DEXTER

by: Average Joe 1 year, 10 months, 2 days, 22 hours, 56 minutes ago

Release Date:

10/1/06

Company:

Showtime

Series:

DEXTER

 

I received press kit (which is really cool by the way) for DEXTER the other day and I have to admit that I was really looking forward to checking this out. I had seen commercials for this show for the past few weeks but I always forgot to set my Tivo or watch it when it was on. Everyone I know that watches this show goes on and on about how original it is, and how in depth the story is, so naturally it only made me want to watch the show even more.

Having just sat down and watched the first 3 episodes all I can say is “WOW,” this show does not disappoint on ANY level. I’ve seen all of the basic crime dramas on TV today, from the 500 CSI shows, to NYPD Blue, you name it, I’ve seen it. My biggest problem with those shows was that since they’re on network TV means they had to be “watered down” with the language, violence, etc. Now I’m not saying that I want some blood ‘n guts show laced with the F word, but there’s just something about having the freedom that channels like Showtime have that add a sense of realism to a series like DEXTER.

Before I get too far ahead in my review, let me try to summarize what DEXTER is all about so you’re not completely left in the dark (although you should have some idea since you’re reading this right?).

Based on the novel, Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay, DEXTER is a thought provoking crime drama that tests the extremes of situational ethics and upends the concept of right and wrong. On the surface, Dexter is good-natured and charming. By day he works as a blood splatter expert who works closely with the homicide division of the Miami Police Department and goes about his business solving murders. His day job is the ultimate cover for his real passion, that of a serial killer, who was taught to harness his lust for blood and murder into killing those who have escaped justice.

What’s great about the show is that within the first few minutes of the pilot episode Dexter’s true nature is revealed so you’re not left guessing what he’s all about thru the entire episode. While technically Dexter is a serial killer, he only kills those who he knows are guilty of a crime and who have escaped justice. So in a weird way you’re forced to think whether or not he’s really doing anything wrong by ridding the world of people that commit these horrible crimes.

Everything about this show is written to perfection. The stories, the characters, the dialogue (which has the freedom to be uncensored since it’s on Showtime) is so good, you often times forget you’re watching a TV series, and feel more like you’re watching an actual homicide unit go about it’s daily routine. The relationship between Dexter and his sister is one of my favorite parts of the show. Dexter is the older brother and therefore only wants to help his little sister in any way he can, which includes tipping her off to certain clues that were otherwise overlooked. Each of these characters takes on a completely unique personality of their own, and it’s fun to watch how each of them interacts with Dexter throughout the show. Needless to say this is without a doubt some of the best writing you will find anywhere, in any medium, period.

Aside from the amazing writing on this show, I would have to say it’s strongest point is the acting. Very rarely do I watch a show that is so convincing that I find myself lost in the story and it’s characters. This happens to be one of those rare instances.

Michael C. Hall (Six Feet Under) does a fantastic job of portraying the title character Dexter. Although I am unfamiliar with Hall’s previous work, I can honestly say that he is without a doubt one of the best new (to me at least) actors to come along in awhile. Since Hall is a relative unknown actor he’s able to completely become this character, and when you see him on screen he’s so convincing it’s hard to tell where the actor ends and the character begins. Hall portrays Dexter as the kind of guy everyone wants to know. He’s polite, he’s charming, he’s good with kids, honestly I can see women everywhere tuning in and wishing they could find a guy like Dexter (aside from the whole serial killer thing). Hall really does make it seem effortless. If you want a prime example of how great Hall is, and how believable the character is watch his interaction with his girlfriend’s next door neighbor about her noisy dog in the episode “Let’s give the boy a hand.”

Jennifer Carpenter (Exorcism of Emily Rose) plays Dexter’s foul mouthed sister Debra Morgan, a recently promoted cop who desperately wants to impress her superious. I am really enjoying Carpenter’s performance in this series because it seems like every time I’ve seen her she’s playing a very “girl next door” role, and this series she’s anything put. I can honestly say I laugh out loud every time she spits out a four-lettered word, because it’s such a change for her, but really does prove she’s a diverse actor.

Rounding out the cast is Julie Benz as Rita Bennett, Dexter’s insecure girlfriend who is trying to start a new life for herself and her kids. Erik King as Sgt. Doakes, who never hesitates to point out the fact that Dexter gives him the creeps. Lauren Velez as Lt. Maria Laguerta, the head of the homicide division, who doesn’t try to hide her sexual attraction to Dexter. David Zayas as Angel Batista, a homicide detective, and Dexter’s best friend on the force, and James Remar who plays Harry Morgan (in flashbacks), Dexter’s adoptive father and the man who taught Dexter how to focus his bloodlust towards those people that have evaded prosecution for their own heinous crimes.

While this show is set in Miami, most of it really takes place inside Dexter’s own mind. Throughout the show we’re constantly hearing Dexter narrate his own actions which is a fantastic way to gain an understanding for how he portrays himself towards other people, and what his true thoughts really are.

I could honestly go on all day about how great this show really is, but instead I would hope you’d all do yourselves a favor and tune in each week for what is undoubtedly one of the most original, refreshing shows to come along in a long, long time. Whether you’re a fan of crime shows, or just a fan of good TV in general, you’ll find yourself hooked within minutes.

DEXTER airs every Sunday at 10 ET/PT on Showtime.