I remember reviewing last episode, "Helter Skelter" and said I could be considered worried. Ray Stevenson has portrayed an exceptional villain this year and after he and his story-line were killed off, I wasn't sure about the final act of the season. Would the story be as compelling as it was before without its dangerous, yet appealing gangster?
I am happy to report that the answer is 'yes'. The pacing is slower and there is less sense of danger without Isaak. However, this episode benefits from its slower pacing by exploring the phenomenon of the Dark Passenger and turning this concept completely upside down. I think it's a brilliant move on behalf of the writers to explore and eventually get rid of the Dark Passenger. Its timing is perfect, making the episode compelling even without Isaak. Dexter acknowledging responsibility for all that he has done and leaving the Phantom Arsonist for the police, while killing a man who doesn't fit his moral code is one of the most interesting developments of the Dexter character in the past few years. Note here the scene in which Dexter discusses his Passenger with his foster father, while other daddy issues arise in the form of Hannah's father (awesomely portrayed by Jim Beaver). Great timing, which gives the episode more thematic unity. I also dug the scene in which Hannah broke down after her father drove his car into her greenhouse. A plus for Yvonne Strahovski's portrayal of Hannah McKay here.
In the meanwhile, the Bay Harbor Butcher investigation continues as LaGuerta has a helping hand in the form of Matthews. By this the episode really well sets up the endgame of the season as LaGuerta openly suspects Dexter and Matthews is going to have a talk with him. The episode ends with Debra continuing her persistent investigation to get Hannah behind bars -- potentially setting up a huge conflict between Dexter and Debra.
I did not really like how the Quinn story line was handled. I liked the idea of him shooting George and then making Nadia shoot hims to make it look like self defense, but the execution of the scene was plain unbelievable and silly.
For the rest, another great episode. It seems like LaGuerta and Matthews are closing in on Dexter, while Debra is closing in on Debra. Dexter will be cornered and that is exactly when the show is at its most intriguing.
9/10
I am happy to report that the answer is 'yes'. The pacing is slower and there is less sense of danger without Isaak. However, this episode benefits from its slower pacing by exploring the phenomenon of the Dark Passenger and turning this concept completely upside down. I think it's a brilliant move on behalf of the writers to explore and eventually get rid of the Dark Passenger. Its timing is perfect, making the episode compelling even without Isaak. Dexter acknowledging responsibility for all that he has done and leaving the Phantom Arsonist for the police, while killing a man who doesn't fit his moral code is one of the most interesting developments of the Dexter character in the past few years. Note here the scene in which Dexter discusses his Passenger with his foster father, while other daddy issues arise in the form of Hannah's father (awesomely portrayed by Jim Beaver). Great timing, which gives the episode more thematic unity. I also dug the scene in which Hannah broke down after her father drove his car into her greenhouse. A plus for Yvonne Strahovski's portrayal of Hannah McKay here.
In the meanwhile, the Bay Harbor Butcher investigation continues as LaGuerta has a helping hand in the form of Matthews. By this the episode really well sets up the endgame of the season as LaGuerta openly suspects Dexter and Matthews is going to have a talk with him. The episode ends with Debra continuing her persistent investigation to get Hannah behind bars -- potentially setting up a huge conflict between Dexter and Debra.
I did not really like how the Quinn story line was handled. I liked the idea of him shooting George and then making Nadia shoot hims to make it look like self defense, but the execution of the scene was plain unbelievable and silly.
For the rest, another great episode. It seems like LaGuerta and Matthews are closing in on Dexter, while Debra is closing in on Debra. Dexter will be cornered and that is exactly when the show is at its most intriguing.
9/10
