Dexter is back and whereas season one maintained a fairly luxurious canter, the second hits the ground at a gallop.
This, as with season one, is still in keeping with the character of Dexter himself, who not only has to resolve personal issues in the wake of the ‘Ice Truck Killer’ affair, but soon hears that the off-coast dumping ground for his victims has been discovered.
Immediately, a city-wide hunt begins for who the media have dubbed the ‘Bay Harbour Butcher’.
Inconvenient Lies, Something about Harry and the British Invasion
Queue the arrival of FBI Special Agent Lundy (Keith Carradine) to head up the man-hunt, while Dexter himself is having additional problems with Rita, relating to the death of her abusive ex-husband.
Surmising that Dexter has an addiction problem with Heroin, which he finds easier not to correct, Rita forces Dexter to enroll in a twelve-step programme for treatment.
However, Rita’s plan backfires when Dexter’s sponsor comes in the form of Lila (Jaime Murray), a british woman whose insight into Dexter’s ‘Dark Passenger’ has him confounded. She is soon competing for his affections, as she seems able to accept Dexter for what he is – even if she doesn’t know the true nature and extent of his ‘addiction’.
Another character who can see deeper into Dexter’s persona is Sgt. James Doakes, who since the first season has suspected that there is something ‘off’ about the mild-mannered forensics analyst - and he doesn't think he's Superman (although he may be the Dark Defender).
Doakes makes it his personal mission – or rather obsession - to uncover the truth about Dexter, who now not only has to keep one eye open for his ex-special Ops stalker, but try to keep one step ahead of the investigation for the Bay Harbour Butcher and resolve his issues with Rita and Lila.
As if that isn’t enough, Dexter also begins to doubt his foster father’s influences and wonders if ‘Harry’s Code’ is as sound as it seems.
Meanwhile, step-sister Debra is forging a close bond with Special Agent Lundy, all of which is starting to make Dexter think that his days are numbered…
Twelve Gold Stars for Cast and Crew
From start to finish, every one of the second season’s twelve episodes are darkly gripping, thrilling, touching and humourous. The writers juggle the many sub-plots with aplomb and even Doake’s obsession, which initially seems difficult to justify, is astutely handled.
The writers and production team also deserve special mentioning not only for their continuing excellence but for their foresight in anticipating the WGA strike and wrapping up the second season before it could be affected (Re: Heroes).
The supporting cast are considerably filled out – Angel Batista and Vince Masuka provide a great deal of humour and Maria LaGuerta comes on in leaps and bounds. Erik King suits himself to Doakes’ intensity and by the end of the season is a well-rounded character, sharing several great one-on-one's with Michael C. Hall.
Jennifer Carpenter’s Debra continues to shine as the crass, loveable step-sister and her scenes with Dexter are often the most touching and entertaining (including a hilarious take on Dexter imagining her reaction to finding out that he is, in fact, the Bay Harbour Butcher).
Julie Benz and Jaime Murray (perhaps best known to UK audiences for her role in Hustle) are also prominent as Dexter’s divisive love interests and Keith Carradine as Agent Lundy brings nothing but good things to the party.
As for Michael C. Hall, little needs to be said. Brilliant, exceptional, engaging and the best wielder of a chainsaw since Bruce Campbell.
Dexter is maturing into one of tv's very best and season three remains highly aniticipated.
