Last week's announcement that Dexter has been renewed for Seasons 7 and 8 was widely celebrated by the series' massive fan base, as well as, presumably, Michael C. Hall's accountant. But for those of us who've had serious reservations about the quality of the current season, it begged the question: What exactly keeps us so hooked on this show? The stakes have never been so low: In its entire run so far, Dexter's only ever had one true game-changing moment (Rita's murder) and is more generally content to maintain the status quo regardless of how implausible its title character's existence has become. So what is it about Dexter that makes its lapses in quality so easy to overlook?
The easy answer: Serial killers are awesome. They're scary and fascinating and they actually exist. But Dexter's continued success perhaps owes less to our collective fascination with serial killers and much more to do with our collective adoration of superheroes. Dexter Morgan isn't just a serial killer; he's been molded into a being with a higher calling. He's smarter, stronger, and handsomer than the rest of us, he fights a rogue's gallery of over-the-top Big Bads, and he just generally uses his (admittedly twisted) powers to create a better society. These attributes are what make us love Dexter and root for him no matter where his Dark Passenger takes him. But when the writers forget to honor these things, that's when the series takes a nose dive.
Take this season, for example. For all its promising flirtations with faith and redemption, so far the only discernible effect these conversations have had on Dexter was his decision to spare Jonah. Pardon me, but did Jonah not bludgeon his mother to death with a hockey stick? Dexter has certainly offed people for much less. Add to this the fact that he also inexplicably spared Travis—Season 5 proved that Dexter doesn't forgive accomplices. Plus, you're telling me Dexter couldn't have found Gellar by himself? In other words, Dexter's killer instinct has never been more inconsistent. And where will this "forgiveness" thing lead to, anyway? Not to be a jerk about it, but does anybody really want to watch a show about a serial killer who forgives his targets instead of murdering them?
But this season's most egregious sin is in making Dexter just straight-up sloppy. Too many of his personal investigations have relied upon coincidence and convenience, and he continues showing his face in broad-daylight situations that would be suspicious to any homicide investigator. In the past, Dexter dwelled in shadows, going to impressive lengths to remain an invisible bringer of death, a grim reaper without footprints. Now he's carrying around souvenirs from his "secret" road trips and paying visits to future victims at their well-trafficked, fully security-monitored places of work? Plus that voiceover: There's nothing worse than a Dexter voiceover announcing something that we'd already concluded ten seconds prior. We should not be smarter than Dexter. This season is like if Superman just sort of stopped flying and also lost the occasional fistfight to a hobo.
But it's even worse than that, as Dexter's current adversary is somehow even more pathetic than a hobo: He's imaginary! That's right, despite what amounted to an hour-long exercise in misdirection, it's still likely that Professor Gellar isn't real. Many people have clung to tiny details—usually involving Gellar handling objects or appearing alone in a scene—to argue that he's flesh-and-blood. But in "Nebraska" we saw Imaginary Brian (1) throwing body parts into the ocean, (2) eating a cheeseburger, and (3) stabbing a man with a pitchfork. So by this show's own logic, Gellar is perfectly capable of painting or knocking people out with shovels while still being imaginary. It's hard to understate just how disappointing an episode like "Sin of Omission" and Season 6 in general are made by a belief that the villain doesn't exist: Either the writers think we're idiots or perhaps they've merely tried to make us think that the stakes are low. Either way: That is bad writing. And worse, it makes Dexter Morgan look dumb. Dexter should not look dumb.
Anyway, the meat of "Sin of Omission" involved Travis's further alienation from Professor Gellar and Dexter taking advantage of this schism to get Travis on his side. After stalking Travis at his museum job and later a local greasy-spoon, Dexter's initially caused Travis to shy away from him; Travis reasoned that he'd be trading the tutelage of one madman for another's. Meanwhile Professor Gellar was behaving like a crazy ex, stalking Travis out by the trash cans and also murdering Travis's sister in an elaborate Whore of Babylon tableau. This was the straw that broke the camel's back, as far as Travis was concerned. But also, Travis is a psycho because Gellar's fake.
A few bright spots came of Dexter's (and Miami Metro's) investigation into DDK. One involved Deb hitting the streets again to personally interview some of the 200+ suspects they'd zeroed in on. She ended up chatting with Travis's sister (prior to her death) and it was nice to see Deb's detective instincts kick in based on the sister's red-flag description of Travis. The other highlight had to do with Dexter (in a race to find Gellar before his co-workers) tracking a crime scene shroud to a senile priest in a rest home. A kindly old man with a melodic lilt, he mistook Dexter for someone else and encouraged him to confess his sins. In a surprising moment of clarity Dexter admitted to having murdered many, many people. At first appalled, the priest suddenly forgot what Dexter said and issued a blanket absolution. The stunned look on Dexter's face was actually pretty powerful, as though he'd been given a gift he never knew he wanted. The better gift, however, was a tip-off that the priest's former church was now a decrepit, abandoned building on the outskirts of town and almost certainly a hideout for a schizophrenic museum worker.
Upon his arrival at the church, Dexter found a chained-up Travis, whose gaze indicated someone was up on the balcony. Dexter ran upstairs and found only a room with the lights on and an open window. CLEARLY someone was there, right? Don't be silly, this was only Episode 8. This season was NOT about to give away its big "secret" just yet. Again, Dexter's ignorance to what most of us already recognize just serves to make him seem dumb. And again, Dexter should not be dumb.
In a non-essential but pretty compelling subplot, Deb and the department investigated what appeared to be an accidental overdose by a high-class call girl. Although the toxicology reports backed up the theory that she'd overdosed on heroin, the blood analysis showed that someone had attempted CPR and then wiped down the crime scene before fleeing. That, coupled with LaGuerta's sudden interest in closing the case, tipped Deb off that something was up. Although the obvious theory would be that LaGuerta was covering up for her sleazy boss Matthews, I prefer to believe that the unlucky John was Quinn, whose only other contribution to this episode was the random-seeming strip club binge scene he shared with Masuka. Who knows. I'm just glad there's ONE mystery still left to figure out.
Jennifer Carpenter handled most of the emotional heavy lifting of this episode, as Deb spent much of the time feeling neglected by her brother. First he'd made her look bad by taking that jaunt to Nebraska, but she also felt hurt that he'd claimed he'd gone to commiserate with Jonah about the Trinity Killer instead of confiding in her (she'd also lost a loved one to Trinity). Deb's psychiatrist urged her to make more of an effort to learn about what Dexter's up to, which was a humbling moment for Deb and a rich dramatic decision for the show. Imagine if Deb actually starts noticing Dexter's weirdness? That could lead into some interesting territory!
Finally, Batista successfully scared Louis away from Jamie. Because that happens. Quick question: Has anyone in real life ever stopped seeing a girl/guy simply because their sibling didn't approve? Or does this only happen in movies/TV shows?
I hate to say it, but this episode could have been good if there were any concrete reason to believe that Professor Gellar is alive (or, if this episode just admitted what's going on and turned it into a portrait of a troubled young man). If Gellar is fake then any scene he shares with Travis feels like a disingenuous waste of time, and if he's real, then the writers are trying to make us think he's fake, in which case they must hate tension or suspense. On the upside? Seasons 7 and 8 can only get better, right?
RANDOM BLOOD SPLATTERS:
... Whom do you think LaGuerta's covering for?
... What was up with that super-advanced version of Google?
... Do you like Deb better as lieutenant or detective?
... Where are Professor Gellar's bones hidden?
I like Deb as a lieutenant. I'm hoping it'll help her character grow a bit. But I'm not keen on all the crying and whining. Buck up!
Whether Gellar is real or not, the finale won't be much of a surprise. The only way this season can salvage itself is if they bring back Brother Sam, maybe as the newest inhabitant of Dexter's subconscious. Now that would be awesome!!
I like the idea, though hopefully it won't last more than a few episodes. Harry already represents (well, almost) the angel on Dex's shoulder. It would almost be better to have a ghost (like Bryan) represent Dex's dark side. I mean, Dexter isn't that stable and it would be very believable for some of the people of his past to haunt his mind like Harry has.
i was thinking that BroSam might return as part of Dexter's imaginary friends. Would be cool, but also would just deter him from killing, and that would change the character of Dexter to something we don't really want.
I love love love Dexter, but come on writers! Step it up!
Looks like Dexter is becoming the Simpsons of crime dramas...
I have to also say, thanks for the spoiler. Yes, maybe if I had analyzed what was going on, I'd have figured it out, but I wasn't actively trying to figure out the big plot twist of the season - it kinda ruins it, don't you think? I actually read about it last week and somehow managed to forget about it, but you keep hammering it in. So thanks.
Also, throughout the series' run, I definitely think there's been more pivotal moments than Rita's murder.
On a related note, Price doesn't seem to like dexter very much. He seems kind of angry at it, and I think he's the one who also did an article discussing which dexter characters should be killed off, and he mentioned just about the entire supporting cast. O_omoreless
.....so don't read these updates, then?
It's so obvious that Professor Gellar isn't real, they went to far with this. Do they think were that stupid?
"Pardon me, but did Jonah not bludgeon his mother to death with a hockey stick? Dexter has certainly offed people for much less."
Yeah much much less but those people werent sorry for what they did, Jonah was and wanted to pay for what he did, thats why he wanted Dexter to kill him and thats why Dexter didnt..
"Add to this the fact that he also inexplicably spared Travis"
Apparently he was sorry too, he kept blaming the professor, and theres no way anybody would figure out where the professor was since he's most likely dead and were most likely been spoiled..
"Dexter's killer instinct has never been more inconsistent. And where will this "forgiveness" thing lead to, anyway"?
Geez i dont know, thats what a good history is about.. Someone kills your wife and its your fault, now you alone raising a kid, the girl you helped and imagined a honest partner for life cleaning the world from scumbags rejects your killer instinct and leaves, but lets not make him worry about that, life or death, light or dark, kill or spare, brother sam or brother biney, lets just make him kill coz that will be really consistent...??
BTW GOTTA SAY AGAIN THANKS FOR THE SPOILER... This season was really far from the best but with your spoiler it actually ruined it for everyone, would be nice to be surprised at episode 11 or 12 and figure it out with the show instead of reading a review thats supposed to review about the episode that just aired, not from episodes that havent even aired yet...
You figured it out and felt people needed to know how smart you are so you decide to tell everyone in a review for a mid season episode about the season end... You not that smart...
If you have a noone-reads-my-blog.com or maybe if you post it on a forum describing season finale spoilers on it thats ok, but its not cool to make a review at tv.com ruining tv for people.. nicely done.moreless
Please... dont call this Imaginary "POSSIBILITY" of spoiller !!
P O S S I B I L T Y !!!!
and dont have to be a einstein to sse that, just need to get a little awake during the show... just a little bit..
@Douglas: Why r u trolling! You make absolutely no sense whatsoever!
What spoiler? Everyone knows about the imaginary Geller theory since episode 4 at least.
Yeah, it's so obvious it makes me cringe! It's really badly written: either because we've known that since day zero or because there's going to be a twist and tah-dah! Gellar is alive! Either way, they've gone too far with this thing. Why didn't they take the opportunity to use it as a study of character, like, how troubled someone can be?
I agree a bit with the article as far as Dexter needing to be smarter and the show not being as good as it could be. Season 5 was so bad. The writers really suck! What was that whole writers strike for if they can't write anything good? I do disagree with the Jonah part though, his mom was clearly nuts. I think they try to hard to dazzle us with story lines. There's no need to do so, season 1 was good because while there was a season plot, Dexter still managed to do plenty of other things. They messed around with what made Dexter good, and I think the only thing to save this season is Deb finding out about Dexter.
Price Peterson!! Please, please just stop writing Dexter reviews! You're making the entire show sound like its braindead! If you don't like it, one hint - JUST DON'T WATCH IT!! Most of us love the show and seeing you bitch about it just puts us off! We understand that you believe Gellar is just a figment of Colin Hanks' imagination, but that doesn't mean you have to drive that point home everytime you review an episode! Dexter is constantly evolving and questioning himself about the choices he has made in his life and the way his father brought him up. There is plenty of tension and suspense for those who haven't read your awful, damning reviews. Case in point - my friends who are hooked to Dexter!! They also believe Gellar is imaginary, but that doesn't take away the entertaining part for them. This is the best show on tv right now!moreless
Please... dont call this Imaginary "POSSIBILITY" of spoiller !!
P O S S I B I L T Y !!!!
and dont have to be a einstein to sse that, just need to get a little awake during the show... just a little bit..
I Agree with the REVIEW... I respect your opinion, but dexter can be better
I was thinking Matthews or Quinn, they seem the obvious choices; but how about Batista?
I have another theory they didn't touch on this week really, Louis loving Dexter. Seeing on how crappy his video game is, what if he if researching Dexter and figured out who he is?? Just throwing it out there.
It would have been so cool if LaGuerta was the Whore of Babylon.
Like Deb better as a detective.
So, did Gellar jump out the window and fly away??
I just finished Darkly Dreaming Dexter book and well Dexter Killed LaGuerta, she shot Rudy, Rudy stabbed her. Dexter really wanted to kill Debra in book and well she wasn't unconscious so she saw what Dex doing and asking him not to than in end they both standing at LaGuerta s coffin at funeral . Not only that in book she is same as in show but she have instincts . Any way this time i liked 1 season show than book, but book killed of LaGuerta which was cool.
Unfortunately, this author spoiled me of the whole thing about Gellar being imaginary several articles ago. When he announced his theory, that hadn't even crossed my mind. But I think by now, I would have figured it out on my own - especially after the increased emphasis on 'dark passengers' (brian, etc) this season. It could still end up being a double bluff, I suppose... As the more I watch, the more incredibly obvious it gets that Gellar isn't real. Oh well... To be honest, probably would have enjoyed this season more if I hadn't read these articles. :(
I have to think there's something wrong with the episode (and probably myself) if my favorite part of the 50 minutes was Deb referring to Kearney as Buttfuckville, Nebraska.
As for the people who keep saying there have been no hints that Gellar is in Travis' head, you're really not watching close enough. There have been a LOT of hints, to the point that it's hard NOT to think of him as imaginary. They may not conclude that way -- I'm still holding out hope that Gellar's existence is a double bluff (double bluffs are usually lame, but I think it could be cool if done well), because at this point, if they concluded with him being imaginary, I'd find it too obvious. It would have been better if they made one or two subtle hints, not clear hints all the time. Really, having Gellar watch then walk away right before Dexter looks back? Boo.moreless
I don't know if the hints that he is "imaginary" are so obvious to the general public since many wrote that they never would have guessed if they had not read it here...
The MAIN thing here is that, since the beginning of the season, there hasn't been NOT even half-a-hint that he is real...
OK, but is "Dexter" a general public's favorite? It's a cable show, and I'm pretty sure the average TV viewer wouldn't be drawn to it. So it should've been better executed.
I could guess , have seen to much movies/shows about multiple personality disorder.
Yeah, "Fight Club" was really surprising to me - well, it's been 12 years... I don't know if it was the first time I've seen it, but it's probably the most memorable example that comes to mind. And that was done well, now this Gellar thing... seriously?
LaGuerta gets more and more hateable every episode ... get rid of her already!
she was already kkilled on Darkly Dreaming Dexter book :)
I'd love to find out that Gellar is imaginary BUT that Travis is aware of this and it is all a part of some massive ruse he's concocted to let him get away with it all.
... Mathews or ... Baptista ! The latter would be wonderful - come to think of it: why did Baptista stay in the lobby ?
... definetly NOT google. I think the intern is a pranky billionaire like the one from revenge.
...As detective, of course. Ltd Deb is pure annoyance for anyone. Still, poor Deb.
... dont know, but Travis will lead Dexter to them( "I know wheres Gellar hiding, follow me").
Speaking of that intern, I wonder how accurate is his involvement in their homicide investigations are...... any Criminal Justice majors in here? It seemed weird that he's allowed to know all homicide information research or not.
Great review, spot on.
I agree with almost everything in this review. I thought last season (5) was the best since season 1. Then this comes along, and I am going to have to say this is becoming my least favorite season. Mos Def was the only thing I enjoyed. If Deb does not find out about Dexter this season, I feel like this season is going to be a total flop.
I'm sorry and this isn't from feeling offended because i like this season, but your reviews still feel as someone who's just venting because he's not interested in the show anymore than someone who's actually analyzing the story to make a coherent review. Right, Dexter used to dwell more before in the shadows than in the day light but does he seriously have a choice now that he has a son and wouldn't that raise suspicions with the babysitter if he keeps making those long nights.
And what do you mean by why dexter couldn't have found Gellar by himself? Ok, he could have just by following Travis as Dexter did say himself in episode 5 but only if he wasn't distracted with sam's death and jonah. Remember, He said he had to put everything on hold. Upon his return he learned that Travis let one of his victims escape which obviously led him to the conclusion that travis is trying to part away from these things and Gellar. So dexter goes to talk to him to persuade him to give gellar up and i would think that to be the best logical option than trying to stalk a guy all day when dexter doesn't even have that free time anymore. So i wonder, with your complaints, how in hell exactly is dexter's skills being inconsistent? Your accusations don't relate to anything at all.
And how does dexter not knowing that gellar is imaginary yet make him seem dumb? How? What clues exactly should have led him to this conclusion, because i don't see anything and i wouldn't even know myself if it wasn't for you guys who spoiled it for me. And how could you dare to compare jonah with the accomplices you mentioned in season 5?! If you really think Jonah should have been under dexter knives based upon his principles than you're way far off ignorant about the show than any of us thought. It doesn't even have to do with brother sam, because Dexter once let a guy live after he learned that he killed that person because he raped him.
Again, you're not reviewing anything, my man, you're just venting your lack of interest in the show.moreless
You are right, man ! Price made some points, but still it was a good episode and I will wait till the last episode with my season-verdict. I still hope its gonna be AWESOME.
Totally disagree with this review...I think it was overanalysed and simply stripped
of everything...reading this review every week somehow made this season less for me
(even though it is not at all)...all the complaining man, seriously...it is still a show...and one
to entertain...above anything else, Dexter still entertains. Michael C. Hall alone is enough.
Anywho, i do respect the opinion, but i disagree in that this episode was classic Dexter and a lot better than last week (which i think was one of the worst episodes even though it was a part of the whole storyline with Brother Sam and it served it'd purpose).
One thing i'm a little over, is this constant speculation about Geller being imaginary or not.
I for one, just like to think it's still either way (i know better of course)...but even if he was, that's still an interesting storyline, no?
And I can't wait for next week! As always...moreless
For ONCE, I think I'd like Miami Metro to catch the bad guy(s?). Seriously, people! Can't they solve ANY case? 'cause Dexter's little boat trips tend to leave the cases open, so the whole criminal department looks like a bunch of ***ed! And though they certainly used to be (thanks mainly to who-the-fuck-made-her-lieutenant-Laguerta's incompetence), now that Deb's in charge, they seem to work a bit more efficiently. So could they PLEASE catch this one? PLEASE?
The obvious choice for the person LaGuerta is covering is Mathews, but I think is Batista
She certainly would cover for Battista Or someone like matthews in power. NEVER Quinn. I can see Battista with his whole new Youth movement being lonely and getting a lady of the night, but I cant see him for the hard drugs. Also I dont believe he would leave a scene like that, he would be too guilty., conscience wise to do that.
I love Dexter as a show even when it is bad, but that is my opinion. Our illustrious reviewer mr Price has his own opinions about the show, which you may not agree with. But harshing on him for it? Yikes. Keep it up PP, love the TVD and TSC pic recaps.
Onto the hot subject, Gellar or not Gellar. Some people seem confused in the comments below. OBVS he existed(possibly exists still) but he is NOT working with Travis. Gellar is either Dead and Travis is a A-One nut case. Or Gellar is retired in florida sipping mohito's with sam axe, and Travis is an A-One nut case. I am not sure how people still cant believe that the Gellar we see is in Travis' noggin. NO ONE has ever looked at him, acknowledged him or spoken to him. It is not as if Dexter talks to ghosts ALL THE TIME or anything. Oh wait it is JUST like that. Harry and BroGhost have "interacted" with items, just in Dexter's head. So Travis in his whacked out state "sees" Gellar doing these things and hence we SEE them through the magic of television.
There are 2 factions at work here. Those that watched THE SIXTH SENSE and knew **SPOILER ALERT** and those that didn't know. You Know?moreless
No. We aren't confused. All we mean when we say he isn't real is that the Gellar we have seen interacting with Travis isn't real. Of course he could still be alive sipping mohito's in Miami (but if I was Gellar, I would prefer Fiona's company).
True Enough but Sam could get you a deal on some sweet Hawaiian Shirts.
What about that girl that Travis let go who said she that she heard two men? As funny as it would be if we had an "It was Travis all along'" flashback where we saw Travis mimicking Gellar's voice to put up the second half on the conversation... I don't buy it. I also don't think the writers are trying to make us buy it. I just think it's one of those things where you can find evidence if you look.
I don't know, I just think you're being too harsh. The stakes have never really seemed high in Dexter since Season 2 when things came to a head in Dexter's cabin. But at least this season is better than three and five. I mean, WAY better. This season flows well, Deb's getting good development, Masuka actually has something to do, there's a good dynamic with the (two real) killers, and there are some good minor characters.
And they offed Brother Sam at the right time. The conversations about faith were getting repetitive, it was smart of them to kill him before we totally stopped caring. At least his death had some impact.moreless
As for the girl hearing two voices, she could have been so scared that actually her senses played a trick on her - and she actually thought there were two of them - remember, she was blindfolded. Why couldn't he just be mimicking the other's voice? We don't know how crazy he can be.