Season 1 of "Dexter" is to KILL for

Season 1 of Dexter is to Kill for

by Kayla Edwards

Season One of the 2006-2013 show Dexter will leave you absolutely shook and wanting more. Michael C. Hall fits the role of the blood-spatter analyst by day, serial killer by night, Dexter perfectly. The show, taking place and being filmed in Florida, will give viewers both sides of the spectrum between police investigators, like Dexter's sister Debra (played by Jennifer Carpenter) and the killer himself. The show will truly place you into the mind of the killer as Hall's character narrates the show.
By having Dexter narrate the show it gives the viewer intel that the Miami police department and forensics unit cannot pick up on. The best part about the plot is that Dexter is made for the audience to love. He gives witty one-liners and is also a likable character for his outstanding morals despite being a killer. The catch here is that Dexter only kills people guilty of the murders of others. Making him a hero figure, it is impossible not to like Dexter even though he may be a psychopath because he is self-aware of himself, often calling himself a monster.
The main plot of Season 1 revolves around the "ice-truck killer", a serial killer who leaves his chopped up victims bloodless, leaving Dexter uneasy. As Dexter grows closer to the case, the killer begins leaving personal messages to Dexter, such as a Barbie Doll in pieces. All at the same time, Debra grows closer to her new boyfriend, Dexter must deal with his girlfriend Rita's abusive ex-husband who has been released from jail, and troubling information about Dexter's past is revealed to him. Dexter is seen as a great guy when he plays with Rita's kids and helps her around the house, as well as by respecting the space Rita needs as being a victim of domestic abuse and rape. This is all apart of his inner, not quite right self, however. As things progress in his relationship with Rita, co-workers getting to know him, and giving his sister Deb advice, Dexter has to try harder and harder to conceal who he really is. It can be quite stressful being a serial killer by night.
As the show progresses, audiences learn more about Dexter's past and personal life story. From this, it is shown that how you are raised does not affect a person's self and behavior. This is supported by the flashbacks given in the show. After Dexter's parents are murdered, he is adopted by a police officer, Harry, who raises him. Even though Harry raises Dexter to have outstanding morals, he cannot control Dexter's need to kill. So instead he leaves Dexter a set of codes to live by when killing, as well as telling him how to not get caught. In addition to this, season 1 also reflects the idea that a person's demeanor does not reflect their true selves. This is shown mainly through three characters: Dexter's adoptive father Harry, Debra's new boyfriend, and obviously Dexter himself.  To his coworkers, Dexter is a simple polite, good at his job guy. But from hearing his inner monologue we can see his true self that Harry has taught him to subdue. Harry, as we learn through Dexter's flashbacks and the death of his biological father (who was assumed murdered) also may be guilty of some lies he told to Dexter despite his morals of honesty. As for Debra's boyfriend, you will just have to watch the show to see what happens there.

Other in the Mind of the Killer movies/shows

-Mind Hunters

-Criminal Minds

-Pretty Little Liars

-Silence of the Lambs

-Hannibal