A review of Dexter seasons 1 and 2
Note: I only watched seasons 1 and 2 because those are the only ones available on Netflix’s streaming service.
I watched this show at the urging of my (now former) boss. Probably the best thing that can be said about it is that the show is highly unconventional. Some of its elements follow standard police procedurals like CSI, involving the lifecycle of different cases intertwined with the dynamics within and between individuals on the force. But the meat and potatoes of what makes Dexter work is the title character. Even people who haven’t watched the show are probably aware that Dexter is a serial killers who only kills other serial killers. This is an overly simplistic explanation; to narrow it down more, Dexter only kills people who have murdered other people and somehow thwarted the workings of the justice system and thus deserving of death. The underlying rationale for who Dexter chooses to kill is based on the teachings of his foster father Harry, sensibly called Harry’s Code. Dexter’s own understanding of Harry’s Code is the driving force behind season 2.
At this point in my life I think I have a pretty good handle on what makes good television, and more fundamentally what makes a good story in any medium. It all boils down to the exploration of the human condition. What makes us tick, why we believe and act in the way that we do, the ignominious depths and soaring heights which we are capable of. Television shows that examine its characters beyond a monochrome black and white dichotomy tend to be the most compelling. On the surface level Dexter is a monster and commits despicable actions outside of the law, but a further examination points to how much of what he became was shaped by environmental conditions and parental upbringing. In the nature vs. nurture debate, the show is firmly on the side of nurture. Also, the fact that Dexter is the main protagonist and it is from his perspective that the audience perceives the events that take place automatically creates a sense of understanding and sympathy, a strange notion when it comes to someone who is basically a psychotic mass murderer.
Quite a good show although it does tend to lose momentum from time to time. All of the characters are surprisingly well fleshed-out, moving past superficial stereotypes like no-nonsense black cop or competent police lieutenant who is disrespected because she is female. Deb, Dexter’s foster sister, is incredibly foul-mouthed and has some brilliant lines. For example, when inquiring about a female character’s obsession with him, she asks, "What is it? Does your dick dance?"
Selective Memories 