Dexter: The Second Season DVD: Review By Dodd

There are certain television shows out there that really take off on DVD, and those are the shows that haunt us with cliffhangers. There is nothing more dangerous that possessing a series in which one episode is never enough. It used to be with pre-Internet television that we really did have to wait until next week to see whether or not a character dead or alive, or if two on-again, off-again lovers would rekindle their passion after a nasty break-up. But with the power of DVD in our hands, who the hell needs to wait? You can forget about that party you were going to tonight or that job you were going to the next morning because your highest priority is to seek narrative closure. I was unfortunately the victim of DVD on TV addiction with the second season of Dexter, which was recently released. Not only is this series addictive, but it is undoubtedly one of the sickest, most fun shows on television right now. For those not subscribed to Showtime, this DVD is a must.

Michael C. Hall, better known to some as the melodramatic and gay David from HBO's Six Feet Under, stars in this series as the straight, subtle, and murderous title character Dexter. For those unfamiliar with the series premise, Dexter is a forensics expert for the Miami PD who spends his afternoons collecting evidence and his evenings brutally murdering people. Dexter's policeman foster father (James Remar) could see the onset of murderous behavior in his boy from the get-go and decided to not let his son become one of the maniacal monsters that he hunts on a regular basis. There are actually criminals walking the street because justice was never served, so how bad would it be for Dexter to find these rapists and killers and exact the appropriate vengeance with some cutting tools?

The second season very nicely summarizes the first after Dexter has brought down the Ice Truck Killer, who turned out to be his biological brother led down the wrong path. Things begin to get normal as usual until something unexpected happens. His secluded ocean dumping spot full of body parts is discovered by a team of divers. Dexter's secret killings are no longer buried beneath the sea and his own police department is on the lookout for "The Bay Harbor Butcher". The serial killer case catches the attention of the FBI and Agent Lundy (Keith Carradine) is sent to oversee the Miami PD's actions. On top of Dexter trying to cover his tracks, he also has to contend with Sergeant Doakes (Erik King) suspecting that Dexter is harboring dark secrets. Dexter's relationship with Rita (Julie Benz) is also jeopardized by an English hottie named Lila (Jaime Murray). Meanwhile, Dexter's sister Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) tries to get over her messy relationship with the dispatched Ice Truck Killer and seeks unexpected solace in Agent Lundy.

Phew. Believe it or not that summary of the season is not even cutting past the flesh into the bone (I can't help the wording. It's a serial killer show!). Prior to getting into this season I had some brief exposure to the first season and merely liked what I saw. However, once into the first episode I could not take my eyes off of this show. The premise here is absolutely brilliant and allows viewers to step back and evaluate their emotions. The protagonist is a serial killer and it does not take long at all for us to root for him. Yes Dexter's ritualistic killings are not exactly peaceful, but damned if he didn't make me think his victims deserve every inch of the blade and damned if I didn't root for him every step of the way as he dodged law enforcement who, technically, are supposed to be the good guys!

The writing here grabbed me by the throat and had me hooked every step of the way. The dialogue is especially well written as Dexter communicates his intentions and fears through inner monologue. While this technique fails in most projects, Michael C. Hall's voiceover work is dementedly funny. Speaking of which, Michael C. Hall really owns this show. The reason the audience can empathize with Dexter so well is because he really does convince us that his killing instinct is a legitimate trait he was born with and must contend with. In fact, his phases of acceptance and denial are similar to the way his character David wrestled with homosexuality in Six Feet Under before coming out of the closet. When watching the show, I actually began to feel sorry for Dexter and respect him for focusing his evil on others who are evil rather than the innocent. The supporting performers here are also at the top of their game. I particularly enjoyed the great Keith Caradine who plays against type as an FBI hotshot. Rather than the cliched expert on a power trip who dominates the case, he actually is a smart and respectable person, and even forms a bond with Debra. It is also worth mentioning that Jennifer Carpenter is terrifically tomboyish and lovable as thick-skinned Debra.

What the heck is going on here? Maybe Dexter needs to teach the DVD designers a lesson for robbing loyal viewers. What we get here are pilots for other Showtime television shows. I tried to be optimistic and watch the third season preview for Dexter and was instead given a message on the screen telling me I had to buy a DVD for another Showtime series just to watch that one preview. For shame! Could you not have included one measly five-minute fluff piece actually about the show and not about shamelessly promoting your network?

Widescreen. The direction of the show is very detailed and dark, and this is understandably so. Actors-turned-filmmakers Tony Goldwyn and Keith Gordon are among the directors who helm some of the episodes.

5.1 Dolby Surround. The series has a nice suspenseful score throughout. However my praise goes to the opening title sequence that juxtaposes upbeat music with close-ups of mundane morning activities that visually resemble carnage.

The episodes come on 4 discs that are in two slimline cases. The front of the case that holds these smaller cases pictures Hall with a chipper grin and blood spatters on his faces. Once again, this is so delightfully sick.

I have come to the conclusion that Dexter is one of those premium channel shows that is not getting enough props. I do not have Showtime myself, but I do know that I will be investing in the third season, which has been receiving praise due to guest stints by Jimmy Smits. If you do not mind material with a dark streak running through it, then I do recommend buying this season of Dexter. I guarantee your satisfaction or your....eh, I guess I can't guarantee your money back, but I would understand if you wanted to send me an e-mail cursing me out for convincing you to drop $30 on a DVD.

dodd@movieweb.com