New Series 'Dexter' on Showtime

[GoldenBoy]

Did anyone watch this on Sunday night? I actually saw the entire episode streamed online at Showtime's web site a couple of weeks ago, but watched it again this week in HD.

I think it has the potential to be a very interesting series. It is obvious that Showtime is once again going for shock value, but it seems very well written.

For anyone who might not know, the series about a serial killer. The twist is that, though he (Dexter) is a serial killer who obviously gets great pleasure from killing people, he only kills 'bad' people. He also happens to work for the police department in forensics.

[andyinstal]

Yes, I watched it. I thought it was pretty good. Will be interesting to see how long the story line will hold up. I like the actor. Really enjoyed Six Feet Under.

[strick77]

Yes....finally watched it last night. Different show for sure and the guy playing the lead seems perfect for the part. Thought not sure if the masses will enjoy this one.

[dkmonroe]

A serial killer with a heart of gold, huh?

Only on TV...:rolleyes:

[GoldenBoy]

A serial killer with a heart of gold, huh?

Only on TV...:rolleyes:

Nobody said anything about 'a heart of gold', he's a serial killer for crying out loud. If you approach the series as a character study into the psyche of a killer (which it is) instead of 'glorifying a serial killer' (which it doesn't) then it can make for very interesting watching.

[Shawn1968]

This is perhaps the only place where the thread title could refer to something.... or rather someone... else :D

[dkmonroe]

Nobody said anything about 'a heart of gold', he's a serial killer for crying out loud. If you approach the series as a character study into the psyche of a killer (which it is) instead of 'glorifying a serial killer' (which it doesn't) then it can make for very interesting watching.

I was referring to the twist that he only kills "'bad" people. Which is, in my admittedly limited understanding, totally 100% opposite of how real serial killers tend to operate. They prey on the helpless; they don't tend to victimize fellow victimizers.

I don't mean to directly imply that the series "glorifies" serial killers, but the concept does seem very unreal and not a little twisted. If it's meant as a look into the psyche of a serial killer, I doubt it can be too successful if the picture they present is so out of step with reality.

[GoldenBoy]

I was referring to the twist that he only kills "'bad" people. Which is, in my admittedly limited understanding, totally 100% opposite of how real serial killers tend to operate. They prey on the helpless; they don't tend to victimize fellow victimizers.

I don't mean to directly imply that the series "glorifies" serial killers, but the concept does seem very unreal and not a little twisted. If it's meant as a look into the psyche of a serial killer, I doubt it can be too successful if the picture they present is so out of step with reality.

I don't know what is out of step with reality when it comes to serial killers. I'm sure there were more than a few serial killers who believed they were doing 'good' and killing 'bad' people.

[dkmonroe]

I don't know what is out of step with reality when it comes to serial killers. I'm sure there were more than a few serial killers who believed they were doing 'good' and killing 'bad' people.

OK, so is the premise of the show that Dexter believes that he is killing "bad" people, or is it apparent to you, the viewer, that his victims are "bad"? Is this guy completely deluded (as most serial killers are), or is he more like Batman with a chainsaw?

[GoldenBoy]

OK, so is the premise of the show that Dexter believes that he is killing "bad" people, or is it apparent to you, the viewer, that his victims are "bad"? Is this guy completely deluded (as most serial killers are), or is he more like Batman with a chainsaw?

It's not really clear yet. He seems to believe he is killing bad people, but whether they are all 'bad' or actually 'bad' at all is up for grabs. It's only been one episode. There seems to be another twist in that, through his work with the PD he is actually trailing another serial killer, who has contacted him directly and may actually know about his crimes as well. It seems like it could be a very intricate show.

[Ian Lascell]

I caught the first episode, almost by accident. I think it has potential. Very creative situation for a series. I agree that it does not glorify the serial killer "lifestyle". But obviously this character exercises a lot more control over his urges than is realistic. However, it does explore his childhood and the early sociopathic indicators that seem to be common in reality, at least as much as I have learned from watching Cold Case Files and Court TV type shows. So it is a healthy mix of reality and fantasy.

From Six Feet Under, we know how great an actor Michael C. Hall is. But I will need more time to see if the supporting cast and the writing is good enough to keep me coming back. I will definitely be giving it a few more episodes to see how it grows on me.

[Batears52]

Ruh-roh! This can't be good....

I got teased over "Dexter" in The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes...Dexter's Laboratory...and then there's Dave Dexter Jr.

No relation!!!!

Dexter

[GoldenBoy]

I caught the first episode, almost by accident. I think it has potential. Very creative situation for a series. I agree that it does not glorify the serial killer "lifestyle". But obviously this character exercises a lot more control over his urges than is realistic. However, it does explore his childhood and the early sociopathic indicators that seem to be common in reality, at least as much as I have learned from watching Cold Case Files and Court TV type shows. So it is a healthy mix of reality and fantasy.

I agree.

From Six Feet Under, we know how great an actor Michael C. Hall is. But I will need more time to see if the supporting cast and the writing is good enough to keep me coming back. I will definitely be giving it a few more episodes to see how it grows on me.

julie Benz is enough to keep me watching. :love: :D

[Jeff Edwards]

For "suspension of disbelief" purposes, remember that we only really know anything about serial killers that get caught. It may be that there are other serial killers who are more controlled, more careful, and have different tastes in victims. And they may be the type who don't get caught.

A lot of people disappear every year.

[boneman]

I saw the first episode and part pf the second. I agree with previous comments on its potential and challenges on keeping a fresh and interesting storyline going. I am curious whether I will still be watching it after the 5th or 6th episode?

[GoldenBoy]

I am curious whether I will still be watching it after the 5th or 6th episode?


So am I. I have already started watching a few new series this year that have already begun to lose me.

Off topic:

Does anyone know if HBO will be bringing back Rome?

[Larry Mc]

I just got this DVD set as a gift. At first I thought it was going to be a little too weird and maybe get predictable, but after the third episode I found the writing and the acting to be great. After eight episodes, I'm hooked, this is a very unique show, I like that Sergeant who keeps calling Dexter a M* F-in creep or wipe that smile off your face you F-in pervert. :)

The one character I could do without is that Asian Forensic Technician, he seems a little to "cartoonish" for my taste.

[rene smalldridge]

The new season of Dexter begins tomorrow night.

[JorgeGvb]

The new season of Dexter begins tomorrow night.

I thought Dexter turned out to be a great show last season. I am looking forward to the new season.

[wayneklein]

It will be interesting to see how the season develops as the first season was based on the first novel by Jeff Lindsay. The second season departs from the novels--going it's own way. Michael C. hall does a terrific job.

[Ron Stone]

I'm almost done with the first season DVDs. You can almost pinpoint when the audience feedback kicked in and they toned down the show. It becomes less a weekly procedural like C.S.I. with a serial killer administering rough justice, and more of a soap opera featuring Hannibal Lecter.

What holds this show back from genuine SOPRANOS or WIRE greatness is the cardboard supporting cast. Like too many network police procedurals, the supporting cast is locked into their bits and riffs. Due to the vagaries of Netflix delivery, I watched this concurrently with THE WIRE and there's no comparison. You believe the people in THE WIRE; everyone in DEXTER but the title character is a cartoon.

[seriousfun]

CBS plans to show Dexter in prime time if the strike drags on :eek:

They already have syndication versions in-the-can, so they will probably be considerably toned-down.

[Henry the Horse]

CBS plans to show Dexter in prime time if the strike drags on :eek:

They already have syndication versions in-the-can, so they will probably be considerably toned-down.
I just watched the first episode on CBS last night and I liked it. Now, I realize that some profanity has been toned down for network, but does it detract much from the original Showtime airing? Has anyone seen both, to compare? I obviously don't have Showtime. I was thinking that if it's being too watered down, I might rent the DVDs, but I'd rather not if it isn't neccessary.:help:

[Walt]

I just watched the first episode on CBS last night and I liked it. Now, I realize that some profanity has been toned down for network, but does it detract much from the original Showtime airing? Has anyone seen both, to compare? I obviously don't have Showtime. I was thinking that if it's being too watered down, I might rent the DVDs, but I'd rather not if it isn't neccessary.:help:

Rent 'em. I did and love the first season even though it became predictable midway through (in a fun way).

[John B Good]

I didn't enjoy reading a book called American Psycho, and had reservations about watching this (last night, on CTV, In Canada).

But it seems like it could be a black comedy of some sort. Unlike those old Charles Bronson movies.

Plotwise, I was trying to understand whether Dexter's step-father (or adoptive father) was himself a psycho.