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. bob516
    Aug 3, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This show is ending much better than I expected, after a couple of weaker seasons. Wonderful to see how Dexter became the monster he says he is. The first few episodes are making me wonder more about his Dark Passenger than I have in years. Great to meet his "mother."… Expand
  2. thyho
    Jun 30, 2013
    10
    A better start than season 7 with convincing new characters, Dexter still seek something he didn't found in the entire series and there is some clues he'll find it til the series finale.
    There is some flops but nothing there will pull down the quality.
  3. Nemisis530
    Jun 30, 2013
    10
    The premiere was a strong start to what I believe will be an even stronger season. The spiraling downfall of the main characters is truly remarkable and sinister. With James gandolfini dead and the endings of dexter and breaking bad this summer, it feels like an era of television is coming to an end. Dexters finale will be iconic, I guarantee it.
  4. jdankman
    Jul 8, 2013
    10
    Shaping up to be a great final season to one of the best shows of the last 10 years. Cant wait to see how it plays out with Deb on a downward spiral and Vogel now entering the equation and Hannah bound to pop up sooner or later.
  5. angie1234
    Jul 19, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I couldn't wait to watch this season and was not disappointed! The writers get off the blocks with a bang and we could literally see the beginning of the end for our beloved serial killer from the very first episode.

    The star performer? I would say it was Jennifer Carpenter. Playing the guilt wracked Deb on a path to self destruction, she fits the role to a T. The clarity with which Dexter opens the first episode couldn't end with a bigger contrast towards the end of the episode as he starts losing control and lets his "dark passenger" take over more than just once. Which leads us to the question, "Who is truly on their path to self destruction?" Not even his projections of Harry could rein him this time which sets up an interesting season ahead.    … Expand
  6. Chethanahuja
    Sep 23, 2013
    10
    A scintillating ending; the show just paid of in just one episode and boy, you will be breathless. Goodbye dexter. Michael c.hall and the entire cast and crew of dexter, thank you very,very much. No one can even ever imagine a series like dexter. Marvelous.
  7. Fingeldor
    Sep 24, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A sad, tragic end to a series that went on two or three seasons too long. That isn't to say I didn't enjoy the final moments, because I did very much. If you can suspend many beliefs about the acts of Mr. Dexter Morgan and try to enjoy the character interactions, I would recommend it to almost anyone. It's impossible it seems to be utterly satisfied with all of the poor writing throughout the show but its somber conclusion to me is probably the best one and is sure to satisfy those who wanted to see Dexter ruined, those who wanted to see him live and those who wanted to see him move beyond his killer instincts.… Expand
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. JoseCosta
    Sep 28, 2013
    8
    A sad ending of Dexter. An ending that can only be explained by "Dexter"'s creator: why couldn't he just be happy? Dexter is a beloved killer. A choking finale when Debra gets worse by the time Dexter has feelings for the first time and he has to release her into the ocean. A good final kill by Dexter, the one that he just couldn't let go at this point. The final scene is a little bitA sad ending of Dexter. An ending that can only be explained by "Dexter"'s creator: why couldn't he just be happy? Dexter is a beloved killer. A choking finale when Debra gets worse by the time Dexter has feelings for the first time and he has to release her into the ocean. A good final kill by Dexter, the one that he just couldn't let go at this point. The final scene is a little bit confusing could have Dexter survived to the hurricane or was that Harrison years after? And what's the meaning of the scene? Almost cried on this final episode, true history...One of the best tv series ever.… Expand
  11. Caste
    Jul 3, 2013
    8
    In one first episode I already hate Deb, look for the new psycho to beat and I'm quite interested in that old woman.
    I was afraid after all these seasons to be disappointed, but it's just the begining and I'm waiting for the next one. And that's good!
  12. chughead
    Jul 13, 2013
    7
    »(¯`v´¯)»LOVE»(¯`v´¯)»THIS»(¯`v´¯)»FINALE»(¯`v´¯)»!!! Dr. Frankenstein Lady will be Dexter's end.
    If creators can pull off a show like Dexter where the writers can actually make the audience condone Dexter acts, then deep down inside most of those viewers may prefer vengeance opposed to obeying the law, as long as someone else is doing it of course. That way we can wash our hands from    »(¯`v´¯)»LOVE»(¯`v´¯)»THIS»(¯`v´¯)»FINALE»(¯`v´¯)»!!! Dr. Frankenstein Lady will be Dexter's end.
    If creators can pull off a show like Dexter where the writers can actually make the audience condone Dexter acts, then deep down inside most of those viewers may prefer vengeance opposed to obeying the law, as long as someone else is doing it of course. That way we can wash our hands from guilt, while condoning breaking the law. Oh what a tiny web weave when we practice to deceive. Some Americans also had a sympathetic heart and twisted love affair for Bonnie and Clyde which murdered innocent people and committed felonies, because they seemed like romantic criminals in the category of Romeo and Juliette. We as an audience have become seduced and drawn in by shows like Dexter True Blood and The Bible series which provides us with a mask to become something other than human for a moment. It allows us to disguise our dysfunctional corrupt fantasies that feeds our hunger for blood and vengeance that we may have against our enemies or those we want to take our anger out on. Since we can't commit the crime, we allow the illusion of Hollywood to produce this craving for us and say its just TV. So we wash our hands from guilt and shame. We claim innocent because we are just witnesses to a sick fantasy. But in truth we know that we are curious like the cat. We as an audience desire evil and good, because we are underneath still children with a sweet tooth for eye candy, wanting Scandal. Whether the show is sympathizing to glorify murderers attempting to see harm come to the innocent for the greater good, remember its just TV and innocent entertainment. We root for the sadistic psycho Hannibal Lector serial killer as the hero for a season, because even murderers have feelings, family and enemies just like Norman Bates---Psycho! These comments is not to be taken seriously, its also FICTION    … Expand
  13. 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?
  14. GymClassJosh
    Sep 24, 2013
    6
    A weak season overall with no sense of danger throughout. But it's still Dexter. The final episode was very powerful but as is often the case with finale's, very controversial. I do think Dexter should have ended a while ago but it's still a treat to watch.
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. emoney
    Sep 28, 2013
    5
    WORST SEASON IN DEXTER HISTORY! were the writers drunk? too romantic who cares who loves who and who hates who lets see some action instead of dexter becoming soft and talking about Argentina half the time and not even showing up. O hey Saxton i have a knife but its ok ill let ya go i dont wanna kill I'm retarded
  21. OliverCapp
    Sep 27, 2013
    5
    The final episode of Dexter was poorly executed. I sort of felt the entire series was a bit cut and run to be honest but at least they took a final stab at it.
  22. 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.
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. collback
    Oct 1, 2013
    4
    The worst season of Dexter, by far. It's like the writers, producers and actors didn't care anymore. The first 4 seasons made Dexter a very good/excellent series. The last 4 season, especially that last one, killed the legacy. What a let down.
  27. RandallAudrain
    Jul 30, 2013
    4
    To have a protagonist who always gets what he wants with little to no resistance is terrible storytelling. The writers of Dexter appear not to see it this way and it shows more than ever in this final season. Dexter and True Blood are in the same category now. Once great series that have fallen from grace and become utter garbage.
  28. carlhindsgaul
    Aug 10, 2013
    4
    Wow, they really messed up this time. Its way too easy to see, that they just prolonged the series because of their financial gain. The story isn't like great shows, fx Game of Thrones, which has a real story with a beginning and a journey with a story to tell. Not just an obvious attempt to keep the viewers in their pocket. It's like they, when they found out they'd earn money on seasonWow, they really messed up this time. Its way too easy to see, that they just prolonged the series because of their financial gain. The story isn't like great shows, fx Game of Thrones, which has a real story with a beginning and a journey with a story to tell. Not just an obvious attempt to keep the viewers in their pocket. It's like they, when they found out they'd earn money on season 8, just conveniently made up this psychologist that made huge reports on Dexter as a child and youngster, even though we have never met her before. This season theme is, like in all other 7, the creation or reveal of Dexter's human side. This time though, it is with the eyes of an unrealistic and cynical psychologist. And like all the other seasons –except maybe for the first 2 there isn’t, so far at least, any development in this changing of Dexter. Really disappointing, they should have thought out this long ago, instead of this post financial security engineering. Really bad season, and by the way, how many serial killers can there be!? We have met countless so far, and... i won't even waste more time writing about this show, that was good in the first 2 seasons, horrible 8th season. Don't watch it.… Expand
  29. g33z
    Aug 13, 2013
    4
    First of all I would like to start saying that I loved Dexter on the first 5 Seasons 5-7 I tolerated him and on 8th I hated him :P
    Why ?
    It's very simple. In my opinion Michael C. Hall doesn't seem to have the same energy and passion to the Dexter's role as he used to have in the first seasons. Also the rest of the cast are also mediocre. As a viewer this pisses me off. Seasons 5-7    First of all I would like to start saying that I loved Dexter on the first 5 Seasons 5-7 I tolerated him and on 8th I hated him :P
    Why ?
    It's very simple. In my opinion Michael C. Hall doesn't seem to have the same energy and passion to the Dexter's role as he used to have in the first seasons. Also the rest of the cast are also mediocre. As a viewer this pisses me off. Seasons 5-7 had their moments but until now season 8th doesn't have anything as good as the previous.
    I'm going to continue watch it out of habit any way, but I'm irritated by the fact that a promising show like that has an ending season like this one.    … Expand
  30. coach-will
    Sep 19, 2013
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It is very sad to see Dexter limp to the finish line. The end started after Rita was killed off it lost the opportunity to have Dexter try and balance his family life and maintain his ongoing commitment to the Code. And the way this season started out with Debra already having quit the police force and the murder of LaGureta was already solved. It would have made for better TV viewing if Debra was having to investigate her murder when she was the one who killed LaGureta as Dexter watched. But to no avail what we get is a mish-mash of new characters who don't have time to develop, etc... very sad to see a once great show where the writers, cast, etc.. have just mailed it in

    On the other hand "Breaking Bad" is going out in a blaze of glory. Yea     … 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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