Dexter

:

Season 3
  • Network: SHOWTIME
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 1, 2006
Season #: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 649 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 576 out of 649
  2. Mixed: 48 out of 649
  3. Negative: 25 out of 649
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User Reviews

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  1. TheChaser1985
    Apr 8, 2011
    10
    This was my least favorite season, besides season 5, but it's still a 10! Another great plot, great acting, great twists and lots of tension. Loved every minute of it and the new characters they added.
  2. Mrdan69
    Jun 8, 2013
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Dexter season 3, while being the least interesting season of the show thus far, still has some highlights (there is no such thing as a "bad" season of Dexter, but it does not quite stand up to seasons 1 and 2.)

    Starts out interesting enough-Dexter kills the wrong guy! Who happens to be the brother of the ADA. That's the good part. The bad part is this ADAS is played by Jimmy Smits-who I had trouble buying into all season long.

    The rest of the cast shined brightly in season 3-although Batista's romance with the vice-cop seemed forced, and vanished as soon as the season ended.

    But, the centerpiece of the season is Dexter's relationship with Miguel Prado. I did find it difficult to believe that Dex would be so quick to let him in to his dark world-and he indeed learned at the end that it was a very bad idea. The red-herring of the bachelor party kidnapping was perfectly done, as we knew the Skinner was on his trail. Speaking of that though-I had a VERY difficult time believing that Prado and the Skinner would be in cahoots. That may have been the low-point of the season crow-barred in just to keep the tension going throughout the 12 episodes.

    I did like the storyline about Deb and Anton. She did seem happy there for a short time. Quinn came across as a jerk, but not nearly the total a%$hole that Doakes was.

    All in all-the least amazing of all of Dexter's seasons I would say. It was hard to buy into Jimmy Smits as the "big bad" but still lots of good fun to be had. The show MORE than redeemed itself 10 x over with the following season.    … Expand
  3. Abutreca
    Dec 18, 2011
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. this season was awful: a stupid plot, bad characters, anything transcendental. Dexter appears to be retarded in this season. The worst season of dexter for sure.… Expand
  4. Independentopia
    Oct 16, 2008
    10
    Bar none, the best show currently on Television. Michael C. Hall is one of the more underrated working actors today...he's brilliant.
  5. DanielS.
    Nov 9, 2008
    10
    The best show I've ever seen.
  6. PaoloD
    Dec 2, 2008
    9
    A little slow at times, nonetheless is still terrific brainwork in relating to the main character. Plus, there is all the emotional extras of a "maybe" father and spouse.
  7. MichaelM
    Dec 6, 2008
    10
    This show amazes me. At the end of each season I think "wow, they will never top THAT" and yet each season only gets better. Definately the best show on TV.
  8. ZackaryS.
    Oct 7, 2008
    10
    One of the best shows on TV. If you miss this then you really do deserve to have your foot chewed off by a dog... or better yet get butchered by dexter and thrown in the ocean.
  9. DougS
    Jan 2, 2009
    10
    Dexter raises the bar season after season. In his showdown with the 'Skinner' Dexter shows that he is the biggest bad ass there is. And Deb has gone from a damsel in distress in Season 1 I can't wait for season 4!
  10. KrisR
    Feb 26, 2009
    10
    Possibly the best show I've ever seen. I couldn't see this lasting more than two seasons, how wrong I was! Thank you to the writers and actors for the stunning work.
  11. GiaT.
    Nov 14, 2008
    10
    This season has got me on edge... all the road blocks popping up, slowing Dexter down... I'm feeling the anxiety, and holding on to the edges of my seat waiting for the next show every time. I cannot wait to see how this one will end!
  12. DougS.
    Nov 2, 2008
    10
    Best show on TV...maybe ever!!!
  13. [Anonymous]
    Oct 14, 2008
    7
    Good show. But why did CBS drop it? that's really weak. and proves cbs is the worst network ever. besides hallmark, i guess.
  14. AlexK
    Dec 2, 2008
    10
    Amazing show. But why the hell are there reviews for Season 3 already when the season isn't even over yet?
  15. MR.
    Oct 4, 2008
    10
    Better than ever!
  16. RhettD
    Jan 21, 2009
    10
    Great show starts off slow in season 3 but it picks right back up, critic on this site sucks his rating is more personal.
  17. DreH
    Jun 25, 2009
    8
    This show has it all.... or rather had it all Season 1 and 2 were great. Awesome story, storyline, plot twist, character development, this show is probably one of the best things... that was until season 3 aired... which consisted of a bunch of random incomplete half-ass ideals and plot-lines.
  18. EtharV
    Sep 24, 2009
    10
    Smart, witty, clever, fantastically acted and brilliantly written. Dexter has pushed the bar up from season two and is by far my favorite show on television. Like watching an unique, daring and engaging film every week
  19. ElginW.
    Nov 12, 2008
    10
    Dexter is one of the best most original shows I have ever seen.
  20. NasreenS.
    Nov 17, 2008
    10
    Amazing! Every episode gets better! I can't wait for the next.
  21. NickH
    Dec 16, 2008
    10
    This show makes you laugh, cry, cringe and shout with joy. The edited version on CBS is crap comparatively, but I'd still watch it. Better than Weeds, Californication and Entourage.
  22. MarissaD
    Jan 14, 2009
    8
    Michael C. Hall & Julie Benz have great chemistry. I was hoping for much more development there. The show is almost perfect. Despite that, it's still the best thing on.
  23. AndreaW
    Jun 29, 2009
    10
    Season 3 start-to-finish was Amazing! I cannot wait until August so I buy it on DVD... (I own Season 1 & 2 already.)
  24. BlackAcidDragon
    Oct 8, 2010
    10
    Season 3 is by the far the best so far, obviously you cant beat the greatness of the original series, BUT you can appreciate how dark and deep this one gets keeping you on the edge of your seat really badly at some moments. Rita is developing into the most annoying character. the situations that dexter is caught in are white knuckle rides of anticipation of the result.
  25. Human
    Aug 20, 2011
    7
    I honestly felt like I had to sit through most of the season and I lost interest a couple of times. Dexter seemed to jump the shark a little bit, coming off more as an action hero and the new characters, especially the main villain, didn't do it for me. That being said, it still had plenty of good moments that make it worth watching all the way through.
  26. Jord68
    Sep 28, 2010
    10
    Its such a great show, i'm always on the edge of my seat. every episode feels like a roller coaster, and i've never felt that with any other show before. Micheal C. Hall deserves every award he gets for this show and more, it is the best acting i've seen in a long time.
  27. SchroederRock
    Feb 1, 2016
    9
    Season 3 of Dexter is the best-yet, offering the most variety the series has ever seen. Dexter having to juggle a "partner in crime" with personal life changes is what makes this a great season. The show continues to grow on me, and I think it's going to become classic for me soon.
  28. Tubie
    Nov 2, 2010
    8
    Probably the weakest Season of the show, but that just tells you how good Dexter is. The poorest season is better than most of the crap in Network TV. Still a very enjoyable season with Dexter dealing with his "student" and the troubles that creates for him.
  29. Sabrinna
    Nov 1, 2010
    10
    Fast becoming my favorite tv series. Can't wait to see season 4. I noticed the critics ratings dropped a little between series 2 & 3. I disagree. I think the show just keeps getting better.
  30. TheQuietGamer
    Sep 29, 2015
    9
    The best parts of this show center around Dexter struggling with realizing just how human he actually is. This season explores those elements even deeper. His love/family life takes some shocking turns and begins to develop an actual friendship with someone who is in on some of his dark secrets. Yet even when Dexter's life is at it's most interesting, side-characters new and old are ableThe best parts of this show center around Dexter struggling with realizing just how human he actually is. This season explores those elements even deeper. His love/family life takes some shocking turns and begins to develop an actual friendship with someone who is in on some of his dark secrets. Yet even when Dexter's life is at it's most interesting, side-characters new and old are able to steal the show from time to time.

    Jimmy Smits is awesome as the new character Miguel Prado. His backstory and relationship with Dexter makes him just as compelling as the title character. Every moment these two are onscreen together is incredible. They have fantastic chemistry and it's their stories that make this season so electric even if it is slower than the previous two overall.

    Jennifer Carpenter is just as fantastic as ever as Dexter's sister "Debra." Her role in the show is only increasing and that's for the better. Debra is a fantastic character who's plots are just as interesting as the main character's even if they hit the same beats each season so far with a focus on relationship drama. The more from her, the better.

    It's slower, sure. However the writing is still fantastic and has some shocking twists and turns in areas you wouldn't expect them. Some of the more minor side-characters are given a little bit more to do, but it's mostly still the main cast that shines. A lot of the more miniscule plots surrounding Dexter's coworkers don't really go anywhere. That's okay because with a dynamic as exciting as Dexter's and new character "Miguel Prado" you want every moment to focus on them. This season delivers something exciting and fresh with it's main plot, rather than falling back on what made the previous seasons a success. It's all the better for it.    … Expand
  31. MustisTheCat
    Aug 17, 2011
    9
    It is imo second best season of Dexter to date. The twist with Dexter thinking about his father`s code throughout the whole season is very attractive, as we see him developing his personality and questioning his motives and purpose of his life. He has to decide if he wants to be a "normal" person and , most of all, if he is able to actually be one. He is acompanied by Miguel Prado, aIt is imo second best season of Dexter to date. The twist with Dexter thinking about his father`s code throughout the whole season is very attractive, as we see him developing his personality and questioning his motives and purpose of his life. He has to decide if he wants to be a "normal" person and , most of all, if he is able to actually be one. He is acompanied by Miguel Prado, a Miami DA who is also a very interesting character. Interactions of those two play the most part in this season which leads to a powerful ending. Some fine twists. Great acting by Michael C. Hall as always, but same also by Jennifer Carpenter, Jimmy Smits and David Zayas.… Expand
  32. drlowdon
    Apr 2, 2013
    8
    After a fantastic ending to the second season hopes were high for the third and yet again the writers and cast deliver. This time around the show focuses more heavily on Dexter's gradually character development and desire to be accepted by someone for who he really is.

    This certainly makes season three different as many of the major developments involve Dexter's personal life but it is    After a fantastic ending to the second season hopes were high for the third and yet again the writers and cast deliver. This time around the show focuses more heavily on Dexter's gradually character development and desire to be accepted by someone for who he really is.

    This certainly makes season three different as many of the major developments involve Dexter's personal life but it is no less intense and and almost as entertaining as the first two seasons.    … Expand
  33. babaracas38
    Jun 28, 2011
    7
    Season 3 is junk compared to the first 2 seasons. Worst guest star of all time goes to Jimmy Smits, one of the worst actors to make a name for himself on tv (oddly enough David Caruso is at the top of this list, wtf cast NYPD Blue? Bunch of complete crap actors except for D Franz...). Plot is over the top unbelievable, with Dexter's secret identity somehow not being compromised no matterSeason 3 is junk compared to the first 2 seasons. Worst guest star of all time goes to Jimmy Smits, one of the worst actors to make a name for himself on tv (oddly enough David Caruso is at the top of this list, wtf cast NYPD Blue? Bunch of complete crap actors except for D Franz...). Plot is over the top unbelievable, with Dexter's secret identity somehow not being compromised no matter who he kills. This season was a major step backwards, but luckily Season 4 rocks some socks.… Expand
  34. Kirase
    Apr 13, 2013
    9
    Really enjoyable to watch, but plot- wise kind of lacks what made seasons 1 and 2 so brilliant.
    Feels like the main plot idea behind the series kind of got used up for the first seasons while this one is something they simply came up with to be able to continue the series. Well written? Yes. Brilliant? No.
  35. SHO1BANG
    Jan 9, 2012
    9
    This season is, in my opinion, underrated. It has some really nice twists, Miguel is a great character, who is not who you expected him to be. Dex goes through changes as he proposes to Rita and she's pregnant, and actually thinks it's possible for him to have a friend. So this season has a lighter atmosphere than the last ones, but this was important for Dexter's development as aThis season is, in my opinion, underrated. It has some really nice twists, Miguel is a great character, who is not who you expected him to be. Dex goes through changes as he proposes to Rita and she's pregnant, and actually thinks it's possible for him to have a friend. So this season has a lighter atmosphere than the last ones, but this was important for Dexter's development as a character. The serial killer is really dangerous as always, with a cool signature, but isn't really explored as a character, but what's interesting about him is he thinks he's doing the killing for a reason, but he really just has a dark passenger like Dex.… Expand
  36. imthenoob
    Oct 20, 2012
    6
    While Jimmy Smits did a good job as Miguel and watching his back and forth with Hall was entertaining, His entire storyline was simply not that interesting and ended quite patheticly as well. Same goes for the whole Skinner story line, which I thought would have been better as the main focus instead of the Miguel storyline. I am giving it one more season and unless the show improvesWhile Jimmy Smits did a good job as Miguel and watching his back and forth with Hall was entertaining, His entire storyline was simply not that interesting and ended quite patheticly as well. Same goes for the whole Skinner story line, which I thought would have been better as the main focus instead of the Miguel storyline. I am giving it one more season and unless the show improves greatly, I will more then likely stop watching.… Expand
  37. moonman1994
    Jul 27, 2013
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This season of Dexter was also extremely good. The plot isn't quite as gripping or unique as in the previous two season but on all other counts the show is just as successful. Miguel's character is also very interesting as you get to see all of his layers peal away to reveal what he really is on the inside making for a very interesting dynamic between him and his temporary partner Dexter.… Expand
  38. ironhomer
    Sep 15, 2013
    8
    After one season and my favorite second season, 3'rd looks poor, but after 5 episodes season becomes much more interesting, but anyway worse than previous.
  39. ChazJaxx
    Oct 28, 2012
    8
    While this season is still good, it was missing a certain je ne sais quoi the first two seasons were abundant with. Dexter finding a friend that he can actually trust brings a dynamic that makes the season still worth watching.
  40. cameronmorewood
    Nov 9, 2012
    8
    Prado brings this season down, as his character is stupid and unlikable; however, Dexter himself is still captivating to watch. It is the main character here who keeps the show one of the very best on TV.
  41. bulger_paul
    Aug 15, 2013
    7
    Season 3 retreads old ground and introduces some of the least interesting and most frustrating supporting characters throughout the course of the series.
    Michael C. Hall continues to impress with his astounding performance, but season 3 is in the bottom half of the seasons Dexter has offered up yet.
  42. thebestreviews
    Sep 24, 2013
    7
    This is one of the weaker season of Dexter. Its still great, and much better in retrospect. This season revolves around Dexter befriending a man named Miguel, who is also the assistant DA. After some events Dexter teaches him how to kill. Jimmy Smits was incredible as Miguel and the plotline, was incredible. The Main problem with this season is the cop story line. They are looking for aThis is one of the weaker season of Dexter. Its still great, and much better in retrospect. This season revolves around Dexter befriending a man named Miguel, who is also the assistant DA. After some events Dexter teaches him how to kill. Jimmy Smits was incredible as Miguel and the plotline, was incredible. The Main problem with this season is the cop story line. They are looking for a serial killer called the Skinner, the problem is that the Skinner is a very uninteresting, weak villain. The other problem is that the only excellent episodes are 9,10 and 11. This is still a very strong season, but still a step-down from Season 2.
    7.5/10    … Expand
  43. Camillozzi
    Nov 27, 2013
    7
    A originalidade começa a fica defasada mas, a serie ainda tem um personagem altamente afetivo que cativa o publico com sua frieza angelical, Dexter ainda encanta apesar da queda de qualidade.
  44. joao1198pedro
    Oct 19, 2013
    4
    the third season of dexter was the worst season of all the seasons of this program launched, it seems that the writers were lazy and decided to do a season just to wrap the story.
  45. Partypooper3
    Mar 19, 2014
    5
    Grossly overrated. There was nothing special about this season, and though Smitz is a good actor, his character Miguel was boring and annoying. Season 5 is far, far better.
  46. chekovsgun
    May 12, 2014
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Don't get me wrong, Dexter is a great show, one of the best out there, but this season was virtually worthless. For starters, it recycles the same plot used in seasons 1 and 2: Dexter makes a friend but then oh wait that friend is too damgerous so he has to kill them. I didn't mind them doing it with lila in season 2 since it was less predictable and almost took a backseat to the whole bay harbor butcher dilemma, but here it is unacceptable. There are still some good things. I like the way the season introduces Quinn's character. Miguel Prado's actor does a nice job, but sadly there just really isn't much there with his charcater, whom the writers apparently decided to make extremely one-dimensional. Also they failed to smoothly weave the skinner subplot into the main storyline as it felt forced and led to a rather anticlimactic finale. The only reason for watching this season in all honesty is to understand Quinn better in the later seasons. That and i guess if you're just really bored.… Expand
  47. JackKerouac
    Jun 11, 2015
    8
    Underrated season. While everyone gushes about how awesome 2 and 4 were, and how very good 1 was. Everyone seems to forget just how good season 3 really was. Yeah, there was some annoying things. Some weird character actions. But I think the complete season is the most watchable on a casual level, y'know? By that, I mean that it's the least plot-driven of them all, and it's more like itsUnderrated season. While everyone gushes about how awesome 2 and 4 were, and how very good 1 was. Everyone seems to forget just how good season 3 really was. Yeah, there was some annoying things. Some weird character actions. But I think the complete season is the most watchable on a casual level, y'know? By that, I mean that it's the least plot-driven of them all, and it's more like its own arc. I think you could sit down any person and have them just watch season 3 and they wouldn't be lost and they would enjoy themselves. But season 2 or 4? People would struggle without previous knowledge and might end up loathing those seasons.

    Best Episode(s): If I Had a Dream/All in the Family.
    Worst Episode: Our Father.    … Expand
  48. fbtimesofficial
    Sep 1, 2015
    8
    We find our favorite serial killer settling in as something other than the monster he proclaims to be, which is why Dexter's third season is more reliant on its new characters than its solid story to fill the bill. But with a brilliant performance from Michael C. Hall and the show's haunting visuals, nothing really sticks out as a problem.
  49. eva3si0n
    Sep 4, 2018
    6
    3 season one of the weakest. In him there is no brightly opredelnny antagonist, except Miguel. Which obviously falls short of him. In general the 3rd season one of not many where almost first half is an introduction. And though the 3rd season was in my opinion the most boring, it serves as a link with the best season in series - 4. Dexter at last became the family person)
  50. TudorPopescu
    Mar 14, 2021
    9
    I also liked Season three of Dexter. A new idea gets explored in this season. Could Dexter have a friend? A literal partner in crime?

Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best TV Season of 2008
15
#15 Most Discussed TV Season of 2008
17
#17 Most Shared TV Season of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Micah Towery
    75
    Should we actually trust his actions over what he says as a true indicator of who he really is? It does not seem that the writers of the show have discovered this apparent problem in their storytelling, but it certainly could be something worth exploring in the coming season.
    Read full review
  2. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    90
    Dexter is real, all right. Real good.
    Read full review
  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    80
    With the larger narrative diminished, what remains are the smaller moments. There Hall's terrific performance--full of sly wit and contradictions--elevates the show
    Read full review
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