Search - Dexter: The First Season [Blu-ray] on Blu-ray

Bugwatching

H. M Pyles | Chicago, IL United States | 05/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The most disturbing movie I ever saw was "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer". In its portrayal of a man who lived physically among his fellow human beings while existing completely outside the orbit of human emotional interface, I thought I had seen the definitive screen rendition of a serial killer's psyche.

Then along comes Dexter who, with 12 episodes and a carefully-crafted life of friends, family, and career at his disposal for telling his tale, paints a portrait of sociopathic existence far more detailed and more disturbing than anything attempted by "Henry". That's accomplishment enough. But to do it with the droll wit and endearing demeanor of Dexter is downright amazing. TV seldom gets odder than this . . . and never more profound.

The real horror of each episode lies not in the killings by Dexter or by his victims. It lies in the horror of watching a man having to tread his way among his fellows in full knowledge that he is a hollow shell -- a body and brain devoid of a soul, with the only emotions being a fascination with blood and the driving hunger to kill. None of the means by which other people assuage their physical or emotional needs are available to Dexter, at least in the context in which others pursue them. Sex is a threat to Dexter, an act which can open cracks in the facade of humanity he has crafted and through which people can peer into the inner void. Friendly gatherings are obstacle courses, full of little bumps that could cause Dexter to trip and let his mask momentarily slip. Even eating, from which most people derive some emotional pleasure, is simply a necessity to which Dexter submits, preferrably combined with another necessary task, such as driving.

Clever. Interesting. But 12 episodes of this, no matter how well done, would soon get boring. So what sustains "Dexter"? Well, it turns out Dexter is neither who nor what he thinks he is. It takes him some time to figure this out, and it takes some help from rather interesting quarters. But Dexter has depths below the depths, voids within the voids, and substance where he was certain there was only nothingness.

But does it matter? Well, that's why I'm already pacing for the second season to start. It could go either way. Or, given this show's creativity and skewed viewpoint . . . neither, or both. Dexter -- and "Dexter" -- simply defy prediction."

One of the most original shows in years

shivatrance | rehoboth, DE USA | 05/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dexter does not disappoint. Based on the novels of Jeff Lindsay, Dexter is the story of a serial killer who murders other serial killers. While yes he is a sociopath, I find that one of the most fascinating parts of both the novels and the Showtime series is that slowly Dexter is starting to show that he may even be developing emotions. Could be a distinct possibility since he has had to wear a mask of humanity ever since he was three years old.
The surprising thing about this show to me is that it is very different in many ways to the novels. I think that Jeff Lindsay has to be both pleased and upset over what Showtime has done with Dexter. And in my humble opinion, I think that the series is actually much better than the books. The characters are much more developed and Deborah is no wear near as annoying in the series as she is in the novels. Plus I like how Angel "No Relation" Batista is a full on Homicide detective instead of just working for the M.E.'s office. In short, Showtime improved vastly on the novels and developed a much more diverse and rich world that Lindsay had created.
The part that ends up really getting to the viewer the most is that Dexter becomes a hero of sorts that even though his actions are quite immoral, you begin to view them as justifiable vegence for the victims of the people he kills. Maybe admitting that means I have a problem myself LOL but seriously, you can't help but like the guy. He is the nicest serial killer you could ever meet. And make sure you do meet him and buy this DVD. The replay value is outstanding."

Wow, wow, wow! Holy Cow!

A. Trotter | New Hampshire | 09/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If I could give 6 stars I would, and I've never said that before. Love this show. LOVE IT! (Pissy at showtime but that's just because they don't let people - even US people serving their country - outside the US look at stuff on their website, but their product is awesome... )

Ok, so Dexter, he's a little different, right? He works for the police, he's charming and geeky, he kills people for fun after work. Just bad people, of course. It would be no fun otherwise...

This is a strange story - more than half revenge fantasy but also part personal growth drama, part romance, lots of humor, and some good old fashioned thriller thrown in for spice. It makes you ache a little inside and then giggle in horror. It invokes a lot of emotion in it's viewers, as you watch someone without emotion begin to feel things and not know what's going on... not understand that these are feelings he's having. I'm sure a lot of people are pursing their lips over it and going "tsk!". I mean, a comedy/drama where the hero is a sociopathic serial killer? And a very good one at that?

The acting is AMAZING. This is TV done right, TV that makes you sing with delight, that catches you with it's beauty and writing and the way it perfectly catches the atmosphere of a place. I cannot rave enough - it goes in with the other perfect shows like the new Battlestar Galactica (somewhat less funny but just as perfect) and Wire in the Blood, Buffy, Firefly and Touching Evil. It's vastly better than CSI Miami (really, what isn't?) but it will draw comparisons, or parallels, because both take place in Miami and involve forensics (from weirdly skewed angles mentally, when you look at it - he's both catching killers forensically and keeping from being caught himself...) This show catchs the flavor of Miami in such a lovely way that you want to visit, even if - like me - you absolutely hate humid heat and bugs and all that sort of crap. It makes it seem alive and vibrant, dead hookers and all...

Can't wait for season 2. Can't wait can't wait... couldn't wait for this season either but man oh man, now I know exactly how good it is? Yes!"

Bloody fantastic

Melissa Niksic | Chicago, IL United States | 04/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow! I finally watched my very first episode of "Dexter" last weekend, and I ended up finishing Season 1 in its entirety within a few days. This is an amazing show about Dexter (Michael C. Hall), a Miami-based forensics experts who also happens to be a serial killer. However, Dexter is a NICE serial killer in that he has a strict moral code that he always adheres to: He only kills people who are violent criminals themselves and deserve to be punished. The first season of "Dexter" revolves around another serial killer that's been terrorizing the state of Florida. The Ice Truck Killer has a nasty habit of murdering prostitutes, cutting them up into pieces, and arranging their bodies artfully in very public places. Dexter works with members of the police department, including his adopted sister, Deb (Jennifer Carter), to find the killer. However, Dexter can't help being fascinated by the Ice Truck Killer's meticulous technique. He soon begins communicating with the killer, who seems to have an uncanny connection to Dexter and starts using his murders to trigger painful, repressed memories from Dexter's past.

I became hooked on this show very quickly. Hall is amazing as Dexter, who is probably one of the most complex characters in television history. The supporting cast is excellent, especially Carter, Erik King as Sergeant Doakes (the only person who suspects Dexter of any wrongdoing), and James Remar, who portrays Dexter's father in flashbacks. I'm not particularly fond of Rita's character (portrayed by Julie Benz). She's incredibly wishy-washy, but I can definitely see why Dexter was drawn to someone with her personality. I also think the whole Ice Truck Killer identity revelation, intriguing as it was, could have been a bit less obvious. (I figured out his real identity and true connection to Dexter right away, so either the story was a bit too predictable or I am just incredibly brilliant.)

Overall, though, "Dexter" is a very unique and compelling show. I have no idea how the program will manage to surpass its first season, but I can't wait to find out."