The Show

I feel like Showtime original programming is hurt at times simply because the shows or specials aren’t on HBO. HBO has become this powerhouse, awards-crazy network monolith, giving Showtime an unnecessary second-tier status. As a result many people probably missed Dexter, and that is a shame. Dexter: The First Season may just contain the single most interesting television lead character to come around since Tony Soprano redefined the mob genre—it’s that good. Forget the rest of this review, go watch the pilot episode immediately, then come back and finish reading.

There’s nothing mind-blowing about the premise of Dexter, it’s all in the execution. Michael C. Hall stars as Dexter Morgan, a forensics expert who works for the Miami police department. His specialty? Blood spatter analysis. Dexter is very likable to almost everyone, exuding an upbeat, “normal” persona. The secret behind Dexter, however, is that on his off time he is a serial killer—cold and emotionless. Adopted and raised by a cop named Harry Morgan, Dexter’s true nature was always apparent to Harry. Rather than institutionalizing Dexter, Harry spent every moment teaching Dexter to control his urges, and to pretend to be as normal as possible so as not to draw attention. This “code of Harry,” as Dexter puts it, made it possible for Dexter to act normal while channeling his…unusual…energies into killing those who deserve to die. Using his honed forensic skills, Dexter locates a potential killer, obtains evidence of their guilt, and carries out the deed in horrific fashion.

The series has a number of supporting roles, such as detectives on the police department, including Dexter’s foster sister, Deb (Jennifer Carpenter). These characters are spotty at first as the writers try to locate a voice for each cop, but they all fall into their own soon enough. My one criticism is that the show struggles momentarily in episodes three and four where it seems to lose focus and place too much emphasis on a case that is completely unrelated to Dexter. However, episodes five to the end are the real deal. The season-long arc focuses on serial killer known as The Ice Truck killer—a virtuoso who leaves bloodless, hacked up body parts and special hints suggesting he knows more about Dexter than anyone else in his life. The hidden, back-and-forth clues and obsession between the two killers lead to a very satisfying climax.

If the show was just about a cop-by-day, serial-killer-by-night, it would be tiresome. Dexter, on the other hand, is a complete character study, supplemented by voiceover from Dexter to allow you to understand how he operates and “pretends” to be normal on a day-to-day basis. He has a girlfriend, a sister, co-workers—none of them suspect a thing. Yet on the inside Dexter suffers through every moment—a foreigner among people who cannot understand who he is. Michael C. Hall’s performance is 90% why the show is a success. The subtle nuances he gives Dexter, showing awkwardness when he doesn’t know what human emotion to pretend to give to his saddened girlfriend, or providing just enough character differences when Dexter is in his “natural” environment, are simply incredible. I swear; it is impossible not to like this character.

The DVD

The video is presented in an unspecified 16×9 anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio. For a show about detail, the transfer does not disappoint. Colors and flesh tones are perfect, the level of detail is as high as can be on standard DVD, and the print is flawless.

The audio is offered English Dolby Digital 5.1/2.0 Surround Sound and Spanish Mono with English Closed Captions. The audio is clean and free of distortion. The balance has no problems as well. The 5.1 track does offer some atmospheric moments, but for the most part it is a glorified 2.0 track, and I don’t say that in a negative way. I never found myself wanting more from the DVD in terms of audio.

The Extras

Commentary is offered on two episodes: “Return to Sender” with Jennifer Carpenter, David Zayas, Lauren Velez, and Erik King; and “Born Free” with Producers Sara Colleton, Clyde Phillips, and Daniel Cerone. The producer track was surprisingly informative and the better of the two if you are looking for behind-the-scenes information rather than actor-heavy anecdotes.

“Witness in Blood – A True Murder Investigation” is a 12-minute featurette on how blood spatter analysis was utilized in a real case. It’s interesting, but I would have enjoyed an even more in-depth look at the technique.

Despite the box advertising a second featurette, I was unable to find “The Academy of Blood – A Killer Course.” I checked online and my fellow reviewers all seem to be having similar problems.

Also offered are: two episodes of the Showtime series Brotherhood; a link to watch The Tudors online; two .pdf chapters of the next Dexter novel; bios; and Previews.

Despite a laundry list of special features on the back of the box, none of them really add up to anything, not to mention there isn’t a single word from Michael C. Hall…disappointing.

Final Thoughts

Dexter: The First Season is simply a damn good show. Very few television series’ have entertained me as thoroughly as these twelve episodes. If you enjoy quality television then you cannot miss out on this one. – Jeff Ritchie