Born Free

The twelfth and final episode of the first season of Dexter is about perfect in every way. The events leading to this episode is all worth the waiting because this is one final epic showdown. We learn many surprising things here including a connection between Rudy and Dexter that I certainly did not see coming. From start to finish, this episode is just amazing and will truly hold your attention like no other.

In this episode, "Born Free," Debra has been kidnapped by Rudy, whose identity has been known now as he truly is. Dexter races against the clock to find Debra. Meanwhile, his feud with Sgt. Doakes becomes physical. Also, Paul calls Rita saying that Dexter framed him and that's why he is in jail.

Overall, this is such an amazing episode. It took eleven episodes of build-up, but we have come to the utmost satisfying conclusion there could be. I'll be eagerly awaiting the second season of this fantastic series. I rate this episode 10/10.

Firstly Dexter is an examination of the human condition using a morally disjointed protagonist.

The Sopranos deals with this theme in much greater depth and detail. Dexter doesn't hold a candle to it.

The ice-truck killer was everything I expected and more. I was somewhat disappointed in the unveiling of said individual, and the way the story unfolded after the revelation.

The way the ice-truck killer impacted and conflicted Dexter was excellent - just as any good villain should - but the episodes didn't examine these psychological conflicts the way I thought they should have.

Dexter took it's time revealing and unfolding the story of the ice-truck killer, but the moral conflicts of Dexter were dealt with quickly (that's not to say his moral conflicts are resolved) and could have used longer study time.

The show has somewhat worked as a plot-driven character study. But I want less plot and more character.

I have disliked the narration in Dexter except for a few comedic lines. So much of the narration is repeated information in the form of something much easier to understand.

Naturally the nature and plot of this show will generate fan-boy praise. I just hope people never see this show as something as good or better than The Sopranos. But, hey - it's only the first season.

I really enjoyed the first season of Dexter. It introduces us to Dexter Morgan, a forensic blood spatter expert working for the Miami police, who also happens to be a serial killer. But not just any killer: Dexter follows a strict code, targeting only those who, in his eyes, truly deserve to die. This moral twist earns him the nickname The Bay Harbor Butcher.

While he tries to maintain a seemingly normal relationship with Rita, a kind but emotionally scarred single mother of two, the city is gripped by a chilling new threat: the Ice Truck Killer. This mysterious second killer is not just out there committing crimes, he's also watching Dexter. This cat-and-mouse dynamic adds a psychological tension that lifts the show beyond your typical crime drama.

The acting is solid throughout, especially Michael C. Hall, who masterfully balances Dexter's deadpan public face with his inner monologue and darker urges. One thing that bothered me, though, was the constant use of foreign languages by certain characters, often Spanish, without subtitles. It felt forced, as if the show wanted to highlight diversity, but didn't consider non-Spanish-speaking viewers. It reminded me of how some Afro-Caribbean characters in Dutch films suddenly speak fluently in their native tongue for realism's sake, even when it's not contextually believable. This took me out of the experience and made some conversations hard to follow.

That said, I was impressed, in a disturbingly admiring way, by the creativity and preparation behind the murders, especially those committed by the Ice Truck Killer. The level of detail, the methodical nature, the visual elements... sick, yes, but beautifully executed. It wasn't just about killing; it was about sending a message, creating a pattern, drawing Dexter into a deeper game.

Overall, Season 1 of Dexter is a strong introduction to a deeply conflicted character and a morally ambiguous world. It raises questions about justice, identity, and control and it does so with style, suspense, and more than a few genuinely shocking moments.

The announcement of a "Dexter" revival has inspired us to go back and watch the series again. I watched three or four seasons the first time, before stopping as I moved house and didn't have the channel any more. I remembered a lot about this first season, including the identity of the Ice Truck Killer and why, but things get much vaguer for me from here.

Dexter Morgan (Michael C Hall) is a serial killer, but one with a code embedded in him by his adopted father, to only take the lives of other killers. He maintains a normal life, working as a blood splatter specialist for Miami PD alongside his Police Officer sister Deb (Jennifer Carpenter) and even has a girlfriend Rita (Julie Benz) and the makings of a surrogate family. Miami though is plagued by a new serial killer, one who leaves exsanguinated body parts for the police to find but also one that seems to know Dexter's secrets.

Watching "Dexter" again, the first thing that struck me was how grainy the opening episodes and especially the pilot looked. I guess I'm just used to the high definition of today and take it for granted. Either my eyes became accustomed to it, or this didn't last though, and the visuals reached a higher standard as the series ran on. I like Michael C Hall as Dexter. He narrates the story in voiceover, in an often-deadpan style. He's very good at keeping Dexter's emotions skin deep, until the aspects that really affect him towards the end of the run. The rest of the cast is pretty solid, perhaps Erik King takes Sgt Doakes a little far at times, he gets so close to Dexter it feels like they should kiss rather than argue.

It's unfortunate that I remembered so much about the Ice Truck Killer storyline going into this series as that rather took the wind out of a lot of the run, given that there are a couple of red herrings across the season. Looking forward to less familiar stuff going forward though.

This episode is about as close to perfect as you can get. Almost Mizumono and Felina level. The episode is complete, and treats every subject you'd think it would, but also leaves space for imagination and things you wouldn't expect. Dexter's character development is absolutely insane in this first season, and I am absolutely thrilled about what will happen in season 2. Never boring. Never "filling." Crazy characters developments, crazy dynamics. Great acting and E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G you could think of. This show is THAT good. I have never given it a chance till now. I actually don't regret it, because watching other shows first gave me the chance to understand this perfectly. I believe Dexter S1 is better than Breaking Bad S1, not by much, but still a little. This is high level Cinema. Bravo to everybody who's been working on this.