Tonight's the night. And it's going to happen, again and again. It has to happen.
Jeffry P. Freundlich better known by the pen name Jeff Lindsay created a complex character called Dexter Morgan through his novels, of which Darkly Dreaming Dexter was the first. I read on Wikipedia that Jeff wanted to name the novel "Pinocchio Bleeds" but his publisher disagreed. I wonder how it would have turned out as a TV series.
I started watching Dexter in early 2011. I don't know why I took so long to fall deeply in love with this epic of a show. The pilot episode sets the stage for an intense, nail-biting thriller that follows in the remaining episodes of Season 1 focused around the main antagonist "The Ice Truck Killer" played brilliantly by Chris Camargo. I do not want to ruin the show for someone who hasn't watched the series yet, so no story or plot spoilers here.
James Manos, Jr. who co-produced and wrote the first season of The Sopranos developed the series that is exceptionally well executed and designed. The writing is top notch and in most episodes keeps you guessing on what's coming next. Although, only Season 1 is based on the novel and the other 5 seasons are original, I have to appreciate the effort Jeff Lindsay put in creating the characters in the story and the plot.
The characters of the series will be etched in your memory for a very long time. Jennifer Carpenter as Dexter's foster sister, David Zayas as Batista, Erik King as Doakes, Lauren Velez as LaGuerta play recurring characters through Season 6 and have done a commendable job of staying in character since Oct 2006. There are many others in the show including the antagonists in each season that need a special mention here. Chris Camargo, Julie Benz, Jimmy Smits, John Lithgow, Colin Hanks to name a few. All the other actors including extras do a phenomenal job which makes the show, for lack of a better word, real.
Although the series is about a serial killer and his vigilante ways, there is something so likable about Dexter's character that you will root for him every time he is trouble. The reason is his "code" which he adheres to 99.9997% of the time. He kills people who kill people. The kill room, the modus operandi and the act of taking lives are shown consistently flawless, after all this is fiction and makes for a great TV show. Michael C. Hall epitomized the character remarkably. His first person narration, diction and quips combined with unique facial expressions make you fall in love with the character instantly. Michael's method acting and certain subtle nuances in characterization resulted in a more lifelike performance.
Some of the episodes show a lot of blood and gore(Season 6) which may be a huge turn off for most people. Blood plays an integral part of the story right from the beginning of Season 1 as Dexter has a love-hate relationship with blood.
This review is as layered as the series. There is no beginning and end to such a multi-layered, open for more plot lines and new characters, type of story. Personally, I don't want the series to ever end and I am not even sure about a logical end to Dexter's character.
Please make "tonight the night" to start watching Dexter, if you haven't watched this show yet. The title credits theme is beautifully composed and shot and will slowly begin haunting you. Dexter and his dark passenger....the journey continues.
Jeffry P. Freundlich better known by the pen name Jeff Lindsay created a complex character called Dexter Morgan through his novels, of which Darkly Dreaming Dexter was the first. I read on Wikipedia that Jeff wanted to name the novel "Pinocchio Bleeds" but his publisher disagreed. I wonder how it would have turned out as a TV series.
I started watching Dexter in early 2011. I don't know why I took so long to fall deeply in love with this epic of a show. The pilot episode sets the stage for an intense, nail-biting thriller that follows in the remaining episodes of Season 1 focused around the main antagonist "The Ice Truck Killer" played brilliantly by Chris Camargo. I do not want to ruin the show for someone who hasn't watched the series yet, so no story or plot spoilers here.
James Manos, Jr. who co-produced and wrote the first season of The Sopranos developed the series that is exceptionally well executed and designed. The writing is top notch and in most episodes keeps you guessing on what's coming next. Although, only Season 1 is based on the novel and the other 5 seasons are original, I have to appreciate the effort Jeff Lindsay put in creating the characters in the story and the plot.
The characters of the series will be etched in your memory for a very long time. Jennifer Carpenter as Dexter's foster sister, David Zayas as Batista, Erik King as Doakes, Lauren Velez as LaGuerta play recurring characters through Season 6 and have done a commendable job of staying in character since Oct 2006. There are many others in the show including the antagonists in each season that need a special mention here. Chris Camargo, Julie Benz, Jimmy Smits, John Lithgow, Colin Hanks to name a few. All the other actors including extras do a phenomenal job which makes the show, for lack of a better word, real.
Although the series is about a serial killer and his vigilante ways, there is something so likable about Dexter's character that you will root for him every time he is trouble. The reason is his "code" which he adheres to 99.9997% of the time. He kills people who kill people. The kill room, the modus operandi and the act of taking lives are shown consistently flawless, after all this is fiction and makes for a great TV show. Michael C. Hall epitomized the character remarkably. His first person narration, diction and quips combined with unique facial expressions make you fall in love with the character instantly. Michael's method acting and certain subtle nuances in characterization resulted in a more lifelike performance.
Some of the episodes show a lot of blood and gore(Season 6) which may be a huge turn off for most people. Blood plays an integral part of the story right from the beginning of Season 1 as Dexter has a love-hate relationship with blood.
This review is as layered as the series. There is no beginning and end to such a multi-layered, open for more plot lines and new characters, type of story. Personally, I don't want the series to ever end and I am not even sure about a logical end to Dexter's character.
Please make "tonight the night" to start watching Dexter, if you haven't watched this show yet. The title credits theme is beautifully composed and shot and will slowly begin haunting you. Dexter and his dark passenger....the journey continues.