TV Review: Let the Games Begin on ‘Dexter’

Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on December 1, 2008

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.