Dexter Season One Review
Showtime’s Controversial Psychological Thriller/Drama Begins
Orphaned at an early age under traumatic circumstances, Dexter (Michael C. Hall) was raised by his foster father and police officer Harry Morgan (James Remar), who recognized in the child a ‘Dark Passenger’ with sociopathic tendencies.
Harry mentored the child on how to appear normal in everyday society, as well as to focus his overriding obsession to kill by ensuring that he only prey on the guilty dregs of society who have escaped justice. Dexter now works with the Miami Metro Police Department in blood-spatter forensics.
The series premiered on Showtime in October 2006, sparking critical acclaim and controversy in equal measure. It has since been the recipient of numerous nominations and Awards.
Season One and the Ice Truck Killer
To begin with, the show is naturally focused on establishing the man himself, his daily habits and his nightly rituals, his relationship with co-worker ‘friends’ and step-sister Debra (Jennifer Carpenter), who is also on the payroll of the MMPD. In addition, Dexter tries to maintain appearances with his emotionally damaged girlfriend, Rita (Julie Benz).
Throughout the series, we also see flashbacks into Dexter’s past, showing his practical and moral education at the hands of Harry, leaving him with ‘Harry’s Code’, by which he religiously lives his life.
Into this equasion comes the ‘Ice Truck Killer’ – a serial murderer on the loose in Miami, who not only takes an interest in Dexter, but seems to know more about him than he should. Soon, the two are playing a clandestine game of cat and mouse, with Dexter being drawn deeper into his own understanding of a murky childhood.
Season One moves at a leisurely pace, despite only containing twelve episodes, and meticulously builds on the world of it’s twisted protagonist. This seems to echo Dexter himself, who is always meticulous and unhurried. Of course, the pace increases towards the season finale ‘Born Free’ in which Dexter and the Ice Truck Killer come face to face.
Michael C. Hall – Serial Killer Extraordinaire
In a market that has tv shows screaming for attention with hyper-developed storylines and similarly dramatic twists at every opportunity, the writing team of Dexter take their time telling the stories that should be told.
They treat their audience intelligently by assuming that you won’t be discouraged by the show’s methodical start (a pity then that the broadcaster’s aren’t willing to extend the same respect by showing the episodes unedited.)
The writing here is top-drawer, with Dexter’s inner monologues having a deeply lyrical sense of timing and poetic expression.
The supporting cast of best-friend Angel Batista (David Zayas), forensics lead Vince Masuka (C.S. Lee), Lt. Maria LaGuerta (Lauren Velez), and Sgt. James Doakes (Erik King), all have understandably limited roles at the outset, but are laudable in the development of the show.
Julie Benz (no doubt best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and spin-off Angel) shows a maturing depth of ability, while Jennifer Carpenter comes into her own toward the season finale, where her portrayal of a ‘Desperately Disillusioned Debra’ is visceral and heart-wrenching.
Also, Christian Camargo more than fulfills his part of the bargain as the Ice Truck Killer, rounding off what is overall a staggeringly qualified cast.
The final word, of course, must go to the magnificent Michael C. Hall, who is simply inspired as Dexter. His delivery of the narratives are particularly mesmeric and perfectly intoned.
The character’s calm outer fasade, quirky social interactions and boyish innocence ideally suits the idea that underneath it all lurks an insatiable, calculating monster waiting to identify his next victim, and it all seems scarily natural to Hall, who pulls it off without a glitch.
Add to all this a great music score and you have an original, intelligent series that shouldn’t be missed.
