TV Review: Dexter

Dexter is based on the novel, Darkly Dreaming Dexter, by Jeff Lindsay. Showtime series and thrilling drama, Dexter has been a big hit. No one better than Michael C. Hall could play this twisted, yet very likable character. The great cast of characters includes Julie Benz an Rita Bennett, Dexter's female interest, Jennifer Carpenter as Debra Morgan, Dexter's insecure cop sister, Erik King as Sgt. Doakes, a bad-tempered cop on the force who suspects there's way more than meets the eye concerning Dexter, Lauren Velez, Lt. Maria La Guerta, who has a love interest in Dexter and doesn't even try to hide it, David Zayas as Angel Batista, a fellow homicide detective who works closely with Dexter on forensics cases, and James Remar as Harry Morgan, Dexter's adoptive father and former great homicide detective. Harry was the first to know of Dexter's passion for killing and helped to channel his homicidal tendencies in a more constructive way by delivering vigilante justice.

Dexter was orphaned at the age of three. He harbored a traumatic secret. Growing up with the guidance of Harry helping him with his homicidal tendencies, Dexter also learned to show normal emotions and keep up the appearance of being a good and responsible citizen. Harry taught Dexter a code. This code was to hunt down people who have escaped justice and make sure they don't get away with their despicable crimes again. Miami, although beautiful on the outside, seems to be an ideal place for someone like Dexter, who has an unquenchable blood lust, since there are heinous criminals coming out of every crevice in the sinister side of city.

Michael C. Hall brings Dexter to life. He is disturbingly perfect to play this character. Dexter is a blood spatter analyst in the forensic department for the Miami police by day and a serial killer by night, killing only guilty parties. You could argue that by killing, Dexter is in fact saving lives. The people he goes after have done some very heinous things such as child molesters, mob assassins, and serial killers of the innocent. He is very good at what he does! He's methodical and organized as a killer.

The biggest challenge for Dexter is disguising his passion for killing. He manages to maintain a likable persona with those he relates with at work and in his personal life. He is a main support for his sister, Deb. Rita is his steady girlfriend, and her two kids really like him. Given his need to kill, he has a very busy night life.

I love this series. Dexter has no emotions but is proficient at pretending he does. He's a cold-blooded killer, but it's hard to feel sorry for his victims. This sometimes tense, nail-biting show can leave you on the edge of your seat. I enjoy it from beginning to end. As they display the cast names in the beginning, even as Dexter slaps a mosquito which sprays blood, scrapes a razor across his skin as he shaves, flosses his teeth, and ties his shoes, it all makes you cringe a little. And that's before the episode actually even begins! In August, the first season will be released and I intend to own it. This is an excellent show containing plenty of drama. It is unlike any other crime drama on television. It will make your pulse race.