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The most disturbing movie I ever saw was "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer". In its portrayal of a man who lived physically among his fellow human beings while existing completely outside the orbit of human emotional interface, I thought I had seen the definitive screen rendition of a serial killer's psyche. Then along comes Dexter who, with 12 episodes and a carefully-crafted life of friends, family, and career at his disposal for telling his tale, paints a portrait of sociopathic existence far more detailed and more disturbing than anything attempted by "Henry". That's accomplishment enough. But to do it with the droll wit and endearing demeanor of Dexter is downright amazing. TV seldom gets odder than this . . . and never more profound. The real horror of each episode lies not in the killings by Dexter or by his victims. It lies in the horror of watching a man having to tread his way among his fellows in full knowledge that he is a hollow shell -- a body and brain devoid of a soul, with the only emotions being a fascination with blood and the driving hunger to kill. None of the means by which other people assuage their physical or emotional needs are available to Dexter, at least in the context in which others pursue them. Sex is a threat to Dexter, an act which can open cracks in the facade of humanity he has crafted and through which people can peer into the inner void. Friendly gatherings are obstacle courses, full of little bumps that could cause Dexter to trip and let his mask momentarily slip. Even eating, from which most people derive some emotional pleasure, is simply a necessity to which Dexter submits, preferrably combined with another necessary task, such as driving. Clever. Interesting. But 12 episodes of this, no matter how well done, would soon get boring. So what sustains "Dexter"? Well, it turns out Dexter is neither who nor what he thinks he is. It takes him some time to figure this out, and it takes some help from rather interesting quarters. But Dexter has depths below the depths, voids within the voids, and substance where he was certain there was only nothingness. But does it matter? Well, that's why I'm already pacing for the second season to start. It could go either way. Or, given this show's creativity and skewed viewpoint . . . neither, or both. Dexter -- and "Dexter" -- simply defy prediction.Read full review
Dexter is compelling. Compelling used to be the word that described soap operas, but since serial story-telling (the viewer is given only a fraction of the story information each episode) has gone mainstream, well, shows like Dexter are called compelling rather than the more derogatory "soap opera." That said, at least the story arc concludes after 12 episodes rather than dragging on for years. Dig I like it? You bet! I have no sympathy for any of the characters (his sister is a cop and is still dumb enough to sleep with guys she just met??), even Dexter isn't likable because how do you relate to someone who doesn't relate? But the story sucks you in, hooray for good writing, and the camera work and frame composition is terrific. If you don't mind a terrific amount of blood per episode, this show will not disappoint you. But like Deadwood, I'll watch it once or twice but not over and over. Once your questions about the plot are answered, there's no hook to make you come back and enjoy it again (like Stargate or Angel). This review is for season one only. I hear season two gets better, but can't verify.Read full review
Looking for something to replace your Sopranos fix? Look no further! Michael C. Hall delivers all the goods when it comes to being a serial killer with a poetic justice twist. I was worried that after being such a big fan of HBO's Six Feet Under (and Hall's performance as a meek undertaker)that "Dexter" would be such a giant step away from David's character - this transition might be rough. BUT IT ABSOLUTELY WASN'T! From the moment I watched him kill his first victim, I knew that the old "David" stigma was long gone. It was a true realization of Hall's acting ability and it drew me in from the first second. He is backed by an unbelievably great cast including: Julie Benz - Dexter's Girlfriend - "Rita" (I cant believe this is the girl from Jawbreaker), Jennifer Carpenter - Dexter's Sister - "Debra" (I had never seen her before, but boy does she have talent too!) Lauren Valez - Dexter's Boss - "Lt. LaGuerta" (Whom we all know and love as Dr. Gloria on HBO's OZ) David Zayas - Dexter's Co-Worker - "Angel Batista" (Also well known from OZ) CS Lee - Co Worker - "Masuka" (Who could forget this goldenchild?) Just when you get things figured out, the writers blind-side you and in a great way. I am partial to forensic science however, with all the CSI's and Forensic "TV" you can watch, this one delivers the knockout performance. It mixes fact with fiction in a smashing way. Also, you cant get anything as good as this series on regular tv. The series has been brilliantly written for 2 seasons now, with a third that is premiering on Sunday Sept 28, 2008 @ 9pm - Check your local SHOWTIME listings. ***Bit-o-triva - I watched a "Behind the scenes of Dexter" and I never knew Michael C Hall was so comical in real life. He was so amusing to watch and listen to in the interview and so drastically different in person than any of the prior roles he has claimed. This adds one more lump of sugar onto the ever growing heap of sweet talent that Hall displays. Thanks SHOWTIME for a new favorite!Read full review
This is one of the most amazing shows that has ever been created on tv. Not only was it a brilliant idea, though some will say disturbing, the way that they created the show was genius. Dexter, a show where a police forensic scientist, who is also a serial killer, who has to act and live as though he is just a normal part of society alone makes the show so intriguing. Not only that, but he is a person who has to kill, ever since he was a child. The show is how he has coped with this reality that he has kill, and moves from petty things to learning how to beat professionals at covering up every track that could lead to him. Even though some of the things that he does are kind of edgy, and seem to be a little grotesque, it is just an awesome story line in which you will get hooked from the first episode. I have never seen or heard of anything that can possibly relate to this show. From some other reviews they may say that this show is not an original, but believe me it definently is an original show. My 56 year old mother, who hates gore and hates killing got automatically addicted to this show and watched the whole season in 2 days. Amazingly well done, and for sure a 5 star review.Read full review
I have to say this is a very entertaining series. Anytime you find yourself rooting for the bad guy - and a serial killer at that - you know the director has done a great job. Dexter is a good series with mediocre acting. The story line saves the day. The actress that plays his sister is annoying. If she was half as hot as she thinks she is, she'd be twice as hot as she really is. (Think about it) I guess my previous statement is a good summary statement. Mediocre acting wrapped around a great story line. I've seen the second season of Dexter on Showtime, and I can't wait for season three.
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