Dexter, America’s favorite serial killer, is almost gone forever. Showtime’s horror/dramedy has been hailed as one of the most acclaimed in TV history, and June 30th marks the beginning of the end. Fan or not, you have to respect the new blend of horror Dexter brought into living rooms across the world. Dexter’s debatably sociopathic persona does what no character has done before: made the horror the hero. In his final season, will Dexter sharpen his edge or become another victim of it?
Strange Estrangement
If you haven’t seen the last season: spoiler alert ahead (also, you should start watching it as soon as possible). Season seven followed Dexter’s newly tormented sister Deb as she grapples with the knowledge of Dexter’s murderous alter-ego. With a job centered on gruesome murder, a serial killer ex, another murdered ex boyfriend and an incestuous love for her albeit adopted brother, Deb’s (Jennifer Carpenter) psyche is on a run for its money. Season eight picks up six months after season seven ended, executive producer Sara Colleton tells “Entertainment Weekly,” with Deb and Dexter estranged. Deb has quit the force and works for a private eye played by Sean Patrick Flannery. Meanwhile, Dexter tries to rekindle their relationship to no avail.
There is nothing more horrifying than watching the slow moral and psychological decay of a strong character. What is Deb capable of now that the fabric of her character has been unraveled? When the saga comes to an end, fans will be asking . . .
Is Murder Contagious?
Six months after LaGuerta’s murder, Miami Metro is content that is was an open and shut case, and they’ve moved on to other things. Dexter and Deb’s story, however, doesn’t involve much moving on. LaGuerta’s murder was more than just a turning point for Deb, it taught Dexter to question his own code—the only twisted part of his life he values. When LaGuerta began sniffing around his files, Dexter did everything he could to avert her attention. LaGuerta, however annoying, became both Dexter and Deb’s first real victim. LaGuerta was the missing piece that turned Dexter into a real monster, and Deb into a real murderer. Will she continue killing or meet…
A Blood-Soaked Demise
We learn more about secondary characters in season eight, reports Popwatch.com, but the real question lies in the fate of the head honcho. There’s a new serial killer in town, called “Big Bad” who likes to take apart and remove portions of his victim’s brains. A figure returns from Dexter’s past as well, a Dr. Evelyn Vogel, the woman who helped his father write the sacred serial killer code. Dr. Vogel is being stalked by a killer and must seek Dexter’s help.
Although youtube.com and break.com offer tantalizing teasers, the real story won’t start to unfold until June 30th. Dexter’s producers told “Entertainment Weekly” that, unlike most shows, Dexter’s fate was sealed from the get-go. “It feels like the exact thing we should be doing,” showrunner Scott Buck tells EW. For the show that stretched horror in an almost palatable way, wrapping up such a murderous legacy is no easy feat.
Dexter action figure photo from Flickr user Rick / sneakerzoom@gmail.com.
Post submitted by Caroline Davenport
Caroline produced and directed her first film in college. She aspires to be the next Katherine Bigelow, but in the mean time shes very happy writing about films, TV and the entertainment industry.
