Film School Rejects » Dexter Recap

TV Review: Dexter Season 3 Finale – Do You Take Dexter Morgan?

Neil Miller — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 06:08:31 +0000

Dexter, Showtime, Sundays at 9pm

Episode: “Do You Take Dexter Morgan?” (Season 3, Episode 12)

Synopsis: With Miguel out of the picture, Dexter’s focus shifts to calming his emotionally unstable brother, Ramon. Upon easing Ramon’s concerns, Dexter can finally breathe again. All that stands before him now is his wedding with Rita… until he’s met with yet another deadly surprise. Meanwhile, Debra’s informed by Batista that she is going to receive her Detective’s shield, but is instantly blindsided with information that could potentially derail her promotion.

Review: Miguel Prado is dead. There, I said it. Finally it came down to Dexter dealing with Miguel last week and it was glorious. And while previews of this week’s season finale promised some Dexter in danger, I am sad to report that the big finish was relatively tame. Don’t get me wrong — this has still been the most complexly inventive season of Dexter’s three. That doesn’t mean that we have to love every minute of it though. The finale ended on a somber, yet oddly bloody note where I would have loved to see something more cliffhangery — maybe Deb actually sees the files on her desk and connects the dots between Brian Moser the Ice Truck Killer and his mysterious brother named Dexter.

Alas, it was not meant to be. Season three of Dexter had come in like a bull, filled with spontaneity and the promise of more dark dreams, has gone out like a lamb. Though on a side note, it was very touching to finally see Deb’s story come full circle and see her receive her shield. I’ve always rooted for Deb — that will make her spiral into the depths of Dexter’s darkside that much more compelling later.

Ultimately the challenge for the creative team will continue to be, as its always been, the evolution of Dexter as a human being — the same human being who shed tears for the first time this week — without losing his darker side. If I were making bets on possible storylines for season four, due in ‘09, I would be looking toward a Dexter meltdown of some kind. One that puts Rita and the kids or even Deb in danger. Then again, when it comes to Dexter I’ve learned only to expect the unexpected.

Until we return next year, dream on my fellow Dexterites…

TV Review: Dexter 3.11 – I Had a Dream

Neil Miller — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 05:36:56 +0000

Dexter, Showtime, Airs Sundays at 9 PM ET/PT

Episode: ”I Had a Dream” (Season 3, Episode 11)

Synopsis: While preparing for his big wedding day, Dexter has to figure out a way to remove Miguel from his life for good. But how does Dexter manage to do this when Miguel is not only a highly placed D.A., but also his Best Man? Rita has troubles of her own, when Syl reveals that Miguel has been seeing one of his old flames. Meanwhile, Debra finds a new clue that brings her even closer to catching the Skinner.

Review: Sweet devilish deviance, is this the episode of Dexter that we’ve been waiting for all year or what? For those of you who answered “or what,” please get the hell out of here — it is time for me to speak to the real fans. First of all, as we’ve come to expect from this series the first few moments bring a kick to the stomach followed by a brilliantly executed exhale. Dexter’s in the trunk, Dexter’s starting to reflect on his life, and its all just a little gag to remind us that this series can punch away with the best of them. Of course, Dexter’s escape from impending doom just leads to more real doom, more questions that needed to be answered by the end of the hour. And in answering these questions, televisions favorite show once again put its audience on the emotional rollercoaster and left us exhaling again in the final moments.

But enough about that — I don’t want to spoil the delicious ending for all of you — lets talk about some of the other highlights. Chief among these highlights is a powerful, nay riveting performance from Jennifer Carpenter. It is so easy to overlook the emotional weight that she’s carried as Deb this season, especially with Michael C. Hall continuing to keep Dexter in the show’s driver’s seat. But how long will it be until she wins a damn Emmy? I mean come on. The moment that she spends in Dexter’s office, processing a big reveal about Harry, is as heavy a moment as this series has seen. My my, what splendid emotions can be displayed in a single, teary-eyed look.

In so many ways, Dexter continues to be best in show. Sharp wit wrapped in a big beautiful tortilla of darkness — that is my Sunday night meal of choice. And for at least one more episode in ‘08, it appears that it is going to end deliciously.

Up Next Week: *Ep. 11 Spoilers Ahead* With Miguel out of the picture, Dexter’s focus shifts to calming his emotionally unstable brother, Ramon. Upon easing Ramon’s concerns, Dexter can finally breathe again. All that stands before him now is his wedding with Rita… until he’s met with yet another deadly surprise.

TV Review: Let the Games Begin on ‘Dexter’

Neil Miller — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:53:08 +0000

Dexter, Showtime, Airs Sundays at 9 PM ET/PT

Episode: “Go Your Own Way” (Season 3, Episode 10)

Synopsis: Dexter feels like he’s making a deal with the devil when he feigns civility around Miguel after his duplicitous ways. Dexter finds himself in a series of chess-like moves against his former friend, all while hoping that Miguel doesn’t get the upper hand on him. Meanwhile, Dexter watches helplessly as Miguel draws Rita closer through a wonderful wedding gift. Debra, now back with Anton after his close call with the Skinner, wonders if her relationship with Anton is worth putting her career in jeopardy. After all, is it smart for everyone to know that she is dating a former confidential informant?

Review: As the man in the know for all things Dexter, I seem to be the guy that all of you email when you have something to say — which by all means is a great thing. I love to hear your thoughts about what is really happening in the world of everyone’s favorite killer. And if there is one thing I keep hearing over and over again, it is the bemoaning of this year’s lack of thrills, kills and darkness. Dexter has gone suburban, taken on a protege and set a course toward normality. But if we’ve learned anything in two and a half seasons, it is to expect that we will not be let down by Dexter’s dark passenger.

Such is the case in this week’s episode, only instead of Dexter’s dark side putting people around him in jeopardy, we see the effects of his mild mannered side — effects that could result in Dexter having to hang on by the skin of his, well, skin. In “Go Your Own Way,” the culmination of the Dexter/Miguel partnership finds them at odds, demon v. demon, fighting for enough leverage to keep their interests safe. And while the cat-and-mouse is fun enough to watch unfold, we don’t see any real danger until the very end. Though, it is worth pointing out how fluidly this storyline is weaved in between all of the other things that are happening around the situation, everything from Deb’s latest love-torn situation to Angel’s continued commitment to being on of the few truly good people in Dexter’s world. It is this sort of well-written sub-narrative that keeps us interested while Dexter makes up his mind about when he’s going to end things with Miguel… Oh right, spoiler alert — that guy is going to die. You don’t think they signed Dexter up for two more seasons to see him lose this battle did you? On my part it is just a hunch, but I have a feeling we’ll get to see the sweet kill before the season draws its final breath.

For Dexterites, this season is right where it needs to be — two episodes left and it is getting hot in Miami. The final moments of this episode place Dexter in an unlikely position, as the hunted rather than hunter. That in itself should only compound the fact that all hell is about to break through, and with the creative minds behind Dexter’s dark corner of the universe in top form, we should all be glad to bear witness. I don’t call this television’s best show for no reason — stick around for two more episodes, you’ll see what I mean.

Also — side note — is anyone else anxiously awaiting the Vince Masuka-coordinated bachelor party? Talk about a brilliant way to bring his better qualities front and center.

Up Next Week: Yeah, I don’t think that is necessary this week. If you saw this week’s ep, you know what comes next.

TV Review: Dexter 3.9 – About Last Night

Neil Miller — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 22:50:40 +0000

Dexter, Showtime, Airs Sundays at 9 PM ET/PT

Episode: “About Last Night” (Season 3, Episode 9)

Synopsis: Dexter starts to fear that Miguel may have strayed from the newly taught Code. This concern starts to put a strain on their friendship. And Dexter doesn’t get a reprieve from this at Rita’s either. Sylvia, noting how Miguel is never at home anymore, tells Rita that she is now convinced that Miguel is having an affair. Rita decides to confront Miguel about his indiscretions. Meanwhile, Anton is confirmed to have been taken by the Skinner, sending Debra into a furious search, not only for Anton, but also for his potential killer.

Review: I was appropriately reminded this afternoon by not one, but two reader emails that I failed to review this week’s episode of Dexter in a timely manner. Furthermore, it dawned on my that I had also failed to actually watch the episode, a double dose of, as they call it on the web, ‘epic fail.’ So here it is, my review of one of the best episodes in one of the best seasons of quite possibly the best show on television. Yes, it is one of those weeks for Dexter faithful, when we are treated to a tension-building exercise unlike anything we will see elsewhere on TV.

In this week’s frame, Dexter learns more about this monster that is Miguel Prado, played by Jimmy Smits. Coincidentally we learn that Smits is quickly becoming the perfect match for Michael C. Hall’s Dexter, a mix of depth and darkness that finally has Dexter on his heals — or in a more poignant scene, literally throwing shit all over the place. As I watched the final ten minutes of this week’s show I could feel the collective exhaling of all the most die hard Dexterites — we are seeing Dexter’s rage, we can taste his vulnerability, and we know what’s next. And leave it to Michael C. Hall to stop us dead in our tracks with a single, solitary scowl. Look out world, there is a war brewing between Dexter and another monster, a monster who is way worse than the skinner. But isn’t that how we hope that it goes? Weren’t we just talking about how the Freebo storyline (which has morphed into the Skinner storyline) wouldn’t be enough to carry the season? Now, with only three episodes to go in the season the final layers are being peeled back, and what we see below is enough to keep us glued. I’ve said it before, and I’m not afraid to say it some more, this is the best show on television. It is, quite simply, amazing.

Up Next Week: Dexter feels like he’s making a deal with the devil when he feigns civility around Miguel after his duplicitous ways. Dexter finds himself in a series of chess-like moves against his former friend, all while hoping that Miguel doesn’t get the upper hand on him

For more coverage of your favorite shows, check out the Control Freaks Archive.

Did you catch this week’s episode of Dexter? If so, please feel free to discuss is below.

TV Review: Dexter 3.8 – The Damage a Man Can Do

Neil Miller — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:30:50 +0000

Dexter, Showtime, Airs Sundays at 9 PM ET/PT

Episode: “The Damage a Man Can Do” (Season 3, Episode 8)

Synopsis: Miguel brings Dexter another “project,” but this time he wants to get his hands dirty. Dexter realizes it’s time to teach Miguel the Code – for his own safety as well as Miguel’s. As Dexter walks Miguel through the process, Dexter both struggles with, and enjoys, letting Miguel into his private world so completely. But Dexter doesn’t realize that this has only whetted Miguel’s appetite. Rita finds herself losing control because of the pregnancy. She becomes worried that Dexter may get fed up with her. Because of her hard work, Debra finds herself one step closer to catching the Skinner. But after she finds out a secret about her new boyfriend, Anton, he disappears on her.

Review: This whole Miguel and Dexter tag-team thing was bound to end badly, was it not? And though it has not yet ended badly, the final moments of this week’s episode deliver another classic Dexter cliffhanger intended to rock its audience to the core. Season three is all of the sudden less about Dexter the monster and more about the monsters that Dexter has created. And it isn’t just Miguel, his relationship with Rita — though it does seem to work out no matter what — is also becoming quite the monster in its own right.

But I digress, lets talk about what happened before the episode exploded with twistiness in its final moments. The fact still remains that I will go down swinging in defense of this season of Dexter — it is shaping up to be the best of the three frames, hands down. This is in part due to the evolution of some of the supporting characters and the way their storylines have become a welcome diversion as Dexter’s world continues to normalize. You have to be rooting for Angel, played by David Zayas, for the longest time he has been the most unlucky of the characters on the show — at least in the arena of love. It is good to see him finally winning some of those battles. Yet while he has been unlucky in the past, no one has had it more rough than Deb, played by Jennifer Carpenter. I get the feeling that if we are all cringing everytime Deb attaches herself to anyone, then we are seeing the intended effect.

If you are a true Dexter fan from way back, you might be noticing that each season has had a distinctive theme. Season one was all about Dexter the monster, season two was all about Dexter becoming a new, less monstrous man and season three has become all about the monsters around Dexter. But will these monsters around him finally bring about the second coming of Dexter’s true nature? I have a feeling that they will — at least, I am more than willing to stick around and find out.

Up Next Week: Dexter starts to fear that Miguel may have strayed from the newly taught Code. This concern starts to put a strain on their friendship. And Dexter doesn’t get a reprieve from this at Rita’s either.

For more coverage of your favorite shows, check out the Control Freaks Archive.

Did you catch this week’s episode of Dexter? If so, please feel free to discuss is below.

TV Review: Dexter 3.7 – Easy as Pie

Neil Miller — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:03:57 +0000

Dexter, Showtime, Airs Sundays at 9 PM ET/PT

Episode: “Easy as Pie” (Season 3, Episode 7)

Synopsis: Miguel offers Dexter a new potential victim, but after properly vetting her, Dexter isn’t sure she fits the Code. When he informs Miguel of this, he reacts with anger, making Dexter believe the new friendship is in danger. An old sickly friend of Dexter’s, Camilla, reinforces this idea, when she asks Dexter to help end her life, insisting she would never ask a friend to do something against his conscience. Meanwhile, Rita finds out that Sylvia is beginning to suspect her husband, Miguel, is having an affair. Debra ends up revealing to Anton that he is being used as bait to lure the Skinner, forcing her to find new way to find the Skinner. As a result, Anton realizes Debra cares for him more than he thought.

Review: It feels like just last week I was talking about how Dexter’s third season was headed in the right direction for fans of all shapes and sizes — especially those fans who were feeling particularly disenfranchised with the new, touchy-feely Dexter. But while last week seemed to kick-start some action, it left a few loose ends that needed to be tied up this week. And even though some folks won’t want to hear this, it was another relatively kill-less, yet well done episode this week.

Above all we see the re-emergence of Dexter and Rita’s wedding, something that will be front and center later on in the season. This situation is used well to continue to force Dexter to deal with normality, but more specifically friendship. That theme leads us, as it has for almost this entire season, back to Miguel Prado. The only thing I see wrong with the whole Miguel Prado, serial killer’s assistant story line is that it always seems to work itself out too easily. In this week’s show, we see a very interesting twist to Miguel — a darker side that might drive him to a place where Dexter is not willing to follow. But as you will see, what starts with intrigue ends blandly. And perhaps that is the only thing that is bothersome about season three, it all seems to work itself out too easily in the end — we are yet to find Dexter in a really nasty situation. So far his greatest battle has been with coming to terms that he too can be a real human being.

But I’m not giving up hope — in fact, I would still argue that Dexter is going strong. The performances are strong, as always, from Michael C. Hall and others; the supporting storylines are gaining momentum, especially Deb’s sordid affairs. And the writing, well that is still top notch. Take for example a little moment shared by Deb and her informant/soon to be lover Anton — nothing says ‘I want to be on you’ like when you say, “I’ll be your bait.” Stay tuned, Dexterites, because there is a storm building around Dexter’s little normalcy bubble — and at some point it is going to be unleashed.

Up Next Week: Miguel brings Dexter another “project,” but this time he wants to get his hands dirty. Dexter realizes it’s time to teach Miguel the Code – for his own safety as well as Miguel’s.

For more coverage of your favorite shows, check out the Control Freaks Archive.

Did you catch this week’s episode of Dexter? If so, please feel free to discuss is below.

TV Review: Dexter 3.6 – Si Se Puede

Neil Miller — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:10:40 +0000

Dexter, Showtime, Airs Sundays at 9 PM ET/PT

Episode: “Si Se Puede” (Season 3, Episode 6)

Synopsis: Dexter grapples with what to do with his newfound friend, Miguel, who thinks he is clued in to Dexter’s vigilante ways. So Dexter decides to test him to see how far he wants to go. Dexter reveals that he’s always wanted to bring a violent white supremacist who is already in jail, to his brand of ‘justice.’ Thinking this will force Miguel to back away, Dexter is surprised to find that Miguel is not only on board, but he has a daring strategy to complete Dexter’s dark plan. Simultaneously, Rita gets fired from her job, leaving her wondering if she will ever have a real career. Debra is upset when she realizes she may be partially responsible for another mysteriously skinned homicide case she’s trying to solve.

Review: Another Sunday evening has come and gone and with it has come another episode of Dexter, a show that continues to roll through its third season with ease, continuing to solidify itself as one of the best shows on television. But while I have been calling season three one of Dexter’s best since it came back on the air just over a month ago, this week’s episode seems to have lost a step. Perhaps it was the few diversions that seemed to slide in, or perhaps it was the fact that the episode was back-loaded with action, but this week felt like a placeholder for something to come.

But that isn’t to say that it was a complete waste — no episode of Dexter’s three year run have been wasteful — it is just that something felt a little off. Though, we did get a little bit of Dexter’s dark side — something that many fans have been clamoring for — and we were driven deeper into the world of what we can only assume will be Dexter’s next adversary, the killer now known as “The Skinner.” This person, whomever they may be, continues to lurk in the shadows. If I had to guess, I would be looking around at some of the newer supporting characters like Deb’s new partner Quinn or her new friend Anton. But that would be too easy, and we all know that the writing team behind Dexter are too good to wallow in simplicity and predictability.

What we do know coming out of this week is that Miguel Prado, played by Jimmy Smits, is a little bit more dark than we might have originally thought. And the combination of good writing and the seasoned actor Smits have kept his dark side under wraps, but it could very well make an appearance some time soon. The only problem that I see is that while I loved the way the season began with Dexter’s continued transformation into a normal human being, I almost get the feeling that things are becoming too easy for him. It has become too easy for him to control his dark passenger, to find balance in his life with Rita and to have a friend in Miguel. Something has got to give and someone has to come in and make Dexter’s life a living hell again. In season one it was his brother and Harry’s dark secrets. In season two it was Sgt. Doakes and Lila, two characters who finally saw Dexter for who he was. In season three, it has all been Dexter vs. normality. And while it was okay at first, it is becoming tired. This ‘Skinner’ character better bring the goods — and quick. Otherwise this season might be taking a turn for the worse.

But don’t worry too much — this is all just paranoia on my part. Relax and remember that Michael C. Hall is still in top form, that Dexter is back to his weekly killings and that if history tells us anything, it is that this show’s writing squad has a plan that will delight us in the end.

Up Next Week: Miguel offers Dexter a new potential victim, but after properly vetting her, Dexter isn’t sure she fits the Code. When he informs Miguel of this, he reacts with anger, making Dexter believe the new friendship is in danger. An old sickly friend of Dexter’s, Camilla, reinforces this idea, when she asks Dexter to help end her life, insisting she would never ask a friend to do something against his conscience. Meanwhile, Rita finds out that Sylvia is beginning to suspect her husband, Miguel, is having an affair. Debra ends up revealing to Anton that he is being used as bait to lure the Skinner, forcing her to find new way to find the Skinner. As a result, Anton realizes Debra cares for him more than he thought.

For more coverage of your favorite shows, check out the Control Freaks Archive.

Did you catch this week’s episode of Dexter? If so, please feel free to discuss is below.

TV Review: Dexter 3.5 – Turning Biminese

Neil Miller — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:05:17 +0000

Dexter, Showtime, Airs Sundays at 9 PM ET/PT

Episode: “Turning Biminese” (Season 3, Episode 5)

Synopsis: While Dexter struggles with how to handle Rita’s desire for them to move in together before they get married, Miguel tells Dexter about a husband who has gotten away with killing two of his wives for financial gain. For Dexter, this seems like the perfect candidate to satisfy his dark urge and his need, like every man under relationship pressures, to get away. Dexter tracks the murderer to Bimini. While on the hunt, Rita has a medical emergency and he is nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, Debra works with Anton, her confidential informant to track down one of Freebo’s criminal confidants. But Debra finds herself oddly attracted to Anton.

Review: As much as I would love to say that Dexter just keeps getting better and better from week to week, I feel as if that might be doing a disservice to some of the show’s die hard fans — more specifically, to those who crave blood. Over the course of the last few weeks, since Dexter’s opening episode impulse kill of Oscar Prado and his subsequent clean-up kill of Freebo, the show has taken a side step of sorts, focusing less on Dexter’s dark side and more on the emergence of his human side — he’s making friends, taking the next step with Rita and he seems to be on the level with his sister Deb. Combine that with the newly reformed, less abrasive Vince Masuka (C.S. Lee) in this week’s episode and it is enough to have long-time Dexter fans scratching their heads.

But allow me to put it into perspective for all of the non-believers out there. In a world where so many shows have lost focus — and for the purposes of this argument, I am looking at fan favorites such as Entourage, Heroes and The Sarah Connor Chronicles, among others — it is refreshing to see a show that knows what it wants to be. In a sense, I get the feeling that while we may not like it at the moment, the writing team behind Dexter have a clear plan — they are setting us up for all sorts of dark shenanigans later in the season. And in order to get us back to this very dark place, they have to put some fluffy pieces in the road — so that later these fluffy pieces can be eviscerated by the lawnmower that is Dexter’s dark side.

That said, they did give us another delicious taste of Dexter’s dark side in this week’s episode. And watching him savor the kill was definitely worth the wait. Though, as we will come to find out, everything in Dexter’s world has changed. He will now be constantly challenged by the life that he has chosen with Rita (Julie Benz), a life that as you might recall from season one’s opening frames, is the only thing that scares him more than his dark passenger. Season three’s back-half is bound to be full of more push-pull between his dark desires and his grasping for the light — and if I were a betting man, I would be putting my chips on the spot that says that Dexter’s dark passenger is due for a comeback in a big way — big enough to put the relationships that have anchored this entire season at risk.

Then again, that is all speculation. What we do know is that Dexter is going to continue to come running back to Rita, at least for now. We also know that Miguel Prado, played by this season’s welcomed addition Jimmy Smits, has gotten too close for comfort. We would be naive to believe that something bad isn’t going to happen there.

And finally, we know that Michael C. Hall and the rest of the cast are at the top of their game. The only storyline left wanting is Deb’s awkward partnership with Quinn (Desmond Harrington) and her even more awkward relationship with Anton the informant. If it weren’t for Jennifer Carpenter’s ability to almost literally glow on-screen, her character would be completely irrelevant by now. We can only hope that they do something constructive with her soon — or just let her fade to the background while Dexter’s inner struggle with his demons rears its ugly head once again. Either way, I think that fans of all temperaments will be quite pleased.

Up Next Week: Dexter grapples with what to do with his newfound friend, Miguel, who thinks he is clued in to Dexter’s vigilante ways. So Dexter decides to test him to see how far he wants to go. Dexter reveals that he’s always wanted to bring a violent white supremacist who is already in jail, to his brand of ‘justice.’ Thinking this will force Miguel to back away, Dexter is surprised to find that Miguel is not only on board, but he has a daring strategy to complete Dexter’s dark plan. Simultaneously, Rita gets fired from her job, leaving her wondering if she will ever have a real career. Debra is upset when she realizes she may be partially responsible for another mysteriously skinned homicide case she’s trying to solve.

For more coverage of your favorite shows, check out the Control Freaks Archive.

Did you catch this week’s episode of Dexter? If so, please feel free to discuss is below.

TV Review: Dexter 3.4 – All in the Family

Neil Miller — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:43:58 +0000

Dexter, Showtime, Airs Sundays at 9 PM ET/PT

Episode: “All in the Family” (Season 3, Episode 4)

Synopsis: After a botched marriage proposal, Dexter (Michael C. Hall) has to figure out how to convince Rita (Julie Benz) that he is looking for more than a convenient merger of finances and fatherhood. But Deb’s (Jennifer Carpenter) case of a woman’s murdered fiancée offers hope for Dexter in strange ways. Meanwhile, Miguel’s (Jimmy Smits) brother, Ramon, is going off the rails in the hunt for their little brother Oscar’s murderer. Unfortunately, Oscar’s murderer was killed by Dexter Morgan, and that’s something he desperately wants to keep secret.

Review: What has gotten in to me these past few weeks — constantly late on my TV reviews. And missing on Sons of Anarchy recap is one thing, but being a few days late on reviewing Dexter, which is by far my favorite show to write about, is just not right. But I refuse to miss an episode, my friends, because with Dexter there is plenty to talk about.

We begin this week’s discussion with a thought — the thought that if there has been one common theme throughout the entire run of this show, it is that Dexter, a blood-hungry serial killer, has always been searching for his own humanity. he has always been trying to figure out whether or not he could really be normal. And in this episode, I feel that it is all starting to come full circle as Dexter decides that he is ready to take the next big step with Rita, beyond knocking her up, of course. And what I found most compelling here is the level of ambiguity that we are left with in the end — is Dexter really finally feeling love, or has he just discovered a better way to fake it? I’m sure that this will all be tested in upcoming episodes, but for now it makes for an interesting thought — that, and it makes me salivate even more for next week’s episode.

Aside from the Dexter humanity issue, which is played perfectly once again by Michael C. Hall, there was a bunch of other stuff happening in episode four. One particular storyline that was bound to get in the way of this season being great was the Oscar Prado situation, which appears to be resolved. I admitted last week that it was my sincere hope to see this wouldn’t be drawn out through the entire season, and it appears that the show’s writers and I are on the same page. With Oscar’s “killer” gone and Miguel’s hot-headed brother Ramon seemingly out of the way, we can now move on to see Miguel’s role get bigger, possibly becoming the friend that Dexter never had — someone that he might even be able to let in on his dirty little secrets. This is great for fans of the show, as it will allow Jimmy Smits to continue to be a bigger part of the series. So far he has been a welcomed addition to the cast, but I almost feel as if he has been under-used. Hopefully his character’s growth in importance will continue.

The only thing that bothered me this week was a lack of two things that have made this series great from week to week — there was no sex and no classic Dexter-kills. In fact, with Rita pregnant and Dexter constantly on the defensive, season four appears to be turning into ‘touchy-feely’ time for Dexter’s world. For now it appears to be okay, but if it continues it could prove problematic. From where I am sitting, this show could use a little more from Jennifer Carpenter — as in, a little more action, a few less garments. But that’s just me.

Up Next Week: While Dexter struggles with how to handle Rita’s desire for them to move in together before they get married, Miguel tells Dexter about a husband who has gotten away with killing two of his wives for financial gain. For Dexter, this seems like the perfect candidate to satisfy his dark urge and his need, like every man under relationship pressures, to get away. Dexter tracks the murderer to Bimini. While on the hunt, Rita has a medical emergency and he is nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, Debra works with Anton, her confidential informant to track down one of Freebo’s criminal confidants. But Debra finds herself oddly attracted to Anton.

For more coverage of your favorite shows, check out the Control Freaks Archive.

Did you catch this week’s episode of Dexter? If so, please feel free to discuss is below.

TV Review: Dexter 3.3 – The Lion Sleeps Tonight

Neil Miller — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 02:52:41 +0000

Dexter, Showtime, Airs Sundays at 9 PM ET/PT

Episode: “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” (Season 3, Episode 3)

Synopsis: While grocery shopping with Rita (Julie Benz) and the kids, Dexter (Michael C. Hall) comes across a fellow predator. But this one is a pedophile. After the pedophile is seen talking with Astor, Dexter must decide if he fits The Code. Meanwhile, Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) has a new homicide to solve, a mysteriously skinned Jane Doe that they like Freebo for. But Dexter knows that Freebo is not the culprit, so he must find a way to help Debra identify their murder victim, thus proving that Freebo didn’t do the crime. While doing this, Dexter learns that Miguel Prado (Jimmy Smits) wants Dexter to be his friend. But just how smart is it for Dexter, a serial killer, to befriend an Assistant District Attorney?

Review: With two great seasons in the can, two seasons characterized by their big, sweeping primary storylines, the third season of Dexter has been a change of direction, but a good change of direction. In seasons one and two, every small, supporting storyline always played second fiddle to the one big narrative thread — in season one, it was all about the Ice Truck Killer. No matter how much a particular episode would focus on Dexter’s budding humanity or his rocky relationship with Rita, it would always come back to the Ice Truck Killer. In season two, the overwhelming story was of Dexter’s attempts to stay in the shadows as everyone around him is trying to track down the Bay Harbor Butcher.

But in contrast, season three’s main storyline has been all about the unexpected additions to Dexter’s life — spontaneous kills, new friends, that bun that Rita has in the oven — at least, I hope that is what season three is all about. Because if season three ends up being all about the Freebo case, and this storyline stretches throughout the rest of the episodes, I will be more than a little bit disappointed. That’s not to imply that this season has been disappointing in any way — as a matter of fact, the first three episodes have been among the series’ best — but there it is going to need another jolt in the next few episodes to avoid getting stale. As a reviewer, I can see where the season could be headed, and it has me worried. But as a fan, I am holding on to the faith I have in the show’s writing team — they have always found a way to keep Dexter delivering from week to week, no matter what.

As for this particular episode, we continue to see more of Dexter’s evolution from cold-hearted killer to possible human being. And it is very clear, as if it wasn’t already, that no one sells this sort of transformation better than Michael C. Hall. He is an actor in the perfect role, at the top of his game, and it shows. As well, Jennifer Carpenter, who made a decent sized splash at the box office this weekend in Quarantine, is hinting at giving Deb a bigger slice of the pie in season three. Her budding relationship with the guitar-playing confidential informant played by David Ramsey could get interesting — and lets face it, no one delivers a line like “A baby? A motherfuckin’ rolly-polly chubby-cheeked shit machine, are you kidding me?” better than Carpenter. There’s no denying it — it’s science. It is enough to have me anxiously awaiting next week, just to see what she’s say next.

Up Next Week: Miguel Prado wants to bring his other brother Ramon into the secret about Freebo’s death in order to set his mind at ease about the loss of their brother, but that doesn’t quite fit into Dexter’s plans.

For more coverage of your favorite shows, check out the Control Freaks Archive.

Did you catch this week’s episode of Dexter? If so, please feel free to discuss is below.

TV Review: Dexter 3.2 – Finding Freebo

Neil Miller — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 02:53:13 +0000

Dexter, Showtime, Airs Sundays at 9 PM ET/PT

Episode: ‘Finding Freebo’ (Season 3, Episode 2)

Synopsis: Dexter (Michael C. Hall) and Rita (Julie Benz) have to make a big decision about their family, forcing Dexter to think about what it means to be responsible for kids. Is he ready to commit to this new family? Meanwhile, Dexter and Assistant District Attorney, Miguel Prado (Jimmy Smits), find themselves hunting down the same murderer, Freebo, the man accused of killing Miguel’s little brother. As a result, Debra and the Homicide department are tasked to find Freebo. Debra (Jennifer Carpenter), through her supposedly dirty partner, Quinn, is introduced to a C.I. and musician named Anton, in the hopes of drumming up a lead on where Freebo may be. With all of these hunters in play, can Dexter find Freebo before anyone else?

Review: After last week’s season premiere set Dexter on his new course, complete with the potential complexities of fatherhood and the fresh tension of an unplanned kill, the third season rolls on this week with what is uniquivocally one of the series’ best episodes. Over the course of the first two episodes, the writing team behind the darkly dreaming drama have added a multitude of new layers to an already complex story. For starters, we have Dexter’s relationship with Rita — we had to know that the peace that was found at the end of season two wouldn’t last, and sure enough the pudding-filled fornication of episode one was just the eye in the storm. Now with Rita’s pregnancy combined with Dexter’s own daddy issues, we have a full-scale assault of conscience. Though, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out the innane nature of the ’should we or shouldn’t we’ discussion that seemed to weave its way through this week’s episode. Of course Rita is going to have that child, and of course Dexter is going to have plenty of voiceovers and twisted daydreams about it in the coming episodes. Anyone who didn’t see that coming is just lying to themselves at this point.

What we didn’t necessarily see coming was Dexter’s unintentional alliance with Miguel Prado, played expertly by Jimmy Smits. It was unclear why Prado was so drawn to Dexter in the first episode, other than for Dexter to have more stress in his life, but the second episode clears that up. And in the final moments, we see something that we’ve seen before, but it never fails to increase our heart rates — Dexter in a position where he might be caught in the act of killing. Is he getting sloppy because of his newfound humanity, or has his habit finally brought him full circle, forcing the killing to take place closer to his own life than he had ever intended? For now, we know that he is still as efficient and evasive as ever, but the layers added to the story in the first 2 hours of season three could spell disaster down the road. Compound that with the impending arrival of Dexter Jr., and we’ve got more intruige and tension than we’ve ever seen from this show. If you thought Dexter was one of those unmissable shows before, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet — this show has jumped into a category all its own, and I for one can’t wait to see where it goes next.

Up Next Week: While grocery shopping with Rita and the kids, Dexter comes across a fellow predator. But this one is a pedophile. After the pedophile is seen talking with Astor, Dexter must decide if he fits The Code. Meanwhile, Debra has a new homicide to solve, a mysteriously skinned Jane Doe that they like Freebo for. But Dexter knows that Freebo is not the culprit, so he must find a way to help Debra identify their murder victim, thus proving that Freebo didn’t do the crime. While doing this, Dexter learns that Miguel Prado wants Dexter to be his friend. But just how smart is it for Dexter, a serial killer, to befriend an Assistant District Attorney?

For more coverage of your favorite shows, check out the Control Freaks Archive.

Did you catch this week’s episode of Dexter? If so, please feel free to discuss is below.

TV Review: Dexter 3.1 – Our Father

Neil Miller — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 20:33:57 +0000

Dexter, Showtime, Airs Sundays at 9 PM ET/PT

Episode: “Our Father” (Season 3, Episode 1)

Synopsis: For Dexter (Michael C. Hall), life seems to be going well. His relationship with Rita (Julie Benz) and her kids is back on track. He’s no longer under scrutiny at his day job as a blood spatter analyst for Miami Metro Homicide. And his night job as a serial killer is operating on all cylinders. So when he sets his sights on Freebo, a dope dealer and killer, it looks to be just another night of Dexter’s dark justice. But things don’t go as planned and Dexter must find a way to extract himself from a pair of problems that he created, both in his home and night life. Dexter also finds himself inexorably drawn to Miguel Prado (Jimmy Smits), an Assistant District Attorney, who has a very personal reason to bring Freebo to justice. Meanwhile, Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) is put in a difficult situation when someone from Internal Affairs wants her to inform on her new partner, Quinn (Desmond Harrington).

Review: In our Fall TV Preview, I had very little opportunity to use my editorial control to influence the way our staff wrote about the shows of this season. But when choosing the Ten Must-Watch Shows of the Fall, I made absolutely certain that Dexter, the show I believe to be the single best scripted hour on television, was at the top of the list. Sometimes it’s good to be the guy in charge.

The reason Dexter has gotten to me, and many others, is the escalating unpredictability of the first two seasons — you just never know where Dexter’s twisted hobby will take him, or which of those close to him it will affect the most. At the end of the season 2, Dexter narrowly escaped being discovered as the real Bay Harbor Butcher, thanks to his crazy Brit-babe stalker and the nosy nature of the late Sgt. Doakes. And now, at the beginning of season 3, Dexter can relax a bit, knowing that his sister Deb as well as his newfound love Rita won’t be finding out about his dark side anytime soon. That is, until something unexpected happens.

And with that jolt, an unplanned kill that brings Dexter dangerously close to the new Assistant District Attorney, season 3 appears to be off and running. It was hard to predict where the writers would find a device to create the tension to which fans have become accustomed. Sure, we know that Dexter is still fighting off the memory of Harry and trying to deal with his own rising level of humanity, but the entrance of Jimmy Smits as Miguel Prado should give Dexter a worthy adversary throughout at least the first part of the season. And just like last year, both Dexter and his budding Detective sister appear to be on track to be dangerously close this adversary.

If there is one theme that comes out of the first episode, it is the rising unpredictability of Dexter’s world. It appears that not even Dexter is prepared for how he, and the world around him, will evolve in season 3. This is a theme that has stuck with the series throughout — that both Dexter the monster and Dexter the human being are eventually going to have to deal with each other. As well, the season premiere also turned up the sexual heat a little bit — and you don’t need me to tell you that Julie Benz in any state of undress is a good thing. All in all, “Our Father” may start off seeming like a safe play for the Dexter writers, but it quickly explodes with intrigue, reminding us why this is television’s best show.

Oh — and I almost forgot — there is a huge twist at the end of this episode, one that I feel is absolutely perfect for the way Dexter’s future is going to be — complicated.

Up Next Week: Miami cops are tasked with finding the alleged killer of the Assistant D.A.’s younger brother; Dexter and Rita move closer to making a decision about their family.

For more coverage of your favorite shows, check out the Control Freaks Archive.

Did you catch the season premiere of Dexter? If so, please feel free to discuss is below.

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