Dexter - Season 1

Every year, I watch all the previous seasons of Dexter on dvd to refresh myself for the new one. Dexter is a unique series, though it isn't as clever or edgy as it thinks it's being, but it still stands out as a truly original take on the well-established and well-populated crime television genre. Dexter is a blood spatter expert who works with the police, and at night ritualistically murders criminals who have thus far escaped justice within the system. So, he's kinda like Batman, if Batman went around killing people. Dexter's moral code makes him more likable than if he was just a generic serial killer who killed innocents, but the show doesn't make him out to be a good guy either. The show does a good job of making him sympathetic while making sure we know he's still a disturbed individual who should not be emulated.

The show's not really about serial killing anyway, it's just an aspect of a really good character who helps solve crimes. Michael C. Hall does a great job depicting Dexter, both when Dexter goes through everyday life pretending to be normal and when he's letting his dark side loose. Hall plays the role with the perfect balance of cheerful insincerity and slight disdain for human interaction—believable, but he's never alienating or too creepy. The enthusiasm for the role is evident in every action of Hall's and it makes his character one of the mesmerizing in recent years. He's very funny, as his narration reveals character without being too obvious and adding some sly humor. The supporting cast is varying in quality, but his girlfriend Rita and coworker Angel are both very likable, while the his hard-edged rival Sergeant Doakes is very easy to despise.

The first season's story arc is something I might expect later in a show's lifespan. The plot reveals a lot about Dexter's character and how he became the person he is now. He and the police are working to find the Ice Truck Killer, a serial killer who cuts prostitutes into intricate pieces and leaves them at a scene with no blood. While the cops try to figure it out, they're missing pieces to the puzzle, as the killer leaves clues for Dexter himself. The story arc moves along at a comfortable pace always introducing something else when you're ready for the next twist. There's also some typical relationship problems to work through and the sub-plots for the side characters are entertaining in their right. The season finale does justice to everything they built and ends the season with a very interesting twist that provides some entertainment for the next season. The show really offers up some of the most satisfying crime drama currently on television today.