They really went there. Showtime's signature thrillers Homeland and Dexter each flipped the metaphorical switch — in Homeland's case, literally; with Dexter, breaking down a wall we'd been waiting to happen for some time — in pivotal finales that leave a big void on Sundays.
Saving the best for last, let's start with Dexter. The finale was 95 percent routine, a charge that could be aimed at the season as a whole, capped by the uninspired end of the ...
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Question: As we approach the annual barrage of year-end Top 10 lists, I'm dreading the fact that one worthy, excellent TV show will be overlooked by most critics: The Vampire Diaries. Don't get me wrong, I love Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones as much as any sane person, but I also think TVD is one of the most expertly paced, perfectly plotted shows on TV right now. Unfortunately, I don't think many professional critics bother to watch it, though they'll analyze lesser shows like True Blood and The Walking Dead just because of the networks they air on. Even if critics don't think The Vampire Diaries is Top 10 worthy, I think it at least deserves to be part of the year-end conversation. Why is it so hard for a show like this to be taken seriously? — Donnie
Matt Roush: I like Vampire Diaries and probably give it more consideration than ...
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FRIDAY
Tonight's Top Pick: When worlds collide, Fox's cult gem Fringe (9/8c) is at the top of its game. You've never seen a murder-mystery manhunt like tonight's chilling and provocative episode, in which the Fringe team from the "other" world enlists "our" Olivia to cross over to track down a serial killer in the alt-universe — by bringing along the madman's doppelganger from our world, who happens to be a professor specializing in forensic pathology and profiling. The "what-if" vibes are fascinating as the professor — and by extension everyone in the dual-universe loop — considers the vagaries of fate and environment when confronted with "the path not taken." The story is suspenseful, poignant and wonderfully original. And in case you're wondering why Walter stays behind, surrounding himself with a cacophony of music: It may have something to do with that nagging disembodied voice he can't stop hearing. Hurry home soon, Peter Bishop!
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My Boys may be dead, but Jordana Spiro sure isn't. She's set to appear on Dexter next season... hmmm, maybe we should be worried about her.
Dexter Exclusive: In Season 6, Dexter finds... faith?
The sixth season of the Showtime series will explore Dexter's struggle to find something to pass onto his son besides his Dark Passenger. With faith among the things he's exploring, Dexter (Michael C. Hall) will come across Professor Gellar (Edward James Olmos), a renowned professor of religious study, and Travis (Colin Hanks), an antiquities restorer at the Miami Museum. Spiro will play...
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Producers promised Dexter would explore faith this season and in this first-look photo, it looks like he's earned his wings — in blood, at least.
Dexter Exclusive: In Season 6, Dexter finds... faith?
When "the avenging angel returns," Dexter (Michael C. Hall) will take on single parenting while hiding his secret hobby from his increasingly suspicious sister. The Showtime series will further the spirituality theme with the addition to the cast of Edward James Olmos as a renowned professor of religious history and Mos as an ex-con who found his mission in life by helping other cons. Colin Hanks also appears as an antiquities restorer at the Miami Museum.
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