« I Walked The Line | Main | More writers strike updates »

Dexter: Left Turn Ahead | December 12, 2007

What an apt title, Left Turn Ahead, for Monday's episode of Dexter. The episode ended with everyone in some kind of jeopardy with the kind of complications that point to a necessary third season to resolve the issues from this one. Here's where we find ourselves as we roll into next week's season finale.

Dexter, our psychopath with a sharp wit and killer smile, had finally prepared to turn himself in, ending the investigation that has dogged him all season long. A pleasant dinner of steaks and beer with his sister, though, changed his mind. His reversal, however, came on the heels of the FBI's seeming-reversal as Agent Lundy learned exculpatory evidence that might clear Dexter's captive and potential patsy, Sergeant Doakes. Removing Doakes as the primary suspect in the Bay Harbor Butcher murders would return Dexter to square one. That would almost be a step up from where it appears he will be, as our episode ended Dexter's spurned lover, Lila's, discovery of the cabin Dexter is using to cage Sergeant Doakes.

Dexter had decided to remain at-large in order to protect his sister, girlfriend, and her children from the horror that knowing he was a serial killer would bring. The second half of this season has seen Dexter deal with the what that revelation meant for the most important person in his life, his father. Doakes' potential  reemergence threatens to force the issue Dexter had decided to forestall.

That's a lot, isn't it? Well, believe it or not, I don't think that rundown addresses even half the issues raised this episode and this season. There's no way to put a bow on this season as neatly as it happened last season. With one episode left, it seems we're being set up for a third season in much the same way that The Wire set used the fourth season to set us up for the fifth. In both cases, we were given a wonderful story to follow. With The Wire, our story was the adventures of the quartet of kids, and, with Dexter, it has been Dexter's careful evasion of the FBI's investigation. Dexter has never had a clear way out of the life he has led, having been governed by his father's guiding principle: Don't Get Caught. Where could he possibly go from here, having decided to remain outside the clutches of the law?

By the way, if not having Showtime has kept you from being able to watch Dexter, rumors are circulating that it may be shown on CBS. It wouldn't be as difficult to edit as The Sopranos. Sex is minimal and, believe it or not, so is the violence. Should Dexter reruns make the leap to CBS, do yourself a favor and watch.

Tags: Dexter, Showtime, CBS

Posted by earnest in Earnest's | permalink