Dexter returned to the airways this week and brings us back into the dark and twisted world he inhabits. The show started by recapping the last season, in particular how Dexter (Michael C. Hall) freed himself from Harry's (James Remar) influence and how Sgt. Doakes (Erik King)was blamed for being the Bay Harbor butcher.
A warning before you read on: this is a detailed review of the first episode of season three of Dexter and it contains heavy spoilers. Read at your own risk.
The show starts innocently enough with Dexter visiting the dentist as part of his 'normal' routine and getting a crown installed. During the conversation with the dentist we see (through flashback) that Dexter has been busy with his compulsion to kill, still only choosing evil people, but killing nonetheless. Right away I was struck again by how perfect Michael C. Hall is in this role; he plays the chameleon character of Dexter to perfection, effectively being menacing and creepy yet portraying a mild-mannered facade to the world.
Dexter continues on in his mission to rid Miami of criminals who evaded the system. He focuses on FreeBo, a drug dealer who killed two college girls and got away with it due to a bad police warrant. Dexter pretends to be a junkie to stake out FreeBo's home and decides that this man is the next one to die. Dexter breaks in that night and stumbles on FreeBo fighting someone, the man attacks Dexter, and in the struggle Dexter kills him. This becomes the pivotal action of this season so far as it is the first time Dexter has killed without planning.
This is another example of the quality of the show and how it continues to surprise us. Dexter is faced with this unplanned incident and he knows he needs to resolve it. Michael C. Hall is excellent again in his portrayal of Dexter as he reacts to this turn of fate, both surprised yet resolved to regain control. His biggest concern is not that he killed someone (he is a sociopath after all), but that he doesn't know WHO he killed.
Article comments
1 - Ivan
The season started with a bang! The show is sensational, best one on TV in years!!!
2 - Stacy
Wow! I love Dexter can't get enough of this show and I'm sure this season will be just as intriguing the first two if not blow them completely out of the water!