Dexter: Series review
This series is based on a book called "Darkly dreaming Dexter", and Dearly devoted Dexter by Jeff Lindsay
An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind, said Mahatma Gandhi. Dexter Morgan lives by a separate set of rules - "The code". This is an alternate justice system. It's not about revenge, but about clearing the dregs of society. About taking the law into your own hands. Of making the world a better place, one kill at a time. Vigilantism is a common phenomenon across the world (I guess). People have a variety of reasons to resort to this - political affliction, honour, love, madness, paranoia. For Dexter, it is about channeling a "dark passenger"
Dexter is in a constant state of anarchy with himself - his "dark passenger" and "human feelings" are always dueling each other in the mosaic of his life. As he goes through his life, we see his unique take on things - society, love, care, relationships, being a family man. Each and every decision he makes is after weighing multiple angles - do his victims deserve this? Does Dexter's family deserve the risk? Can he go on living normally? Where will he end up? Are all his tracks covered? Is this as per "the code"? Dexter juggles his multiple roles with aplomb. At no point does he break down - even when everything around him keeps disintegrating. You may call it his lack of emotion / empathy, or simply his ability to remain calm at all times. This is a delight to observe, and should be emulated.
The imaginary conversations that Dexter has with his dad are very engaging. Dexter's dad functions as an alter ego, indulging in philosophical conversations with him. He nudges, guides, questions and challenges Dexter's moves, and is always by his side. I found this depiction style to be arresting. Dexter's mind and his imaginary conversations with his father always have a voice.
The relationship between Dexter and Deb (his foster sister) evolves throughout the series. They're always there for each other. At many times, the sibling is the only one who provides solace and a ground to stand on, to the other sibling. The ground beneath the feet. Their camaraderie is always good to see (although at one point, the writers decided to introduce a weird twist..) Foul - mouthed as she is, Deb hides her insecurities and fears beneath a seemingly tough exterior. Psst: In real life, Michael. C. Hall (Dexter) and Jennifer Carpenter (Deb) were married to each other, but eventually got divorced, all during the series filming. These events don't show up in any way in the series, and this shows the acting caliber. Another fun fact: Deb uses more expletives in any given episode than all of her male colleagues combined :)
The constellation of women in this series is stunning, to say the least. Lila is the unpredictable artist with an obsession beyond control. Rita is the damaged, albeit doting wife, willing to put everything on the line, for a normal life with Dexter. Lumen eventually discovers her hidden feelings for him. Hannah is the manipulator, who can go to any length to be with Dexter. One theme connects all the women - degrees of damage in their lives, and how far they've ventured, beyond a normal life.
This is one series with a very airtight plot. The writers have weaved a story line that is flawless! Characters flit in and out of the narrative effortlessly, like feathers - you don't even notice. Each season has it's own central character who Dexter is after (or who is after Dexter!), and things unravel tantalizingly - a cat and mouse game between the hunter and the hunted. This series will keep you on the edge of your seat - guaranteed! Think of a seriously good thriller/ serial killer movie, and extrapolate this 8 or 10 times, that is how good this is. Dexter's adversaries characters have been developed to the minutest detail. The dark recesses of the human mind have been explored and portrayed in abundance through these adversaries.
Thoughts:
Dexter's character deals with an interesting question. This is also something which me and Tempo discussed the other day: What happens to you as you move on in life? More specifically, the things which define you, what happen to them as you move through life? How much time can you devote to the things which define you? Do the pressures of a family strip you off your individuality, layer by layer?
I've watched this series twice, and it was a joy, such is the production quality. And I don't think the ending is bad. I was pleased, even the second time.
And, yes, don't watch this series with your kids. There is a lot of blood, and a lot of sex.
* I do not own any of these images. All images copyright of their respective owners*
An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind, said Mahatma Gandhi. Dexter Morgan lives by a separate set of rules - "The code". This is an alternate justice system. It's not about revenge, but about clearing the dregs of society. About taking the law into your own hands. Of making the world a better place, one kill at a time. Vigilantism is a common phenomenon across the world (I guess). People have a variety of reasons to resort to this - political affliction, honour, love, madness, paranoia. For Dexter, it is about channeling a "dark passenger"
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| One of the books |
Dexter Morgan's character is a complex one. He starts off (in the series) as a blood splatter analyst, a brother and a vigilante, and straddles the roles of a partner, lover, dad (and local bowling team member) eventually. Is he a good man? Or a bad one? What about shades of grey? Is he doing justice to society? Or injustice to his near and dear ones, by leaving a dual life? Is a lie, told for a good cause, good? These are the questions that this series throws up for us to debate.
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| Another book |
Dexter is in a constant state of anarchy with himself - his "dark passenger" and "human feelings" are always dueling each other in the mosaic of his life. As he goes through his life, we see his unique take on things - society, love, care, relationships, being a family man. Each and every decision he makes is after weighing multiple angles - do his victims deserve this? Does Dexter's family deserve the risk? Can he go on living normally? Where will he end up? Are all his tracks covered? Is this as per "the code"? Dexter juggles his multiple roles with aplomb. At no point does he break down - even when everything around him keeps disintegrating. You may call it his lack of emotion / empathy, or simply his ability to remain calm at all times. This is a delight to observe, and should be emulated.
 |
| Angel of death |
The imaginary conversations that Dexter has with his dad are very engaging. Dexter's dad functions as an alter ego, indulging in philosophical conversations with him. He nudges, guides, questions and challenges Dexter's moves, and is always by his side. I found this depiction style to be arresting. Dexter's mind and his imaginary conversations with his father always have a voice.
 |
| Stand by me... |
The relationship between Dexter and Deb (his foster sister) evolves throughout the series. They're always there for each other. At many times, the sibling is the only one who provides solace and a ground to stand on, to the other sibling. The ground beneath the feet. Their camaraderie is always good to see (although at one point, the writers decided to introduce a weird twist..) Foul - mouthed as she is, Deb hides her insecurities and fears beneath a seemingly tough exterior. Psst: In real life, Michael. C. Hall (Dexter) and Jennifer Carpenter (Deb) were married to each other, but eventually got divorced, all during the series filming. These events don't show up in any way in the series, and this shows the acting caliber. Another fun fact: Deb uses more expletives in any given episode than all of her male colleagues combined :)
The constellation of women in this series is stunning, to say the least. Lila is the unpredictable artist with an obsession beyond control. Rita is the damaged, albeit doting wife, willing to put everything on the line, for a normal life with Dexter. Lumen eventually discovers her hidden feelings for him. Hannah is the manipulator, who can go to any length to be with Dexter. One theme connects all the women - degrees of damage in their lives, and how far they've ventured, beyond a normal life.
 |
| Stellar cast |
This is one series with a very airtight plot. The writers have weaved a story line that is flawless! Characters flit in and out of the narrative effortlessly, like feathers - you don't even notice. Each season has it's own central character who Dexter is after (or who is after Dexter!), and things unravel tantalizingly - a cat and mouse game between the hunter and the hunted. This series will keep you on the edge of your seat - guaranteed! Think of a seriously good thriller/ serial killer movie, and extrapolate this 8 or 10 times, that is how good this is. Dexter's adversaries characters have been developed to the minutest detail. The dark recesses of the human mind have been explored and portrayed in abundance through these adversaries.
Thoughts:
Dexter's character deals with an interesting question. This is also something which me and Tempo discussed the other day: What happens to you as you move on in life? More specifically, the things which define you, what happen to them as you move through life? How much time can you devote to the things which define you? Do the pressures of a family strip you off your individuality, layer by layer?
I've watched this series twice, and it was a joy, such is the production quality. And I don't think the ending is bad. I was pleased, even the second time.
And, yes, don't watch this series with your kids. There is a lot of blood, and a lot of sex.
* I do not own any of these images. All images copyright of their respective owners*
Nice, one of the best i hav seen, especially season 2
ReplyDeleteYes, Dhruv :) Extremely gripping season
DeleteDude that is an amazing write up. I tahini you should continue to do this often. Being an ardent Dexter fan, I liked every bit of this blog. You have touched all series and has summed it up thoroughly. Thanks for sharing it man.
ReplyDeleteHitchhiker, I'm glad that you liked the write- up. Doing this regularly has been a struggle and I have to plan to be more regular. I'm open to discussion, criticism and counter views :)
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