Dexter

:

Season 4
  • Network: SHOWTIME
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 1, 2006
Season #: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 701 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 670 out of 701
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 701
  3. Negative: 22 out of 701
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  1. Andremax
    Jul 31, 2016
    8
    I divide Dexter series in two eras, the 1-4 season and 5-8 season. The first part consists in psychosocial protagonist living in a regular people society and descripting him vision about this, interacring with the public of a amazing manner, like him sarcastic jokes, metaphoric and reflexives speechs - somethimes, of a incredible way, you perceive how the normal people looks like theI divide Dexter series in two eras, the 1-4 season and 5-8 season. The first part consists in psychosocial protagonist living in a regular people society and descripting him vision about this, interacring with the public of a amazing manner, like him sarcastic jokes, metaphoric and reflexives speechs - somethimes, of a incredible way, you perceive how the normal people looks like the serial killers.
    Dexter trying looks like a non-psychosocial provides very funny moments, such as your cold behavior to sad and happy moments.
    Dexter can be in a Breaking Bad's level, if you considerate the 1st to the 4th season

    (P.S.: This review refers the 1-4 season, in a general manner)    … Expand
  2. SchroederRock
    Feb 1, 2016
    9
    John Lithgow plays the crazy/psycho guy well. He is the best villain Dexter has had to face yet, and the season carries a great pace with perhaps the best crescendo the series has ever seen. The last few episodes are huge, with the biggest season finale twist. No spoilers, but this is the best the show has been so far. Can it get better? Maybe a little, but Dexter has finally got meJohn Lithgow plays the crazy/psycho guy well. He is the best villain Dexter has had to face yet, and the season carries a great pace with perhaps the best crescendo the series has ever seen. The last few episodes are huge, with the biggest season finale twist. No spoilers, but this is the best the show has been so far. Can it get better? Maybe a little, but Dexter has finally got me hooked. I'm spending more time chaining watched episodes together than any of the previous seasons. I like where things are going.… Expand
  3. TheQuietGamer
    Dec 28, 2015
    9
    Four seasons in and the formula shows no signs of growing stale. It doesn't brake much new ground, but the new changes to Dexter's personal and family life are just enough to keep things tense and enjoyable. Once again the greatest strength proves to be Dexter's struggle for normalcy while keeping his "dark passenger" satisfied.

    This season begins to show that this quest of his might    Four seasons in and the formula shows no signs of growing stale. It doesn't brake much new ground, but the new changes to Dexter's personal and family life are just enough to keep things tense and enjoyable. Once again the greatest strength proves to be Dexter's struggle for normalcy while keeping his "dark passenger" satisfied.

    This season begins to show that this quest of his might just be his downfall. A shocking conclusion hints at big changes being just around the horizon. Some of Dexter's secrets are brought out into the light. One particular aspect of the show I feel has been improved upon is James Remar's role as Dexter's deceased father. Dexter's use of him as a sort of screwed up moral compass, as well as his own subconscious trying to set him straight has never been more realized than it has been this season. This concept is used to give Dexter's conflicts and internal struggles the extra added oomph.

    Season 4 keeps the formula going strong. Even better is that it hints at exciting things in the future. With a new rival at his job, Debra getting closer and closer to the truth, and a big finale that could just mean the beginning of the end for what we've come to expect of Dexter, season 4 is an exciting ride.    … Expand
  4. fbtimesofficial
    Sep 1, 2015
    8
    Dexter's fourth season tries too hard for the story's sake, resulting in muddled character development and a number of irritating appearances by the titular character's father. While it may not be able to compete with the first two seasons, Michael C. Hall and John Lithgow put on an unforgettable show, all leading up to an unbelievably shocking conclusion.
  5. JackKerouac
    Jun 11, 2015
    9
    Best season of Dexter, I think it's hard to argue otherwise. I might hear an argument for 2, but I think the whole Trinity Killer arc is too **** good to ignore. Yeah, Doakes was rad and everything - but Trinity? Holy **** dude! This season is so suspenseful and so intense it's sometimes hard to watch. Especially that ending.

    Best Episode: The Getaway.
    Worst Episode: Blinded by the Light.
  6. chekovsgun
    May 12, 2014
    9
    I was actually considering ditching the show before i started this season. Season 2 had been alright but season 3 practically put me to sleep. But fear not! The show rediscovers itself here, returning to the top-notch level it was on back in season 1. The villian is delightfully dreadful and complex. Things start out vastly interesting, slow slightly for a couple episodes but then pickI was actually considering ditching the show before i started this season. Season 2 had been alright but season 3 practically put me to sleep. But fear not! The show rediscovers itself here, returning to the top-notch level it was on back in season 1. The villian is delightfully dreadful and complex. Things start out vastly interesting, slow slightly for a couple episodes but then pick right back up. I won't spoil anything but lets just say the 9th episode of this season is my favorite episode of Dexter, ever. That, and John Lithgow certainly deserved an Emmy for his performance (not sure if he got one). The only annoying thing was the yet-again insertion of a Bautista subplot that no one cares about. Other than that, mostly perfect season.… Expand
  7. Crashman
    Apr 8, 2014
    7
    I love this show but I feel like the writers are getting lazy (as of season 4 anyway). The show is becoming too formulaic with frequently re-used plot devices. I have a lot more seasons to get caught up on but I can't help but thinking this is another show that should have only been a couple seasons. Is it really so common for Miami cops to sleep with murderers? Who on this show hasn't?
  8. Camillozzi
    Feb 21, 2014
    8
    Embora não seja tão fresco ou surpreendente como era antes a quarta temporada e forte e marcante para o destino da serie. Dexter continua a atrair telespectadores em suas tramas torcidas e a eficiente performance de Michael C. Hall.
  9. joao1198pedro
    Oct 19, 2013
    8
    the fourth season of dexter may not have been the best but she is temmporada with the best villain ever seen in the entire series, and this villain does something terrible and memorable in the last episode of this great season.
  10. thebestreviews
    Sep 24, 2013
    10
    This is one of the greatest seasons of television ever. Why. John Lithgow as one of the best villains of all time. The Trinity Killer. This season revolves around Dexter, and Miami metro hunting him down. The plot in intense as hell and the last 4 episodes are some of the greatest ever. and this season has one of the biggest shocker in television history.
  11. ironhomer
    Sep 15, 2013
    10
    After not too pleased third season. This season became for me a surprise. Perfect villain, interesting story with such a plot twists, shock ending, and great acting John Lithgow.
  12. bulger_paul
    Aug 15, 2013
    9
    One of the strongest seasons in the series, season 4 places Dexter in a unique situation, for a serial killer, as his life develops a deeper connection to the people who began as mere cover ups in his deeply layered web of secrets.
    Here we are introduced to Arthur Mitchell, Dexter's most disturbed foe in the series thus far. The writing is still darkly comic, nobody is as they seem, the    One of the strongest seasons in the series, season 4 places Dexter in a unique situation, for a serial killer, as his life develops a deeper connection to the people who began as mere cover ups in his deeply layered web of secrets.
    Here we are introduced to Arthur Mitchell, Dexter's most disturbed foe in the series thus far. The writing is still darkly comic, nobody is as they seem, the season is hardly short of thrills, and it all comes down to a jaw dropping conclusion none of us could see coming.    … Expand
  13. moonman1994
    Jul 27, 2013
    10
    Absolutely an amazing season. Arguably the best one out of all the seasons. Lithgow's performance as Trinity is horrifying and gripping at the same time. You can't take your eyes of the screen during this entire season. It is the first Dexter season that is truly shocking and horrifying at many different times. At several moments you can't help but feel a little sick or cry a little. ThisAbsolutely an amazing season. Arguably the best one out of all the seasons. Lithgow's performance as Trinity is horrifying and gripping at the same time. You can't take your eyes of the screen during this entire season. It is the first Dexter season that is truly shocking and horrifying at many different times. At several moments you can't help but feel a little sick or cry a little. This season is amazingly done. Plain and simple.… Expand
  14. Mrdan69
    Jun 14, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This season was brilliant, but not completely flawless. The beginning few episodes meander and plod along, only to be saved by tantalizing glimpses of the ultimate "big bad" John Lithgow as the Trinity Killer.

    The season really picks up and does not let go once Dexter realizes that Trinity is a family man (albeit with a dysfunctional family). It also serves to mirror Dexter's own hopes and fears.

    The secondary story of LaGuerta and Batista's romance did not quite work so well for me, as it's only purpose seemed to be to cause political conflict with the higher-ups at the police dept.

    But no worries, as anyone who has seen this season knows-the last 2 minutes of the final episode make up for any shortcomings this season might have had. I recall watching Dexter dispatch of Trinity in the trash bags in the ocean thinking "there's still a lot of time left here." The twist at the end of that episode left reverberations that are still being felt as the show enters its 8th and final year.    … Expand
  15. Kirase
    Apr 14, 2013
    7
    Dexter Season 4 was O.K., but i really hope they come up with smarter storytelling and plot twists in next seasons. A lot of what was happening in this season felt a bit forced and stupid. But i learned that Courtney Ford got some nice boobs, thank you for that, learning by repetition, kind of proven that it works here, at some point i was willed to believe that she was not allowed to getDexter Season 4 was O.K., but i really hope they come up with smarter storytelling and plot twists in next seasons. A lot of what was happening in this season felt a bit forced and stupid. But i learned that Courtney Ford got some nice boobs, thank you for that, learning by repetition, kind of proven that it works here, at some point i was willed to believe that she was not allowed to get on screen clothed but well at least the last episode proved that was not the case. And the relationship to Rita really took a too big part of the show lately. But with dexter moving his stuff to a ship container first and than taking care of rita afterwards that problem should be completely solved Killing Astor and Cody would be bit rough, leaving them with dexter wouldnt change much, so they will probably move to ritas mom in next season. Will see...… Expand
  16. drlowdon
    Apr 2, 2013
    8
    Dexter has long since established itself as one of the best drama series on TV. This fourth season deals largely with Dexter's attempts to balance his family life, which now includes his baby son, with his need to kill. When he meets Arthur Mitchell (played brilliantly by John Lithgow) it at first seems he has found someone able to achieve exactly what he has always strived for but outwardDexter has long since established itself as one of the best drama series on TV. This fourth season deals largely with Dexter's attempts to balance his family life, which now includes his baby son, with his need to kill. When he meets Arthur Mitchell (played brilliantly by John Lithgow) it at first seems he has found someone able to achieve exactly what he has always strived for but outward appearances can often be deceiving....

    Many critics of Dexter would argue that the show has become more unrealistic as each season has progressed to the extent where it is now difficult to believe that he his secret would not have been discovered and in some ways I would agree with this.

    For me however what the show has lost (slightly) in believability it has made up for with superb character development, particularly in the case of Dexter himself. Watching his development from an almost emotionless killer, whose girlfriend and job were nothing more than a cover, into someone who gradually realises that perhaps the people in his life do mean something to him continues to make for truly fascinating viewing.    … Expand
  17. Swati
    Dec 1, 2012
    10
    I found season 4 to be as awesome as season 1. After struggling through season 3 (which I actually gave up after episode 4 for a long while), I was in no mood to subject myself to another ordeal. But just for old times' sake, I decided to give the premiere a shot. The score speaks for itself.
  18. cameronmorewood
    Nov 9, 2012
    10
    Utterly brilliant. Lithgow's character is nearly as compelling as Dexter himself. Every subplot is juicy as hell. Dexter 4, is, truly, the best single season every aired on television. Ever.
  19. ChazJaxx
    Oct 28, 2012
    10
    BEST SEASON SO FAR! John Lithgow is incredible as the Trinity Killer and the absolutely incredible "edge of your seat" finale, I don't know how any season could surpass this one.
  20. imthenoob
    Oct 26, 2012
    10
    There is a reason why everyone says the show is at it's peak through out season 4. It's by far my favorite season and it was perfect from start to finish. Definently makes up for the poor quality of the previous 2 seasons imo.
  21. hillg
    Jul 16, 2012
    10
    this is the best season of this show....the creators of the show outdid themselves with this season...i doubt they will make a season as good as this before the show is over.
  22. jack_d
    Jun 15, 2012
    10
    It's safe to say that season four was the best season yet. I found it to have more suspense & more development in Dexter's character. John Lithgow has to be one of the creepiest serial killer to ever grace a television show. I loved every second of this season!
  23. Mr_West
    Mar 28, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Straightly Speaking, the greatest season of a t.v. show ever. It took a challenging concept and made it one of the most twisted, character centered, artistic, and beautiful series of episodes in T.V. show history. The narration was perfect. Everything added in the exact in the right place. The idea of a monster, a serial killer, trying to live a normal suburban life, seems so rediculous, and yet feels so right, since we as the audience believe we know Dexter, and know the good inside him. Unfortunately, with every chance he gets, we finally, for the first time since Season 1, see a villain who's life resembles Dexter's. But when we do, we know that his pursuit at a normal life, that seemed to covered in gold in Season 3, can only end in one way; tragedy.… Expand
  24. keep_yr_bias
    Mar 13, 2012
    10
    I've been powering through the DVD's of Dexter over the past couple months, and Season 4 is the best yet in my opinion. The entire season has so much momentum, and the final 3-4 episodes are gripping to say the least. The Trinity Killer is my favorite character outside of the core cast for all the seasons. The Ice Truck Killer was integral to the entire series, but John Lithgow playsI've been powering through the DVD's of Dexter over the past couple months, and Season 4 is the best yet in my opinion. The entire season has so much momentum, and the final 3-4 episodes are gripping to say the least. The Trinity Killer is my favorite character outside of the core cast for all the seasons. The Ice Truck Killer was integral to the entire series, but John Lithgow plays the Trinity role flawlessly. He is creepy and completely unpredictable. Anybody who claims they knew what he would do next is full of s***. It was also very nice to see Keith Carradine's character (Lundee) come back too, as he is also one of my favorite characters. There's A LOT going on in this season. The final two minutes delivers a complete gut punch to the viewer too. I'm already pumped to get Season 5 going to see which direction it will go.… Expand
  25. SHO1BANG
    Jan 9, 2012
    10
    The best season after the 1st one. Edge of your seat throughout the last 3-4 episodes, the relationship between Dex and Trinity is amazing, Trinity is also a very interesting, rich character, who is appaled by what he's doing. Dex also evolves, as he becomes more human, and has to find a way to deal with his family life, married, three kids, and also continue to do what he does... AmazingThe best season after the 1st one. Edge of your seat throughout the last 3-4 episodes, the relationship between Dex and Trinity is amazing, Trinity is also a very interesting, rich character, who is appaled by what he's doing. Dex also evolves, as he becomes more human, and has to find a way to deal with his family life, married, three kids, and also continue to do what he does... Amazing ending as well, shocking actually. John Lithgow and Michae C. Hall had amazing chemistry. Lundy also returns, and Deb also has a much bigger role in this season, which I liked.… Expand
  26. FakhriDean
    Nov 2, 2011
    10
    Best Season of all time, best finale of all time...I mean the writers did such an amazing job, Michel perfect as usual , the trinity killer added a lot of thrilling to the show, if you didn't watch it you're missing out
  27. tinar1
    Aug 21, 2011
    10
    I always said that season 2 was the best... indeed it is one, but now the events of season 4 makes it right to the top. It starts really well and it ends shockingly.
    Warning: Remember Dexter is not a series for everybody.
  28. Human
    Aug 20, 2011
    8
    John Lithgow does a fantastic job in this season and really helps add something to the show. The secondary character subplots get a little more annoying and unnecessary this season and while Lithgow does a good job in his role and his actual character is interesting, the show seems to be falling into a bit of a formula that loses impact each time. Still, the fourth season, while notJohn Lithgow does a fantastic job in this season and really helps add something to the show. The secondary character subplots get a little more annoying and unnecessary this season and while Lithgow does a good job in his role and his actual character is interesting, the show seems to be falling into a bit of a formula that loses impact each time. Still, the fourth season, while not reaching the high standard set by the first two season, outshines the third and makes for an enjoyable and overall well-made experience.… Expand
  29. MustisTheCat
    Aug 17, 2011
    9
    Another excellent season. Mostly because of Arthur Mitchell character (outstanding performance from John Lithgow). Be warned that first 3-4 episodes are slow, maybe even boring. Nothing is happening. You would think that season should be rated lower as it is a bit uneven. Thankfully, the story becomes a strong thriller from the 5th ep. As in the 3rd season, in this one we also have someAnother excellent season. Mostly because of Arthur Mitchell character (outstanding performance from John Lithgow). Be warned that first 3-4 episodes are slow, maybe even boring. Nothing is happening. You would think that season should be rated lower as it is a bit uneven. Thankfully, the story becomes a strong thriller from the 5th ep. As in the 3rd season, in this one we also have some complicated personalities and we never really know what will happen next. It gets scary and brutal at the same time. Very strong finale with twists and endless questions.… Expand
  30. mecbirdhouse
    Jul 10, 2011
    8
    John Lithgow, as expected, delivers a phenomenal, very scary performance, and is given a very well-mapped out storyline. Almost ever episode ends on a huge reveal or event that pulls you into the story further.
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Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Best TV Season of 2009
17
#17 Most Discussed TV Season of 2009
29
#29 Most Shared TV Season of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    80
    Thankfully, this season Dexter continues to play with our moral bearings, which is the show’s best quality.
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  2. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Paige Wiser
    100
    The series is as compulsively watchable as ever, with Dexter's marriage, stepchildren, newborn son and stifling suburban life complicating his leisure time.
    Read full review
  3. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    50
    Dexter’s life as a suburban dad feels claustrophobic, and the show has become repetitive and predictable.
    Read full review
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