Deconstructing the Dark Passenger

Dexter versus Brian, nature versus nurture, Harry versus court-appointed psychiatrists.Dexter, particularly in the first half of the original series, used big bads and killers of the week to help Dexter explore his personal growth. We’ll talk about the Ice Truck Killer here—because where is a better place to start than the beginning? #Dexter #Dextervillains #icetruckkiller #naturevnuture #brianmoser

 Castle doctrine uno reverso, unexpected toothbrushes, and several upsetting takes on impotence. Setting up a breathtaking lead-in to the season finale, so the usual handwaviness (security at the police station like a fire at the firehouse) that gets us there is easier to take. More greatest hits with an old school Matthews/Laguerta showdown helps, too.#Dexter #Dexterseason4 #Trinitykiller #hellodextermorgan

Troublesome bumper stickers, unexpected social commentary, and mothballed pajamas.With the earth shattering discovery that Special Agent Grandpa had missed a trick on the case that had consumed him, Dexter’s Kyle jig is nearly up. As we near end of the season, the precision with which plots small and large are resolving is about as crisp as the show in its original iteration will ever get. It makes the waffling of Rita’s characterization even more starkly inexplicable.#Dexter #Dexterseason4 #Lostboys #Trinitykiller #Quadrinitykiller #Scoobydoobydoo

More HR nightmares, not-yams, and neighborly kindness.In one of the most memorable episodes of the entire series, Dexter's mask slips--and reveals what only be called righteous anger. The impotence of that anger in that moment resonates as part of the core appeal of the show. Elsewhere in Miami, the writers' quest to make Rita uncharacteristically fickle continues, and Angel and Maria continue to spin their wheels this time with tequila.#Dexter #dexterseason4 #hungryman #trinitykiller #notyams

Freeloaders, fish heads, and everyday applications of geometry.The most hand-wavey episode of the season. Still, the pointed parallels where we least expected them (though we should have) between Dexter and his so-called normal surroundings churns up some drama that will further crumble Dexter's facade. #Dexter #Dexterseason4 #Roadkill #trinitykiller

Strained metaphors, bad neighbors, and the quietest boat motor in the world. Teetering on the brink of doing too much, the episode manages to plant the seeds of a season that we should have had but never got.#Dexter #Dexterseasoon4 #Trinitykiller #slacktide #manofthree

Murder weapons, breadmakers, and empty urns. The true indicator of the season is how, at the halfway point, pacing and story development are still on track. Masuka continues to be off the rails, while everyone else rallies. Dexter continues to take silly chances. But the normalcy that Dexter has always craved is beginning to seep into the fabric of the story, helped along by its juxtaposition with the convincing malignancy of Trinity. #Dexter #Dexterseason4 #Trinitykiller #ifIhadahammer #breadmakers #cows

Springing leaks, daddy issues, and bad timing.The follow-up to the dramatic end of the previous episode, this episode manages to not only avoid being clunky, but finesses into its own smooth ending. Through all the seasons and spinoffs, Dexter's overconfidence is always his undoing, and it starts in earnest here when he is given reason to believe that he really, actually can have it all.#Dexter​ #Dexterseason4​ #Dirtyharry #trinitykiller #clawhammers