Dexter

Season 1, Episode 1, Aired 10/1/06

Next
Episode

Episode Summary

Dexter is a forensic expert in blood patterns who works with the Miami Police Department. He is also a serial killer, who kills people that the police can't bring to justice. He has to hide his double life from his sister, his girlfriend and his co-workers. He is intrigued by a killer who has found a way to kill girls without leaving blood behind.moreless

9.1

EPISODE RATING: Superb

1,168 votes

Your Rating: 10

"Perfect"
Your Rating: 9.5

"Superb"
Your Rating: 9

"Superb"
Your Rating: 8.5

"Great"
Your Rating: 8

"Great"
Your Rating: 7.5

"Good"
Your Rating: 7

"Good"
Your Rating: 6.5

"Fair"
Your Rating: 6

"Fair"
Your Rating: 5.5

"Mediocre"
Your Rating: 5

"Mediocre"
Your Rating: 4.5

"Poor"
Your Rating: 4

"Poor"
Your Rating: 3.5

"Bad"
Your Rating: 3

"Bad"
Your Rating: 2.5

"Terrible"
Your Rating: 2

"Terrible"
Your Rating: 1.5

"Abysmal"
Your Rating: 1

"Abysmal"

Rate It

Watch Online

Cast & Crew

See All EDIT

David Zayas

Angel Batista
James Remar

Harry Morgan
Jennifer Carpenter

Debra Morgan

Fan Episode Reviews (60)

See All

Brilliant study of a psychopath who kills other psychopaths.

9.5

"Superb"

By bbagnall, Feb 08, 2011 Report Abuse

If you truly want to understand the character of Dexter you need to read a book called, "Without Conscience" by Dr. Robert Hare. Dexter is a psychopath, which means he has no true inner emotions. Every time he smiles or frowns, he is acting for the sake of those around him. Psychopaths make great actors (think about this the next time you wonder why there is so much immorality in Hollywood). Like all psychopaths, he is charming and manipulative. Only his police chief seems to realize he's a psychopath, while the other cops think he's just a great guy.

Flashbacks tell the story of Dexter and his father, Harry. His father, a cop, realizes Dexter is a psychopath after he finds a hole filled with dead dogs. The two talk about this while on a boat in the middle of a lake. His father just happens to know a lot of guilty men who need killing. Instead of drowning his son, his father decides to teach Dexter how to hunt other killers. This becomes what Dexter calls "The Code of Harry".

The writing and acting are brilliant. I can tell they have read extensively about psychopaths because they have the characteristics of psychopaths down cold. The eyes look slightly different, dogs sense he's not like other people, and he manipulates people at every step, bringing in donuts and engaging in friendly banter - even though inside it means nothing to him. Psychopaths can also learn to follow moral codes, just as Dexter does.

They got the sex part wrong, though. Most psychopaths seek instant gratification and usually overindulge in sex, drugs, alcohol, or anything else that gives a rush. Also, his girlfriend doesn't like sex because she was raped by a druggy, when in fact women who have been raped seem to go the other way in terms of sex, becoming perverted. But maybe not all the time, so the writers deserve the benefit of the doubt on that.

There's a few improbable things by the writers. Namely, he's on a date and glances over his shoulder to see a crime scene that happens to be by the same criminal he was researching. Miami is a big place, and the chance of just happening on the crime scene at the same place and time as the other cops is so improbable that the show loses some credibility there. Overall this looks like the show could go in some interesting directions.moreless

DO YOU AGREE?
3 1
Finally, a successful criminal show pilot!

9.9

"Superb"

By bmoshier, Jan 25, 2011 Report Abuse

Michael C. Hall does an outstanding job portraying Dexter, as he brings to life a criminal sociopath in this episode. His performances should earn him an Emmy nomination, if not the best Actor Emmy.

The writers and producers succeeded where others (Heist and Smith) failed in their pilot to draw the viewers into the show. They deserve a well earned congratulation for this accomplishment.

This all being said, one needs to remember murder for any reason is wrong. The show doesn't glorify Dexter's act, but explores the background, actions, and thoughts of Dexter and those around him. Neither this episode nor the series is for children of any age or adults having mental issues with hurting others. For the rest of the adult world, though, Dexter takes us on an intelligential, out of the box, and (I hate to say it) fun ride.moreless

DO YOU AGREE?
5 2
it was shoking

10

"Perfect"

By kurlander82, Oct 13, 2010 Report Abuse

to see serial killer with moral,yes, that's something new, at-least for me.
and now i wanna see more and more of him.i think i'm Dexter junkie.
it is perfect first episode, everything is told about Dexter,his family,his job, and so on. and he is crazy,as well, and only person who see him as crazy man is that evil fighting Sgt. James Doakes (Erik King).and that's it. for rest of police department,his just Dexter with donuts. nice.perfect placement for serial killer.and he is lady's man as well.all of them seems to love him. and that is another score for writers. cos as we all know serial killers are friendly,nice and women love them,as far as they know what the hell this guy is doing in night. and not some old creepy uncle with chain saw,and knife...no sir,Dexter is good looking too.
peace.moreless

DO YOU AGREE?
0 0
101

9.0

"Superb"

By Canogaparkcindy, Oct 03, 2010 Report Abuse

A very strong pilot for this show, I was completely disturbed throughout this whole episode, but this pilot managed to be original and captivating, something you almost never find on network television. Which is why this is a series on Showtime. All the characters were intriguing and likable, all the plots were dynamic, and I just wanted more of this show by the end of this episode. I have to say, I'm really glad I tried this show out, because I'm already feeling hooked to this show just by watching the first episode, something pilots are supposed to do.

The story line is incredibly original, and the writing is fantastic. A serial killer who kills serial killers, just a very interesting plot, almost comedic in a sense. We've got ongoing arcs going on this season, since things are left up in the air by the end of the episode, which I am excited about.

So all I have to say is that this has been one of the best pilots I have ever seen on a television show.moreless

DO YOU AGREE?
0 0
The perfect introduction

9.5

"Superb"

By AvatarBlue, Apr 11, 2010 Report Abuse

This is one of the best examples of a introductory episode I can recall. A great plot alludes to many exciting stories ahead, with intriguing characters - the most interesting being Dexter himself. Its not just the nature of the series. Nor is it the witty and light-hearted dialogue that is the perfect offset against the dark & gruesome scenes. So many factors make this a must see episode, in a must see show. The host of relationships between supporting cast that are only hinted at, just promise to ooze interest in the episodes ahead. The flip between Dexter's past and his conception as a serial killer, together with Halls wonderful narrative, blend into the perfect partners to deliver as I said earlier the perfect introduction. All of this is executed w/o overdoing it on the gruesome levels, that one may expect from such abhorrent subject matter. So much so, that the hour will pass w/o you even noticing, imparting just enough of Dexter's current situation, his past, his issues but, leaving you wanting oh such more - as all great introductions should.

Roll on episode 2.moreless

DO YOU AGREE?
0 0

Write a Review

Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

See All

Trivia
ADD TRIVIA
- The site Dexter visits says you must be 21 to enter, but the warning says by entering you acknowledge that you are at least 18. Edit
- Error: Both younger Dexters have moles on their faces, but are in different spots. Dexter as an adult has no mole. Edit
- The refrigerated truck that the killer was driving belonged to Miami Chills Ice. Edit
Notes
ADD NOTES
- This episode won the 2007 Emmy Award for Outstanding Single Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series. Edit
- Series stars Lauren Vélez (Maria LaGuerta) and David Zayas Edit
- A lot of Dexter's quotes in this episode are taken directly from Darkly Dreaming Dexter. Edit
Quotes
ADD QUOTES
- Doakes: You give me the fucking creeps, you know that, Dexter? Dexter: Yeah, I know. Sorry about that. Doakes: Fuck you. Dexter: Okay. Uhh... is there something I can...? Doakes: Yeah, you can give me your fucking analysis on the blood splatter on these killings. You think I'm here to invite you to my nephew's bris? Dexter: I didn't know you were Jewish. Doakes: Shut the fuck up and write your report already. Edit
- Dexter: (voice over) Rita's ex-husband, the crack addict, repeatedly raped her, knocked her around. Ever since then, she's been completely uninterested in sex. That works for me. Edit
- Angel: Son of a whore. Dexter: Who? Angel: Talking about this hijo de puta, this asshole killer, this maricón savage who makes us work on a Friday night. Dexter: Only Mondays through Thursdays--that's what I always say. Angel: Of course, cońo, be reasonable. Who wants to work on a Friday night? I have my needs. Edit
Allusions
- Help by adding allusions to this episode. Add allusions