Dexter - Season Five

Season five starts out kind of slow (I don't even think he kills anyone in the first two episodes), but picks up steam once Lumen (Julia Stiles) enters Dexter's life. Every season has one big villain that he doesn't catch until the end, and it's not Lumen but she is the catalyst and his partner in crime. What bothered me about that was that Dexter's voiceovers kept talking like it was his first time working with a partner. What about Miguel in season three? I know he turned out to be the villain, but still, they did tackle some team kills together before turning on each other. I would've thought it would make him more wary of trying it again. But Stiles was really good in the role, and is probably a lock for the Emmy. Peter Weller, the second of the season's three big guest stars, was also fun to watch as a kooky agent spying on Dexter.

The later half of the season really cranks up the tension, as Dexter feels pressure from about four or five different sources all trying to nail him in some way. I might even say it was more exciting than season four, and I didn't think that would be possible. Jordan Chase (Jonny Lee Miller, big guest star #3) is no Trinity Killer, but whereas Trinity was the main attraction last season, Jordan is only one cog in a large, fascinating machine.

Well, one not-so-fascinating aspect: all of the B stories featuring Batista and LaGuerta's relationship. I used to like Batista until he married her, which was probably the worst decision anyone's made since Deb dated Rudy in season one. I don't know if the writers thought "Hey, Batista's a nice guy, let's pair him up with LaGuerta for some nice tender moments," but if it was another attempt to make her more likable, it sorely backfired. I only end up hating her more every season, and it makes me dislike Batista for loving her. Why do they play the sappy music every time BaGuerta (that's my new couple name for them) embraces? Does anyone actually care about this relationship? I know I don't. But yeah, ignoring that aspect it was an enjoyable season, built like a roller coaster with a slow climb at the beginning that becomes a screaming descent in the second half.

Best Episode: The last two were especially exciting, but I'd have to give the edge to the finale, "The Big One." Not only was it a solid, entertaining resolution, but I also thought it was brilliant and touching how Deb and Dexter did each other HUGE favours without Deb being fully aware of either one. Though with Dexter being closer than ever to getting caught, it was almost disappointing when everything went back to normal at the end. Dexter could go on forever if they keep resetting every season, but it's not the kind of show that needs to. Not that I wouldn't stick with it until the end either way.