Serial Comedy: 'Dexter,' a Brutal, Bloody Comedy is a Showtime Success

A serial killer, whose specialty is killing other serial killers, may not seem delightful on paper, but after watching the first three episodes of the new show "Dexter", it is easy to conclude. A show with such a morbid and possibly controversial plot would never air on network TV, but it fits in perfect with the uncensored pay-cable channel Showtime.

Michael C. Hall of "Six Feet Under" stars as Dexter, a blood specialist detective working in the Miami police force. When he is not studying the blood left on-site at various murder cases, he is looking into local serial killers and in the first episode alone discovers three of them (Who knew Miami had so many?)

In flashbacks, we see that Dexter has always had a troubled life and has been obsessed with death, killing pets as a child, which eventually led to murdering humans.

All the talk of serial killers and blood may make one wonder what makes this show so delightful, and it is all in the performance and manner of Dexter.

His subdued approach and calm attitude adds a dark comedy vibe to the show.

Also adding comedy to the show is his co-workers. He works with his sister (Jennifer Carpenter), an undercover prostitute in the force. His sergeant (Erik King) is a loud and angry man who holds a grudge against Dexter for reasons unexplained, and his lieutenant (Lauren Velez) is attracted to him.

While the show has a good amount of laughs, it is no "Friends." It doesn't hold back on the murders or the gore and, each week, we are put through different cases. There is also an extended plot of a serial killer that drains the blood of all it's victims before disposing of their bodies. This idea may disturb people, but it pleases and intrigues the obsessed Dexter.

After watching the first episode, it felt like it would be better as a movie, but as the show expands on the characters and plots, it keeps getting better.

The crime show formula has been done so many times in recent years, but "Dexter" manages to keep it fresh with it's very interesting main character and different kinds of murders than those seen on "CSI."

Michael C. Hall has gone from one critically-acclaimed show to another, and if the formulaic episodes of "CSI" are getting dull, and it is time for a refresher, then "Dexter" will do the trick. The blend of dark humor, crime drama and great performances makes this a promising new show.