It's Alive!

What really works in this episode is the portrayal of he obvious distress Dexter finds himself in when his usual murderous routines are interrupted. It is clear to the viewer that living the everyday life of normal people is taking its toll on him. Sgt Doakes is watching his every step and Dexter knows that the best way to get rid of the unwelcome surveillance is to act normally, and he even joins his colleagues' bowling team in an effort to rid himself of his foe.

The episode also deals with Debra trying to get back to a normal working routine after her horrifying experiences of season 1. However, this is dealt with in a rather short way, which I think is unfortunate since I feel it it interesting enough to expand a lot more.

It takes nearly 20 minutes until we see something resembling a regular plot line, but the real interesting twist occurs a good half hour into it, and it fascinated me, and it is clear that these events will affect the rest of the season.

Overall, a good first episode which nicely summarizes the events of the first season and at the same time sets the tone for what promises to be a very interesting second season.

"It's Alive!" is a splendidly entertaining start to the second season of "Dexter". Rich with dark humour, this episode hits the ground running.

Dexter's a frustrated man at the start of this season. Things just aren't working out for him, largely due to the ever-present Doakes (Erik King).

Michael C. Hall is perfectly cast as the "moral" serial killer, trained by his late father (James Remar). In lesser hands, Dexter could appear an unsympathetic character but Hall ensures the audience is always rooting for him.

Jennifer Carpenter is always a pleasure to watch. Her portrayal of Dexter's sister is also spot-on.

9 out of 10. I simply can't wait for the next episode to arrive. With numerous plot threads already up-and-running, this should prove an excellent season.

Rita: Stop blaming other people for your problems! You're in prison now, Paul. Deal with it.

This episode is very similar to he first seasons opener in terms of them literally opening in the same way as well as in terms of the quality of the episodes. I love the funny meme man that is Doakes and him just stalking Dexter. It is also such a great ending I'm surprised the entire first season nobody knew Dexter as a killer.

After saving Debra from the Ice Truck Killer, Dexter feels frustrated for not having murdered any criminal for thirty-eight days. Further, Sergeant James Doakes suspects of him and is keeping Dexter under his surveillance. Dexter tries to kill an evil voodooist but his anxiety affects his feelings and he is unable to execute his intended victim. Meanwhile Debra returns to the police station apparently recovered but actually still traumatized with her affair with the serial-killer. Rita is pressed by her imprisoned husband Paul Bennett to seek the shoe he claims that he had lost in her house and he informs that the federal facility is too dangerous for his league. When the dangerous criminal Little Chino is released from the police station since the evidences of his murder would not be accepted by the justice, Dexter sees the chance to recover his old shape. Meanwhile, two treasure hunters find the spot where Dexter dumps the corpses of his victims while searching a galleon in a breach on the bottom of the sea.

"It's Alive!" another great episode of this show with the return of Dexter. The disturbed character demonstrates that is really addicted in killing and the Second Season begins showing Dexter desperate for his long abstinence. His sister Debra is also disturbed with her ordeal with Dexter's brother, the notorious Ice Truck Killer. And the unstable Rita now is affected by the revelation of the happening with Paul in the federal prison. The delicious Julie Benz partially naked is one of the best moments of this show. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Está Vivo!" ("It's Alive!")