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.

This episode dissapointed me, I did not enjoy how rudy betrayed deborah. Dexter had limited facial expressions for too much of the spisode. Brian is not a good villain for season 1 and the development he causes for dexter should not have been placed so early in the show. Overall, this episode does not serve its purpose as a series finale, falling flat on its face.

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.

Ep 11 set impossible expectations, and Ep 12 "Born Free" doesn't quite reach those heights - but it's still exceptional television. 8.5/10

Hall and Camargo's confrontation scenes carry genuine emotional weight, their chemistry making the brother dynamic utterly compelling. The death scene proves strangely intimate and touching - unexpected pathos in brutal circumstances.

Cuesta's direction maintains tension throughout whilst allowing quieter character moments to breathe. That shipping container sequence with Doakes demonstrates the show's ability to mix physical action with psychological warfare brilliantly.

The resolution feels slightly rushed compared to the season's careful build-up - perhaps inevitable given the ambitions here. Yet the emotional beats land solidly, particularly Hall's breakdown demonstrating Dexter's humanity beneath the monster.

The finale plants seeds for future conflicts effectively without feeling overly calculated. Solid conclusion to a remarkable first season.

One of the best episodes I've ever seen.nn. Mmmmmmnkjjjjjj.