Monday, September 27, 2010

Guilt can be a killer

seen at seat42f.com
Dexter Morgan is not a good person.
 
Last night's season 5 opener was pretty much the first time I ever really thought this. I know, I know, he's a serial killer and has been one all along but last night was the first time I was ever really mad at Dexter for being who he is. The first time I actually saw him as a killer, doing something wrong....rather than a sociopath with a purpose, taking out the bad for the good of himself and the code. His lack of feeling and humanity and inappropriate reactions last night, they just put me off and made me angry. 
 
Season 5's first episode picked up right where Season 4's phenomenal finale left off. Rita dead in the bathtub and our poor baby Harrison sitting in her blood. Cops show up to the house, Deb comes flying in and takes the baby, and Dex spews out "It was me."
 
Well Dex, in a way, it was you. As he states in the episode, there were many times throughout last season when he could have killed Trinity before this happened to Rita. He just didn't do it and now she's dead because of him.  His remorse and guilt for Rita's death is palpable throughout the episode but being who he is, he doesn't know how to handle it and it appears to just hang over everything like an awkward turtle. It does seems pretty fitting that his only real scene of grief involves his dark passenger and the reemergence of Harry. The rest of the episode, especially the scene where he is telling Astor, Cody and Rita's parents what happened was pretty hard to watch. I mean "I'm sorry for your loss," Are you serious, Dexter? I also found it kind of interesting that Astor can almost see right through him. Although I think she's wrong, he may be acting like he doesn't care, but he does. He just doesn't know how to show that. (technical note: I wish the girl who plays Astor was a better actress....it could have been a lot more emotional and I could always use a good cry)
 
I loved the scenes between Dexter (Michael C. Hall) and Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) last night. Especially when she is telling him that he is "decent and good." Both actors were magnificent in their roles. It also makes me excited and anxious for when Deb really does find out who her brother is. I can't imagine what's going to happen there but I can't wait to see it (when and if it does ever happen). 

I also hated and loved that Dex left and came back. I was SO SO angry he was leaving but understood that it was his way to deal. After talking with some friends and reading some comments on various recaps that wish he stayed out, I'm convinced his coming back was a testament to his love for Rita. The old Dex would have never come back, he would have just gone away. Rita changed him, and I think this enabled him to do the right thing and come back to his family. I only wish he mentioned his love for her out loud instead of just in his head. 
 
On a side note, I hate the Quinn/Deb hookup. Although, I'm hoping it will provide an interesting angle to Quinn's investigation on Dexter. After further discussion with my great friend Jenn, we're just hoping this doesn't turn into Doakes 2.0 ....no offense to the writers but that would be very boring. Dexter did nothing but make himself prime suspect #1 in this episode in Quinn and the FBI's eyes so let's see how this whole Quinn thing goes and how he gets out of this. I have faith that this storyline and the rest of the season will be remarkable. 

Here's some of my favorite lines of the night: 

-"I've watched 67 people die, and at the moment of truth I looked into their eyes and I knew -- and they knew -- they got what they deserved. But what if that's not what happens, if you don't get what you deserve? ....you get me?" -- Dexter
"She had a big heart, big enough for the both of us, had to be, I wasn't even human when we first met." -- Dexter
- "Who the fuck are you? ...No, who the fuck are you?" -- Deb, re: the creepy cat lady who is taking care of Harrison

So what are your thoughts? Did you like the season opener? Did you love it? Did you hate it? and How do you think Dex will get through this mess? and how about that Julia Stiles....what's her deal going to be? 

Dexter is on Sundays on Showtime at 9pm EST. 

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