Cailyn McIntire
Staff Writer
Showtime’s killer show, “Dexter,” started its fourth and most action-packed season, reminding audiences that America’s favorite serial killer is just as deadly and entertaining as ever.
We join darling daddy Dexter (Michael C. Hall) as he faces juggling the challenges of parenthood, his time-consuming job as a blood spatter analyst for Miami Metro Homicide, a terrifying new killer to track and his own constant need to kill.
Dexter lives by a code that only allows him to kill other murderers, but as his sleep deprivation causes a near-fatal accident, it becomes more and more difficult for Dexter to follow his own rules while continuing to satiate his bloodlust.
Harrison, Dexter’s innocent son, isn’t the only new arrival season four has to offer. Retired Special Agent Frank Lundy also returns in pursuit of the ever-elusive “Trinity Killer” (John Lithgow), who has returned to Miami with a penchant for killing in cycles of three.
Though only three episodes have aired since the season started Sept. 22, “Dexter” has been immediately addictive from the first shot. Each fascinating murder leaves viewers at the edge of their seats, dreading yet craving more bloodshed. Any notions of parenthood taming the fierce Dexter are almost instantly dispelled.
Despite the new changes adding an exciting level of drama and suspense, the consistent character foibles of the lovely men and women of Miami Metro are still at the heart of the show. Dexter’s lab partner Vincent Masuka manages to make every crime scene awkwardly entertaining with his repertoire of inappropriate jokes.
However, as with the previous three seasons, for every 10 of Dexter’s witty and insightful cynicisms or quips, the writers have cursed his co-worker Angel Batista with a corny line that leaves the audience cringing. For example, “This is crazy… crazy good.” Angel’s occasional lame comment and Dexter’s irritating wife are perhaps the shows only two weaknesses.
Be warned; “Dexter” is not for the weak of heart. The gruesome death scenes aren’t of the “Saw” trilogy’s nauseating caliber but are nonetheless disturbing.
Nudity, profanity, and graphic violence are all rampantly and enthusiastically utilized in each episode, since “Dexter’s” Showtime channel is not a public network,
Those who have not yet seen the previous three seasons should seriously consider investing in some DVDs, signing up for a Netflix subscription or asking a friend well-versed in “Dexter” trivia to explain the back story. Watching the back episodes is by far the most preferable option, considering consistent high quality that the show has maintained going into this season.
“Dexter” is on Showtime Sundays at 9 p.m. The tension between Dexter and the Trinity killer is almost palpable, and the suspense is irresistible.
Leave a Reply