Dexter Morgan – Family Man
Showtime’s thrilling crime drama, Dexter, has recently returned to full swing with a fourth season. Those who have been following Dexter Morgan, aptly played by Michael C. Hall, and his escapades for the past few years will all know him as the forensics blood splatter analyst who moonlights as a mission-orientated serial killer.
This season focuses and captures a new and rather interesting facet to Dexter’s life and takes place approximately six months after the events of season three’s finale. New characters are introduced, inclusive of Dexter’s new son – Harrison. Harrison, being a baby of course, offers less in terms of as a character but instead much more as a plot device; driving other characters, in particular the lead. The baby presents a new dynamic to Dexter’s previous lifestyle. Dexter’s assumed fatherhood and recent marriage to Rita force him into the scenario of the “American Dream” and it quickly becomes very interesting as towards how he juggles work, life, and spare-time pursuits.
Another new character, which we only get to see very little of in these early episodes is a new antagonist to our anti-hero – The Trinity Killer; played by John Lithgow, best known for his main role in the 90’s sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun. The fourth season premiere episode opens with a scene of Dexter driving around the streets of Miami, juxtaposed with scenes of the Trinity Killer meticulously courting his prey. Without throwing too much away in the air, the shock value reaches a new high here, with what is literally a blood bath.
There is a reintroduction of a previous character as well, Lundy, the FBI agent from season two. His character comes into crucial play towards the new antagonist and will undoubtedly become an interesting device for other characters, in particular Dexter’s sister, Debra Morgan.
It becomes quickly apparent that not only will the main characters be experiencing interesting and fresh character development, but also will the secondary supporting characters. Season four offers plenty in store for those eagerly watching.
The series continues to utalise wonderful photography and editing, brilliant script work and dialogue, and persistently acute all-round acting. There are a few small gripes concerned with miscellaneous matters that can be complained of here, but these are minor and aren’t even worth the mention. Dexter fans will not be disappointed with these early episodes that promise a gripping season ahead.
-that_guy.
Date: October 10, 2009