Top 7- Reasons you should give Dexter a chance, despite it's diminishing returns
I have always championed Dexter since the day I started this blog, despite the fact that one of my first and personal favourite posts was talking about how I'd fix Season 8. That's what I'm here to talk to you about though. Nowadays, many associate Dexter with ending horribly and that is true but it also started absolutely wonderfully. So here are 7 reasons that you should give it a go, even though it does get really disappointing.
7. A bit of the old ultra-violence
If you're the kind of sick, twisted bastard who likes to watch violence and see blood sprayed across the screen then you probably have a Y chromosome and will love Dexter. There are some scenes that are so bloody that it can be hard to watch but if you pick your shows based on frequency of violence, you should be watching Dexter.
6. SURPRISE MOTHER FUCKA
I guess this is shorthand for saying the show is quotable. From Deborah's constant and incredibly imaginative swearing to Harry's "Remember the code!", this is a show that you will quote with your two friends who made it past season 4. Oh yeah, and Doakes is fantastic. Every single scene he's in, he shines in and flexes in as well. He has weird looking muscles and a creepy moustache. Still great though.
5. Classic Dexter Monologues
I know the title for this bit implies that the monologues are mainly done by Dexter and they are but there are so many top quality monologues in this show. Dexter gets the most opportunities to deliver them because of his narration (I'll get to it later) but some notable other ones are pretty much any of the villains. I would like to specifically mention John Lithgow and Johnny Lee Miller for their great performances when their opportunities arose.
4. Dexter trying to keep his killing secret
Part of the fun of Dexter is that no one knows he is a killer and he works in a real police station. Even better, he often has to solve the murders that he himself has committed. It's great and the constant hiding or attempts at hiding his killing are some of the most tense moments in a show that loves to create tension. Without spoiling too much, the moments where certain characters find this killing out and the repercussions it has for the relationship between them and Dexter are always wonderful as well.
3. Stylish narration
Okay, this is referring entirely to Dexter here. The show puts us in Dexter's perspective and it makes the show very immerisve, if not into the world of Dexter then at least into the character, all through his narration. This does the classic thing where we will hear Dexter think something about a situation but see how, to appear normal, he has to react in a very specific way. Plus, for someone who doesn't feel traditional emotion, Dexter really does have a terrific, sarcastic sense of humour that made even the last few seasons enjoyable.
2. The villains
I want to make a bold claim. Season 8 withstanding, each season of this show had an incredible villain that could be the best villain of most lesser series. The Ice Truck Killer was a menacing start and he set a precedent for femme fatales, friends turned deadly enemies and the Trinity killer. Without giving too much about him away, the Trinity killer is a fascinating villain and I could write a whole entry about how great he and his season was. Actually, you know what? I will.
1. Season 4
Season 4 of Dexter is possibly one of the best seasons of TV ever made and in my opinion, it's worth watching the show just for this season. The pacing is perfect, the tension is unbearable in all the best ways and there are enough twists in there for even M Night Shamylan to feel content. To explain the intricacies would spoil the magic of this season but suffice to say, it is utterly incredible. I won't lie, if the show isn't for you, this season won't convince you but if you're already on for the ride, you are in for the absolute ride of your love. Just stay away from Season 8, I'm not joking, it's awful.
7. A bit of the old ultra-violence
If you're the kind of sick, twisted bastard who likes to watch violence and see blood sprayed across the screen then you probably have a Y chromosome and will love Dexter. There are some scenes that are so bloody that it can be hard to watch but if you pick your shows based on frequency of violence, you should be watching Dexter.
6. SURPRISE MOTHER FUCKA
I guess this is shorthand for saying the show is quotable. From Deborah's constant and incredibly imaginative swearing to Harry's "Remember the code!", this is a show that you will quote with your two friends who made it past season 4. Oh yeah, and Doakes is fantastic. Every single scene he's in, he shines in and flexes in as well. He has weird looking muscles and a creepy moustache. Still great though.
5. Classic Dexter Monologues
I know the title for this bit implies that the monologues are mainly done by Dexter and they are but there are so many top quality monologues in this show. Dexter gets the most opportunities to deliver them because of his narration (I'll get to it later) but some notable other ones are pretty much any of the villains. I would like to specifically mention John Lithgow and Johnny Lee Miller for their great performances when their opportunities arose.
4. Dexter trying to keep his killing secret
Part of the fun of Dexter is that no one knows he is a killer and he works in a real police station. Even better, he often has to solve the murders that he himself has committed. It's great and the constant hiding or attempts at hiding his killing are some of the most tense moments in a show that loves to create tension. Without spoiling too much, the moments where certain characters find this killing out and the repercussions it has for the relationship between them and Dexter are always wonderful as well.
3. Stylish narration
Okay, this is referring entirely to Dexter here. The show puts us in Dexter's perspective and it makes the show very immerisve, if not into the world of Dexter then at least into the character, all through his narration. This does the classic thing where we will hear Dexter think something about a situation but see how, to appear normal, he has to react in a very specific way. Plus, for someone who doesn't feel traditional emotion, Dexter really does have a terrific, sarcastic sense of humour that made even the last few seasons enjoyable.
2. The villains
I want to make a bold claim. Season 8 withstanding, each season of this show had an incredible villain that could be the best villain of most lesser series. The Ice Truck Killer was a menacing start and he set a precedent for femme fatales, friends turned deadly enemies and the Trinity killer. Without giving too much about him away, the Trinity killer is a fascinating villain and I could write a whole entry about how great he and his season was. Actually, you know what? I will.
1. Season 4
Season 4 of Dexter is possibly one of the best seasons of TV ever made and in my opinion, it's worth watching the show just for this season. The pacing is perfect, the tension is unbearable in all the best ways and there are enough twists in there for even M Night Shamylan to feel content. To explain the intricacies would spoil the magic of this season but suffice to say, it is utterly incredible. I won't lie, if the show isn't for you, this season won't convince you but if you're already on for the ride, you are in for the absolute ride of your love. Just stay away from Season 8, I'm not joking, it's awful.
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