Dylan Fair
Staff Writer
A Showtime-original serial killer with morals, Dexter offers something for all. In an age of repetitive cop shows and crime dramas, Showtime’s “Dexter” contains a perfect blend of originality and quality looked for in a series. Dexter’s fifth season will premiere on Showtime September 26th at 9pm, following its shocking season four finale.
At the end of season four, the title character Dexter Morgan, played by Michael C. Hall was at battle with the menacing Trinity Killer. In the astonishing season finale, Dexter kills the Trinity Killer only to learn he was too late to save the life of his wife Rita. The season ended with his son being born out of violence just as Dexter was when he was a child.
Now, before the premiere of the new season, audiences are left to wonder what will become of Dexter, his son, and his step-children. As a single father, he now has to maintain balance between being a serial killer, a forensics expert for Miami Metro, and a father as he has for so many years.
Many viewers wonder how this new season will compare to previous ones, considering the new season features a dramatically new cast. They must fill the void of losing John Lithgow, last year’s Emmy award-winning best guest actor, and Julie Benz, who played Dexter’s wife Rita.
However, the Showtime network has adapted as usual by restocking the cast with fresh, new talent. Actress Juliana Stiles, best-known for her roles in the Bourne movies, will act in 10 episodes this season as a new woman in Dexter’s life. Maria Doyle Kennedy, star of one other Showtime original show “The Tudors,” will play an Irish Nanny for the kids.
Director Steve Shill will have high expectations this upcoming fall, trying to defend his Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series award he won at the last Emmy awards. As long as he continues doing what he has done to make the show great, including the characteristic clear, precise, and overall dark storytelling, the show will stay right on track.
The Dexter writers are sure to return with trendsetting intellectual creativity. With the back bone of the series already in place, the writers have so many angles to work with this season. Dexter is guilt ridden from the death of his beloved wife. How will he be able to carry out his work as a serial killer, even if his targets are presumed to be evil?
It is apparent that the cast of Dexter hopes to reach and move audiences the way they were able to last season. The show has always been able to tap into human emotions in an almost backward manner. Admittedly, creating a protagonist as complex as an amicable serial killer takes talent.
The successes of previous seasons will have to be followed. Season five may very well be the last season of this critically acclaimed series. With that anticipation in mind, as well as the possibility of the countless directions season five of Dexter can take, the series will most certainly end with viewers satisfied.
All subscribers of Showtime should follow the new season of “Dexter.” All non-subscribers should splurge and purchase the premium channel from their TV providers. Anyone looking for an offbeat show with a fantastic script and an amazing cast would thoroughly enjoy the show. Dexter airs on September 26th at 9pm.
This is a really excellent preview. An uninitiate could read it with ease, and it really sets the stage for every angle of the show’s reputation, appeal etc. It even allows for a margin of suspense. nice job!