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Dexter
S1.E12
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IMDbPro

Born Free

  • Episode aired Dec 17, 2006
  • TV-MA
  • 56m
IMDb RATING
9.6/10
23K
YOUR RATING
Born Free (2006)
Psychological DramaSuspense MysteryCrimeDramaMysteryThriller

In the Season One finale, Dexter follows the clues left for him by the Ice Truck Killer in an effort to rescue his kidnapped loved one, while Rita's ex tries to convince her that Dexter is t... Read allIn the Season One finale, Dexter follows the clues left for him by the Ice Truck Killer in an effort to rescue his kidnapped loved one, while Rita's ex tries to convince her that Dexter is too dangerous to be around their children.In the Season One finale, Dexter follows the clues left for him by the Ice Truck Killer in an effort to rescue his kidnapped loved one, while Rita's ex tries to convince her that Dexter is too dangerous to be around their children.

  • Director
    • Michael Cuesta
  • Writers
    • Jeff Lindsay
    • James Manos Jr.
    • Daniel Cerone
  • Stars
    • Michael C. Hall
    • Julie Benz
    • Jennifer Carpenter
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    9.6/10
    23K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Michael Cuesta
    • Writers
      • Jeff Lindsay
      • James Manos Jr.
      • Daniel Cerone
    • Stars
      • Michael C. Hall
      • Julie Benz
      • Jennifer Carpenter
    • 32User reviews
    • 9Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos30

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    Top cast33

    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
    Geoff Pierson
    Geoff Pierson
    • Capt. Tom Matthews
    C.S. Lee
    C.S. Lee
    • Vince Masuka
    Mark Pellegrino
    Mark Pellegrino
    • Paul Bennett
    Christian Camargo
    Christian Camargo
    • Brian Moser
    Judith Scott
    Judith Scott
    • Lt. Esme Pascal
    Scott Atkinson
    Scott Atkinson
    • Bob Hicks
    Christina Robinson
    Christina Robinson
    • Astor
    Daniel Goldman
    Daniel Goldman
    • Cody
    Maxwell Huckabee
    • Little Dexter
    Brandon Killham
    Brandon Killham
    • Little Rudy
    Katherine Kirkpatrick
    • Laura Moser
    • Director
      • Michael Cuesta
    • Writers
      • Jeff Lindsay
      • James Manos Jr.
      • Daniel Cerone
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews32

    9.622.7K
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    Featured reviews

    10Willie_Reviews

    Season 1 Rating: Ice Truck Killer (No Spoilers)

    What a season, no matter how many times I've seen this season (3rd or 4th time) it just keeps my eyes glued to the screen, one of the best opening season to any show.

    To begin the season Dexter takes us on one of his kills grabbing our attention immediately. Then we learn that he's a Blood Spatter Analyst for the police and a killer killer by night.

    This whole seasons main focus is the Ice Truck Killer case, which has some crazy twist and turns that would keep anyone watching.

    This season teaches us everything we need to know about Dexter for years to come, he only kills people who deserve to die.
    10osaemerald

    Amazing twist

    Just watch until the end and be patient, don't search up anything online and let the story play out. 10/10 twist. The music was played at right moments and throughout the whole show, the main music of suspense is rarely played. The ending was so good, and honestly the story writing is what will leave you in awe. Trying my best not to spoil anything major here but this episode is where dexter shows a side of himself that we thought we would never see. A lot of the story is explained in this episode and I think there is rarely any missing puzzle pieces in my opinion. Definitely in my top 10 episodes.
    10Robertoedits

    An Unforgettable, High-Stakes Conclusion

    The season finale Born Free takes the intensity of Dexter to new heights, offering a raw and emotionally charged conclusion. Dexter's journey, both as a man and as a vigilante, reaches a critical turning point. With his dark secrets and double life on the verge of unraveling, Dexter is forced to confront the consequences of his actions in a way that's never felt more urgent. The episode is full of high-stakes drama, where every decision feels like it could lead to Dexter's downfall or redemption. What makes Born Free so remarkable is its ability to blend Dexter's personal growth with the psychological tension that defines the series. The finale is unpredictable, intense, and leaves a lasting emotional impact that perfectly captures the essence of Dexter's moral ambiguity. It's a powerful and unforgettable conclusion that sets the tone for the seasons to follow.
    9virindra

    Dexter - Season 1: 7.5/10.

    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.
    10SkEtShaKo

    Close to Perfect (The Whole Season)

    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.

    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
    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert 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
      The sudden appearance and line of "Surprise, Mother F*cker" by Doakes inspired a popular series of internet memes.
    • Goofs
      Dexter finds the story of Laura's murder in the October 3rd edition of the newspaper. The October 3rd paper would report on what happened October 2nd. Brian should have known that they were actually "born free" on 10/2, not 10/3 (leaving aside the fact that if they were found on 10/2, then the murders actually occurred on 9/30).
    • Quotes

      Rita Bennett: I got your message. How's Debra?

      Dexter Morgan: Hmm, she has all her limbs.

      Rita Bennett: Thank God she is alive. That poor thing must be a mess, falling for a serial killer.

      Dexter Morgan: What are the odds?

    • Connections
      Featured in WatchMojo: Top 10 TV Scenes that Became Memes (2016)
    • Soundtracks
      Dexter Main Title
      (uncredited)

      Written by Rolfe Kent

      Performed by Rolfe Kent

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 17, 2006 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Filming locations
      • Long Beach, California, USA
    • Production companies
      • The Colleton Company
      • Clyde Phillips Productions
      • John Goldwyn Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 56m
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.78 : 1

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