12 Essential Episodes of Dexter

As a long-time fan of the darkly humorous and gripping series that is Dexter, I must say that revisiting the final episodes of both the original series and its spin-off, New Blood, has been quite the rollercoaster ride. While season seven’s “Surprise Motherfucker” certainly felt like a satisfying conclusion to the original series, with its poignant themes and character development, I must admit that I was left wanting more when it came to Dexter’s ultimate fate.

As a devoted film enthusiast, it’s clear that contemporary TV networks can’t seem to get enough of spinoffs. We’ve been treated to the evolution of the lore from “Game of Thrones”, an unending barrage of spin-off tales for “The Walking Dead”, and even bid farewell to the enigma known as “Young Sheldon”. It comes as no shock, then, that “Dexter”, a masterpiece from Showtime, is set to produce not one, but two more series in its franchise. The first, “Dexter: Original Sin”, delves into Dexter’s murderous past during his twenties, a time when he was also learning the ropes as a blood-spatter analyst. The second, “Dexter: Resurrection”, is a continuation of a storyline that has already ended, not once, but twice (the last ending appeared to definitively put an end to him, too!).

When the Dexter realm prepares to conquer fresh territories stained with blood, let’s reflect on the episodes that have kept fans coming back throughout the years. Even the show’s most devoted followers might agree it’s had a somewhat rocky journey. However, when all its components aligned perfectly, it could produce remarkable outcomes. Dexter isn’t just an artifact from the 00s – it offered consistently strong acting, a wealth of gripping storylines, and reveled in its own dark atmosphere. This ability to excel was particularly noticeable during the period that many viewers remember fondly: the early stages.

“Dexter” (Season 1, Episode 1)

Showtime made a strong entry into the TV landscape dominated by HBO’s prestige dramas, and “Dexter” quickly emerged as their flagship series. The show’s initial elements were undeniably promising – it was atmospheric, boasted excellent casting, had writing that occasionally soared (though this was the show’s most inconsistent feature), and offered a unique concept: what if there was a serial killer who only targeted criminals? With Michael C. Hall delivering an effortlessly captivating performance, it wasn’t surprising that it became one of the defining shows of its time.

What is most surprising about watching the debut episode, though, is how many tones the series is playing with. It’s both extremely dark (“Look or I’ll cut your eyelids right off your face,” Dexter tells a soon-to-be victim in what looks like a basement from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre) and oddly campy (“Just like me … empty inside,” his constant internal narration states as he gazes at an empty box of donuts). And though these two aspects will shift in prominence back and forth as the show goes on, they will be present for its entire run.

“Seeing Red” (Season 1, Episode 10)

Despite not reaching the extremes of a series like Hannibal, Dexter frequently sought and appreciated beauty amidst its gruesome scenes. An instance where this was evident is in the episode titled “Seeing Red,” where Dexter is guided to a room filled with copious amounts of blood, causing him to faint. This scene was particularly striking, one that the show seldom surpassed again.

The primary plotline of Season 1 was centered around the search for the “Ice Truck Killer,” who was later revealed to be Dexter’s brother. This overarching theme also explored Dexter’s quest to understand his own origins. A pivotal moment, drenched in blood, brought forth his repressed memories – he had witnessed his mother’s murder inside a shipping container and stayed immersed in her blood for days. By skillfully merging a gruesome scene with a heart-wrenching backstory, Dexter demonstrated that it could balance its over-the-top violent portrayal of an antihero with a compelling personal narrative. Regrettably, it didn’t always have access to material of this quality.

“Born Free” (Season 1, Episode 12)

At the end of the first season, when Dexter murdered his own brother to protect his sister Debra (who his brother intended to harm), it seemed like the series might conclude there. The final scene even depicted Dexter in a dream sequence, surrounded by people applauding him as he pondered if his actions made him a good person. Looking back, it’s clear that those cheering fans are actually the viewers of the show themselves, expressing their approval of Dexter, albeit in an exaggerated and humorous manner: “Wow, Dexter! You kill people, but you know, in a really cool way!”

Despite running for eight seasons, the emotional depth of the series didn’t seem to grow much beyond the conclusion of its initial season. Although characters and plotlines changed over time, it was during the first season when Dexter grappled with his self-understanding, his past, his biological family, and his chosen family, that the show truly revealed its core themes. Later seasons may have had more exciting episodes, but the series never managed to weave a narrative as compellingly as it did in those early days.

“Resistance Is Futile” (Season 2, Episode 9)

In contrast to season one, the second season primarily focuses on Dexter taking a more defensive role. The concealed burial site of his victims at the ocean’s bottom has been discovered, putting expert FBI agent Frank Lundy (portrayed by the charming Keith Carradine) on Dexter’s trail as he hunts for the “Bay Harbor Butcher.” Meanwhile, Dexter’s fellow officer in the Miami Police Department, the gruff James Doakes, is growing increasingly suspicious of Dexter. Additionally, Dexter has a new love interest, Lila, who shows a keen curiosity about his mysterious side, and his girlfriend/future wife, Rita, is urging him to be less secretive and strange.

As a longtime fan of Dexter, I must say that this episode is undoubtedly one of the best examples of how all the elements come together masterfully. The climax, where Doakes finally uncovers the truth that Dexter is the serial killer he’s been tracking for so long, was a truly satisfying payoff to a subplot that has been building since the very first episode.

“The British Invasion” (Season 2, Episode 12)

One intriguing aspect of Dexter is that its season finales often seem like complete conclusions to the series, particularly during its early seasons. Unlike other shows, Dexter didn’t rush towards the finish line; instead, it started wrapping things up with a few episodes left, giving the emotional peak some space to breathe. This approach allowed for a proper farewell to characters like Doakes, Lundy, and Dexter’s twisted ex, Lila, who disappeared to Europe (only to be chased by Dexter in the final moments of the episode).

If the final episode of Season 2 offered a convincing reason to conclude the Dexter series, it’s because by the end, he establishes a fresh set of principles for himself. Tormented by the ghost of his father, a former cop who discovered Dexter’s budding psychopathy and taught him to use it for “good,” Dexter chooses to chart his own course and follow his own path in this installment. Does he adhere to this new lifestyle in Season 3 and beyond? Not entirely. The new version of Dexter is similar to the old one, but at least, in those moments, it seemed like it was heading towards something unique.

“Hungry Man” (Season 4, Episode 9)

As a devoted viewer and critic, I must share my thoughts on the captivating rollercoaster that is “Dexter.” The third season, while competently crafted, falls short of truly exceptional, primarily revisiting the central themes from season two with a twist – instead of a girlfriend, Dexter finds himself drawn to an unstable character. It’s intriguing, but not groundbreaking.

Leveraging a trait typically reserved for his characters in Brian De Palma movies, Dexter transforms Lithgow’s endearing demeanor into a facade for something truly chilling. In “Hungry Man”, we delve into his private life, a household shrouded in constant fear and apprehension. Dexter, with its emphasis on the protagonist’s relationships, seldom afforded such an intimate perspective of the lives of other monstrous characters inhabiting Miami. However, the tense Thanksgiving scene in “Hungry Man” offers a glimpse and leaves us grateful that we’re stuck with the goofy, mild-mannered Dexter Morgan.

“Hello, Dexter Morgan” (Season 4, Episode 11)

While “The Getaway,” the fourth season finale, is often considered a must-watch by many, it’s actually not as well-structured as some might think. Despite featuring significant events such as Trinity’s death, the revelation of Trinity murdering Dexter’s wife Rita, and the discovery of Dexter’s son in a pool of his mother’s blood, which continues the family cycle of violence, the tension and suspense aren’t as palpable as in the previous episode, “Hello, Dexter Morgan.” In contrast, this earlier episode offers a more gripping narrative and one of the few instances where we truly worry for Dexter’s safety.

Dexter’s main advantage is that he’s cautious and plays things carefully, avoiding the emotional pitfalls and irrational patterns of his rival murderers. But he’s never been toe-to-toe with someone like Trinity, who has been concealing himself for decades. Trinity stalks Dexter to his office in the police headquarters and (in a sequence that makes John Lithgow look roughly 19-feet-tall) cuts Dexter down to size. It’s an iconic moment in the show, as, for the first and perhaps only time in the series, Dexter meets his match.

“Nebraska” (Season 6, Episode 7)

Following Rita’s passing at the close of Season Four, Season Five showcased a commendable attempt to continue the series but primarily served to rearrange the show’s set pieces (notably, it boasts an exceptional guest appearance by Peter Weller, the star of Robocop, playing a corrupt cop). In contrast, the sixth season pales in comparison, as it is filled with ill-conceived plots. One glaring example is the main antagonist’s twist, which is predictable from a distance, and another is the unexpected romantic entanglement between Deb and her adopted brother Dexter, an odd detour that fortunately gets abandoned within just a few episodes.

The show’s only significant deviation from the primary plot occurs when Dexter, accompanied by his deceased, serial killer brother serving as his inner devil, embarks on a fraternal road trip to reconnect with the fragments of Trinity’s family. Rarely do we delve into the personal aftermath that such killers and their families experience in this series. The episode titled “Nebraska” suggests that things are far from peaceful for everyone involved. In this installment, we witness a fractured family where Trinity’s son is compelled to murder his own angrily obsessed mother, who had recently driven her daughter to suicide. This episode is particularly moving in a season that veered significantly off course.

“Are You … ?” (Season 7, Episode 1)

Following a rather chaotic sixth season, the adjustments made in season seven are remarkably invigorating. It successfully maintains its focus on the primary storyline that seems most crucial to the series so far – Deb uncovering Dexter’s identity as the Bay Harbor Butcher. Despite some minor setbacks (the writers introduce Ray Stevenson as a menacing Ukrainian mobster, but fail to develop the plot to match his impressive performance), season seven presents an engaging continuation of the show’s early years.

“One of the standout features of season seven is that the characters, who are all seemingly competent detectives, display intelligence. Yes, the show is called ‘Dexter,’ so there’s always an opportunity for characters to trip over banana peels in order to remain unaware of Dexter’s status as a serial killer. However, in just one episode, Deb goes from unwittingly assisting Dexter with his own crime scenes to challenging him about a lifetime of his work. In the ‘Dexter’ universe, this is essentially skipping ahead quickly. But it’s refreshing to see a character like Deb not be portrayed as a complete fool.”

“Surprise, Motherfucker” (Season 7, Episode 12)

Compared to the actual final season, Season 7 of Dexter offers a more fulfilling conclusion to the series. While it concludes with Deb’s death, Dexter’s son being raised by his new enigmatic partner, and Dexter living a solitary life at a lumber company, the overall storyline in Season 8 fails to adequately tie up loose ends. It merely fills time before reaching these predetermined events and concluding the series. On the other hand, Season 7’s “Surprise Motherfucker” episode effectively resolves the show, as it portrays Maria LaGuerta turning against Dexter and forces Deb to make a difficult choice between him and LaGuerta (representing a normal life she could have). This finale provides a fitting conclusion for the series.

Season seven offers several recollections involving the late James Doakes, whose iconic phrase “Surprise, Motherfucker” had already gained popularity as a meme. This season finale, similar to other finales of Dexter, presents an opportunity to conclude the series. Although it doesn’t exact punishment for Dexter’s actions or take his life, it marks the last instance where the original series seemed to fully grasp its thematic power. All subsequent episodes would represent a decline in quality.

“The Family Business”(New Blood Episode 9)

To put it another way, while not everything about Dexter was exhausted, the sequel series “New Blood” seemed to find some remaining potential. However, to tap into this reservoir, it required a significant shift in location, a revamp of the characters, and a fresh dynamic for interaction. “New Blood” offers an enjoyable experience that skillfully combines the gruesome and the comedic, much like the premiere episode of the initial series. Instead of just being “Dexter with sweaters,” it challenges him to grapple with his own son’s homicidal tendencies, a struggle that forces him to reconsider the morality of his own actions.

The last two episodes offer a self-contained narrative while also contributing to the overall plot. Dexter introduces his son, Harrison, to his moral code, and as he looks up to Dexter, he acts as a temporary apprentice. “The Family Business” has a pilot-like quality, suggesting that Dexter and his family might embark on a Batman & Robin-esque mission to mete out twisted justice. However, given this is Dexter, it won’t be long before things start to unravel.

“Sins Of The Father” (New Blood Episode 10)

would he be set free, remain in jail, or meet his end? If it’s the latter, who would be the executioner? These questions were left unanswered until “Sins of the Father,” which seems like the most fitting resolution for the series at this stage. The storyline suggests that Dexter realizes his actions are wrong and he deserves to die, but it is his son Harrison who ultimately carries out the deed.

The event where Harrison shoots Dexter, something he sees as penance for his son and a way to atone for past mistakes, isn’t sudden or unexpected. The title “Sins Of The Father” suggests there’s not much hope for the two to have a happy ending together. It’s quite shocking in its definitive closure. Previously, Dexter always seemed to create ways for its main character to find a way out and justify his actions, but the new series “New Blood” eliminates all of that, making it clear that Showtime has accepted and moved on from the end of Dexter Morgan.

2024-08-23 21:55