Last week's Dexter compelled ...
Question: Last week's
Dexter compelled me to write to you. I am a huge fan of the show and think it's probably the most thrilling hour in my packed TV week. The writing is just extremely well done: The characters are written very precisely and imaginatively, the atmosphere is always very dense and gripping, and I especially like Dexter's voiceovers — which are never melodramatic and are so cynical, crude and sometimes even humorous that they either leave me grinning or shivering. They also provide insight into his sick mind. The excellent cast adds only to the brilliance of this show, especially
Michael C. Hall's terrific portayal of Dexter. In the episode where he discovers his blood trophies are gone, his performance felt so real, it just blew me away. What are your thoughts on the second season? In my opinion, it can effortlessly stand up to the first and is even better in terms of suspense. Dexter's showdown with Doakes in the Everglades was so shockingly unexpected that I seriously don't know how they are going to top that. Best wishes from a loyal fan in Germany.
Answer: I didn't expect to say this, but I think the second season, especially after the Doakes plot twist, surpasses the first. These final episodes (and I've seen the last two, which are amazing) have ratcheted the tension to a new level. It's awesome: scary-funny and never predictable. When I saw where they left off this Sunday's episode, I couldn't imagine how excruciating the wait is going to be until people get to see the Dec. 16 finale. Echoing your thoughts, I don't see how they'll top this season, but I look forward to finding out. That said, I'm not sure what I think about Leslie Moonves' promise (or is that threat) to bring an edited version of
Dexter, among other Showtime titles, to CBS should an extended strike bring the network to that point. A diluted
Dexter would be a far cry from the deliriously deranged
Dexter we've come to know and love.
