(S03E04) I'm really enjoying Dexter this season, so far. Although it seems to have a slightly different tone than past seasons, it continues to hold my rapt attention with its amazing character development and intricate plotlines.
Last week's episode was my favorite one this season. Was tonight's as good? Yes, but in a very different way from last week's episode. We got humor and suspense last week; this week, many little subplots setting the stage to go deeper in future episodes.
The main theme that glued this episode together was role-playing, and how the different roles of Dexter and others influenced who Dexter was.
- The role of father and husband would make a better role than living alone and keeping to himself for Dexter.
- Dex always played the role of "bad guy" when pretend-playing with Deb as kids; it was the "good guy" roles he had trouble with.
- Dexter takes a cue from the role Aster is playing, and decides he needs to get the attention of Rita and Miguel.
- Masuka plays the role of court jester; Dexter finds that being a character actor is probably less exhausting than being a lead with too many emotions.
- Dexter needs to show Miguel that Ramone's role is not that of "misunderstood good guy," which he does.
- Finally, Dexter takes the role of the witness / fiance /murderer and uses her emotions (since he has none) to become what Rita needs. Dexter questions that if you play a role long enough, does it become real? "Could I become real?" Deep stuff.
Rita played a central role in tonight's episode, and I am impressed with the way her character has grown. She is very strong this season, shown by her refusal to marry Dexter just because she is pregnant. She doesn't want to make any mistakes; she's really learned from her failed marriage and wants to do what is best for her family. When Dexter delivers a heartfelt proposal, she accepts.
Now, the first thing that struck me when Dexter manipulated Ramone throughout the episode was that Dexter reminded me of Lilah. He had the opportunity to learn from the master last season, and his careful plans to ruin Ramone's image with Miguel was something that bitch would do. Dexter does note, though, that he takes no pleasure in manipulating Miguel, which was definitely not Lilah's M.O.
Other points worth mentioning:
- For Deb, it's a black and white world: you can be good or bad. It makes me wonder what she would think of Dexter and how knowing what he is would fit into her view of things. Would he classify as a good guy or a bad guy, or would she have to start allowing for some shades of gray? It sure would make her life a little it easier.
- Dexter is becoming less solitary: guests at his apartment, buddying up with Miguel, proposing to Rita. How is this going to effect his code and his "hobby?"
- Angel almost gets busted by vice. This must be setting up for something in later episodes, because I have a hard time believing it won't pop up again in the future.
- What's with Quinn's car? Are we supposed to believe he's into something fishy b/c he drives fancy wheels? He does seem to be playing some sort of game (or should I say role for this episode) by showing a new, sensitive side of himself.
- Maria is not letting the Chickie Hynes thing go; Oh, that is so going to blow up later. What fun.
- Line of the night, courtesy of Deb, referring to Quinn: "He's like the f-ing witness whisperer."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-20-2008 @ 9:38AM
Jack said...
TV connection: The vice cop was a regular on the Chris Isaak Show on Showtime.
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10-21-2008 @ 10:23AM
maestro610 said...
I like this season of Dexter almost as much as Season One where we were introduced to this world. I love the consistent failure at the proposal until he essentially asked both Rita and the kids. Rita's "We'll Marry You." was another great moment.
As for side stories I'm going to guess that Batista has an interest in the vice cop but she's killed by The Skinner. She is pretending to be a streetwalker.
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10-20-2008 @ 12:50PM
C C said...
I'm liking this season a lot so far, too. I wasn't sure at first that I was going to, but it's evolving nicely, if a bit more slowly than the previous two seasons. Jimmy Smits has been a terrific addition-he adds a touch of class to everything he does.
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10-20-2008 @ 2:40PM
Dan said...
AWESOME SHOW...great episode. Each week this show continues to impress me and surprise me. Love the Prado storyline and Angel getting busted makes me think he's going to fall for that B-tch vice cop. Once again, I have nothing negative to say about Dexter, the best show on TV, and gradually creeping towards The Sopranos in my heart.
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10-20-2008 @ 3:31PM
Dexter Fan said...
Does anyone know the song at the very end of the episode when Dexter proposes to Rita? Thanks!
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10-20-2008 @ 6:10PM
Dan said...
Wasn't it "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd? I know it was being played at some point near then, think it was during the proposal.
10-20-2008 @ 6:24PM
Dexter Fan said...
No, it was at the very end when Dexter gets on his knees to talk to the kids.. after the proposal. Thanks though.
10-25-2008 @ 5:58AM
Joe said...
"Wasn't it "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd? I know it was being played at some point near then, think it was during the proposal."
You're almost there. Free Bird was played as Hank left Karen's house after an unsuccessful proposal at the end of Californication, not as Dexter successfully proposed to Rita on Dexter. An easy mistake to make.
10-20-2008 @ 4:00PM
JoyceN said...
Love this show and love the addition of Jimmy Smits. It's my first season watching, but NOT my last.
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10-20-2008 @ 7:21PM
Brett said...
"Angel almost gets busted by vice. This must be setting up for something in later episodes". I thought they were setting the vice cop up as a future love interest.
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10-21-2008 @ 2:01AM
dtpollitt said...
Two proposals on Showtime tonight! Californication and Dexter. Odd.
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10-21-2008 @ 11:22AM
cdawg said...
good ep but not great. its only great when they have a murder of the week...
Dex is at his best when he's killing - looking forward to next week.... does Prado really see Dex for who he is, and urges him to keep vigalante killing?
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10-25-2008 @ 4:34AM
Cody said...
The vice cop jumped to #1 Skinner suspect for me. She confronted Batista in his office and threatened to turn him in. First of all, there's no witnesses and it'd be her word against his, and higher rank trumps. Second, I don't think she's really a cop, she got a badge somewhere and when she saw his badge she freaked out and didn't want to kill him.
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