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Breaking Bad: One Minute (2010)
The best episode of Breaking Bad, or maybe anything.
Up until "One Minute", most of Breaking Bad was nothing short of excellent. Between the richly drawn characters, dark story lines and subject matter, and the often great black comedy, it was one of the best shows on TV. After "One Minute", is is indisputably THE best show on TV. Seriously, "One Minute" is BRILLIANT. The final standoff is nothing short of bone-chilling and spectacular, and the entire season (and in some ways, the entire series) built up to it in a dramatic and thrilling manner. If you're thinking of watching Breaking Bad, watch the pilot first, and if that doesn't convince you, watch "One Minute". It may spoil some story lines for you, but it WILL assure you of the greatness of this series.
Smallville: Lazarus (2010)
Great start to season 10
While the 10th and final season of Smallville begins on a high note, it should be noted that it is not quite as good as the cream of the crop of season 9. Though it some ways it feels like "Salvation, Part 2" it lacks the action element or the epic feel of that episode. Nothing, not even our first true glimpse of the Superman suit, is as amazing as the pre-credit sequence from the season 9 finale. But I digress....Lazarus is a great episode, filled with returning characters and some interesting plot turns. Jonathan Kent, Jor-El, clones of Lex Luthor, and Darkseid promise interesting story lines to come as Smallville finally begins to draw to a close.
Dexter: That Night, a Forest Grew (2007)
Dexter makes a potentially fatal mistake
Dexter sends a manifesto to a newspaper, completely changing the game for Lundy and his Bay Harbor Butcher task force. In addition, he attends a school event for Cody despite his breakup with Rita, and manages to frame Doakes in order to ensure his suspension from Miami Metro. While he appears to make great strides in this episode, the manifesto puts him further at risk, and Doakes' suspension means that he can now pursue Dexter full-time. In addition, Debra decides to forge a relationship with Lundy, being charmed by him despite their age difference. The twist at the end reveals Lila's psychosis, and basically expresses that her relationship with Dexter is living on borrowed time.
Dexter: The Dark Defender (2007)
Superhero Dexter looks for his mother's killer.
Now that the Bay Harbor Butcher has been outed by Frank Lundy (Keith Carradine) as a killer of killers, some of Miami's denizens have decided to look to him in the way they would a comic book superhero, "The Dark Defender" which also happens to be this episode's title. This is the point where season 2 really feels like it gets on track. Dexter (Michael C. Hall) travels with his sponsor Lila (Jaime Murray) to find Santos Jimenez (Tony Amendola), one of the three responsible for the death of Laura Moser and the "birth" of Dexter's Dark Passenger. Lila and Dexter bond during this trip, but he completely goes behind Rita's (Julie Benz) back in the process. After confronting Jimenez, Dexter realizes that Lila can calm down his murderous urges, and continues with her as his sponsor. He also discovers that his mother was killed for being a informant to Harry (James Remar), once again leaving Dexter doubting his adopted father and his code. "The Dark Defender" is a cool allusion to how Dexter hoped people would accept him, although it will never come to pass.
Dexter: Dex, Lies, and Videotape (2007)
Dexter begins to crack
With all of the problems weighing him down this season, it's unsurprising that he would lash out as he does in this episode. The only thing is, he's never done it before. From his renewed confrontation with Doakes, his breakup with Rita, his new relationship with Lila, Rita's mother on him, and the continuing Bay Harbor Butcher case, the Dark Defender has a lot on his mind. For the first time, chinks appear in Dexter's armor, and this leads to a series of dangerous moves and rash decisions. And now Doakes' obsession with Dexter has been made known to LaGuerta, leading to an intriguing path for Doakes between choosing his job or his obsession with Dexter. Meanwhile, Dexter questions Harry's reasons for adopting him. Was it out of love, or was it simply out of guilt for his mother. Will Dexter abandon Harry and his code, or will he continue to go on his current path? "Dex, Lies, and Videotape" continues to push the story forward, and odds are Dexter and Doakes will face off before season's end.
Dexter: An Inconvenient Lie (2007)
Good episode, but introduces my most hated character of the series.
Don't get me wrong, "An Inconvenient Lie" is a good episode. If I wasn't biased, I'd probably give it an 8 or 9. As it is, it gets a 7. Why, you ask? Because it introduces my most hated character in all 5 seasons of Dexter: Lila (Jaime Murray). I DESPISE Lila. She's a complete and utter annoyance, in addition to being a complete psychopath (but we'll get to that later). As it is, she is an important part of season's 2's narrative, and I have to live with that. Lila is assigned to be Dexter's (Michael C. Hall) sponsor in his twelve-step program to get off drugs (which Rita (Julie Benz) thinks he is addicted to). Dexter attempts to edge out of the program, but Rita threatens to leave him if he doesn't stay. At the same time, Doakes discovers Dexter at one of these meetings, leading him to believe that Dexter is a drug addict. This allows the writers to back off of Doakes for a few episodes in order to focus on other story lines. These include the Bay Harbor Butcher case, in which Lundy (Keith Carradine) invites Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) to join the task force. Deb is concerned, after the Ice Truck Killer, that she is not ready, of which Lundy attempts to dissuade her. Lundy discovers that some of the victims are ex-convicts, leading him to believe in a pattern. While the BHB investigation is fun, the twelve step program irritates me (mainly due to Lila's presence), making this a good, not great, episode.
Dexter: See-Through (2007)
Paranoia in Dexter and Debra.
"See-Through" features Dexter (Michael C. Hall) and his sister Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) dealing with paranoia issues. Dexter is wary of the Bay Harbor Butcher case against him, his sponsor Lila (Jaime Murray) seeing him for what he really is, and the arrival of Rita's mother Gail (JoBeth Williams) who distrusts Dexter immediately. Deb, on the other hand, is simply dealing with trust issues. She has begun to date fellow gym-goer Gabriel (Dave Baez), but finds herself unwilling to trust him due to her encounter with the Ice Truck Killer. Rita (Julie Benz) is wary of her mother, who is often overbearing in her life, as well as Lila's true intentions for Dexter as his sponsor. Rita honestly has every right to be concerned about Lila, and this is probably the point in the show at which she is the most likable. Most of the time, she comes off as damaged and distrusting due to her experience with Paul, but this doesn't really make her any less irritating at times. Season 2 continues to heat up, but it isn't quite boiling like season 1 yet.
Dexter: Born Free (2006)
As of the end of season 5, this is Dexter's best episode
"Born Free" is the best episode of Dexter. This is not a hyperbole by any means, as the Ice Truck Killer's true motives are far more shocking than anything that could've been imagined. SPOILER ALERT: Rudy Cooper (Christian Camargo) is, in fact, not Rudy Cooper. He is Brian Moser, the son of Laura Moser, and the BIOLOGICAL BROTHER OF DEXTER!!!!!!! This is such a major and inspired plot twist, and elevates this episode far beyond the season finale that would've otherwise been. Brian envisioned a world where him and Dexter were a serial killer team of sorts, pulling together to survive in a world designed to reject them. And Dexter (Michael C. Hall), liked the idea, as shocked as he was to Brian's true identity. Brian had only three conditions: kill Debra, renounce the Code of Harry, and leave his adopted family and identity behind forever. However, Dexter realized that he cared for Debra, and that he could not kill her. Dexter chose his surrogate sister who could never know who he is, and gave up his one chance to feel like he belonged. It was great that Dexter imagined what it would be like if people knew about him, though it will never come to pass. Best episode of the season, and the series.
Dexter: It's Alive! (2007)
Dexter's lost his killer instinct in this solid season opener.
Considering the two episodes that preceded the season 2 premiere "It's Alive!" was a small letdown, in addition to the fact that Dexter does not kill in the episode. Although it must be said that it wasn't for lack of trying. In this premiere, Dexter (Michael C. Hall) and sis Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) are both trying to shake off the cobwebs of season 1. Due to inner turmoil over Brian's death, Dexter finds himself unable to commit murder. He's also dealing with Sgt. Doakes (Erik King), who has taken to following him in order to prove that our favorite serial killer is bad news. He has to live a relentlessly normal life until Doakes gets off his back. Deb, meanwhile, is suffering from post-traumatic stress due to her horrifying encounter with boyfriend/attempted murderer Brian Moser. In addition, Rita (Julie Benz) is concerned that Dexter may have framed her ex-husband Paul (Mark Pellegrino), as all of Paul's theories fall in line with evidence she has found. Paul's prison death only adds to this guilt on her part, and you can tell that things are going to come to a boil between her and Dexter soon. But most important is the final revelation: that Dexter's many bodies have been discovered. Dexter is going to be on the run for the majority of this season, and this premiere does a great job of setting that up.
Dexter: Waiting to Exhale (2007)
Frank Lundy arrives on the scene as the hunt for the Bay Harbor Butcher begins.
There's a new serial killer in town: the Bay Harbor Butcher. You might know him better as Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), our titular character. In order to catch the monster responsible for all those bodies in the ocean, the FBI has sent legendary serial killer hunter Frank Lundy (Keith Carradine) to Miami Metro. Keith Carradine is one of the best additions to the cast in the series, making Lundy a likable and worthy adversary to Dexter. However, with the trail on Dexter's murders cold, he's got some bigger problems these days. Like the fact that one of his attempted murder victims, Little Chino (Matthew Willig) is at large, and he has to find him before the cops do. In addition, Brian Moser (Christian Camargo) returns in this episode, as an apparition plaguing Dexter over his inability to kill, while Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) copes with the haunting memory of him as well. Dexter also has to deal with his angry girlfriend Rita (Julie Benz) who believes that Dexter is now a drug addict, and wants him to go to rehab. And then there's Doakes, who continues to be a thorn in Dexter's side. The fact that the writers can successfully juggle all of his problems at once is a true testament to the quality of this show, and the new Frank Lundy character adds another interesting member of law enforcement. In short, "Waiting to Exhale" succeeds in the few places where "It's Alive!" failed.
Dexter: Truth Be Told (2006)
An epic set-up for an epic finale
As amazing as the season 1 finale, "Born Free", is (we'll get to that), it owes a lot of the shocks it pulls out to "Truth Be Told", the episode in which Dexter finally puts all the pieces together. He discovers the identity of his real mother, Laura Moser, and eventually realizes that the Ice Truck Killer is, in fact, Debra's boyfriend Rudy (Christian Camargo). In addition, Paul has been sent back to prison after the intense confrontation and subsequent framing with Dexter in "Seeeing Red", and Rita decides to take Astor and Cody to see him. The Paul storyline seems like its drawing to a close, allowing for a fuller focus on the Ice Truck Killer in the season finale. In addition, James Doakes (Erik King) becomes more suspicious of Dexter than ever before, after realizing that Dexter lied about what he knew about the killer. The problem is, Dexter may be too late, as Rudy has Debra come the end of the episode. But the funny thing is, the revelations in this episode pale in comparison to those in "Born Free".
Dexter: Shrink Wrap (2006)
Dexter needs therapy.
In "Shrink Wrap", Dexter goes after Dr. Meridian (Tony Goldwyn), a psychiatrist who supposedly talked women into suicide. At the same time, he receives relationship advice from the doctor while scoping him as a potential victim. To me, this plot line was a little contrived and uneven, and just did not meet the standards of some of the previous episodes. Dexter's kill was a little more original than usual, though, and brought a satisfying conclusion. The Rita/Paul storyline continues, with Rita being a little more willing to let Paul see the kids. However, you just get a feeling that it won't last. In addition, Debra (Jennifer Carpenter), appears to be falling for Rudy (Christian Camargo), who seems just a little off to me. Neil Perry's story continues, and LaGuerta becomes convinced that he is not the Ice Truck Killer. Overall, this episode was about a 7 out of 10. That is, until the ending. While not quite mind-blowing, it does make the story far more interesting, and deserves a bump up in score.
Dexter: Father Knows Best (2006)
Dexter discovers his real father, and he and the Ice Truck Killer meet face-to-face at long last!
"Father Knows Best" is arguably one of the most important episodes in the series. Dexter discovers that his real father, Joe Driscoll, had been alive all this time, and that Harry had lied to him about his existence. Driscoll left him a house, where Dexter discovers that Driscoll donated blood to him as a child. In addition, Dexter (albeit unknowingly) meets the Ice Truck Killer face-to-face, who seemed very interested in him, which is a little odd considering that he's his sister's boyfriend. While this episode is important, as Dexter discovers that Harry lied to him and begins to question the Code for the first time, it is also a little flat. The story isn't as engaging as previous episodes, and even Dexter and Rudy's first meeting falls a little flat. Paul (Mark Pellegrino) appears to regress in his behavior towards Rita, becoming abusive once again, but this sudden flip from the last episode doesn't quite work. Overall, a decent episode with some brilliant moments, but it doesn't quite work as well as prior ones.
Dexter: Seeing Red (2006)
Dexter's disturbing origins are revealed.
Dexter is a murderer, and now we know why. The final scene of this episode is the most shocking and frightening moment of the entire series thus far. Dexter, having to deal with a hotel room full of blood left behind by the Ice Truck Killer (Christian Camargo), unlocks a repressed memory as he steps into the gruesome place. Dexter is shaken as we have never seen him before. This also explains what the Ice Truck Killer did with the blood from his victims, and called a whole new question into the matter: why does he seem so interested in Dexter? It was one thing when he was simply leaving him clues and causing trouble for him, but now he's attempting to drudge up some of his worst memories. In addition, Angel (David Zayas) has a new lead on the Ice Truck Killer, one that unknowingly leads him straight to the murderer himself. This episode provides much exposition, and also sets the final episodes of the season into motion.
Dexter: Love American Style (2006)
Dexter gets help on relationships.
"Love American Style"'s primary theme was around Dexter attempting to learn how to maintain his relationship with Rita (Julie Benz). This theme is supported through the always-fun and informative flashbacks to Dexter's boyhood with Harry (James Remar), who attempts to help him through faking a romantic date. Tony Tucci (Brad William Henke) recuperates in the hospital while discussing his captor, the Ice Truck Killer, with Debra and Doakes. They manage to glean some important tidbits, despite Tucci's post-traumatic stress, and even a DNA sample from the killer himself. The best scene is easily the final scene, yet another of Dexter's killings, with an ending that leaves open an endless realm of possibilities.
Dexter: Return to Sender (2006)
For the first time, Dexter fears he will be caught.
Dexter discovers that the Ice Truck Killer set him up, retrieving one of his disposed corpses and putting it front and center for Miami Metro to see. In addition, a possible witness was on the scene, a lethal combination that could potentially spell doom for our favorite serial killer. For possibly the first time in his life, Dexter is afraid, and he desperately attempts to save himself from discovery. This fear opens a humanity in Dexter that we really haven't seen before, and it's nice to see him as something other than a complete sociopath. In addition, the flashback flesh out Dexter and Deb's sibling relationship, and a previously-unseen resentment rises to the surface. In terms of the episodes to this point, this is the best episode since the pilot.
Dexter: Circle of Friends (2006)
A new suspect in The Ice Truck Killer case appears, and Dexter attempts to rectify a past mistake.
"Circle of Friends" keeps the momentum going after the awesome "Return to Sender", as Neil Perry (Sam Witwer) becomes the newest Ice Truck Killer suspect. Dexter is disappointed in this development, as Perry appears to be nothing more than a complete psychopath, and not the meticulous murderer that Dexter had thought was behind it. Also, Jeremy Downs (Mark L. Young), previously seen in "Popping Cherry" returns, and Dexter continues to attempt to steer him on the right path. Rita's abusive ex-husband Paul (Mark Pellegrino) appears for the first time in this episode, and he will become a rather large source of conflict for Rita and Dexter in the forthcoming episodes. Character development continues for Rita (Julie Benz) and Debra (Jennifer Carpenter), who finds a boyfriend in Tony Tucci's prosthetic manufacturer Rudy (Christian Camargo). Overall, Season 1 continues to roll.
Dexter: Popping Cherry (2006)
About equal to the last episode, but for different reasons
While this episode is about the equivalent of "Crocodile", it contains far less violence. This episode continues the Ice Truck Killer story, bringing in a possible suspect, though some members of Miami Metro have doubts over its validity (namely, Deb). It also grants us flashbacks to Dexter's first days as a killer, while Harry is ill in the hospital. It also continues Doakes' side story involving Carlos Guerrero and his affair with a fellow cop's wife. Doakes' fellow cops turning on him was a nice plot twist, and greatly improves this slightly out-of-place side story. All in all, season 1 continues to roll, though the fans of all the killings in the last episode will be somewhat disappointed as this one goes for the drama instead of the jugular.
Dexter: Let's Give the Boy a Hand (2006)
A strong episode that ends one storyline and twists another
The Doakes storyline came to an end in "Let's Give the Boy a Hand", and though its conclusion was satisfying and surprising, I can't help but feel that it was out of place in a show like Dexter. It played like a cop crime series, and while Dexter greatly involves crime and cops, it just was too disconnected from the Ice Truck Killer story. Luckily, that story got all the more interesting in this episode, as Tony Tucci was revealed to be not a suspect, but a captive of the killer. This leads to some good character development for Lt. LaGuerta (Lauren Veléz), as she tries to reassure Tucci's mother that they will find her son. This episode also greatly fleshes out the importance of the Code of Harry to Dexter, as upon finding a horribly mutilated Tucci begging for death, he refuses to kill an innocent man. It also shows that he does, in a way, care for Debra, as he tips her off for the credit. A better episode than the previous two, "Let's Give the Boy a Hand" makes the Ice Truck Killer all the more mysterious and horrifying.
Dexter: Crocodile (2006)
Good, fun episode, not quite the masterwork of the pilot
Dexter's second episode, "Crocodile" is a good continuation on from "Dexter", fleshing out the characters more and providing more insight into Dexter's past. One thing I forgot to mention in my pilot review is how BRILLIANT James Remar is as Dexter's deceased surrogate father, Harry. As the one who taught Dexter how to survive with his murderous urges, Harry is a critical character despite his death. Remar makes him the moral center of the show, supplying the reasons behind Dexter's MO. The Ice Truck Killer story continues, but no clues as to who it is yet. I was going to give this a 7, but the brilliant flashback scenes, as well as the perfectly staged (as always) kill room scene, pushes this up to an 8.
Dexter: Dexter (2006)
Michael C. Hall is perfectly cast, getting the ball rolling for this morbid series.
I'm not entirely sure what compelled the show runners to cast Michael C. Hall (previously of Six Feet Under fame) as the titular serial killer, but it certainly was a masterstroke. Hall manages to make Dexter Morgan into a compelling, frightening, and oddly endearing character, whom, despite his rather foul and monstrous hobby, we feel compelled to root for. The pilot episode of the soon-to-be hit series, "Dexter" manages to get this show to hit the ground running. Alongside Hall comes some interesting and deep characters such as Dexter's sister Debra (Jennifer Carpenter), girlfriend Rita (Julie Benz), boss and coworkers LaGuerta, Angel, and Masuka (Lauren Veléz, David Zayas, C.S. Lee). And then there's Doakes (Erik King), who will arguably become Dexter's greatest adversary. All in all, a nice launch pad for the series, getting the Ice Truck Killer storyline of season 1 successfully off the ground, while giving some much-needed exposition.
Dexter: Hungry Man (2009)
A macabre nightmare of a family.
Around the time of season 3, I honestly felt like Dexter had kind of grown soft. This may have been due to my continued exposure to it, but the tension and horror just wasn't there anymore. As season 4 began to unfold, I felt that the character of Trinity (John Lithgow) was a possible attempt at recapturing that horrific power of the first season (and to an extent, the second season). This episode fulfilled it, and took it up about 6 notches. While the Angel/LaGuerta scenes, the Masuka/Rita/Debra/Elliot/Kids scenes, and the Quinn/Hill scenes (including the huge reveal at the end) were nice for character development, the true core of the episode came from the scenes involving Dexter getting to the bottom of the Mitchell family. The way that Arthur uses his family takes Dexter's season 1 "cover" ideas, and twists them into a strange psychological world that is easily the most terrifying element of the entire series thus far. Mitchell's wife and daughter are practically puppets bent to serve his will, while his son retains an independent spirit that can only be quelled by brutal beatings and injuries inflicted by his father. Dexter himself becomes so disturbed by the events in the house that he almost kills Trinity right then and there. True standout performances from Michael C. Hall, John Lithgow, and Brando Eaton only increase the power of this episode. Easily the most frightening and psychologically powerful episode of Dexter, and the best episode since the epic season 1 finale.