it. At this point, it’s kind of an ongoing coincidence!
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I never thought it was a coincidence to have the shirtlessness early on in the season. Obviously they are luring us weak-minded females with his abs. And we stay for the rest of the season, hoping there will be more abs, pecs and biceps on display.
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LOL, those rotten scoundrels!! Classic bait and switch!!
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LOL those rotten scoundrels! Classic bait and switch.
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Bait and switch! Those scoundrels!
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😆
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Hi SJ – great to see you around!
I think they must think about it a bit – but I think they don’t think about if for very long! 😀
There are lots of little thing and trick, writers, directors and producers can use to sexually “tease” the audience a bit – but I think it is mostly an after-thought to them here. With this kind of series, stunts, fights and guns are most probably the highest priority.
Interestingly I asked my father (who loves Westerns) the other day what he likes in any story (because for me humour is #1) – He said passion and romance – and I always thought it was about the tough cowboys, the gun fighting and action for him!
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I guess passion/romance sometimes means no shirts and sometimes it does! 😉 I agree, in this case, it’s an afterthought. I don’t think they start each season thinking there’s “only”going to be so many shirtless scenes, you’re right. If it happens it happens and if it doesn’t, well, that’s the way it goes.
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