Dexter Returns!

Dexter finally came back to TV last week after a very LONG hiatus. As one of my favorite shows, you can probably understand my excitement when the I heard the theme song and watched the opening for the first time in a very long while. Well, after watching the first episode of the forth season, I have to admit, I’m a little disappointed. Season 3 of Dexter was amazing. The introduction of Deb‘s boyfriend and the entire Miguel Prado arc was great for not only advancing the story beyond what I felt it could do, but also introducing audiences to some of the nuances the characters have developed over the years of the TV series. The opening to season four had some major potential as Dexter himself was on the verge of fatherhood and he knew he would be torn up about how his own flesh and blood would turn out. Fast forward a few months and the baby has already arrived, but not with the same amount of problems you might expect. One of the show’s strengths in my mind was always the ability to advance the main arc, while telling a short tale each episode. Unlike a show like Lost, Dexter is something you could probably pick up at any time and understand what is going on. Until now. I have a feeling the writers dawning the Dexter T-shirts are trying something new that they really shouldn’t. The beginning of season four feels like the beginning of a brand new concept. Daddy Dexter. I can’t speak for everyone, but that’s not really why I got into the show. I wanted to watch this noir type tale of a serial killer who’s intentions are good. Not a family drama. I’m not saying Dexter is turning into Brothers and Sisters, but I am a little worried that the show could be losing its touch.

On the flip side, one of my favorite characters has returned. The veteran (now retired) Detective Lundy played brilliantly by Keith Carradine. The parts of season two I loved most was when Detective Lundy would seem to be putting the pieces together only to be thwarted by Dexter later on. Hopefully they will bring some of that dynamic back. The other promising, yet confusing component of season four so far is the introduction to John Lithgow‘s character. I’m positive he will at some point have to match wits with Dexter, but I really don’t feel like waiting until mid season sweeps to find out how. Dexter isn’t the best show on TV right now, but it is definitely in the top 10 for me. The problem is that the season four premier has dropped it down a few slots. Hopefully this isn’t going to be a slippery slope for Dexter and the show will recover from this minor hiccup.