(S02E12) So, was it good for you too? I've read all of your gripes about the season, in particular the past few episodes, and I see where you were coming from. However, there's something about this show that makes me more quick to suspend disbelief and allow a few things to slide so I can enjoy other aspects of the show.
I'll be one of the first to say that it wasn't a shock to see Lila's actions once she learned of who Dexter was. I'm very glad I saw all of the episodes ahead of time, since once I watched the episodes for the second time I noticed how spoilery the previews were for the following weeks. In the preview shown last week we saw the cabin explosion. It didn't take a genius to figure out what happened. Shame on Showtime for that.
The scenes of Dexter "embracing his freedom" were great, a very similar blow-by-blow of the opening sequence of every episode. The white t-shirt pulled over the face. The sliced blood orange. The carved steak. An homage of sorts to all long-time fans of the show. Wait -- can you be a "long time" fan of a show only two seasons long?
Another un-surprise was the departure of Lundy. I loved having Caradine involved in the show this season, but it was obvious he wouldn't be sticking around for next season. However, with the doubts he had about Doakes' guilt and how close he came to Deb, I wouldn't be surprised if he came back in the future to churn things up about for everyone.
Dexter found the toasted GPS device in evidence, though wouldn't it be somewhat possible for them to trace who it belonged to? That's also not the only thing that would raise a lot of questions about the cabin scene. Even weirdo Matsuka pointed out many things that seemed 'odd' about the scene. Does everything really end up that cleanly for the investigation and Dexter?
I'll admit that, at first, Dexter's game with Lila fooled me. I thought he may actually have changed his tune about her ... but just for a minute.
LaGuerta is obviously nuts about Doakes' death, with the whole memorial fund idea and all. But her reaction and her conversation with Deb highlights something I mentioned before, that if Dexter were to be caught it would severely traumatize Deb, Rita and basically anyone involved with Dexter. No matter what he does for the people he loves, it will all be overshadowed on that dark day, should it ever come.
One of the most tense moments of the episode was the meeting of Lila, Dexter and Deb in Lila's apartment. The amount of luck Dexter was able to conjure up in that scene alone was incredible. Deb barely questions him grabbing her and thinking it was Lila, and Lila doesn't simply open the black bag in front of Deb.
As for the fire scene in Lila's apartment, why is it that kids so easily take off with strangers, at least on TV and the movies. This was reminiscent of 'Fatal Attaction', only an apartment with cartoons instead of an amusement park. Parents, tell your kids not to talk to strangers, m'kay?
The quick flashback with Dexter and Harry was enough to convince me that, for as much good as Harry did for Dexter to keep him safe from discovery, he was instrumental in Dexter evolving into what he is today. Harry could have tried helping Dexter in other ways than to nurture his "addiction," going so far as to tell him he'd never recover. Dexter is Harry's tool, to plug the holes in a justice system that is much to ... holey. We'll see more of this next season, I'm sure.
Finally, the end of Lila. I know some of you are sad to see her go and wished she would have stuck around.
One final question: What was with the awards ceremony with Deb and Angel? Were they being commended for their work on the Doakes case? Seems odd for a case that resulted in a dead body in the end, doesn't it?
Overall I liked this season just as much as last season, perhaps even more. The one thing I didn't like about either season was what I thought were predictable stories, at least toward the second half of the season. I want more surprise next season, to be left guessing until the end. I'm not sure how that would have worked out with this particular storyline, though.
Dexter's back in 2008 -- a new code, a new Dexter. See you then.
Quote of the episode:
Dexter: "You taught me to accept what I am. To trust in the one thing I know with absolute clarity. Thank you."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
12-16-2007 @ 10:54PM
Wiz said...
I loved every minute of this episode. Dexter is "Evolving", next season the possibilities are endless.
A shame to lose such a great character as Doakes but someone had to go down.
I expect Lundy to return someday in the future. Dexter made a lot of mistakes this season under pressure so lets see what happens now he gets a new lease of life.
One thing I am still not fully convinced about is what Doakes 2 episodes ago about Harry, it couldn't simply be the suicide?
Great season, may not have been as good throughout as Season 1 but the last few epsiodes made sure it was a fantastic end.
By far the best show on TV (only House is in the same league).
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12-16-2007 @ 11:03PM
Aj said...
Lila wasn't a stranger to the kids, in a previous episode, she had diner at Rita's as Dexter's sponsor.
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12-17-2007 @ 12:17AM
SJ said...
I didn't like the season finale at all! Doakes dying in an explosion? wtf...c'mon now. And there have been too many plot holes this season.
I absolutely loved the first season and liked the 2nd season up until near the end. I was disappointed...it smacked of sloppy writing to me in many instances.
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12-17-2007 @ 12:30AM
Ian said...
The recreation of the opening credits inside the episode was fantastic. As is this show, for that matter. Loved the season, even if it did have its predictable moments. Anxiously awaiting more in 2008!
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12-17-2007 @ 12:36AM
bruce said...
The one thing both seasons had in common is that Dexter found someone who knew what he was, and accepted him, and he chose to kill them in favor and for the benefit of people who do not know what he is nor understand him. His brother and Lila both accepted Dexter for who he is, and Dexter killed both to spare Deb and Rita.
I find that innarestin'. I really liked this season, even more so than last season since much more was at stake. I'm not sure whether I'll miss the Doakes character or not. I always disliked him, I thought he was a mean, bad, asshole cop. But he was always an antagonist of Dexter, and it gave the MMPD some credit that at least ONE of them saw something odd in Dexter.
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12-17-2007 @ 4:46AM
mb said...
@bruce
I think your statement about Dexter killing the only people in his life who accepted his addiction is an interesting idea. Very well put. I wonder what would happen if someone like Deb discovered who Dexter really was, and would she eventually follow Lila and the ITK.
I'd noticed that there were some spoilers out about this season finale, and some said that it was disappointing for them. I disagree entirely, and thought that this finale cleaned up all of the plot developments from this season. I will, however, miss Erik King who played Doakes. Love him or hate him, this actor played him very well.
I also could've sworn something was off about Lundy, but I guess we'll never know.
After a *very* disappointing (mini) season of Weeds, I'm quite satisfied with the was Dexter Season 2 went. I hope the Season 3 premiere comes soon, but who knows what'll happen if the WGA strike affects this show?
12-17-2007 @ 4:49AM
mb said...
Yeesh, I can't type tonight.
I meant to say (in the last paragraph):
After a *very* disappointing (mini) season of Weeds, I'm quite satisfied how Dexter Season 2 turned out. I hope the Season 3 premiere comes soon, but who knows what'll happen if the WGA strike affects this show?
12-17-2007 @ 12:40AM
A.L. said...
The explosion was brilliant if just for the 30 seconds my wife and I believed that Lila could be seen as the real Butcher.
Terrific show. As always. Poorly thought out review. As I have come to expect from TVS. (Lila met the family already!)
And "un-surprise"? Really? I mean....really?
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12-17-2007 @ 7:06AM
Keith McDuffee said...
Oh jeeze A.L., if you don't like it, get lost. You're *really* taking issue with "un-surprise?" You just need to find something to bitch about? Wow. Just wow.
As for Lila, remind me when Rita's kids met her. I don't seem to recall seeing the kids and Lila on-screen together. I remember Rita, her mom, Dexter and Lila at dinner. Where were the kids? Not hungry? Not invited? I assumed they didn't meet Dexter because the sitter took them out for the night.
So, please, give it a rest.
12-17-2007 @ 7:02AM
Paul said...
I thought the show was very good. But what happened to his gunshot would? Did the bullet pass right through? Surely Rita would have seen either a bandage more......
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12-17-2007 @ 12:25PM
mb said...
IIRC, Dexter said that he was only "grazed" (sp?) the beginning of the 3rd-to-last episode (I think). The bullet didn't seem to go into his leg directly, but rather skimmed the top layers of leg skin.
Of course, he did bandages for that episode and there was some leakage while talking with Rita in the kitchen. Yes, she should've noticed a leg wound (especially when in bed during this last episode), but I guess that wasn't a big thing for the writers.
12-17-2007 @ 7:03AM
Paul said...
*****Wound not would**
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12-17-2007 @ 8:46AM
Jez said...
The only disappointment for me was then Dexter killed Lila.
She could be a very good plot device for the next season.
Now I dunno, I conclude the next season will bring new problems entirely? I'd rather see a bit of a connection. Sure there's the grieving LaGuerta, and probably Lundy, but not much else really.
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12-17-2007 @ 10:35AM
Kevinc said...
A surprisingly good finale for a weaker season.
Doakes's fate was sealed when he figured Dexter was the butcher. The only questions were who would kill him, and how he would die. I hate to lose him, since he was the second best character on this show, but it had to be.
They made Deb choose between Dexter and Lundy, but not for the reason I thought. I doubt that is the last we will see of Lundy.
Lila. Good riddance. I don't know why they kept her around so long. And for her to get rid of Daokes like that, there should have been more darkness in her past. That was cold blooded.
You know I don't think the kids met Lila, and even if they had would they just leave with the babysitter sleeping on the couch? They also seemed a little too relaxed when Lila tipped over the candles and locked the door. They just sat there.
Angel and Deb did figure out that the butcher had ties to the police and were instrumental in leading the investigation. They shouldn't be punished because Doakes blew himself up! (as far as they know) They should get awards. They did a lot more than Lundy did.
I thought the "embracing his freedom" breakfast scene should have been the last scene! Especially with his little smirk as he walked by.
So a new Dexter, next season, yet he hides his slides in the same damn easily found place! (and why no slide for Lila?)
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12-17-2007 @ 10:57AM
Fandango said...
"Finally, the end of Lila. I know some of you are sad to see her go and wished she would have stuck around."
RU kidn me? I hated Lila from the very start, and I'm very glad the writers apparently agree with me, as she turned out to be a crazy, manipulative bitch. Good riddance.
Great season, great finale, my only disappointment was that I had the feeling in the previous episode that Dexter had something up his sleeve. I never believed for a moment that he actually wanted to turn himself in, so all his preparations felt more like he was going to disappear or execute some clever plan, and maybe deal with Lila in an original way. Didn't happen unfortunately.
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12-17-2007 @ 11:03AM
Alex said...
Oh, and Deb had to choose between Lundy and Dexter? What, she can't possibly catch a later plane? It was a life or death situation, wouldn't Lundy understand?
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12-17-2007 @ 11:08AM
Ben said...
I wonder if the final episodes were rushed out the door as the writer's strike approached. That could account for some of the sloppiness. When the season started, I thought the story had so much potential, with Dexter and his colleagues investigating his murders. What about the algae? Does Doakes have a boat too? If you go back, I think a lot of the evidence still points away from Doakes. Perhaps this can be a storyline for next season, with LaGuerta taking on Doakes's role of suspicious cop. I love this show and think it's the best on TV. I will need to be more like Keith, and learn to suspend my disbelief more.
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12-17-2007 @ 11:45AM
nattyff said...
gerat season finale, love the way lila dies, and dexter's new and improve code. Can't wait for season 3, these show is so adictive, i just love it!!!
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12-17-2007 @ 12:49PM
Dan said...
I love how it tied up all of the loose ends of the season, while giving a bunch of open doors for another season. Dexter got off, but there's plenty of evidence pointing to him, and LaGuerta will not quit in her mission to show that Doakes is innocent. Dexter will be found out eventually, it's impossible for him to keep hiding. His slide habit is going to be his downfall, it's way too easy of a way to connect him to the murders and that will come back to haunt him AGAIN. I LOVED how he killed Lila, that was awesome! The kids are cute, but not very good actors, I hope they get a lot of acting lessons before the next season. I wonder what Deb will do when she learns that HE is the BHB, especially after dating the ITK. Freaking AWESOME show!
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12-17-2007 @ 1:13PM
LRS62 said...
So many holes I don't even know where to begin. The writers painted themselves into a corner and leave themselves NOWHERE to go for next season.
First: Dexter's entire relationship with Rita. She can accept that he drugged her ex which lead to his death (nice easy way to write him out of the show), and that he's an addict, but sleeping with someone else? She'll break up with him for that!
No reasonable woman with kids would have Dexter anywhere near them.
Two: Nice easy way to get rid of Doakes. The Deus Ex Machina of Lila killing him FOR Dexter. No, Dexter can't actually make a decision to break Harry's code for his own survival or anything, so just have some easy out for him. Like the magical GPS to some random, impossible to find place in a swamp! Then have the only OTHER person that "gets" Dexter find it (I will also reference Bruce's comments about how the writers only seem to have Dex kill people who understand him. How about a new idea there?) and voila! Problem solved!
Thirdly: Dexter becomes Sherlock Holmes. Yes, only Lila is dumb enough not to check that anyone actually died during her fire, nor did she change her alias or bother to go anywhere other than where she flew to during her escape. So, instead of having her as yet another possible enemy for season three or at least leaving Dexter with a "problem" of someone out there knowing what he really is, they kill her off. Doesn't matter if you like her character or not (doubt you were supposed to, even though this show has you rooting for a serial killer), the predictable way out was taken again.
I will refrain from commenting on the stupid/only to propel the plot things that Deb, LaGuerta and Angel did, just because there's too much of it.
Where does this leave Dex for season 3? He's untroubled (another plot point I don't understand, since he is supposed to be lacking any emotions) and killing again?
Okay? So?
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