Premium television shows (those aired on HBO, Showtime, & Cinemax) were long plagued with weak followings and even weaker ratings. It was hard to discuss a show that someone else may not even be able to watch. I believe that the creation of both The Sopranos and Sex in the City worked tandem to create a new generation of television series that enthralled viewers and saw individuals signing up for premium channels just to catch their weekly episode. A month ago, my wife and I stumbled across one such show: Dexter.
Dexter is the story of the man, Dexter (played by an Emmy-worthy Michael C. Hall). An individual that remorselessly kills those who have escaped the justice system with impunity. The series opens with Dexter carrying out one such murder as a teacher who has been killing young children is strapped to a table with saran wrap. After having a discussion about the reasons the man killed the children, Dexter listens intently as he begs for his life before plunging a power drill through his head.
I’m sure, at this point, you’re thinking “Why on earth would I want to watch this show?” Believe me when I say I am not that into horror shows either. However, as the series goes on you soon find that this show is not about Dexter the killer but about Dexter the person. Dex, as his father calls him, suffered a trauma early in his life that robbed him of any emotion. He doesn’t understand, nor feel, love or compassion, anger or hatred.
Dexter begins to be about the journey of a man as he fakes his way through life. He speaks of having a girlfriend just to appear “normal” and socializing with friends to give the appearance of normality. He even states that he would love his sister if he knew what that actually meant. As each season progresses, the viewer will watch as our hero (in the oddest sense of the term…) struggles to juggle normalcy, his work and his “habit” all at once.
I forgot to mention that, due to his extreme fascination with blood, Dexter managed to land himself a job at the Miami PD as a blood spatter analyst. The irony is almost overpowering. The supporting cast in Dexter consistently help to progress the plotline and make even minor characters interesting and captivating.
Though the first episode could be considered slow, I highly recommend this series to everyone. My wife and I were so hooked we watched all 36 hours of Seasons 1-3 in less than a month!
One of my favorite quotes from Dexter:
Mike Donovan: [about killing the boys] I couldn’t help myself. I couldn’t. Please, you have to understand
Dexter Morgan: Trust me, I definitely understand. See I can’t help myself either. But children I could never do that. Not like you. Never, ever kids.
Mike Donovan: Why?
Dexter Morgan: I have standards.
-Chad 2
