Has Bill Pullman shown himself to be more interesting than I think of him? He makes me yawwwwwwn.
I also thought Robert Downey Jr., but he brings a lot of baggage; I don't see him in the role.
I seriously question Peter Krause. I've seen him twice on stage: T.V. actor, all the way.
I believe that part of what makes Meloni so compelling is the amibiguity--he can seem so sincere and charming and yet so incredibly sensual. He had Chita fooled on "Oz", and Chita's been around the block.
I don't think he really projects a sinister air; I think we all (gay, straight, men, women) just project our sinister desires onto him. And I think he absolutely has the ability to put an audience right where he wants them.
"They have never understood, and no reason that they should.
But if anybody could . . . " --SS