(S03E12) This was a really interesting finale for Dexter, unlike any they've ever done before. I'm not sure how well-received it's going to be amongst the Dexter fans; I'll be anxious to read the comments.
Me? I really liked it, and I think the growth that Dexter experienced as a person was really important for him. All along, I've posited that Dexter, though he thinks he's a deviant, is more like everyone else than he realizes: same insecurities, same fears. To see him overcome some of these and accept happiness was profound.
Everyone has secrets and they need to be respected. That's the theme of this episode. After the jump, we'll see how the different secrets played out in tonight's finale.
Rita's Secret
Rita was married before Paul ... interesting. I wonder if this will be more significant next season, or if it was introduced just so that Dexter could see that it is OK to keep some secrets. It's another way that Dexter realizes he is just like everyone else -- sort of, as he says -- because we all have secrets.
Deb's and Batista's Secrets
Deb's sleeping with Anton could have bit her in the butt tonight, and cost her the detective badge. Instead, it played out a bit differently. Batista realized that he couldn't un-recommend Deb when he had his own secret about how he met Barbara. His confession to Maria invoked her response that some secrets are OK to keep. TMI, Angel!
Ramon's Secret
Wow. I never would have guessed that Ramon was covering for the deviant Miguel all this time, and when Dexter found that out, he was already thinking like the good father he wanted to be. "You don't always have to destroy a wounded animal. Sometimes you just remove the thorn."
This was a satisfying and humane ending to the Prado brothers saga. You had the feeling that Ramon and his family were going to break the cycle and be OK, and we didn't have to have Dexter kill all three of them.
Maria's Secret
Again, some secrets just need to be respected, and Dexter helped Maria see that no good would come of exposing Miguel as Ellen's killer. Sometimes we need to live with our secrets, even if we are driving over a highway named after them every day.
Harry's Secret
OK, not much of a secret that Harry was boinking his CI, Dexter's mother. But that was the whole reason Dexter couldn't forgive him, and he finally does this episode. Dex gets that Harry was doing the best he could, and that is just what Dexter was doing this whole season, as he tried to have a friend and confidante, and now move on with a life with Rita and the kids.
It's huge that Harry's imperfections helped Dex realize that he can feel, and that he wants to be a good father to his son and protect him, just like Harry did for Dexter.
I will say that the Skinner thing was a bit anti-climactic, though I get that this season wasn't really about the Big Bad. The Skinner turned out just to be another killer, and now he's gone, and that's OK. Dexter knew just how to set him off balance; he saw the Skinner's need for control right away. Dexter was never scared, and neither was I as a viewer. In fact, this was probably one of the least tense episodes of Dexter ever, and I still loved it. That's good television.
"Dexter Morgan, family Man."
We end this episode about secrets and this season about humanity with Dexter promising "to be the very best husband and father that I can be; a completely, utterly honest vow."
Dexter also says, "All of my previous attempts at human connection have ended in death, and now I have a partner for life; how did that happen?" Dexter realizes that he has nothing to offer a child except himself, that no one is perfect, and that he chooses happiness and admits that life is good. This is a huge leap for Dexter, who against all odds, has realized that he is a part of humankind, not just a deviant killer.
I like that they took this path -- a lot. They could have just as easily reverted Dexter back to his first season, introverted self, after what happened when he bared his soul to Miguel. But we've already seen that Dexter. Instead, now we'll get to see Dexter grow, see new aspects of him, watch as he integrates Dexter Morgan, family man with Dexter Morgan, serial killer. Season four's going to be fun.
Other things:
- I love the initial aerial shot of Miguel's body being discovered; so artistic, with the green grass and blue water and juxtaposition of the peacefulness of the scenery with the violence of the death. So thoughtfully shot.
- Deb: "Me in a dress; I feel like a transvestite."
- The scene between Deb and Maria when she gave her the badge was nicely done. Maria definitely learned this season that a personal life beyond work is important, and it was good to see that Deb somehow gained this perspective as well.
- All the theories of conspiracy and manipulation that we had for this season, all a waste. Well, not really, because it was fun to speculate. But season three was all about human connections, human flaws and just plain old humanity, and how Dexter fits into all of that. He's one of us, "dark passenger" included.
Last week, I was wondering how they'd wrap up so many loose ends, thinking that they'd have to leave a few for next season. They left virtually all of them. My predictions for season four: Deb will find out that Dexter is Harry's biological son; We'll delve deeper into the mystery that is Quinn; Batista will find out some things about Barbara that surprise him; Masuka will have a girlfriend; Maria will also have a personal life and not put work first.
What did you think? Are you satisfied with this finale and with season three in general?
Mike Henry and Daryl Hall on a Cleveland Show Thanksgiving
The TV Squad Podcast: The Prisoner, '80s TV, soap news and more
Let's talk about spoilers ...
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
12-15-2008 @ 12:08AM
greyhoundverona said...
Ah, 'scuse me, but Dexter is NOT Harry's biological son! That was already dealt with. Dex did a DNA test in season one, when he inherited his real father's house.
My prediction is that Deb will find out Dexter's secret. At the very least she'll learn that Dexter's brother was the Ice Truck Killer. THAT's a mindfuck that will really test their relationship.
It's the one place we haven't gone yet - someone Dexter really loves who knows his secret. I was hoping it would come up this season, but I can wait.
Reply
12-15-2008 @ 1:01AM
Corsair said...
Greyhound's right Debra, Season one established that Dex and Harry are not biological father and son. I will agree that this was a satisfying and unexpected season finale; I think it was more satisfying because it was so unexpected.
Season one and two's guns and action was gratifying but this season's slow fade was also fantastic. My favorite moment was Dexter's final encounter with Ramon Prado. It added another dimension to the Doakes-like Ramon and made me feel sympathy for him. It was excellent that the writers didn't use him as a device for action or as a way to give Dexter a bigger body count in the finale.
The interview with Michael Hall at the end of the episode suggested that they might go deeper into the satisfaction Dexter got when he killed Oscar Prado spontaneously.
LC
Reply
12-15-2008 @ 8:41AM
Debra McDuffee said...
Ah, I do remember that now, about the DNA test. Yes, I do think Deb will find out about the Ice Truck Killer being Dexter's brother too.
12-15-2008 @ 3:15AM
Greg said...
I really enjoyed the season finale. I think this has been the best season of the show yet.
I think something is going to happen to the baby and/or Rita. Did anyone notice the blood on the wedding dress while Dexter and Rita were dancing? Dexter says he's "content, maybe even happy." Blood on a wedding dress is a very bad omen.
Reply
12-15-2008 @ 9:03AM
Karl said...
It looked to me like the blood on Rita's wedding dress dripped out of Dexter's cast, so it's not related to the pregnancy. As an omen, though, who knows.
12-15-2008 @ 4:35AM
hbcobra said...
Wow, this post really hit most of my thoughts about the episode dead on. It wasn't a good episode because it was intense. It wasn't a good episode because a lot happened. It was a good episode because it addressed some of the biggest remaining issues of the season, but did so tactfully and in a simple manner that left nothing to be desired. I am pleased to have discovered another side of Dexter. I loved the line about removing the thorn from a wounded animal during his conversation with Ramon. I also really liked how he decided to not confront Rita about her secret. Dexter demonstrated that he is capable of more than sinister tendencies. Dexter is going to become a father and the tact he showed here will be key to raising his child. In many ways, this will allow him to be a better father than he had.
I still don't know where the Anton thing is going. Honestly, I feel that this storyline is pretty forced. When this is put it into context of all of Debra's other relationships, even down to the scumbag guy she dated for half an episode early in the first season, she just seems like someone who needs to be attached to someone else. Despite her tough-girl attitude, it makes Debra seem weak. Even though the Valium-Red Bull analogy was unique, Anton does not complement Debra in a way that brings out her better side. I hope the writers realize this and correct it in the next season: either they break up and she stays single, demonstrating her independence and ability to function on her own, or she finds a guy who is actually suited for her and brings out the best in her.
All in all, this season was good, but not great. The first two seasons were amazing and I enjoyed every minute. This season seemed dragged on at times and I really didn't find myself getting into it until the last few episodes (right around the time when Miguel made his first kill), but it ended on a high note. It seems to me that most of the plot lines were wrapped up and that they can start the fourth season fresh. I can't wait for season 4!
Reply
12-15-2008 @ 4:47AM
Argent said...
i really didn't think they could top the absolute mindfuck that was the second season.
hah. was i ever wrong.
i'm just kinda hoping they avoid the stuff with rita's kids that kinda wrecked the books for me. otherwise, right now, i'd have to say 'dexter' is the best hour of tv on atm.
Reply
12-15-2008 @ 7:53AM
K.V.C said...
Good Season, but I still think Dexter is getting dumber and dumber as the seasons roll by. WHY is he still hiding his stash of slides in the air conditioner???
Reply
12-15-2008 @ 2:07PM
hbcobra said...
Climate controlled?
12-15-2008 @ 8:53AM
h8rain said...
One of my favorite things about Dexter is the seasons are a complete piece of a bigger puzzle. They don't have to resort to cliffhanger season enders to get people back. This is also a great idea incase the network decides not to renew. That way you mostly have closure, with a few unanswered questions. *EVERY* show should follow this concept.
I really did enjoy this episode and season of Dexter. They went down a different path (Miguel finding out the secret and becoming a friend versus nemesis). I can't wait for the next season.
BTW, anyone else notice Weeds and Dexter ended the season with a pregnancy? Showtime must be into babies :)
Reply
12-15-2008 @ 10:02AM
JoyceN said...
My first season of DEXTER and I loved it! Waiting on my DVD's for the first two to arrive. I'll miss Miguel Prado and wish that storyline could have gone into another season, but I'll be back for the next one.
Showtime should be proud.
Reply
12-15-2008 @ 10:11AM
Key Rick said...
One distinct loose end is all the missing slides from behind Dexter's apartment window air conditioner! We'll likely be seeing a lot of Rita's mother next season, and she'll facilitate Dexter learning more details about Rita's first marriage.
Reply
12-15-2008 @ 3:02PM
scott said...
they weren't missing, remember doakes found the original set last season. These ones are just his kills since then.
12-15-2008 @ 10:37AM
bruce said...
Still the best hour on TV. I think a lot of us expected every single plot point to be wrapped up - the mystery of Quinn, the secret of Batista's new girlfriend, Ellen Wolf / the ring / Miguel having killed her.
This was a great episode, it was what I wanted to see. The anticlimactic death of the skinner was fine - he was a nobody all along. I remember when I first said I thoght the skinner would merely be one of those two tree-trimmers we saw earlier in the season (I thought it was the other one, who quickly wiped off and put away his knife before talking to Deb), most people disagreed because they were nobodys. That's right, the skinner was a nobody. He was not the primary antagonist of the season, that was Miguel. But the police needed something to do other than "find Oscar's killer / find Freebo" during the whole season, or things would be one dimensional and characters like Deb would have nothing to do. The skinner worked well for his purposes.
I'm glad the wedding went through. I don't see the blood on Rita's dress as a problem, as it's often hard to break one's arm on a staircase without also cutting/scraping it a bit, too. Bleeding is not antithetical to a broken arm, so it in itself doesn't prove Dexter was lying.
Great season.
Reply
12-15-2008 @ 11:01AM
Jim Kosmicki said...
there aren't missing slides. Dexter lost the previous slides when he set up Doakes. The slides he has now are for his kills since Doakes died, that's why there's so few.
and the big hanging thread is the IA investigation of Quinn. They really need to do something with that or they wasted a lot of time this season on that storyline.
and the blood at the end was specifically shown as being from Dexter's broken hand -- which I saw as the fruits of his dark passenger activity spotting the purity of the wedding day -- foreshadowing next season's conflict.
Reply
12-15-2008 @ 10:58AM
cdawg said...
a bit anticlimactic in my opinion. i wanted to see more of a standoff with Ramon, and a longer George King sequence. But still the best show on tv.
Love the continued humanization of Dexter as a person.
I will miss the Prado family. At first I wasn't so keen, but they became a GREAT addition.
So now that he's married and they're moving in together, where is he going to store his slides???? :)
Reply
12-15-2008 @ 11:08AM
Shawn said...
The blood on the wedding dress is kind of like the wine on the wedding dress in The Deer Hunter. Remember that one? It's a sign of things to come, and not necessarily good.
Reply
12-15-2008 @ 12:49PM
Corsair said...
Yes, I thought the blood was a way to tell the viewer that the future of the marriage between Dexter and Rita would have its issues. Although, I felt as though this was obvious considering that Dexter is a person that needs to kill people.
I will disagree that this season was not as good as seasons one and two. In fact, this was the first TRUE season of Dexter.
Season one was just a reworking of the book Darkly Dreaming Dexter. Season two was just a follow-up to the storylines left open by the novel (I will admit that they started to go their own way here). So season three was the first real test of the Dexter creative team's powers. Here they had no books to rely on since they strayed away from the storylines in the book series.
I think they succeeded on their own and expect an even better fourth and fifth seasons from them. Was it perfect? No. It honestly felt as though the Skinner was there to give the Miami Metro cops something to do. I also felt that the Quinn storyline went nowhere (but I do like Quinn as a substitute for Doakes). What was Yuki's real angle? Was Quinn right and she was sore that he ditched her? What Quinn said about the botched drug bust didn't really justify an IA investigation, especially with all the stuff the merry band of Miami Metro cops get away with on this show (i.e. Masuka)!
LC
Reply
12-15-2008 @ 5:33PM
Chad said...
What happened with Miguel's bloody tshirt? The one he gave to Dexter had cows blood on it. Do you think it come back to haunt Dexter in season 4?
Reply
12-15-2008 @ 5:38PM
radwimp said...
This season started out pretty slowly, but the last few episodes really pulled everything together. It wasn't perfect, but this is by far my favourite season yet.
Reply