Season 2, Episode 1. “It’s Alive!“
Twenty-five years ago, Saturday nights meant MacGyver. Today, it’s Dexter, a TV hero skilled with his hands, though in a much darker way. Dexter, the serial killer, returns in Season 2, and if you gave him gum, well, let’s just say it wouldn’t end well for you.
This season opener plunges Dexter into chaos after the Season 1 finale. We witness two failed murder attempts, his girlfriend senses his hidden depths, and a relentless cop is closing in. The episode culminates in a shocking discovery: Dexter’s body dumping ground is exposed, becoming a major news story.
It’s a compelling episode, yet I’m hesitant about this new direction. Will Dexter become the hunted? Season One thrived on the secret nature of Dexter’s killings, keeping his inner turmoil central. Making his crimes the main plot driver might restrict the character’s complexity. However, it undeniably intensifies the immediate stakes.
On a lighter note, Julie Benz is breathtaking in this episode. Before any nude scene, in the opening moments, she’s positively glowing. Smiling at Dexter as he brings donuts to her kids, Rita appears transformed from her usual stressed demeanor. This episode showcases a distinct shift in Rita, until the dramatic climax leaves her in tears. Benz, a long-time favorite actress, delivers near-career-best performance here. Almost. This radiant appearance of Julie Benz certainly captured attention, even before any rumored or anticipated nude scenes, highlighting her captivating presence.
Season 2, Episode 2. “Waiting to Exhale“
Dexter remains captivating. The ending of this episode features an incredibly cool twist, a genuine laugh-out-loud moment of “how will he escape this?” It concludes a fantastic two-part season opener, establishing the new storyline and, arguably, the show’s altered course. Dexter is still pursuing the escaped villain from the previous episode, and the mounting evidence reveals the depth of this man’s evil, justifying “The Dexter Treatment.” The villain’s ability to fight back, his readiness for Dexter, amplifies the excitement.
Rita shines in this episode, displaying significant growth. Her handling of Paul’s death is fascinating, and her questioning of Dexter at the episode’s end is a standout moment. Truly delicious television.
Season 2, Episode 3. “An Inconvenient Lie“
As a show that delves into the male psyche within relationships, this episode excels in portraying Rita’s subtle manipulation of Dexter. She withdraws, prompting him to act in ways she desires. While ultimately beneficial for him, and setting him on a new path, her tactics are intriguing. However, they backfire when Rita discovers Dexter’s new, attractive friend. The ending is humorous, yet it’s fascinating to observe how the script “punishes” Rita for her earlier behavior.
Season 2, Episode 4. “See-Through“
This episode is packed with highlights: Doakes’ intense storyline, the revelation of Laguerta’s affair with her superior’s boyfriend, and Dexter’s evolving friendship with his sponsor. Doakes, often underutilized, was becoming tiresome with his constant surveillance of Dexter. This episode wisely redirects him, granting him a compelling storyline and much-needed character development. Laguerta’s secret affair was a genuine shock, a brilliant twist. Lila is slowly growing on me. While initially a TV cliché, her role in Dexter’s world is becoming increasingly interesting. Will Dexter confide in her about his dark secret?
Season 2, Episode 5. “The Dark Defender“
Dexter briefly envisions himself as a comic book hero in this clever episode. Dexter has always evoked Wolverine for me, so seeing him in this light is brilliant. The vision of saving his mother adds layers of complexity and sadness. The writers have crafted Dexter into a wonderfully intricate character, exploring the influence of his father’s “well-meaning” training. Furthermore, the supporting characters are equally well-developed. This episode features compelling scenes between Laguerta and Doakes, especially considering our prior knowledge of their dynamics. Laguerta is a captivating character, oscillating between likable and shocking. Great writing.
Season 2, Episode 6. “Dex, Lies, and Videotape“
This is the episode featuring a copycat killer, prompting both Dexter and the FBI to intervene. While the focus on Dexter’s criminal life this season is engaging, the core of the show remains his personal life. Rita breaks up with him after overhearing a message from Lila – a hilarious misunderstanding. Dexter’s reaction is drastic, leading to a surprising encounter with Lila in bed! Even more surprisingly, he confesses to Rita just as they are reconciling. These constant twists keep Dexter endlessly fascinating.
This episode also includes a heartwarming moment where Dexter’s sister, Debra, embraces FBI Agent Lundy in genuine joy – a sweet and perfectly executed scene.
Season 2, Episode 7. “That Night, A Forest Grew“
Fantastic episode. Initially, I was captivated by Lila and concerned for her safety as Dexter’s new girlfriend. The light bulb incident and the mysterious landlord had me worried. What direction was this heading? Would Lila “cure” Dexter only to become a victim, driving Dexter back to his murderous ways for revenge?
However, as the episode progressed, my perception of Lila shifted, and by the end, I thoroughly disliked her.
That’s masterful storytelling.
Beyond Lila, the episode is rich with great moments. Dexter takes charge, misdirecting the police. He also confronts Doakes aggressively, successfully getting him removed from the police force.
Watching Dexter creates internal conflict. Doakes is portrayed as the antagonist, someone to dislike. Yet, he’s the most astute person on the force, recognizing Dexter’s true nature. He’s the real hero, and we dislike him solely for suspecting Dexter. He’s a threat to Dexter, so we side against him because we are deeply invested in Dexter.
Then there’s Lundy, the FBI agent Debra kissed. We like him; he’s pleasant. But he’s also intelligent and closing in on our protagonist. Should we dislike him too?
A show that can make me despise Lila in a single episode clearly has narrative depth. I suspect they can turn us against Lundy just as easily. Clever writers indeed.
Season 2, Episode 8. “Morning Comes“
Another excellent episode filled with twists. The biggest shock is Doakes discovering Dexter’s hidden blood slide collection – blood from his victims. A genuine “what happens next?” moment.
Dexter quickly realizes Lila is untrustworthy and ends their relationship after she invades Rita’s home. In a show about a serial killer, his new girlfriend is the genuinely terrifying character.
Season 2, Episode 9. “Resistance Is Futile“
My stomach was in knots after this incredible Dexter episode – possibly the best yet. The first half leads you to believe Dexter is exposed. You think it’s impossible, yet the evidence is compelling.
The twist, when it arrives, is surprising yet inevitable. Doakes as a suspect should have been anticipated, but it wasn’t. His outburst in the previous episode hinted at this direction, but the speed of events is breathtaking. Pow! The show hits hard.
Barely had I processed Doakes finding the blood slides (last week) than the FBI has them, using them as primary evidence against Doakes. Wow! The plot development is dizzying, yet perfectly logical.
Then, before there’s time to process that, Dexter and Doakes are in a life-or-death struggle (which, of course, isn’t fatal), culminating in Doakes finally confronting Dexter about his murders.
Brilliant. But the show excels in other ways. Usually, Dexter’s serial killer identity is secondary to his social awkwardness. High drama typically stems from his attempts at normalcy. This episode deviates, yet the scenes depicting Dexter’s ordinary life are equally captivating.
His ex-girlfriend’s unexpected appearance among his friends, feigning normalcy while privately clashing with him, is relatable. Dexter’s humble, heartfelt apology to Rita also resonates.
It’s amazing. Amidst a wild, fantastic plot about a serial killer covering his tracks, Dexter remains a show about an ordinary man navigating everyday life.
That’s what makes it such a great series.
Season 2, Episode 10. “There’s Something About Harry“
This episode is full of great content, but the focus is undeniably on Dexter and Doakes. How will the show resolve this? Dexter likes Doakes; he can’t kill him and remain our hero, can he? Mid-episode, it seems Dexter might actually commit the act. But it’s – yet another – red herring. The show excels at these diversions.
Almost as gripping as the Doakes storyline: Lila. She drugs herself while on a date with Angel. To frame him? The anticipation of what happens next and Dexter’s reaction is high.
Season 2, Episode 11. “Left Turn Ahead“
A somber and unsatisfying episode in this drama about a likable serial killer.
It’s a bleak journey as Dexter prepares to confess his crimes to the police. Ultimately, he changes his mind after a conversation with Debra. A weak and unconvincing turn of events. It feels like the writers painted themselves into a corner and lacked a good escape. A brief, casual comment from Debra is a flimsy solution. Had it been Rita and the kids, particularly the children, it might have been believable. This? Less so.
Season 2, Episode 12. “The British Invasion“
A superb conclusion. The beauty of this episode lies in its unpredictability yet inevitable outcome. Before it begins, the resolution is unclear, but in retrospect, no other ending seems possible.
Doakes’ death is shocking. I wasn’t certain he’d die, and Lila as the killer was unimaginable. Clever writing. Lauren Vélez delivers a powerful performance in the aftermath of the death and discovery.
However, the episode belongs to Jaime Murray as the villainous Lila. Poor Lila. Throughout the season, I vacillated between liking and loathing her. Ultimately, there was little to sympathize with. Targeting Rita’s children for goodness sake! All sympathy vanished after that.
But the script is brilliant. Until the final scene, we are led to believe she escaped consequences. Not so. Dexter found her. And justice was served.
It’s been a fantastic season, surpassing the first. What awaits Dexter next?
