Dexter Highs and Lows

WARNING: Spoilers Ahead

After watching the first two episodes of Dexter’s season three, I'm worried that the shock-factor of the first two seasons has been left behind. I’m finding their latest story moving along much more slowly than even the very first episode, which was a "set up" episode designed to introduce us to show. Despite the pace, I’m intrigued to see where this story will go. Is Miguel evil? Will he discover Dexter's secret? Will Dexter have to kill him?

So far, season three is focusing less on Dexter the Serial Killer and more on Dexter the Family Man. The original premise seems to be getting lost as the writers try to cope with Dexter's concience: it’s no longer about whether Dexter will be able to lead a double life, but which life he will ultimately choose. With Rita’s pregnancy the forefront of the story (a blatant plot device – Dexter’s inner journey could have taken much more creative venues) the show is becoming almost the opposite of what is was before – Dexter getting away with being a serial killer. Now he can barely get away from his social life.

Dexter may be following his own rules now, but he can’t have it both ways; he’s getting spontaneous, emotional, sloppy. He’s no longer the precise, deliberate Dexter from season one, and not the hunted, driven Dexter from season 2. He’s Dexter Lite, a whiny, indecisive Dexter that I’m not sure I like.

What I’d like to see more of this season:
• Masuka’s crazy ways
• Angel really becoming a leader
• Debra continuing to grow as a cop and a person
• Quinn. Enough said.

What I’d like to see less of:
• Maria pining after Miguel. That woman sure needs a lot of attention.
• Dexter and Rita’s not-so-subtle interactions
• Rita trying to be a sexpot soccer mom
• Dexter’s random daydreams
• Jimmy Smits’ bad fake Hispanic accent


Former Dexter Cast Member Heads up CW Show

In other Dexter news, Jaime Murray, who played the tempestuous Lila in season 2, now heads up the cast on Valentine, a cute show on the CW about the Greek Gods living among us and bringing soul mates together. It reminded me a little of Charmed, with the magical family helping those in need. The Gods are updated, living as an LA family, and “Cupid” carrying a gun instead of a bow and arrow.

It’s hard for me to picture Lila as a matriarch, but Murray is quite surprising and likeable in the role. And much better styled. The show also stars familiar faces Christine Lakin (from Step By Step), Autumn Reaser (the OC), and Patrick Fabian (Veronica Mars). All in all, it’s a fun little guilty pleasure for a lonely Sunday evening.