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[damnitsteve]

Just wondering if there were any fans of Dexter out there. Season 2 was definitely the best thing I have ever seen on TV in a long time, but since I am too cheap to pay for Showtime, I can't say how Season 3 is going.

Anyone else watch this absolute gem of a show?

[Inlander]

I've watched the first season two or three times. Haven't seen the second yet.

It's pretty good, I guess, but the more I watch it the more it seems that they're pretty shaky on the whole "emotionless psychopath" thing. Like all those times in Dexter's internal monologue when he's fretting about being revealed to his girlfriend and her kids because he's come to care about them or some shit. Um, what? Sorry, you can't say your character's an emotional black-hole one scene and then having him getting all gooey over his girlfriend the next. Some of the other writing is pretty iffy, too: like that bit when he's talking about how much he likes eating bananas while he drives. Who gives a fuck? That isn't some kind of darkly humorous insight into the banality and monstrousness that co-exist within Dexter's twisted mind, it's just banal and should never have made it through the second draft of the script.

Still, cool idea for a show.

[KvP]

I think the point is that Dexter is a supremely unreliable narrator. He understands himself about as well as the audience understands him.

It's a fun enough show, but I highly doubt they'll be able to pull this shit off for another 2 seasons on top of this one. It can either repeat itself or get increasingly more ridiculous, 24 style. Seems like the writers are content to repeat themselves. The seasons seem to more or less revolve around someone discovering Dexter's double life and then getting offed in the season finale.

Also, any scenes without Dexter are uniformly awful.

[Eris]

Well they are based off a series of books, so it depends on how repetitive the books they're working off are, I guess.

I watched the first season and enjoyed it. The twist ending was a bit clichéd, with est saying that something like that probably would happen when we were about halfway through the season. I am a bit sceptical about watching the following seasons, so I don't know if I will watch them. Might try out the books, though.

[AanAllein]

Well they are based off a series of books, so it depends on how repetitive the books they're working off are, I guess.

I watched the first season and enjoyed it. The twist ending was a bit clichéd, with est saying that something like that probably would happen when we were about halfway through the season. I am a bit sceptical about watching the following seasons, so I don't know if I will watch them. Might try out the books, though.

I'm under the impression the second season has no basis whatsoever in the books. A lot of the first season was based on the novel (again, apparently) but it had a substantially different ending in the novel, and they've fleshed out a lot of the side characters.

This show is really schizophrenic in my mind. Dexter is a great, if occasionally misused character, but the other characters are so often very poorly written and/or acted. Like, whoever plays Deb is just a bad actress, and she is far from alone. But I still watch the show because, all these flaws aside, Dexter himself is a great character. It's just sad how often the show dips into cliché

[ThePQ4]

I am pretty sure that the books are all about season 1. I'm not sure, since I've only read the 1st one (I didn't really like it that much...I actually prefer the show...)
But, so far Season 3 is OK. It took a bit for it to really pick up, but now it's getting more interesting. Season 2 was probably the peak of the show to be honest. I'm glad that it's been signed on for another two seasons, but I'm not sure where they plan on taking the story...  ...Speculation, anyone?

[damnitsteve]

I didn't get into it until Season 2, and just read the summaries on wikipedia. So maybe the flaws haven't been so prominent since I've seen less of it. But I think the show has more good characters than just Dexter. Doakes makes a great pseudo-antagonist and Lila was definitely a great addition.

[ThePQ4]

I. Hated. Doakes.
And now I hate LaGuarda (although, I hated her before...)
I -do- enjoy Deb though. She's pretty funny. And Batista. And Masuka.

I'm not sure how I feel about that new detective yet though...I forget his name at the moment, but I sense a thing between him and Deb in the future.

(OH, and I was so glad when Lila died...argh, she drove me nuts! She was such a whoooooooore...)
There are too many characters on this show that I love to hate.

[damnitsteve]

Haha, yeah, I literally cheered when that happened. But I feel like if they kept her around, she could of played a great role in season 3, what with somebody still alive knowing his secret.

[Muppet King]

I get the feeling that either Quinn or Anton is the skinner.

I love that they changed Deb's hairstyle.  Her incredibly asymmetrical face was really starting to bug me, and the new haircut kind of fixes that a bit.

[ThePQ4]

Oh man, Deb's new hair cut is so cute!!
That was one thing I was totally excited about when I watched the first episode this season, haha. I know, that's kinda bad...

Any opinions on the baby?? Do we think it's going to be as fucked up as Dexter or will having Rita as the mother even it out??

[ThePQ4]

Well, that's -true-, but think about what this kid might have to live with.
I mean, Dexter is a blood spatter specialist. He might end up seeing some things.
Plus, I don't think Dexter's problems are completely psychological. I think he might be part sociopath, which is inherent (...or at least, I am pretty sure it is, but I am not 100% positive. I might just be being stupid here...I'm having a trying day...)

[Ladybug]

Well, if the kid's dad being a blood spatter specialist is a problem, then all children of, say, surgeons out there should be messed up. But we aren't, because our parents do not bring us to work to watch gross/scary stuff (well, most of them don't, can't speak for everyone) (also, children on farms etc see a lot of nasty shit, I'm guessing, but they get through it just fine?). Just like a Dexter pretending to be normal probably wouldn't bring a potential kid to a crime scene.

[Ladybug]

I kinda am as well (my dad's an anesthesiologist, so kinda on the surgeon-part (he's there during surgery), most definitely on the messed up-part). I was thinking it was just a coincidence, but hey, maybe not.

[ThePQ4]

I don't think we necessarily have to SEE our parent's work to be messed up by it.
But we're talking about Dexter here. Not having a thought provoking discussion about our parent's employment and how it has affected us into adult hood (I mean, we could, but that seems more DEBATE! oriented...)

[Muppet King]

It could go either way, I think.  From what I've heard, in the books Astor and Cody are supposed to be like Dexter a bit, so maybe the way they're coming back to that is by having a fucked up baby?  Then again, as you get further in the books they go all supernatural on you.

[Tom]

A 2005 study into the genetic inheritability of sociopathy/psychopathy showed statistical data in support of such a theory but I'm kinda skeptical about it.

[KvP]

Don't ask me why, but I'm thinking they'll have a miscarriage or other such loss of the child. I think that would confuse Dexter even more than actually having to be a father would, and his confusion is a large part of what drives the show. Take the scene from a recent episode in which he sees the baby through ultrasound - he doesn't appear to have any reaction to it.

[ThePQ4]

But one of the best parts about Dexter, as a character, is that he realizes that he doesn't -have- the same emotions that regular people do. He KNOWS he should be feeling something, even if he doesn't really understand what that emotion is. That's what makes him interesting as a character. It's hard for a us, as readers and viewers, to understand what it's like to NOT have emotions, so kind of seeing the world through his emotionless window is what makes us keep watching. Or at least, that's what brings me back time and time again... (Just used the word emotion waaaay too many times...)

[KvP]

I think that it's pretty clear that he does have feelings for Rita beyond using her and her kids as a front, but that he doesn't really know how to address those feelings, and he denies the whole thing, internally.

[eddie]

Well, if the kid's dad being a blood spatter specialist is a problem, then all children of, say, surgeons out there should be messed up. But we aren't, because our parents do not bring us to work to watch gross/scary stuff (well, most of them don't, can't speak for everyone) (also, children on farms etc see a lot of nasty shit, I'm guessing, but they get through it just fine?). Just like a Dexter pretending to be normal probably wouldn't bring a potential kid to a crime scene.

Haha, I've just been reading the 3rd book and in it cody & astor are just as fucked up as Dexter. There's one chapter where he takes them to see a 2 heads shoved on to spikes.

[sieckanddestroy]

So, I just checked out the season finale, and...wow.  I thought last week's episode was crazy, but I thought they managed to bring the season to a close in a satisfying, yet exciting way, and managing to tie up the necessary loose ends while suggesting some possible ideas for season 4.  Anyone else catch it?

(If two weeks is a necro, I do apologize, but it is relevant again )

[pen]

I caught it and enjoyed it for the most part.  I with they drew out the George King bit some more.  Other than that, I'm glad Rita's finally getting some depth.

[Ladybug]

I'm sort of glad they didn't do the typical Dexter-thing, really. The finale was sort of..different compared to the other season finales, and not at all what I expected, and I liked it. The season has been all about Dexter finding some sort of normalcy, so it fits that it would be a happy wedding and all that, I guess

I am, however, sort of worried about the place where they caught George King. Dexter must've left some DNA there or on George King during the choking? But maybe I'm just not supposed to think about it, or maybe they'll pick it up next season? I guess we'll see. I'm also excited about where they're going with Debra getting the info on those CIs..

[RedLion]

I have to say that I love turning people on to this show. I've introduced it to 4 people now, and each of them is in love with it now.

[sieckanddestroy]

I am, however, sort of worried about the place where they caught George King. Dexter must've left some DNA there or on George King during the choking? But maybe I'm just not supposed to think about it, or maybe they'll pick it up next season? I guess we'll see. I'm also excited about where they're going with Debra getting the info on those CIs..

They have absolutely no reason to check for DNA.  They had proof that George King was their suspect, and they have no reason to believe that King didn't kill himself when he realized there was no escape.  There's really no reason to worry about that.

[Ladybug]

Hm, maybe not. But you'd think they'd perform an autopsy on him, right? And perhaps find hairs and discover the cause of death and injuries that were unrelated to being hit by a car etc.. And also, it seems to me like they would check the building, and Dexter did get a cut on his hand, which you'd think would lead to there being blood somewhere.. But maybe I'm just overthinking the whole thing.

[pen]

The cut wasn't serious though, and he took the knife with him when he left, didn't he?

[Ladybug]

Yeah, he took the knife and the rope, but it was serious enough to bleed on to the wedding dress (though I think that was mostly done to creep us out a bit), and he left the table which he had been lying and wriggling on for a while. In my head, they'd check the building regardless of what they think happened, and if they didn't find anything on the first search, when/if they found something suspicious during the autopsy they'd maybe search it more thoroughly, and find, well, something. But like I said, I'm probably just overthinking it.

[the_pied_piper]

To be fair, dragging a table to the hospital with you is both suspicious and pretty damn hard.

I did really enjoy this season though, the skinner seemed more elusive than other killers before and the friend angle really showed how hard it is for Dexter to associate any emotional depth with a situation. Eventually though, this friendship is what makes him realise he does have emotions, the smashed window, the tears in the finale. Really great show and i have to say i much prefer it to the books, Jeff Lindsay doesn't seem to be that great of an author.

[frances65406]

My sister got me ADDICTED to Dexter cause she wanted to watch season 1 and catch up to where he was. It was insanely good and ive become so addicted. I watched that whole season, and now I'm watching season 2. Totally didn't know Lila, died, kind of interested to see how that plays out (please dont spoil it for me). I've read the summaries for season 2 though, maybe I should read more? HaHa. I definetly enjoy watching it, despite it sociopathic tendencies. One thing that has upset me is that they didn't play out the Doakes/Deb relationship that seemed to form in Season 1? I really liked that But, all in all, good show!

[mietteissass]

My lovely husband got me addicted to this show. He is alot like Dexter, so it creeps me out a lil every now and then but I adore Dexter. The show is amazing and funny and creepy. It's one of the best shows on cable.

[jax85]

I started watching Dexter when my boyfriend took me over to his parents' for Sunday supper.  It's like a little ritual for them.  Supper, then serial killers.  I really like it and thought it was a neat little "joke" that Dexter is going on and on about not having feelings when he does.  He just doesn't realize he does.  It makes life "safer" to say you don't have feelings.  If he didn't have feelings, he wouldn't be so worried for his girlfriend and her kids, or be so rattled when he finds that he's going to be a dad.  I can't wait for the next season to start.

Though, I have to admit, I thought the season finale was a little stupid.  I mean, he had a connection to the DA, therefore it's quite plausible that he would be a target, and no one would blame him if he killed in self-defense.  I think it would have been better if he stuck around and I think the only reason why he didn't is because it would have made the show too long.  Season finale, and all that.

[cgarci21]

Well you're right he does have a connection to the DA however it wouldn't explain how Dexter always seems to end up involved in the action. I think he would feel it legitimatly best to just stay out of things.

And as for the books, I adore the show but actually like the books very much as well. I think that the show has expanded on the characters and the storyline beautifully and thanks to their expansion they also have time to incoporate more from the books into the show. For example in the books Debra knows Dexter's secret and Rita's kids are just like Dexter. Well Cody is, Astor is more of an accomplice or a watcher. Although, I think they should forget the supernatural stuff. It didn't really mesh well in the books and it wouldn't fit in at all with the direction the show is going in.

Either way I think they have plenty of fodder for a 4th season without too much repitition. Especially with the finale being a clean break and sort of different then the usual.

[Drambels]

I wondered about why he didn't just stick around when I first saw it myself. Came to the conclusion that it wouldn't be a good idea.

"So you broke your own hand and then the Skinner's neck huh. Good work Dex. So where did you pick that up? College judo classes you say. Not bad buddy old pal. I'll stop by with those files you wanted on that other killer whom we haven't been able to catch after lunch tomorrow okay? Save me a raspberry filled dough nut would you?"

I really hope they won't try to fit in any of the supernatural stuff from Dexter in the dark. It ruined the book for me, and would definitely ruin the show.

On a lighter note, does anyone else get the feeling that Deb will find out about Dexters little hobby in the coming seson?

[the_pied_piper]

Bumpity bump bump bump.

So season 4 has started recently, what do people think?

Personally, i am really enjoying it and John Lithgow's performances have been great. I am still quite annoyed at some of the additional characters though; Debra is still a whiny bitch and Laguerta is still as annoying as ever but Rita seems to have become more integral as Dexter becomes more of a family man.

[pen]

I like the season a lot, and as much as I like Lundi as a character, I HATE the romance thing he has with Deb.   I think Trinity is fascinating and I'm curious to see how he's caught.

[gospel]

Dexter realizes he loves his family.
Dexter chooses family (mainly kids) over killing.
Dexter fills the gap his non-existent real parents could never do.
/show

P.S. I cry every time his sister doesn't die. So close... so close.

[BeoPuppy]

Awww ... now you're just being mean to our foul-mouthed darling Deb.

[pen]

Fuck Deb.  I can't stand her.

[BeoPuppy]

Why? I don't get it.

[pen]

Her character is whiney, annoying, and although she seems to have gotten some sense in the recent seasons with her work, she's still a fucking moron.  Especially with Lundi.  God I hate that.  Or maybe I just like Anton too much and think he deserves WAY better.

[Blyss]

Dexter is fun.  The books are basically an alternate universe to the series, which I'm fine with, because I enjoy both independently.

I've seen all 3 seasons, and plan to watch season 4 as well.

Good, clean, homicidal, sociopathic fun.

 

[jhocking]

I'm sure glad I'm not someone who cares about spoilers, because otherwise I'd be really mad with myself for coming into this thread. The first disc of season 3 just arrived from Netflix.

[pilsner]

Is it just me, or does the old mentor guy who just got good lovin' getting shot combine two classic horror cliches in an awesome way?  Oh yeah, omg SPOILERS.

[the_pied_piper]

fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff

Season 4 is soooooooooooo good.

[pen]

Agreed.  This last episode was absolutely fantastic, and I'm REALLY interested to see how it plays out. Cannot wait until next week!!!!

[Damnable Fiend]

oh wow, I used to know the guy who made this thread years ago (and not from here obviously).  weird.  I had no idea he ever posted here.

sorry I have nothing to actually add to this thread though.  I don't watch any tv.

[KickThatBathProf]

Neat.

[Damnable Fiend]

Neat.

pretty much.  sorry for shitting up the thread.

just to contribute something

If I were to ever watch this, is it just the kind of show that you can watch any episode and pick up what's going on or should I spring for a season 1 dvd?