DEXTER Season Finale: “Do You Take Dexter Morgan?”

Nothing caps off the week from heck like a “Dexter” season finale. It looks like my fears were assuaged and this episode not only got everything answered, but maybe had the best scene of the season, in my opinion. Let’s go!

I loved the opening scene of this episode, mainly because it was so darned simple. There was no overacting and no scenery-chewing by anyone in the wake of Prado’s death. The overhead shot just allowed us to see how things transpired and gave a perfect start to the episode.

We knew, from Miguel’s words, that the situation wouldn’t end with his death. Plus, there was still one episode to go. 😉 Hector Prado showed up to finish the troubled Prado brother trifecta. We all knew, though, that he wouldn’t be that big of a concern, didn’t we?

I’m a little surprised Dex and Rita got kicked out of Miguel’s funeral. Yes, Hector was drunk, since Rita could smell the fumes. But, I would think Silvia would take control of the situation. But, who knows?!

In Deb news, I was so happy when Angel told her he put in a recommendation for her shield. As I’ve been on record as saying all season, Deb really got the job done without Dexter’s help (for the most part) and deserves it. It was interesting when Deb blackmailed Angel without meaning to. The fact that Barbara was working Vice at the time they met was just something Deb knew, and I really believe she wasn’t trying to be malicious, but that she was just lashing out and grasping for straws. Angel is a stand up guy and immediately went in to LaGuerta’s office and told her the truth about that (which she didn’t care about) as well as Deb’s relationship with Anton (which she kinda cared about.) The way that was resolved was excellent, as it not only shut the book on Deb getting her badge (YAY!) but also shut the folder (see what I did there?) on LaGuerta staying in the past about Ellen Wolf’s death. I wouldn’t be surprised if her relationship with Dex isn’t a little bit closer now, with this shared secret.

This episode was really all about secrets. Even though Rita’s first marriage might come up next season, I think it was a great way to tie a lot of things up. Dexter now realizes that he can let Hector and Rita keep their secrets because everyone deserves a couple

Well, I knew as soon as we didn’t see who was following Dex and the kids that it was George “The Skinner” King. And that, my friends, is where the best scene of the season came up.

It was with Harry, who had popped up a couple times in this episode. In this scene, with Dexter held captive, we watch him look back on what has happened and realize he actually cares if he dies or not, because he has a son to look after now. Things are different. It was a really emotional scene that both actors executed perfectly. When we realized that Harry’s tears were really Dexter’s, that was so big. He really does want to be with Rita and the kids, and be a good father and a good husband and a good brother. It’s not a game anymore. It’s not a ruse; a façade that he has to have to hide the serial killer side of him. The two sides have kind of become one, which is incredibly exciting.

My final verdict on this season is that is was awesome. It may not be as good as the past two, and I know that it has met a lot of criticism from a lot of people. But, I think those people are just uncomfortable with seeing Dexter change. We have watched him, over the course of a season, become and entirely new person, who is forging his own track in life, making his own Code and fighting his own battles. I agree with all of you in the comments that Deb looking into the past will be very problematic for Dexter and very VERY interesting next season. Good call, guys!

I want to thank Kath for letting me do this as well as all of you fine people who read it every week! I’ll still be around here on GMMR, babbling about all my other favorite shows. [GMMR: And I want to thank Philboy for his informative and entertaining weekly DEXTER recaps. A round of applause!!!]

Happy Holidays!!!

Simple question, complex answer. WHAT DID YOU THINK?! And, what are you looking forward to for next season?

— posted by Philboy

Philboy is GMMR’s resident Dexter analyst. He spends his days studying Communications at Purdue University and his nights failing at keeping up with all of the TV shows he loves. His can’t miss shows are “Dexter”, “Chuck”, “Life on Mars” and “Pushing Daisies”. The thoughts running through his head for this week are, “Am I going to have to do my own laundry on Sunday nights now? (Thanks Mom and Dad) and “What should I get my grandma for Christmas?”