Father Knows Best

Dexter inherits a house from a man called Joe Driscoll, who claimed to be his biological father and apparently died from heart attack. Dexter travels with Rita to pack and clear the house for selling. Later, Debra and Rudy unexpectedly show up to help them. Dexter investigates the death of Joe in the morgue and with his neighbor and finds evidences that he might have been killed. Meanwhile Sergeant Doakes shoots and kills a man in Miami and Angel is requested by the Internal Affairs to testify; but what Angel has witnessed and Dexter's report about the blood splatter contradict the statement of Doakes. Angel lives a dilemma with his conscience and principles whether he should tell the truth of become a rat. Paul presses Rita to visit his children and is brutal with her.

In this episode, Dexter discloses the truth about his origins and realizes that Harry lied to him. The Ice Truck Killer now close to Dexter and Debra is able to manipulate Dexter and get inside information about his past that he will certainly use in the future. The poor Angel lives a great dilemma with the situation with Doakes while the mask of Paul falls. The taste of music of Joe Driscoll could not be better. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Papai Sabe o Que é Melhor" ("Father Knows What is Best")

Ep 9 "Father Knows Best" absolutely delivers a compelling shift in tone. What begins as a seemingly straightforward weekend road trip transforms into something far more psychologically complex.

Hall's performance reaches new depths here as Dexter confronts uncomfortable questions about his past. The character work feels genuinely layered - watching him navigate uncertain territory whilst maintaining his carefully constructed persona proves captivating television.

The change of setting from Miami provides excellent atmospheric variety, and the supporting cast rises to the occasion brilliantly. Julie Benz continues her strong work, whilst Jennifer Carpenter delivers emotional authenticity in key moments. Christian Camargo's presence grows increasingly intriguing with each scene.

Adam Davidson's direction maintains tension beautifully without rushing revelations. The episode balances character development with plot progression expertly, allowing quieter moments to breathe whilst building toward something significant.

Melissa Rosenberg's script layers meaning throughout - seemingly casual conversations carry weight, and the episode rewards close attention. This instalment demonstrates the show's ability to shift gears whilst maintaining quality. Thoroughly engaged and eager for what's next.

The ninth episode in the first episode of Dexter is definitely engaging like it's predecessors. After the last episode ended on an exciting cliffhanger, this episode manages to do the same though not as mind-numbing as before. I liked this episode for two reasons. The first reason is that this is more family-centered. In other words, we learn more about Dexter's past and his biological father. The second reason s that there is a theme of morality which is a big issue within police departments.

This episode "Father Knows Best," has Dexter learning that his biological father recently passed away after being told he was dead for over thirty years. Rita begins to get abused again by her ex-husband. Debra and her new boyfriend Rudy are taking it to the next level. Angel faces a moral dilemma whether he should rat out Sgt. Doakes or not after he killed someone.

Overall, this is another very good, engaging episode. I like how they come up with these amazing cliffhangers. I just want more and more as I watch more and more. If this episode was any indication, big things are about to happen. I rate this episode 9/10.

I like how clever Rudy is throughout this episode. How he just stalks Dexter throughout the weekend first by convincing Debra that they should go and help Dexter and Rita, then basically follows Dexter, offering to go with him to the morgue while waking up early and then following him at night back there.

Deb's histrionics ruined the flow of this episode. She is the equivalent of a low-IQ, impulsive child who has an inability to consider matters related to truth, curiosity, or anyone else's point of view. Instead of a discussion, she shouts and causes needless drama.