just like me — empty inside.
Posted by antisocialhero on 24 August 2007
DEXTER is one of the best feats of television in this modern era. Ever since it hit the airwaves, I heard nothing but rave reviews. When it became available down here on cable television, I made a note to record all of the episodes. Sadly, I was unable to keep this up after four episodes and even forgot entirely about the show for a while. Until I downloaded the whole season, of course. I kept DEXTER on the shelve for a while, waiting for an opportune moment to indulge in a marathon. And that happened last weekend (on my wide-screen plasma no less). Suffice to say, I’m kicking myself for having waited longer than I should have to watch this absolute masterpiece.
To be brief, DEXTER revolves around a man (named Dexter) who works as a forensics analyst for the Miami-Dade Police Department, specialising in blood spatter analysis. Dexter has a dark secret, however; traumatised by a shocking childhood event and thereafter taken in by a good cop, Dexter develops a lust for killing. Therefore, the man lives a double life as a serial killer of sorts, punishing people who have sinned. The entire premise stems from the novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter, of which the first season of the show follows quite closely. And let me tell you, the show is brilliant. Better than the novel in so many ways, and just so satisfying to watch. Very addictive, too; I breezed through all 12 episodes of the first season in two days.
What makes DEXTER work is simply the basis of the show. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. Fresh and very smart in building suspense to reach a fascinating crescendo. After its debut, DEXTER received thumbs up from almost every notable critic. One critic who actually gave a bad review initially later ate his words and admitted his oversight. Yeah, that’s how good the show is. The cast involved with DEXTER also help a lot. Michael C. Hall plays the titular character, and you might remember him from the equally-impressive SIX FEET UNDER. For his starring role in DEXTER, Michael C. Hall earned a nomination for Best Actor In A Drama at the 2007 Golden Globe Awards.
The rest of the cast play their roles excellently, especially Julie Benz (as Dexter’s girlfriend) who dazzled on BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and ANGEL — the latter being one of my favourite television shows ever. Everybody else on the show manage to bring their acting chops to the table, and you can really feel the way the characters develop over the season. Dexter especially has so many layers to him, and it’s a joy to watch him at work. He has all these homicidal tendencies cultivated because of what happened to him when he was young, but he has to struggle to keep them in check. At the same time, he does a great job of pretending to the rest of the world… while all the time figuring out just how he is going to do the things he has to do.
The central storyline of the first season, launched midway through the first episode, is really the driving force of the show. Several other smaller subplots slowly merge themselves with the main storyline, and by the seventh episode, I found myself literally sitting on the edge of my bed wondering how much more wicked DEXTER can get. The season finale was jaw-dropping, to say the least, and really sets a lot of ideas in motion for the upcoming second season. Top-notch stuff all ’round. The DVD set for the first season was just released, so you guys should have no reason on not catching up ASAP.
Why am I pimping DEXTER? Simply because it is one of the best dramas on television currently. Managing this accomplishment in its first season containing only twelve episodes is no mean feat and certainly no coincidence. Do yourselves a favour and get immersed in the unflinching world of DEXTER. I warn you, there are moments of grotesqueness but all they really do is add to the mood of the show. So, go on then! Get your hands on DEXTER any which way you can, and witness for yourself the greatness of this wonderful show.
You won’t regret it, I promise. Best part is, I just know the second season will be even more balls-out awesome!
