Dexter

[alexandral]

I have been watching TV series "Dexter" all this week, recommended to me by one of our guys from work. Why oh why I haven't heard about it before, I am absolutely engrossed by it! (But at the same time I am having some very unsettled feelings).

Because, WOW! Dexter is a Robin-hood among serial killers who in his day time works as a blood-splatter analysis specialist for Miami PD.. He was trained by his foster father Harry (who timely recognized Dexter's killer inclinations) to hunt and efficiently kill murderers and predators of this world.




Dexter Morgan
This series revolve around the main character, Dexter Morgan, played exceptionally well by Michael C. Hall but it doesn't stop at that. There are many other characters, each fabulous in his/her own right. But I am so in love and at the same time so disturbed by Dexter himself.
He is very cute in the ginger-haired kind of way that I like, he is articulate and cunning. The show is done in a very clever way that makes one feel that every kill that Dexter committed was justified. But leaving aside the question of how right it is to "kill the killer" the most heart-breaking thing about Dexter for me is his inner monologues. He doesn't feel any emotions, he is cut from the world and he is just pretending to be like "everyone else" : to smile when you are supposed to smile, to say what you are supposed to say, to look happy when you are supposed to. This has almost started me on a soul-searching breakdown (but I pulled myself together :D). How often I catch myself doing just the same – PRETENDING to feel something that I don't? Make myself smile to someone when I am "hot and bothered and have a blister"? And is it a good thing or a bad thing to pretend to others? Would not it be better to always tell the truth? Nonetheless, I just want to hug Dexter a lot of the time and warm up his cold heart. :D






Rita Bennett Rita is a mother of two children who was abused, raped and beaten by her husband. She and Dexter share one of the strangest and one of the most emotionally wrenching pairings ever. They need each other so much, two broken souls. I like Rita but at the same time I don't understand her fully. The co-dependency she shares with her husband of abused-abuser is one of the things that hurt to watch emotionally but which you just can't stop yourself from watching. I keep thinking "Oh, no NOOOOO! Don't trust him again! Don't go along this road! Don't let him emotionally blackmail you!".



Deborah Morgan Dexter's foster-sister. I adore her. She has so much enough of spark and kick-ass too . And is so very gorgeous in a sassy way.



Lieutenant Maria LaGuerta Another sparkly lady. Sexy no-nonsense? This is her!



Sergeant James Doakes Why do I feel so attracted to the men who have their head shaved to the zero degree? Why do I find this particular haircut attractive? But I think the main think about Sergeant is that he has a good intuition. After all, he is the only one who thinks that there is something wrong with Dexter.




Angelo "Angel" Batista AT first I thought that he is there just for the comic relief. But things changed and his character turned out to be very interesting:





PS Why no one is watching Dexter????????

Comments

[soniag.livejournal.com]

Oh, I have to see if this is available from Netflix. I do think that [Unknown site tag] was watching it!

[soniag.livejournal.com]

Egads. Sorry for the LJ tag error. I meant elspethsheir!

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I'll try to go and find her posts about "Dexter", I am dying to hear what she thinks.

(I think I am developing a thing for ginger haired men :D)

[elspethsheir.livejournal.com]

I totally watched the first season - I even have a tag for Dexter, and I don't just hand out my tags willy-nilly. Hee!

Love love love the show - apparently, it is miles better than the book, too! I'm so glad that you enjoy it!

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I have finished watching it yesterday and the ending was even more awesome then beginnigng. Now I can read your posts! I am so glad you like it too!I am just so surprised that I haven't heard anything about this show before - for me it was the best new show of the last year. I love FNL to bits but Dexter is just deeper and less "cheesy" (even though when I say this about FNL I mean it in a good way) for me.

[bzoppa.livejournal.com]

The books are fantastic, too, although they go off in a different direction. I have copious amounts of notes I was going to write about the books and show.

I think it's great. I tried to do a tag search but apparently I didn't post about it all. No wonder you didn't think anyone was watching it, heh. Although I did mention it in my Burn Notice post.

[bzoppa.livejournal.com]

Oh, best line ever, and I think it was early on... I just read about his lack of emotions in your post...

After he and Rita watch a movie and she's all crying, he goes (to himself), "Maybe if I don't blink, my eyes will tear up."

hahahaha... loved it

[bzoppa.livejournal.com]

And one more love, I won't spoil it in case you haven't seen that part yet, but it's the scene with the therapist. If you're already there, I can go into more detail... but other than the reference, I think you probably liked it too :)

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

The whole therapist thing is awesome. I just strted watching it!

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

After he and Rita watch a movie and she's all crying, he goes (to himself), "Maybe if I don't blink, my eyes will tear up."

This is just priceless!!!!!! And the look on his face! But I love how "honestly" Dexter likes the children. May be because children are a little like him? Not in the killing part, but in the honesty part?

[bzoppa.livejournal.com]

Yes, it's definitely that kind of blank "I'm trying to care, really, but I can't" look on his face, and that he's kind of scared he's going to screw it up and do something that'll clue her in that he's just not normal.

Yeah, I think he cares for the kids as much as he's able.

Urrgghh, you're really making me want to dig out those notes again....

Have you seen the whole show?

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I am just after 1/3 in episode 8 - "Shrink it up". I just remembered that I have a very strong suspiscon that the lovely prosthetic doctor is the

**** Spoilers?******

ice-truck killer

[bzoppa.livejournal.com]

Hee, I won't confirm nor deny. I can't wait to see what you think by the end.

Of course you had to post this on the weekend I need to PACK for my move instead of spending the time going back over Dexter and trying to write a big long essay on it.

However, you *are* inspiring me and I'll have to do it soon or else you're going to beat me to it. There's tons of material there to write about.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

First of all – the best of luck for your move!!! And please let me know when your essay will be ready!! I agree about "tons of materials". It seems that I could have talked for ages about every single character.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

EEEE! You liked it too!!!!!!!! I have read somewhere that secondary characters were developed in more depth in the series. I think they did a pretty good job too, especially considering that "it wasn't in the book"..

Thank you for the rec- I'll check the books too!

[bzoppa.livejournal.com]

especially considering that "it wasn't in the book"

That's one of my favorite things about watching books-to-movies, the ways sometimes they're better. As much as I love Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility (her first novel) was a little rough and Emma Thompson rocked the hell out of that screenplay adaptation. She tightened it up, developed Marian's character enough to give Kate Winslet an Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actress, and cleaned up a lot of extraneous scenes.

The minor characters in Darkly Dreaming Dexter are painted pretty broad, but it was the nature of the first-person pov that the author used. There's a lot more invested in the characters in the series than the books... and you'll see what I mean when you finish the second. Plus, there are a couple of majorly huge changes the screenwriters made with the sister and later Rita's kids.

Like The Dresden Files, I think some of the choices were well done, in what to drop and what to add.

*glare* You're making me want to dig out my notes and actually get that post done.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

That's one of my favorite things about watching books-to-movies, the ways sometimes they're better.

** nids in agreement **. And I am so so happy they gve us that kiss at the end of "North and South" TV adaptation!

Like The Dresden Files, I think some of the choices were well done, in what to drop and what to add.

I am through "Grave Peril" now and though I am all for "poor, poor Harry!" I was never too keen on Susan.

*glare* You're making me want to dig out my notes and actually get that post done

** nudge, nudge **

[bzoppa.livejournal.com]

And I am so so happy they gve us that kiss at the end of "North and South" TV adaptation!

Ack, I haven't seen it yet... but knowing the kind of book it is, I don't think it's much of a spoiler ;) I meant to get through Bleak House and then do North and South but I got stuck, then dove into some comics, and now I'm back to...

I am through "Grave Peril" now and though I am all for "poor, poor Harry!" I was never too keen on Susan.

Eeep! I'm almost done with book 7. Quite the small world!

I didn't like Susan at first, but she grew on me. And I highly prefer the Murphy in the book. I had problems with Valerie Cruz because I first saw her in Nip/Tuck. I hate to be the kind of person who lets actors bring their baggage, but she didn't do much to overcome my dislike.

Grave Peril was the first book where I really felt the series could go somewhere. _sterno_ told me that the first two were actually written for his creative writing class. I withheld judgement because I figured he probably got a lot better—and he definitely has.

I'm on the big climax battle at the end of Dead Beat and I've gotten serious chills through some of it.

I really like what they did with Bob; not that I don't love the Ariel-sprite-type Bob from the book, but I think they did a great translation of what would be more appealing on screen, and to a TV audience.

I'm a bit sad it's canceled, because I felt I was just getting tons of Dresden file-urban fantasy with both the show and the books. I think they should've given the show more of a shot—and aired the episodes in the correct order.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

Ack, I haven't seen it yet... but knowing the kind of book it is, I don't think it's much of a spoiler ;) I meant to get through Bleak House and then do North and South but I got stuck, then dove into some comics, and now I'm back to...

You MUST watch "North and South", you absolutely MUST! It is just beyond any words! (I am so srry for giving the spoilers away but I thought that everyone have already watched N&S. But as you say, you can guess the ending from the beginning!

I didn't like Susan at first, but she grew on me. And I highly prefer the Murphy in the book. I had problems with Valerie Cruz because I first saw her in Nip/Tuck. I hate to be the kind of person who lets actors bring their baggage, but she didn't do much to overcome my dislike.

I was lucky here – I never watched "Nip/Tuck"so "Dresden Files" was the first time I saw Valerie Cruz. But I am a bit like you in this case – I often find it difficult to overcome my first impression by an actor.
But I liked Bob so much more in the series! (I am going to miss him!)

_sterno_ told me that the first two were actually written for his creative writing class.

Oh, this makes A LOT of sense. I thought that the second book was better then the first and that the third one was MUCH MUCH better then them both. It is like Butcher was learning how to wrire, finding his way. ( And I love Michael's character that only appeared in the third book)

I really like what they did with Bob; not that I don't love the Ariel-sprite-type Bob from the book, but I think they did a great translation of what would be more appealing on screen, and to a TV audience.

Absolutely agree - I liked Bob so much more in the series! (I am going to miss him!) I am also so sad about cancellation. Why do they ever show things in an incorrect order? The same happened with "Firefly", I believe!

PS: I am so sorry for the bad spelling in the previous comments! I was really nodding off there and hardly watching what I type! ** eternal shame! **

[lesbiassparrow.livejournal.com]

I loved this show. I can't wait for the second season and I plan on getting the books at some point as they're supposed to be quite good as well.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

It certainly feels like the books are good - all these fabulous lines! (bzoppa reminded me priceless "Maybe if I don't blink, my eyes will tear up.")..

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

I've heard all sorts of good things about this, but just can't bring myself to watch a show with a serial killer as a protagonist. Even if he only kills murderers. Also, side question: if he has no emotions/attachments, why would he follow his foster-father's restrictions? How did he get trained?

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

Also, side question: if he has no emotions/attachments, why would he follow his foster-father's restrictions? How did he get trained?

This is strangest (and most interestingly done) thing for me. Though Dexter says that he has no attachments I think he has, and in much stronger way then many. His feelings are just strange/distorted but they are there IMHO. Or may be he is just thinks he doesn't have feelings because his actions prove otherwise. In his childhood flashbacks (which are extremely well-done) he often voices his fear to do something that will make his foster mother and foster father upset. And in the present life he is extremely loyal to his foster sister and his girlfriend.

HHis foster father got Dexter trained by spending a lot of time with him and teaching to hunt murderers. He was a police officer.

[baleanoptera.livejournal.com]

Oooh! I've been meaning to watch this for ages. I've even dl the first ep, but somehow never gotten around to watching it. With your recommendations I think I'll give it a go. I loved Michael C. Hall in Six Feet Under, so it will be interesting to see him in a new part.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

Oh, please do! I am really interested to know what you think. It is a really unusual show!

[nutmeg3.livejournal.com]

I adore this show and can't wait for S2, which I think isn't too far away. He's such an amazingly complex character. I never would have believed I could empathize with a serial killer, but he's so strangely moral and so sadly aware of how damaged he is that I just can't resist him.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I am so thrilled to know that you like "dexter" as well! Like you, I am surprised by how much I like Dexter. (I am even a little disturbed by it).

[koalathebear.livejournal.com]

I watched all of season 1 and thought it was excellent. I didn't write or pic spam about it because it was, as you say kind of disturbing. First of all all the swearing and the explicit sex scenes weren't very good for pic spamming, secondly much as I thought the show was very interesting - a lot of the death scenes etc grossed me out a lot. Camera closing in on Dexter's victim being killed etc :D

I haven't decided yet if I am going to watch season 2

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

First of all all the swearing and the explicit sex scenes weren't very good for pic spamming, secondly much as I thought the show was very interesting - a lot of the death scenes etc grossed me out a lot. Camera closing in on Dexter's victim being killed etc :D

Interestingly that you say that , koala! I know it is silly to think for someone else but when I watched "Dexter" I thought that it might not be your cup of tea. (and I am so sorry for presumptuousness of this thinking). But I am so glad that you liked it! I can't get over the fact that I am liking Dexter in spite of all my convictions. Hmm ..

[koalathebear.livejournal.com]

:) You're largely right about it though. Dexter wouldn't ordinarily be my cup of tea except that the characters and the storyline are so very well-written. I generally don't like harsh/gritty things, or scary things - but I will make an exception for the ones that have strong acting/characters/good storylines.

Dexter is quite a terrifying character to me. So 'evil' in the sense of the way he takes life and the way he inflicts pain, but yet is so loving of those around him while not even realising that what he is feeling is love. I can't foresee a happy ending for him. *shudder* I am quite frightened in the scenes that show a living victim about to be murdered - for me it's so terrifying to imagine that. That poor blindfolded man having his limbs slowly cut off, or even one of Dexter's victims (no matter how evil they are) feeling the saw cut into their faces. *shudders again* :D Still I will watch season 2 when it's out on dvd. I probably won't download it weekly but will wait for the whole season to be available.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

Dexter is quite a terrifying character to me. So 'evil' in the sense of the way he takes life and the way he inflicts pain, but yet is so loving of those around him while not even realising that what he is feeling is love.

In a strange way he is probably one of the most loving characters I have seen lately. SO above " this is me, this is mine" syndrome..

I can't foresee a happy ending for him. *shudder*

Hmm, I agree. But I hope they are for a long run with us. I would have loved to see Dexter reaching redemption but I can't really see it. But on the other hand, now that he realized what had driven him all these years – May be he will change at some point? (May be get some therapy? :D). I don't think Harry did a particular good job, though. This comes back to my beliefs that people should be told the truth at some point, no matter how bad this truth is..

[teh-haley.livejournal.com]

Gahhhh. My friend list loves Dexter, and I can't watch because it hasn't come in Italy yet! I love the description you wrote, it made me want to watch it even more, especially what you wrote about the whole pretending-thingy *nods*

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

It is such an interesting show. Turns many things upside down for me!

[the-reverand.livejournal.com]

DExter! I loved the couple of eps I saw online, but I don't have Showtime so I didn't see the rest. Is is on DVD yet?!? I'm (heh) dying to see the rest. :)

*rushes over to netflix*

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

It seems to be out on DVD already - hopefully you'll be able to put your hands on it!!! (And I am so full of joy that you liked it too!)