Dexter, like most shows, is starting to get a lot of negative criticism. Nobody seems to support the events of season five. I’ve read about a zillion bad reviews, so, I’m writing a good one because I feel the need to defend my favorite show of all time. No, not because I’m in love with Michal C. Hall (although I totally am).
First of all, TV shows (at least one with evolving characters i.e. The Simpson's & Seinfeld excluded), tend to have a bell curve approval rating. Dexter started slow. When I started watching it wasn’t the mega hit it became starting with season three. Then, with season four, the show had peaked. People went delirious for Dexter! And, it was a great season. But now, it has nowhere to go but down, which it did according to popular opinion. However, I disagree and here is why:
Dexter is evolving every season. Season one his world was shattered. Season two, he was almost discovered for who he was, but managed (through nail biting suspense) to come out unscathed and, as a result, was reborn into a more confident and self-actualized vigilante. Season three, he tested Harry’s code for the first time and decided to have a family and let people into his world. It didn’t quite work, but he was still determined to try. Season four, he was driven to test Harry’s code further, trying desperately to have a family and prove that he was capable of normalcy and companionship. Then Rita died and, alas, his deviation from the code failed again. Which brings us to season five; the season hated by the masses for being slow moving and trite.
Listen, the show is about a man with a code. A man who is trying to alter the code in order to not be so alone. He is a lonely frigger and up until season five he has had to kill (or inadvertently cause the death of) everyone he has tried to be close with. Until Lumen. He broke free of Harry! Harry admitted he was wrong!! How is that not deviating from Dexter as usual? It was a positive season which was in direct response to the tragedy of season four. It has set Dexter free and gave him post-Rita hope.
Not only that, but Dexter is, in a way, closer to Deb, too. She no longer sees the world as the iron-clad, moral illusion that Harry left behind for her. Both of the Morgans are free from Harry’s code. Finally! So Deb, without knowing it, has finally accepted Dexter (kind of). It’s poetic and wonderful!
Quit being a bunch of haters! =)
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