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Hello, Dexter Morgan

2009-12-08-dexter

It’s rare that we discuss TV shows on rgbFilter, at least outside of the podcast, and even then the podcast leans more towards the science fiction.  Dexter is a worthy exception though.

Now in it’s 4th season, Showtime’s Dexter follows the trials and tribulations of Dexter Morgan (played by Michael C. Hall), a blood splatter expert for the Miami police department, who also happens to be a serial killer.  As a child, his murderous tendencies were noticed by his police officer father, who taught him to channel his primal urges into killing criminals who managed to escape justice via technicalities.  He precariously balances, his nature with his work and home life.  The creators manage to draw out all the dark comedy and real emotion possible from the over-the-top premise (based on the Dexter series of novels by Jeff Lindsey), by focusing on a season long story arc with well thought out subplots intertwined.

I’ve been following the show since the beginning, and with only one episode left in season 4, I can safely say that this has been the best season yet.  A good part of this reason is the further entwining of Dexter’s ‘Dark Passenger’ (Dexter’s name for his dark half) with his personal/professional life, while trying to keep it secret.  Because of this, we’re seeing more character development of those around Dexter, including his sister & co-worker Deb (played by expert swearer Jennifer Carpenter) and his romantic interest Rita (played by Julie Benz aka Darla from Buffy/Angel), who has evolved into more than just a beard for Dexter’s dark side, all of which is adding up a really compelling show.

It also helps that the main nemesis this season is John Lithgow’s Trinity Killer, who’s performance has been nothing short of stunning.  Seeing Michael C. Hall and John Lithgow play the two characters off of each other has been both tense and hilarious, often simultaneously.  It’s a good thing Lithgow’s wife convinced him to take the role.

So, if you’re taste in humour skewers to the dark, and onscreen blood doesn’t make you queasy, I’d highly recommend getting caught up with the season, and tune in for the season finale next Sunday.

The Dexter season finale airs on The Movie Network in Canada, Sunday Dec 13th at 10pm. Earlier episodes should be available ‘on demand’ and via various digital distribution sites. Earlier seasons are also available on DVD.

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10 thoughts on “Hello, Dexter Morgan

  1. hehe, excellent call on the title of this article.

    Dexter is my favourite show on the air right now; one of the few shows I actually make time for every week.

    and it’s ALL ABOUT LITHGOW.

    I still can’t reconcile that this is the “Harry and the Hendersons”/”3rd Rock from the Sun” guy. Even in the Manhattan Project (a hugely underrated film IMHO) we caught a glimpse early on of his real acting chops, but nothing prepared me for this. Trinity is one of the best villains in recent TV history; well written, well drawn, but above all, well acted.

    Can’t WAIT til Sunday.

    1. I think Deb’s character has been awesome this season as well. Without spoilers, the scene where she has the breakdown was amazing, and one of the most heart wrenching things I’ve seen on the ‘tube in a long time. Plus, I think Jennifer Carpenter is one the best swearers out there.

      1. “the scene where she has the breakdown was amazing”

        At the risk of being excessively hyperbolic:

        ZOMG YES.

        Jennifer Carpenter has completely come into her own as an actor this season. And she’s given Deb a level of depth that goes beyond “She’s funny cuz she curses a lot.” (which she also is.) The breakdown scene is absolutely superb.

        Even the girl who plays Christine is exceptional. The casting director for this show deserves a medal.

        TO PAUL’S POINT: I forgot about Footloose, and skipped Rising Cain, but yes, he does have a history of playing the Heavy, though I don’t know if I’d go so far as to say it was ever his “specialty”. To me he’s always been the sage father figure with the irritating voice. 🙂

  2. Good article, Dexter rules, and Lithgow has been kicking unholy ass in it, going back to his roots, when he used to specialise in playing the heavy (i.e. Footloose/Raising Cain).

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