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Dexter
S1.E7
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IMDbPro

Circle of Friends

  • Episode aired Nov 12, 2006
  • TV-MA
  • 52m
IMDb RATING
8.6/10
12K
YOUR RATING
Circle of Friends (2006)
Psychological DramaSuspense MysteryCrimeDramaMysteryThriller

The Ice Truck Killer is finally identified, but something about the suspect doesn't sit right with Dexter, who must also deal with the menacing return of Rita's paroled ex-husband.The Ice Truck Killer is finally identified, but something about the suspect doesn't sit right with Dexter, who must also deal with the menacing return of Rita's paroled ex-husband.The Ice Truck Killer is finally identified, but something about the suspect doesn't sit right with Dexter, who must also deal with the menacing return of Rita's paroled ex-husband.

  • Director
    • Steve Shill
  • Writers
    • Jeff Lindsay
    • Daniel Cerone
    • Lauren Gussis
  • Stars
    • Michael C. Hall
    • Julie Benz
    • Jennifer Carpenter
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.6/10
    12K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Steve Shill
    • Writers
      • Jeff Lindsay
      • Daniel Cerone
      • Lauren Gussis
    • Stars
      • Michael C. Hall
      • Julie Benz
      • Jennifer Carpenter
    • 11User reviews
    • 8Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos24

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    Top Cast29

    Edit
    Michael C. Hall
    Michael C. Hall
    • Dexter Morgan
    Julie Benz
    Julie Benz
    • Rita Bennett
    Jennifer Carpenter
    Jennifer Carpenter
    • Debra Morgan
    Erik King
    Erik King
    • Sgt. James Doakes
    Luna Lauren Velez
    Luna Lauren Velez
    • Lt. Maria LaGuerta
    • (as Lauren Velez)
    David Zayas
    David Zayas
    • Det. Angel Batista
    James Remar
    James Remar
    • Harry Morgan
    • (credit only)
    Geoff Pierson
    Geoff Pierson
    • Capt. Tom Matthews
    C.S. Lee
    C.S. Lee
    • Vince Masuka
    Mark Pellegrino
    Mark Pellegrino
    • Paul Bennett
    Sam Witwer
    Sam Witwer
    • Neil Perry
    Christian Camargo
    Christian Camargo
    • Rudy Cooper
    Mark L. Young
    Mark L. Young
    • Jeremy Downs
    Lizette Carrion
    Lizette Carrion
    • Shanda
    Brad William Henke
    Brad William Henke
    • Tony Tucci
    Christina Robinson
    Christina Robinson
    • Astor Bennett
    Daniel Goldman
    Daniel Goldman
    • Cody Bennett
    David Batiste
    • Computer Analyst
    • Director
      • Steve Shill
    • Writers
      • Jeff Lindsay
      • Daniel Cerone
      • Lauren Gussis
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews11

    8.612.1K
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    Featured reviews

    9g-bodyl

    Dexter: Circle of Friends

    The seventh episode of Dexter is another good episode and is on par with the previous episode of tension and wanting more to happen. I liked this episode because many things happen here such as a return of an old character and such. All I can say is that I really liked this episode and the ongoing developments of the Ice Truck Killer.

    This episode, "Circle of Friends," has a suspect that is believed to be the Ice Truck Killer being apprehended but Dexter isn't so optimistic if he is actually the killer. Meanwhile, Rita has to deal with her menacing soon-to-be-ex husband who just was let out of prison on parole.

    Overall, this is a very good, tense episode. I really liked it because there were many things to pay attention to and you will most likely not get bored. There are a few surprising developments here to keep in mind as well. I rate this episode 9/10.
    8FiftyTwo_52

    False Dawn, Real Consequences

    What a masterfully deceptive piece of television!

    Ep 7 "Circle of Friends" initially feels like resolution - we've caught the Ice Truck Killer, case closed. Steve Shill's direction brilliantly lulls us into false security before that final revelation gut-punch. Hall delivers another nuanced performance, showing Dexter's genuine disappointment when the "caught" killer proves to be just another disturbed individual rather than the intellectual equal he craved.

    The mentorship subplot with Jeremy adds psychological depth whilst exploring Dexter's influence on others - consequences that clearly weigh on him. Julie Benz continues excelling in the domestic abuse storyline. Her scenes with Paul crackle with authentic tension, showing Rita's complex mix of fear, strength, and pragmatic protection of her children. The divorce papers scene perfectly captures her strategic thinking under pressure.

    The episode's structure is particularly clever - building toward what seems like closure whilst actually deepening the central mystery. Jeremy's suicide adds genuine stakes to Dexter's guidance, whilst the final moments promise the real game is just beginning. Rosenberg's script balances multiple compelling storylines without losing momentum.

    This episode demonstrates why Dexter became appointment television - psychological sophistication wrapped in accessible thriller format.
    7claudio_carvalho

    Disney Dad and Other Friends

    Paul approaches to Astor and Cody posing of good father while Rita requests the divorce. Meanwhile Debra and Angel follow a lead and arrest a taxidermist that may be the Ice Truck Killer; the deranged guy confesses the crimes and the police department celebrates, while Dexter is disappointed with his former "friend". Meanwhile Dexter regrets to let Jeremy Downs escape; when he is ready to fix his error, the teenager is arrested by the police accused of murder. Dexter sees his circle of friends in jail.

    "Circle of Friends" is an average episode of this series. The relationship of Paul, Rita and the children looks like a soap-opera; the exposition of Dexter to Jeremy Downs in the precinct is unreasonable and incoherent for a cold blood killer like Dexter. The chase of the Ice Truck Killer is the best part of this show. My vote is seven.

    Title (Brazil): "Círculo de Amigos" ("Circle of Friends")
    9PaulO-1869

    Watch till the last line

    This is rated highly at 8.6, but I'm still disappointed in the negative reviews that made it so. I don't think they understand the true nature of the person that is Dexter. Great writing so far.

    I don't want to write more but there's this silly requirement of writing more. Is it because this is a new acc.
    8edwardkprose

    Great episode but

    Paul is really beginning to annoy me like I dont think he is really that good of a character and will probably just come back at some point. The actual Dexter stuff is great though like him believing the guy he idolises is this dweeb and then realising right at the end is such a cathartic release for him.

    Related interests

    Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
    Psychological Drama
    James Stewart in Rear Window (1954)
    Suspense Mystery
    James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Sharon Angela, Max Casella, Dan Grimaldi, Joe Perrino, Donna Pescow, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Tony Sirico, and Michael Drayer in The Sopranos (1999)
    Crime
    Naomie Harris, Mahershala Ali, Janelle Monáe, André Holland, Herman Caheej McGloun, Edson Jean, Alex R. Hibbert, and Tanisha Cidel in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama
    Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway in Chinatown (1974)
    Mystery
    Cho Yeo-jeong in Parasite (2019)
    Thriller

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Sam Witwer and Mark Pellegrino later starred in Being Human (2011) together.
    • Goofs
      The subplot involving the return of Rita's abusive husband, Paul, is not realistic. When he picked up the children from school without her consent, Dexter acted like there was nothing she could do when, in fact, her restraining order (mentioned previously) should have granted her custody and defined his visitation/parenting-time rights. Rita could have reported Paul for custodial interference, which is a crime. Contacting her likely also violated the terms of his probation, and she could have reported this to his probation officer.
    • Quotes

      Dexter Morgan: I'm a lot like you, you know?

      Jeremy Downs: Yeah, right. You're a killer?

      Dexter Morgan: I'm empty... but I found a way to make it feel less bottomless.

      Jeremy Downs: How?

      Dexter Morgan: Pretend. You pretend the feelings are there, for the world and for the people around you. Who knows, maybe one day they will be.

    • Connections
      References Circle of Friends (1995)
    • Soundtracks
      Psycho Music One
      Written by Norman Orenstein

      Performed by Norman Orenstein

      Courtesy of Baffle Music Publishing

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 12, 2006 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Filming locations
      • The Pink Motel & Cadillac Jack's Diner, 9457 San Fernando Road, Sun Valley, California, USA(Neil Perry arrested at motel)
    • Production companies
      • The Colleton Company
      • Clyde Phillips Productions
      • John Goldwyn Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 52m
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.78 : 1

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