Dexter - Season Three

It's appropriate that the title of the show is Dexter, not simply because he is the main character, but because the primary purpose of every season's arc is to explore who this character is beyond a serial killer. In season one, we learned about his dark past and how he learned to kill without getting caught; in season two, we saw him with his back against the wall and watched him shape his own opinions about himself. This season, we see what happens when Dexter tries to take on a partner, played by Jimmy Smits.

To me, the murders themselves are the least interesting part of Dexter. What I like about the show is watching him try to juggle his double life, and seeing how he handles it when he comes close to being caught. I usually don't like Jimmy Smits much but he did well here, beginning the season as an honourable man and ending it as an angry scumbag, only he was secretly the latter the entire time. As messed up as Dexter's emotions might be, it makes sense that he would give partnership a try, because it's a relief and kind of a joy to be able to share secrets with someone, even the darkest ones. And add to that Harry's post-mortem fall from grace so that Dexter is less inclined to do what Harry would do, and you got yourself a third season arc. I also appreciate that the supporting characters went in new directions too, with Angel becoming Sargent, Deb becoming detective, and Masuka trying hard to be taken seriously (for a little while anyway). LaGuerta, however, saw another man she deeply trusted and loved exposed as a murderer, probably scarring her for life at this point. Ah, well, I still don't like her.

Best Episode: I think I would go with "Go Your Own Way", in which Dexter and Miguel (Smits) are locked in a power struggle of threats and blackmail while publicly maintaining the appearance of a friendship. Also Masuka plans Dexter's bachelor party, which was more fun to watch than the party itself.