DEXTER

DEXTER

OCTOBER 1, 2006-PRESENT

The series content is not for children and should not be viewed by persons under the age of 18.  It often consists of strong adult content in its level of violence, sex and psychological story lines.  Dexter (Michael C. Hall) is a man who was orphaned at the age of 3 after witnessing the brutal murder of his biological mother, Laura Moser.  He is adopted by Miami police officer Harry Morgan (James Remar) and his wife, Doris.

Dexter begins killing animals as well as neighborhood pets, which continues for several years until it is discovered by Harry Morgan.  His father, now at a loss for how to get Dexter to stop, and with his police knowledge of what Dexter’s future pattern will be, knowing that he will progressively get more violent,  Harry creates “the code of Harry”, which he begins teaching young Dexter.  This is a rule book for being judge and jury after acquiring undeniable proof of a killer’s guilt.  Harry uses Dexter’s need for a kill to teach him how to take out the bad guys, who may never get caught due to long red tape in the judicial system or their ability to stay under the radar .  Harry prepares Dexter in forensics and how to not get apprehended by the police.  Eventually this will become an important part of Dexter’s future profession as a bloodstain pattern analyst for the Miami police department.  It will also connect him to the information and people necessary to do his private investigation into crimes where the police have their hands tied up in legality.

Dexter’s adoptive sister, Debra Morgan (Jennifer Carpenter), who has felt in the shadow of Dexter through her father’s eyes while at the same time being a protector and often protected by Dexter over the years of growing up.  Now, detective debar Morgan is an undercover officer in the vice squad but has her sights set on becoming a part of the homicide division.  With her perseverance work along with a reliance on Dexter’s forensic work, she becomes an officer in the homicide division.  Her confidence begins to grow as she finds herself deep in investigations and beginning to rely on her own investigative abilities to solve crimes. 

Debra‘s immediate supervisor, Detective Sergeant Angel Juan Marcos Batista (David Zayas) knows that Debra is better than his superiors believe and often gives her that space she needs to do her job.  He is sometimes the buffer between Debra and those who do not feel she is qualified.

Dexter finds himself in an unexpected relationship with Rita Bennett (Julie Benz) who has an abusive husband (Mark Pellegrino) who is the father of her 2 children, Astor (Christina Robinson) and Cody (Preston Bailey, Daniel Goldman season 1).  Dexter feels like the two are damaged and in that they are at the same level and can dwell in their pain together.  He chooses however, to not include her in his secret life, which only stands to complicate his life.  He has a connection with the children that is both shocking and soothing for him.  The protector that has laid dormant all his life begins to find its way to the surface, which can only catalyze his already shattering discreet life.

Sergeant James Doakes (Erik King) is out to discover why Dexter’s behavior is often erratic and feels his personality is much darker than anyone realizes.  He finds himself working angles on some investigations that will put Dexter in the middle with more involvement.  He knows he is on to something, and soon finds himself following leads in investigations that have Dexter involved, but every time he weaves, Dexter bobs, leaving Doakes frustrated. 

Lieutenant Maria Laguerta (Lauren Velez), who is building a career for herself, is always looking to advance but has a hard spot for Debra.  No matter what Debra does, it is never good enough and she often challenges her right to be a police officer.  Will she ever believe in Debra and what she can accomplish as an officer?

This show has some incredible writing that keeps the audience engrossed, so before the viewer realizes it, the episode is over.  The tiny cliff hangers only bring on an abundance of anticipation for the next episode.  The concept is so refreshing that it will be hard to for networks to jump on the bandwagon as Showtime has the ability to be a bit more graphic in the segments of killing as well as the storyline.  Each episode is packed with back story as well as several secondary story lines that sometimes intertwine with the main investigative storyline.  The potential for new story lines is unlimited along with extensive back story possibilities.