Dexter

:

Season 8
  • Network: SHOWTIME
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 1, 2006
Season #: 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
4.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 492 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 186 out of 492
  2. Mixed: 123 out of 492
  3. Negative: 183 out of 492
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  1. lipino
    Apr 16, 2022
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It was a mixed bag until the finale, which turned out to be Game Of Thrones season 8 level bad. Basically, Dexter had to act out of character in order to be caught. Very similar to Game of Thrones, where characters had to behave unlike themselves in order to suit the ending. If you have to change the characters to suit your ending, maybe your ending needs changing.

    Dexter was sloppy throughout the season, going after criminals that he knew were being targeted by cops, at the places the cops would surely show up. Yes he had been latent for many years, but being rusty doesn't mean you become stupid.

    The Harrison relationship was frustrating and went nowhere, then rapidly went somewhere, and then nowhere again. Briefly I thought it may actually be very interesting, if Harrison was actually hunting Dexter, suspecting him of being the Bay Harbor Butcher and killing his mom. But no, they didn't delve into anything that interesting.

    In order to suit the ending, Dexter had to become completely bonkers at the end, needlessly killing a cop to needlessly escape from prison from a charge that never would have stuck.

    And somehow we are to believe that his son killing him will somehow be healing, that he'll live happily ever after. That it won't completely destroy him and make him worse than Dexter. I had to fast forward to the credits from there, it was just too dumb to watch at that point.    … Expand
  2. JPK
    Jun 16, 2019
    4
    One Of The Worst Finales Ever
    Season 8 of Dexter isn’t as awful as Game Of Thrones’s final season, But the final season of Dexter still is a middle finger to the first 7 (Even the so-so 6).
  3. Esthete
    Mar 19, 2019
    1
    The main mistake of the showrunners was the addition of an affair of Dexter and Hannah McKay, in 7 season. It was all so artificial that it just a facepalm. Showrunners had must to develop a romance between Dexter and Debra, because she was a stepsister and it may have worked. And go in the direction of cooperation between their in solving crimes. But apparently showrunners were scared ofThe main mistake of the showrunners was the addition of an affair of Dexter and Hannah McKay, in 7 season. It was all so artificial that it just a facepalm. Showrunners had must to develop a romance between Dexter and Debra, because she was a stepsister and it may have worked. And go in the direction of cooperation between their in solving crimes. But apparently showrunners were scared of something, or they didn't have enough skills or wanted to do it for PG-13; now it doesn't matter. Also showrunners had two wonderful moments to complete the series in major. First in season 7 final ep.12, except scenes Hannah's escape and her appearance at the door of Dexter that scenes shouldn't have got into final. And second in season 8 final of ep. 5. But you didn't. Around the same time, Breaking Bad ended, to whose final also have claims, but you have made an epic fail. P.S. season 5 also as season 8 was worst.… Expand
  4. Andremax
    Jul 31, 2016
    6
    From 1st to 4th dexter's seasons, you see Dexter as psychosocial . After this, the protagonist pass for a radical humanizer process, making the series essence goes away.
    From 5th to 8th season, Dexter became a regular serie, along the protagonist will became a regular people.
    At least The 5th season saves itself for the villain, the 6th, the best season (of 5th to 8th), for the thematic    From 1st to 4th dexter's seasons, you see Dexter as psychosocial . After this, the protagonist pass for a radical humanizer process, making the series essence goes away.
    From 5th to 8th season, Dexter became a regular serie, along the protagonist will became a regular people.
    At least The 5th season saves itself for the villain, the 6th, the best season (of 5th to 8th), for the thematic and how the villian uses in for himself, althought idiot reason about Debra that screw up the final.
    But the 7th season is just a copy of 2nd season.
    And the 8th season is the worst, cause it brings useful happenings and a WTF final.

    (P.S.: This grade referes to the Seasons 5,6,7 and 8 in a general manner)    … Expand
  5. TheQuietGamer
    May 17, 2016
    8
    Dexter has shaken up it's well-known formula here and there, but mostly followed the same structure. That isn't the case in season 8. It's the most wildly different season of Dexter there is. While I can't say it's really for the better, it isn't always for the worse. The tone is much more personal with tons of intimate character interactions meant to ensure we know where everyone is asDexter has shaken up it's well-known formula here and there, but mostly followed the same structure. That isn't the case in season 8. It's the most wildly different season of Dexter there is. While I can't say it's really for the better, it isn't always for the worse. The tone is much more personal with tons of intimate character interactions meant to ensure we know where everyone is as the series closes. A solid move for a final season.

    However this leads to lulls in the pacing. There's a lot of talking. It isn't really a bad thing when it's characters we care about onscreen. However newcomer "Evelyn Vogel" (Charlotte Rampling) isn't one of them and it's her and Dexter that do much of the talking. Vogel isn't a bad character. Her connections to Dexter are compelling. She just isn't as interesting as the characters we've watched since the beginning of the show.

    This season does an excellent job of handling some of the supporting characters who never really had much time in the spotlight, such as Jamie and Masuka. I really enjoyed their side-plots this season. Jamie became more than just the nanny and had some real growth. Masuka finally has something interesting going on in his life that makes his character more likable than ever. However the real praise goes to Desmond Harrington's "Joey." What his character goes through this season and the growth that takes place is compelling and amazing to watch. I've struggled with my feeling for the character over the course of the show, but here he firmly planted himself in my heart. Angel isn't given much to do this season outside of being his usually lovable self, but honestly he didn't need to be.

    Where the season really stumbles is in it's handling of Debra. It was expected that the events of season 7 would leave her changed, but this isn't the Debra we know at all. I get that she is ridden with guilt, but does that really excuse her incessant whining? Eventually she comes back to her old self in the last few episodes which leads to some very powerful moments between her and Dexter in the end. It's just that up until that point she and the plots related to her aren't very enjoyable to watch. It all pays off in the end, but given how important Debra is to the show it's a shame that such a big portion of her journey this season is lacking and so not Debra at all.

    So what about the man himself? As far as Dexter goes, the man (or monster) has never been more focused. Dexter has always struggled with who he was in previous seasons. This season he doesn't. He knows exactly who and what he is as well as what he wants. He's focused, on point, and doesn't slip up. It's not until the show's final moments that he struggles with anything. Michael C. Hall gives his best performance as Dexter yet. One that's menacing, emotional, and as compelling as ever. The writers might have mishandled Debra for the majority of this season, but Dexter has never been better.

    Now it's true that there's a lot of emotion running through this season, but that doesn't mean it's missing the tension or action. Those just arrive in new forms. A potential student (with a fantastic performance by Sam Underwood), new psychopaths, new people hunting the characters, and plenty of emotional drama make up the season. The villains aren't as fleshed out as before and hardly seem a threat to this new, focused Dexter, but when they get tied into stopping Dexter's plans for the future is when things really start to pick up.

    That's also when the season comes together. Up until that point we get a lot of emotion and talk that is just boring to watch at times and feels disjointed at times. It takes a while for everything to connect, but once it does just about everything starts to pay off and it's an exciting, tense, and emotional ride to the finish.

    Emotional is a word I've used a lot in this review to describe Dexter's final season. That's because it really is. There are some really powerful moments the show brings out, particularly involving the bond between Dexter and Debra (once she starts acting with some sense that is). The ending isn't going to satisfy everyone, but everything leading up to that is mostly great. Pacing issues and the occasional awkwardness in tone do hamper things, but for the most part Dexter delivers in it's final season. One filled with new ideas, tones, and focus. It breaks the established mold Dexter is known for and, while stumbling here and there, goes out on a mostly satisfying note. One with a lot of twists, turns, and heartbreaks.    … Expand
  6. SchroederRock
    Feb 22, 2016
    8
    The final season of Dexter is more of a good thing. While it won't be remembered as the best season, especially since season 7 left us with such a huge impact, but it ties up the story fairly well. The impact of LaGuerta's death from the final episode of season 7 acts as the primary driver for the first half of the season, with both Debra and Dexter's relationship on pins & needles.The final season of Dexter is more of a good thing. While it won't be remembered as the best season, especially since season 7 left us with such a huge impact, but it ties up the story fairly well. The impact of LaGuerta's death from the final episode of season 7 acts as the primary driver for the first half of the season, with both Debra and Dexter's relationship on pins & needles. Eventually, the final main villain of Dexter is revealed, but I found Dexter's final rival to be a little underwhelming compared to what he encountered in seasons past. All in all, I enjoyed this season, but there were obvious opportunities to hit a home run, and the show didn't quite end on the climatic note I would have expected. In fact, the shows final episode left me feeling more sullen than anything else. SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT, STOP READING IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN ANY OF THIS SEASON. While I was a little detesting of how the events of the final couple episodes played out, Debra's fate ends up being perhaps one of the most impactful moments of the series. After being on the fence about Debra, finding her a bit annoying instead of interesting, her character grew the most and her and Dexter's relationship became the driving force behind the show. Her going into a vegetable state was the saddest moment of the show, even worse than Rita's murder via the Trinity Killer. The show's final moments showing Dexter alone and seemingly-anonymous was a fitting conclusion as he tangles with the Midas Touch, only the death/despair version. I can't say I was in loved with how the bow gets tied on this series, but it wasn't an ending that made me feel betrayed after eight entire seasons. While not my favorite show of all time, I'll always hold this series in high regard for its consistency. Now why did so many people despise this final season? It's certainly worthy of a positive review, just maybe not a "glowing" one.… Expand
  7. podaddy
    Nov 25, 2015
    0
    It's been three years, but I have to put my two cents in on Dexter's final season. What a complete piece of garbage the entire season was. Did they just give up all together? There were certainly signs of a quick decline in the previous two seasons that were pretty bad, but Season 8 makes those seasons look like they had Scorcese at the helm. Dr. Vogel? Seriously? OMG. May have been theIt's been three years, but I have to put my two cents in on Dexter's final season. What a complete piece of garbage the entire season was. Did they just give up all together? There were certainly signs of a quick decline in the previous two seasons that were pretty bad, but Season 8 makes those seasons look like they had Scorcese at the helm. Dr. Vogel? Seriously? OMG. May have been the most laughable character in TV history. The season and the finale were sooooooooo bad they ruined any chance of me ever going back and re-watching from Season 1 on. It's completely pointless after the train wreck of S8. It's astonishing that anyone could give this season anything better than a two, let alone a 10. That's nuts. Clearly those people went on to enjoy utter TV trash like The Following.… Expand
  8. fbtimesofficial
    Sep 10, 2015
    5
    What a disappointment. Poorly written and unable to develop its own good story, Dexter's eighth season starts with promise but fails to live up to its former glory.
  9. laHota69
    Dec 3, 2014
    3
    es una puta mierda .............................................................................................................................................................
  10. shivamt25
    Oct 14, 2014
    4
    It was the worst one. The show was dragging unimportant things and nothing good was happening at all. Got so bored watching this, had to watch all these episode to reach at an equally disappointing end.
  11. ozymandias79
    Aug 25, 2014
    7
    A great show with a bad conclusion. They should have shot a few endings and chosen the best one. Instead, the ending is so unbelievable its almost funny. This is a semi-spoiler but here's a better ending, he jumps in with Deb because he realizes he loves her too and can't go on without her. Where's my Emmy?
  12. thebestreviews
    Aug 11, 2014
    0
    Is this the worst season of scripted dramatic television of all tine? Yes, yes it is. Its stupid, boring, nonsensical, laughable, and anticlimactic. True Story: one time i told a friends the ending of this show, and he thought i was telling a joke. Yeah its that bad.
  13. das_gute
    Jul 12, 2014
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Even with some great tension that arises early in the season, the overall presentation is sloppy and a botched attempt at finding an ending that will be a slap in the face for most fans/viewers.… Expand
  14. Stupu311
    Jun 20, 2014
    0
    this was possibly the worst season of a television show that i have ever seen. the whole season was a disaster. the characters were not the same the writing was horrible and the plot was unbelievable. good thing the writers made up for it in the worst series finale of a show i have ever seen.
  15. chekovsgun
    Jun 4, 2014
    1
    Do I even have to go over how horribly written this final season was? And I don't just mean the finale, either. Almost the entire time I felt myself struggling to even stay focused. The entire character of Dr. Vogel was a colossal waste. Oh and I'm sure you've all heard about the numerous awful plot hololes that plagued the finale, but I'd like to add one I saw in the episode before: HowDo I even have to go over how horribly written this final season was? And I don't just mean the finale, either. Almost the entire time I felt myself struggling to even stay focused. The entire character of Dr. Vogel was a colossal waste. Oh and I'm sure you've all heard about the numerous awful plot hololes that plagued the finale, but I'd like to add one I saw in the episode before: How the f#%@ did a FEDERAL MARSHAL fail to recognize Saxxon after his face had been all over TV for almost 2 days? The only reason I gave this season even 1 point was that Dexter stabbing Saxxon with the pen was kinda cool. Aside from that, entire season was garbage.… Expand
  16. souradeep85
    May 28, 2014
    3
    To be honest, the season started strong , I was really liking it at the beginning but that time period of enjoyment was ephemeral. The ad for the last season should have started with "Experience the downfall of one the best shows and see how true it is that you can turn anything into garbage if you put your mind to it , assuming the writers had what we refer to as a mind at that time'.To be honest, the season started strong , I was really liking it at the beginning but that time period of enjoyment was ephemeral. The ad for the last season should have started with "Experience the downfall of one the best shows and see how true it is that you can turn anything into garbage if you put your mind to it , assuming the writers had what we refer to as a mind at that time'. Dexter was one of my favourite shows especially throughout the 1st 4 seasons but then began the decline of what could' ve been.......the best of the best. Season 7 was strong and I thought it was steering Dexter back on a good path and this season started strong to with a lot changes and issues at hand but then it just became boring and the last episode was just pathetic , anyone could haveve written a better last episode than that. All I have to say is Dexter was one the best shows easily but this final season turned the whole show into ashes.… Expand
  17. dierregi
    May 10, 2014
    0
    This series is even worse than I expected. It could easily be mistaken for a demented soap opera. Almost each episode is chock full of cringe-inducing scenes and dialogues. To mention but a few: Vogels inviting all her darling serial killers for dinner; Hanna and Deb becoming best pals; love as the cure for the psychotic urge to kill...

    The Vogel character started out well but after a    This series is even worse than I expected. It could easily be mistaken for a demented soap opera. Almost each episode is chock full of cringe-inducing scenes and dialogues. To mention but a few: Vogels inviting all her darling serial killers for dinner; Hanna and Deb becoming best pals; love as the cure for the psychotic urge to kill...

    The Vogel character started out well but after a couple of episodes turned into the worst shrink ever. Hannah was thrown back in the show with one of the worst plot twists ever (Darling Dexter I need you help to kill my husband..... Actually not, I can do it on my own)

    As an ex fan of Dexter, I decided to watch the final season even if reviews were pretty bad, but I must admit that even bad reviews did not prepare me for a disaster of such a proportion.    … Expand
  18. Stahl
    Mar 26, 2014
    0
    Dexter was a great show for the first five seasons... this review is based on the last two seasons but primarily the last episode. What were they thinking? Without question the worst ending to a series ever written. Want to learn how to 'unravel' a legacy? watch the last two seasons... for shame.
  19. imthenoob
    Mar 18, 2014
    4
    I think they tried to cram too much into one season and it just did not work. The main serial killer was very lack-luster and no where near as good or compelling as the others. Adding all this backstory for Dexter, as well as other characters who stopped being useful many seasons ago (Angel and Masuka) now was pointless as well, Especially when they had 7 previous seasons to do so, It wasI think they tried to cram too much into one season and it just did not work. The main serial killer was very lack-luster and no where near as good or compelling as the others. Adding all this backstory for Dexter, as well as other characters who stopped being useful many seasons ago (Angel and Masuka) now was pointless as well, Especially when they had 7 previous seasons to do so, It was really unneeded. And as for the series finale, I didn't mind it but it definitely was poorly executed and was a huge disappointment to send off such a great series in a poor way.

    Overall, I wouldn't say it's the worst season of the show but it was definitely the most disappointing.    … Expand
  20. fifa14sucks
    Mar 18, 2014
    0
    Most embarrassing TV season of any show ever. I can't believe the actors/actresses didn't have the guts to stand up for themselves and demand a re-write of the season script... that's how bad it was.
  21. kondor17
    Jan 26, 2014
    1
    What happened? Why? Who wrote this season? These are the only questions I get after this 8th, final, awful season. The apotheosis of absurd with all the incongruity you can only imagine. It changed the nature of Dex, the thin red line of the story. Why why why.... Answers?
  22. tonytopper
    Jan 21, 2014
    4
    Boycotting Scott Buck forever. Worst series finale I have ever watched in my life. I feel like the should make another episode and fix it. Then Scott Buck should publicly apologize for that crap. I'd give the season a zero but the with the exception of the series finale it wasn't that bad.
  23. MindSpaz
    Jan 5, 2014
    5
    This is a really good show for anyone who likes crime TV and a good drama/thriller. However, the last 2 seasons are really, really bad. You could skip them entirely and probably be fine with the ending of season 6. It's probably a better ending to the show than the actual ending. The last 2 seasons were obviously rushed and the writing suffered severely. Lot's of characters that shouldThis is a really good show for anyone who likes crime TV and a good drama/thriller. However, the last 2 seasons are really, really bad. You could skip them entirely and probably be fine with the ending of season 6. It's probably a better ending to the show than the actual ending. The last 2 seasons were obviously rushed and the writing suffered severely. Lot's of characters that should have never been introduced, terrible side plots, and main plots. Avoid the last 2 seasons, just watch season 1-6. Otherwise, the show is great, seasons 1-4 are really good, seasons 5 and 6 are okay but still good if you are a fan of the show.… Expand
  24. Polarthief
    Nov 18, 2013
    0
    This season can be summed up as two words: The Finale. If the season wasn't bad enough, the finale screams "I'M TERRIBLE!". As you can see the User Score for this season is the only one that dips deep into Yellow territory while every other season was in bright green. That enough should tell you something is clearly wrong with this season. Don't bother watching it and having the seriesThis season can be summed up as two words: The Finale. If the season wasn't bad enough, the finale screams "I'M TERRIBLE!". As you can see the User Score for this season is the only one that dips deep into Yellow territory while every other season was in bright green. That enough should tell you something is clearly wrong with this season. Don't bother watching it and having the series completely ruined for you. If you MUST watch it, DO. NOT. WATCH. THE. FINALE. You will thank me in the long run!… Expand
  25. Swati
    Oct 22, 2013
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I don't really know how I feel about it. It was OK before it became better. The final episodes picked up the pace. Not really sure about the finale, though. Dexter has always been more than just a human being. He's the perfect psychopath. Here he turned sissy which cost him very dearly. When Debra dies and he takes her out to the sea, I was expecting him to just sail on into the storm, but no. He throws her into the sea and then fakes his death. I don't get it. If this was the most important person in his life, he should have just died with her. And if she was replaced by someone else, he shouldn't have taken all the trouble of faking his death and just hopped on a plane to Argentina. Or, better (at least in my opinion), Hannah being cute and likeable notwithstanding, this was a show primarily about the Morgans. Dexter should have died, or turned himself in. Deb should have been discovered and fled the country with Harrison. As about Hannah, who gives a f***? The ending looked to be inspired by Dark Knight Rises.

    The reason I liked Dexter so much was he could take decisions no one can in real life, at least not legally. You don't let your enemies live. That is what Dexter should have learned after Rita's death. But no, he had to go and have his sister killed. Looking to build a life for himself, deserting his kid sister, who clearly would always need him, especially after what he had put her through. He should have just killed her immediately after she discovered him with the Doomsday Killer. Then he had the shamelessness to save himself and fake his death. Fake it. How lame? Could it not have moved more away from reality? He should either have sailed into the storm or confessed to his crimes, extolling Deb's virtue or something. How could you let yourself live on if you know you are the cause of your own sibling's death? I mean, what the f***? Or, he could have sailed on into the ocean until his fuel ran out. And due to the storm, no one would look for him, and there, he could starve to death, with Deb's body by his side, and reflect on how he ****ed up her life.

    And... f*** Hannah Mckay. Did Dexter truly trust Harrison with her than with the boy's aunt, or his grandparents, or half-siblings for that matter? Some of the most mind-boggling decisions and plot holes. He always left Harrison with Jaime but he left him with a woman who everyone is looking for and could easily put the kid in jeopardy. So disappointing I do not have words for it. Completely ruined the show for me. I can't recommend it to anyone knowing how it would end.    … Expand
  26. JCouch777
    Oct 19, 2013
    6
    What's happened to dexter? What was once a unique and incredibly interesting is now showing its signs of old age. After 8 seasons it is definitely time to end the show. A show that deserved to go out with a bang sadly disappointed and I feel underwhelmed.
  27. joao1198pedro
    Oct 19, 2013
    5
    the eighth and final season of dexter was the most disappointing of the series, this season uses things that did not make sense to use, the series had an ending for everything and it ended up disappointing me a lot, dexter had the potential to have a good ending.
  28. ProudNoob
    Oct 18, 2013
    5
    Severe disappointment, especially after the season 7 comeback. It started off with a solid 4 episodes, then immediately began to veer off-track. Forget hoping for a good finale! The last year consistently disappointed fans with each succeeding episode. Our hopes were up for nothing. Where this show began as one of the greatest dramas in television history, it overstayed its welcome and hasSevere disappointment, especially after the season 7 comeback. It started off with a solid 4 episodes, then immediately began to veer off-track. Forget hoping for a good finale! The last year consistently disappointed fans with each succeeding episode. Our hopes were up for nothing. Where this show began as one of the greatest dramas in television history, it overstayed its welcome and has long since fallen from that status.… Expand
  29. moonman1994
    Oct 16, 2013
    6
    Despite getting off to a fantastic start the eight season of Dexter began to fail around the 8th episode. The Dexter-Hannah dynamic did not work this season and the writing for the last couple of episodes was pretty poor. That said, Vogel was a very interesting character and did manage to fill in plot wholes and Deb's character progression throughout the season and her progression ofDespite getting off to a fantastic start the eight season of Dexter began to fail around the 8th episode. The Dexter-Hannah dynamic did not work this season and the writing for the last couple of episodes was pretty poor. That said, Vogel was a very interesting character and did manage to fill in plot wholes and Deb's character progression throughout the season and her progression of learning to trust Dexter was very interesting.… Expand
  30. RecycledAir
    Oct 16, 2013
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Underwhelming and disapointing to no end. This is what happens when a studio takes a great show and replaces its amazing storyline with a serious case if bad writing. Througout the entire episode I couldn't stop saying "what the hell?" to everything that seemed strange and just illogical to me. Dexter used to be one of the best shows on television, but now, there isn't much to like about the ending. The only workd I can use to describe the finalie of Dexter is "disapointing." Here's some advice, if you're thinking about watching Dexter and you've never seen it before, stop at Season 4. Every other season is just mediocre bull-crap… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Best TV Season of 2013
22
#22 Most Discussed TV Season of 2013
55
#55 Most Shared TV Season of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Sioux City Journal
    Reviewed by: Bruce Miller
    Jul 1, 2013
    70
    Interestingly, Dexter settled into a groove that suggested it could go on for years.... If Dexter regains its eerie footing (and it appears it will), look for it to explode in the final weeks. Sunday's edition says the surprises have just begun.
    Read full review
  2. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    Jun 28, 2013
    88
    This could all pay off spectacularly. [8 Jul 2013, p.36]
  3. Denver Post
    Reviewed by: Joanne Ostrow
    Jun 28, 2013
    80
    Rampling brings her primly authoritative presence and a stern look to the task. Her scenes with Hall crackle with tension.
    Read full review
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