Dexter Season 7 and 8

[Solo4114]

Right, but that's my point. The show started off by suggesting that maybe there was a way for him to get past all that. This is just my take on the show, mind you, but I was watching it for some signs of redemption or change in Dexter towards either letting go of his urges, or continuing to channel them effectively, but in a protected way while also being emotionally fulfilled (which, in Season 1, he figures out he actually may want to be). It's also heavily focused on him getting more in touch with himself emotionally and allowing himself to be more human.

Each season, they've teased the idea that this is the solution, this is the way out. He's got a girlfriend. He's got a wife. He's got a buddy. He's got a mentor. He's got NEW girlfriends, and so on and so forth. And yet, at the end of each season, they consistently yank the football away and he winds up on his back like Charlie Brown. I'll say that the character has developed, but for me at least, he hasn't developed in an interesting direction.

Plus, the show didn't start off as some morality tale about how "Well, he IS a serial killer." It was different. That was the point. He wasn't JUST a serial killer. He was a serial killer with an interesting inner monologue, who was likeable, who wanted to change, who wanted to grow, and who wanted to connect with people. To turn the show around at the end and say "Just kidding. He really IS just a serial killer," well...to me, that's a cop-out.

I've had my criticisms of the show for a while now, mostly relating to rudderless writing, but when they got the nod for a final season (which I later discovered was a final TWO seasons), I thought maybe they'd bring it into focus. Then this season seemed to start better than last...but it ultimately ended in a similar "Whoops! Just kidding" fashion. Maybe the writers know where they want to take this show, but from what they're telegraphing, it's not somewhere I particularly want to go with them. That's why I'm checking out of the show.

It's a shame, to me, because there really is some AMAZING acting on the show. But the writing veers between pretty good and pretty bad.

 

[Zombie_61]

Right, but that's my point. The show started off by suggesting that maybe there was a way for him to get past all that.

If it did, that went right past me. There have been brief moments throughout the series in which Dexter seems to have wanted to somehow rid himself of the Dark Passenger, but those moments came later in the series.

It's also heavily focused on him getting more in touch with himself emotionally and allowing himself to be more human.

I wouldn't say the show heavily focused on those aspects of his personality. The writers have dragged those character development moments out occasionally and taken them away from him, but that seems to be more of a tease that he could lead a normal life than a sincere effort towards that goal. I do agree that ploy became tiresome long ago, particularly since we know they no longer have a show if Dexter loses his serial killer urges. Nice metaphor with Charlie Brown and the football, by the way.

Plus, the show didn't start off as some morality tale about how "Well, he IS a serial killer." It was different. That was the point. He wasn't JUST a serial killer. He was a serial killer with an interesting inner monologue, who was likeable, who wanted to change, who wanted to grow, and who wanted to connect with people. To turn the show around at the end and say "Just kidding. He really IS just a serial killer," well...to me, that's a cop-out.

The pretense Dexter personality that he "wears" for Deb, his co-workers, and the public at large is likeable, but the real Dexter is that guy in the kill rooms, that guy who stalks his targets with the absolute focus of a predator. Realistically, it's Michael C. Hall who is likeable, and his performance makes Dexter more of a likeable character.

As for "He really IS just a serial killer," that ship sailed when Dexter had the revelation this season that the Dark Passenger was indeed nothing more than a fictional construct in his mind, and that he is solely responsible for his actions. This is not to say he's completely irredeemable, and I think his revelation is actually a step in that direction much like an addict finally accepting the fact that he/she has a problem. If anything, Dexter is a "functioning serial killer", as evinced by the fact that he's escaped detection (for the most part) for so long. I like Dexter (the character, that is) as well, and I'd rather see him cured of his affliction than be incarcerated or killed, regardless of whether or not that's a realistic ending. I think that ending would be more of a cop-out for some viewers.

I do agree the writing is often the weakest part of the show. There have been too many times when the writers have started a plot tangent, only to drop it without explanation or devise a weak and/or implausible conclusion. But in my opinion it's still one of the best television shows ever produced, and certainly better than most of the rubbish that's on television these days.

 

[Rbeato]

Well said zombie. I agree, compared to most hit shows on tv nowadays are heaps worse than Dexters worst moment. I for one would not mind more seasons IF the writers continue with the overall surge of energy this last season had. Sure it has weak moments, it's worst for me was how LaGuerta got the gas station video footage, and Louis Greenes overall pointless roll other than Dexter almost just killing him to get him out of the way and actually not going through with it. With the entire ITK hand and serial killer game it may have even been interesting if they went the Mr. Brooks route with the 2. The risk of them doing more seasons is the writers getting comfortable again and really slack off.

 

[cboath]

Right, but that's my point. The show started off by suggesting that maybe there was a way for him to get past all that. This is just my take on the show, mind you, but I was watching it for some signs of redemption or change in Dexter towards either letting go of his urges, or continuing to channel them effectively, but in a protected way while also being emotionally fulfilled (which, in Season 1, he figures out he actually may want to be). It's also heavily focused on him getting more in touch with himself emotionally and allowing himself to be more human.

Each season, they've teased the idea that this is the solution, this is the way out. He's got a girlfriend. He's got a wife. He's got a buddy. He's got a mentor. He's got NEW girlfriends, and so on and so forth. And yet, at the end of each season, they consistently yank the football away and he winds up on his back like Charlie Brown. I'll say that the character has developed, but for me at least, he hasn't developed in an interesting direction.

Plus, the show didn't start off as some morality tale about how "Well, he IS a serial killer." It was different. That was the point. He wasn't JUST a serial killer. He was a serial killer with an interesting inner monologue, who was likeable, who wanted to change, who wanted to grow, and who wanted to connect with people. To turn the show around at the end and say "Just kidding. He really IS just a serial killer," well...to me, that's a cop-out.

I've had my criticisms of the show for a while now, mostly relating to rudderless writing, but when they got the nod for a final season (which I later discovered was a final TWO seasons), I thought maybe they'd bring it into focus. Then this season seemed to start better than last...but it ultimately ended in a similar "Whoops! Just kidding" fashion. Maybe the writers know where they want to take this show, but from what they're telegraphing, it's not somewhere I particularly want to go with them. That's why I'm checking out of the show.

It's a shame, to me, because there really is some AMAZING acting on the show. But the writing veers between pretty good and pretty bad.

For it to be a cop out, there'd have to be some sort of plausible rationale for a serial killer to acceptable - even if he's killing the scum of the earth.

 

[Solo4114]

The pretense Dexter personality that he "wears" for Deb, his co-workers, and the public at large is likeable, but the real Dexter is that guy in the kill rooms, that guy who stalks his targets with the absolute focus of a predator. Realistically, it's Michael C. Hall who is likeable, and his performance makes Dexter more of a likeable character.

See, my take of the character is different. He's a mix of elements, and that's what makes him interesting. He's not just some loony serial killer. He's an actual interesting person, and all that is achieved through the effective use of the inner monologue. There were also times, particularly in the first season, where it seemed he wanted something different. Remember him getting close to Rita, and how he actually started to feel after being emotionally cut off for ages? THAT was big. To me, that was the promise of the show. Yes, a serial killer, but a serial killer who wanted...something different. And each season the show kept playing with that, and each season the show would hit the reset button at the end and start over.

As for "He really IS just a serial killer," that ship sailed when Dexter had the revelation this season that the Dark Passenger was indeed nothing more than a fictional construct in his mind, and that he is solely responsible for his actions. This is not to say he's completely irredeemable, and I think his revelation is actually a step in that direction much like an addict finally accepting the fact that he/she has a problem. If anything, Dexter is a "functioning serial killer", as evinced by the fact that he's escaped detection (for the most part) for so long. I like Dexter (the character, that is) as well, and I'd rather see him cured of his affliction than be incarcerated or killed, regardless of whether or not that's a realistic ending. I think that ending would be more of a cop-out for some viewers.

Two things. First, the notion of dropping the Dark Passenger just happened THIS season. We're talking six prior seasons of Dexter wanting to connect with people normally, wanting to be accepted for who he is, and struggling to find something more. And then, whoops! Just kidding. He's just a creep motherf***er. Guess that means the last 6 seasons were just so much bulls**t, huh? THAT'S my objection to the direction the show's taken. I don't like it when shows set you up with a particular premise for multiple seasons, then run out of tape at the end and say "Just kidding!" and pull a fast one on you.

I do agree the writing is often the weakest part of the show. There have been too many times when the writers have started a plot tangent, only to drop it without explanation or devise a weak and/or implausible conclusion. But in my opinion it's still one of the best television shows ever produced, and certainly better than most of the rubbish that's on television these days.

Sadly, amidst a sea of crappy reality TV, that's damning with faint praise.

It's a good show. It's a damnsight better than a lot else that's out there. But it's a show that, in my mind, could be SO much better if it had more focus in its writing and more of a long-term strategy. Since Season 4, I haven't had the feeling that the show was going anywhere other than "in circles." Deb's been the only truly dynamic character. The supporting characters had interesting moments, but they'd always be rendered irrelevant. This season did change the characters, but in a direction that I find HIGHLY unsatisfying.

 

[Zombie_61]

See, my take of the character is different. He's a mix of elements, and that's what makes him interesting. He's not just some loony serial killer. He's an actual interesting person, and all that is achieved through the effective use of the inner monologue. There were also times, particularly in the first season, where it seemed he wanted something different. Remember him getting close to Rita, and how he actually started to feel after being emotionally cut off for ages? THAT was big. To me, that was the promise of the show. Yes, a serial killer, but a serial killer who wanted...something different. And each season the show kept playing with that, and each season the show would hit the reset button at the end and start over.

They did make it clear from the first episode that Dexter was more than "just" a serial killer; if he'd been nothing more than a one-dimensional character the show would have become boring very quickly. But I don't recall him actually having feelings for Rita until the third season; prior to that his relationship with her was nothing more than another facade he had created in an effort to appear normal.

Two things. First, the notion of dropping the Dark Passenger just happened THIS season. We're talking six prior seasons of Dexter wanting to connect with people normally, wanting to be accepted for who he is, and struggling to find something more. And then, whoops! Just kidding. He's just a creep motherf***er. Guess that means the last 6 seasons were just so much bulls**t, huh? THAT'S my objection to the direction the show's taken. I don't like it when shows set you up with a particular premise for multiple seasons, then run out of tape at the end and say "Just kidding!" and pull a fast one on you.

Well, he's not "just a creep", but I agree the writers have played the "Dexter just wants one person in his life that he can be completely himself with and not have to put up the pretense" card too many times over the course of the series. Even Deb, with whom he has the most intimate relationship in his life, apparently can only accept "the real Dexter" to a point...so far, anyway. It'll be interesting to see how their future relationship plays out.

It's a good show. It's a damnsight better than a lot else that's out there. But it's a show that, in my mind, could be SO much better if it had more focus in its writing and more of a long-term strategy. Since Season 4, I haven't had the feeling that the show was going anywhere other than "in circles." Deb's been the only truly dynamic character. The supporting characters had interesting moments, but they'd always be rendered irrelevant. This season did change the characters, but in a direction that I find HIGHLY unsatisfying.

Except for Dexter making some foolish mistakes, I think season four is arguably the strongest of the series. It was a hard act to follow and, unfortunately, the writers weren't up to the task. If I remember correctly there were also some production staff changes between seasons four and five, which wasn't necessarily a good thing for the show. I still find the show to be very watchable despite it's flaws, but I'm hoping they'll wrap it up before it overstays it's welcome. Clearly you believe it has reached that point, but it hasn't for me...yet.

 

[Rbeato]

?Dexter? Season 8 Spoilers: Two New Recurring Characters Are On The Trail!

 

[Clutch]

Dunno if it is a fluke or not, but Dexter has been free on Comcast on Demand. I thought you only could see those if you had a subscription to Showtime? I skipped straight to season 7. Now wondering if I should just watch 5 & 6 to say I've seen them all. :lol

 

[AJK001]

I was watching some Dexter episodes Friday night on Showtime and they mentioned many times that the new season is starting Sunday June 30th. They even had a few previews. Not that I'm complaining, but does anyone know why they are starting the new season early?

 

[PotionMistress]

I was watching some Dexter episodes Friday night on Showtime and they mentioned many times that the new season is starting Sunday June 30th. They even had a few previews. Not that I'm complaining, but does anyone know why they are starting the new season early?

Somewhere I heard that Showtime is trying to launch a new show and wants to garner support for it by releasing Dexter around the same time. That could be balony, but it's one possibility. Perhaps they are going to split the season into two 6-part episodes and stretch it out? Just guessing.

 

[Solo4114]

It's not baloney. The show is Ray Donovan and they're running the promos for it alongside Dexter. I still have no idea what it's about, but Liev Schreiber looks suitably "tough guy" in it, and is holding a shotgun in slow mo in some clips. >shrug<

 

[CB2001]

Re: Dexter Season 7

Maybe Dexter will end up on Deb's table? Huh? Huh? Yeah, didn't expect that did ya?

Nice reference to Dexter's nightmare in Season 6, El Duderino.

 

[Zombie_61]

It's not baloney. The show is Ray Donovan and they're running the promos for it alongside Dexter. I still have no idea what it's about, but Liev Schreiber looks suitably "tough guy" in it, and is holding a shotgun in slow mo in some clips. >shrug<

Based on the promos I've seen, I'm guessing Donovan is a "cleaner" (i.e., the guy who disposes of evidence to keep someone's arse out of prison) for some form of crime organization.

BTW, I read some time in the last couple of weeks that Showtime has decided season 8 will be the final season for Dexter. I still enjoy the show, so I'll be sorry to see it go, but I think it's time.

 

[GeneralFROSTY]

There may be a number of factors to start the season early, not just one.
A theory of mine is that one of the reasons could be to not compete with the time slot that The Walking Dead dominates in the fall, but time slot wars may not apply to a pay network like Showtime.

 

[Trooper_trent]

Tonight's the night, right?

 

[JoeG]

Yeah, it just finished airing on the east coast. So good!

 

[PotionMistress]

Wow!!!!… this got off to a fantastic start and looks like it’s going to be a compelling and exciting last season. They haven’t missed a beat with the continuity and intensity of the emotional and psychological aspects of the characters. Gadzooks, this is still my favorite show!

 

[Rbeato]

off to a pretty good start i'd say. be interesting to find out more about this Vogel character. only main thing i'm not looking forward to is Hannah returning. She better not have something to do with Dexter meeting his end.....
Clearly harry and vogel were buddies, and perhaps harry helps summize the code from vogels ideas?

 

[mmarlon brando]

Despite the flack this show has gotten for it's last couple of seasons, tonight's ep reinforced how much I love it. I'll be sorry to see it go.

 

[Vivek]

Season 8 off to a good start and the episode ended with quite the cliffhanger.