Showtime's Dexter begins season six last night with "Those Kinds of Things." Dexter (Michael C. Hall) attempts to get Harrison (Evan George Kruntchev and Luke Andrew Kruntchev) into a great pre-school. The one he chooses happens to be religious, so Dexter finds himself wondering about faith, something he's never really thought about before, and something he has a very hard time comprehending. Dexter also attends his 20th high school reunion, finding his new-found popularity makes it harder for him to accomplish his real mission: a kill.
Dexter and Dexter tackle many things over the years, a great number of them issues of morality. It seems appropriate, after six years, to finally get around to faith and religion. After all, the way that many people live their lives by often has something to do with their religious beliefs. Dexter has Harry's (James Remar) code, carefully taught to him so that he will only murder the right people. Sure, the crucifix symbol may appeal to Dexter's dark side, but for Dexter to start to consider sin, that would open him up to guilt and reflection upon what he is done. Thankfully, it does not appear the series will be going down that road, as it could ruin the character.
Instead, Dexter explores religion from the standpoint of a father. He worries that Harrison will not have a normal childhood without some religious base, and hopes that this pre-school might fill that need. Dexter is honest about his need for help in this area with the admissions director (Michael Hyatt, The Wire), and the truth, combined with a sincere desire to do right by Harrison, is likely what leads the program to accept Harrison. Go Dexter!
Dexter's other main story, attending his reunion, is more fun than deep, a welcome relief from the great, but dreary, storytelling of last season. Dexter has a great job, is in wonderful physical shape, and has a sad story involving the death of his wife. As such, he finds himself the center of attention, an unusual situation for him. It's hard to tell if Dexter enjoys it all, though he doesn't seem to be too annoyed by it, even though it means delaying the kill. An old classmate, Trisha (Kristen Miller, She Spies, That's My Bush), gives Dexter an extra special present, and as unrealistic and out of place as that scene comes across, it's nice to see Dexter get some female-induced pleasure.
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