Fall TV Preview: Dexter the Lovable Serial Killer

Michael C. Hall as the perpetually blood-splattered Dexter returns for season two. Showtime takes a second chance on audience's love for a baby-faced serial killer who hunts other killers. Definitely not a show for the faint hearted or the prudish.

Taken from the books by Jeff Lindsay the series presents a totally different look at a sociopath and murderer. Dexter played by Michael C. Hall (Six Feet Under) is a likeable guy on the outside because he has trained him self to appear that way. Inside, he knows he isn't really part of the human race. He stands outside it, seeing others as prey and stifling the urge to kill.

Soon after adopting Dexter, his father saw the killer tendencies and began molding them. James Remar (Jericho) is Harry Morgan, an ex-cop who loves Dexter despite, or maybe due, to his differences. Knowing he couldn't stop Dexter from pursuing his desires for blood, he focused them on other serial killers. Dexter could satisfy his need to kill and dissect on psychopaths the world would be better off without.

Dexter plays the role of a police forensics expert. Plays the role is key. Every minute of every day Dexter must remind his self to stay in character around others, to be a normal guy. He fools most people, but Sgt. Doakes (Erik King from Oz and Charmed) senses an aura of violence around Dexter. The forensics expert might be a little too familiar with the bloody crime scenes he investigates.

Julia Benz (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel) is Rita. A single mother struggling to raise two children, she is Dexter's girlfriend and link to normalcy. It is a bonus for him that Rita isn't interested in sex, just companionship and a male role model for her kids. There is a major dose of irony here where Rita's son is concerned.

Dexterês sister, Debra Morgan (Jennifer Carpenter) is also a police officer. She has risen up from the sex crimes unit, but everyone still believes she does her best work dressed in sex clothes. She is the only woman that Dexter thinks he could have "real feelings" for.

Season two has Dexter questioning his murderous tendencies. Maintaining the mask that hides his psychopathic self will be harder. JoBeth Williams appears as Rita's mother, suspicious of Dexter's true intentions. Keith Carradine (Wild Bill Hickcock in Deadwood) will play a FBI agent who comes to Miami to investigate a slew of bodies found around the city.

The second season of Dexter will begin on September 30th, 9pm on Showtime.