Dexter

:

Season 1
  • Network: SHOWTIME
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 1, 2006
Season #: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
9.2

Universal acclaim- based on 1770 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,685 out of 1770
  2. Mixed: 41 out of 1770
  3. Negative: 44 out of 1770
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User Reviews

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  1. JamesC
    Oct 11, 2006
    3
    You know, in a show with such a good actor as the central character, it's tough to find any humanity in him. He does carry the entire, though, since the entire supporting cast is a wide array of boring cliches (the superfluous spanglish is a bit too much, I live in miami, no one talks that way). And you know what? That wouldn't bother me much if the show focused a little more on You know, in a show with such a good actor as the central character, it's tough to find any humanity in him. He does carry the entire, though, since the entire supporting cast is a wide array of boring cliches (the superfluous spanglish is a bit too much, I live in miami, no one talks that way). And you know what? That wouldn't bother me much if the show focused a little more on being edgy rather than trying to be "American Psycho". Or subtle. I find that in so many of Hall's inner monologues he needlessly confirm ideas that have already been implied clearly enough. I saw a potentially good show in Dexter, but it's just not showing it. I feel that at moments where the show should be employing suggestions through imagery, or through a look, it instead hits the audience with a sledgehammer. And when you treat the audience like an idiot, they change the channel and watch something else.… Expand
  2. BrentS
    Nov 22, 2006
    3
    This show had potential, and Michael C. Hall is great as usual, but the show's politics are severely flawed (treating Dexter's "condition" as some Highlanderish calling as opposed to a complex psychological choice) and its take on the machinations of a police squad (especially in this post-"The Wire" TV environment) are laughable.
  3. jjolla
    Oct 29, 2012
    2
    Season1 was excellent ... but the writers of S7 are amateurs .. they have completely squandered the opportunity to create some very interesting reflections on humanity. What they give is is formulaic melodramatic crap
  4. VT.
    Sep 14, 2007
    1
    Stupid-in a very trashy way.
  5. BlancaW.
    Sep 23, 2009
    3
    He did so well on Six feet Under I thought I'd give the show a chance but it was disturbing and boring as well. they should of never ended six feet under,what a big mistake!!!
  6. ArmchairS.
    Feb 18, 2008
    0
    Are you crazy putting that on the air? What are you THINKING? Very bad TV, No redeeming qualities.
  7. Criticak
    Jun 17, 2013
    1
    Watched the pilot, wasn't convinced, it's introduction lacked a lot of stuff that would motivate me to watch the second episode. I heard it had so many bad seasons but so many acclaimed ones. And we all know this series is going to end.
  8. JuneD.
    Feb 18, 2008
    0
    Terrible show - not strung together - will not watch it again - plain gore - plain stupid.
  9. NickieL
    Dec 14, 2009
    0
    Hated it. I would have given it a 10 before the last 5 minutes, but that ruined the episode, the season and probably next season too. I'm one of the people who found it refreshing to see something *other* than just another far-gone psycho killer. Discovering he had feelings and could be close to people was a fascinating journey. Why would they pull the plug on that and keep him Hated it. I would have given it a 10 before the last 5 minutes, but that ruined the episode, the season and probably next season too. I'm one of the people who found it refreshing to see something *other* than just another far-gone psycho killer. Discovering he had feelings and could be close to people was a fascinating journey. Why would they pull the plug on that and keep him alone? I know a lot of people wanted Rita out, but that's also because the same writers who killed her made her annoying. The duplicity of a loving husband and father being a serial killer was so original. A lonely and utterly screwed up single dad? Maybe better than a guy completely on his own, but a far cry from what Dexter has been before this bleak end. I used to actually laugh at Dex. Can't imagine laughing at "jokes" about the wife he got brutally killed and the son that's left motherless. :(… Expand
  10. JohnB.
    Sep 25, 2007
    0
    The most disturbing show on tv.If you get aroused by sexual dysfunction and dismemberment you are in serious need of a straight jacket.
  11. RobF.
    Dec 25, 2009
    3
    I don't mind the blood and violence yada yada. I just think this show is horrible. There's nothing entertaining about it, and much of it is unrealistic. The characters are shallow, awkward, and unappealing. This should have been a half hour episode USA show that got canceled after the second season. The writers make pathetic use of the Showtime freedoms... like having an amputee I don't mind the blood and violence yada yada. I just think this show is horrible. There's nothing entertaining about it, and much of it is unrealistic. The characters are shallow, awkward, and unappealing. This should have been a half hour episode USA show that got canceled after the second season. The writers make pathetic use of the Showtime freedoms... like having an amputee have sex with a prostitute... Unnecessary and a pathetically blatant attempt of sexual appeal. I envy those of you who say the show is funny. Your senses of humor must be easy to please. The comedy in this show is dry and forced.… Expand
  12. PrestonV
    Oct 7, 2006
    0
    Dexter's mind is the fancy of the modern world and the writers morbid sense is displayed as a virtuoso.Murder and enjoyment of such things as entertainment is the highest example of America in decline. To enjoy perversity is to lose all human inhibitions. Watch Dexter and you will.
  13. PCgamerGod
    Dec 11, 2018
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ridiculous show, illogical and outrageously insane plot holes, but great actors.

    Another good ol' show making psychopaths/serial killers look like good guys while completely misunderstanding what a serial killer or a psychopath is. The writers try far too hard to convince you dexter is a psychopath without actually telling you they just give giant hints and implications which is rather annoying, but also a psychopath that can some how feel emotions and guilt for his "loved" ones? Its as if the writers did sloppy google research following trends and stereotypes than actually consulting an expert.

    Dexter is somehow a forensics genius yet uses...Horse sedatives? For knocking out his human victims (instantly that is) he really couldn't have just made his own sedative or picked something more realistic? His co-workers don't even seem the slightest disturbed or bothered by his obsession with blood and even has blood painting on his office walls. Did I forget to mention they happen to be members of law enforcement and detectives? This didn't raise eyebrows and people casually act like it's normal except for the angry black man who was an ex-spec op and swears alot. When dexter enters the evidence room they it is later being reported evidence is missing and they don't bother checking the cameras or logs to see who entered and tampered with police evidence?

    Dexter also killed animals as a child (another psychopath stereotype) and his pet turtle was so afraid of him that he hid in his shell and starved to death, this isn't the god damned anti-christ or a demon where animals can sense evil presences it's just a very edgy chid. Instead of giving him help his foster father for some reason to the unknown had him kill 'bad' guys instead as a way to control his urges, did I mention his foster dad happens to be a cop and even taught him how to avoid getting arrested? According to him it's not 'normal' to not smile when photos are taken, or have a family, or write thank you letters because it will make you suspicious to the eyes of law enforcement? Something in that manner.

    The entire set spent 7 hours setting up plastic on an ENTIRE house instead of a small room. It also just seems crazy how he can set all that up in an abandoned building without anyone getting suspicious, how does anyone NOT get suspicious to the sounds of power saws, plastic covering windows, and a person leaving it? How does anyone not walk in on him either? Abandoned buildings are still owned by someone who regularly keeps it maintained.

    The writers try to justify dexter killing because they were 'bad guys who killed' all while doing the exact same thing. How do detectives with years and years of experience and training not find a killer, but a blood spatter analyst can? Also why is every single serial killer in Miami? Every singe one and his kill count is inhumanely possible 100+

    Regardless of evidence stacking up against dexter later in seasons these very same highly trained detectives still cannot seem to get the picture that dexter is the killer. Only ONE detective later in the series get suspicious of dexter and investigates him until his girlfriend who happens to be dexter's sister, gets him to back off.

    The problem I have with this show is they are glorifying psychopaths/serial killers. They are NOT and will NEVER be good people. Yes they are very intelligent and very successful people, but they do not all commit serial killing, many people who have psychopathy enjoy power and are usually happy with having that power.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best TV Season of 2006
1
#1 Most Discussed TV Season of 2006
6
#6 Most Shared TV Season of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 27
  3. Negative: 1 out of 27
  1. Time
    Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    80
    The morals of this provocative show are as intriguing as its cases.
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  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Michael Endelman
    75
    Though his cliche hard-boiled voice-over doesn't work, much of this series... does. [29 Sep 2006, p.73]
  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Adam Sternbergh
    70
    Dexter treats extreme violence much in the same way that GoodFellas did: as something horrifying, intoxicating, seductive and thrilling, all at the same time.
    Read full review
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