TV Review: Dexter 8.1, "A Beautiful Day"

8x1

rating: 2.5

It's been said before that Dexter won't have a happy ending. Knowing this is the show's final season the question shifts from 'what' to 'how'. Although I found this episode to be a bit underwhelming one thing I liked was that the rug's been pulled out from under us slightly as it turns out Dexter's already been figured out by one of the presumably few people on the planet that could do so (you know, other than what should be anyone working in Miami Metro the last few years). Although he hasn't technically been caught by Dr. Evelyn Vogel in the way he was caught by Doakes, LaGuerta, Deb, or Trinity, she's discovered Dex's secret similarly to how Rudy/Biney, Miguel Prado, Isaak Sirco, Louis, Lila, Lumen, or Hannah learned what Dexter really is (Jesus, I know after so many years even Batman's bound to have a number of people realize he's Bruce Wayne, but Dexter sounds so sloppy when I actually remember that it's almost as if the guy's contractually obligated to be found out by at least one person per season). The show has consistently operated according to its own routine full of the same old conventions and tropes, but at least this Dr. Vogel appears as somewhat distinct from the others who have exposed Dexter to some degree €“ she isn't being set up as a typical love interest a la Lila, Lumen, or Hannah (or Miguel if you want to read it that way), and she isn't competition or a straight up adversary like Isaak, Biney, or Trinity. She clearly has an admiration for Dexter's perceived lack of a conscience or typical morality, but despite that €œYou're perfect,€ line from the preview, it seems to be a fairly clinical admiration. The doctor finds The Bay Harbor Butcher so fascinating €“ as we do €“ because as it is discussed psychopaths, sociopaths, and serial killers are all thought to exhibit a severe lack of empathy yet the most prolific serial killer on the show operates according to what the good doctor called moral guidelines. In this discussion Dexter cited practicality but that's just his severe lack of self-awareness talking. The question of whether Dexter possesses a genuine morality or simply adheres to guidelines out of pragmatism has always been central to the character's appeal, but the show has never approached the topic head-on. It was attempted in season six with Brother Sam but we all remember (whether we want to or not) how well the show handled that conversation. The prospect of finally examining this topic is exciting but I know better than to hold my breath. I would be so much more excited by Dexter if he weren't the most normal, well-adjusted €œpsycho€ that ever lived. Never has a supposedly dark, morally questionable anti-hero been so thoroughly defanged. Dexter killed someone this episode whom falls squarely into the €œNot According to THE CODE€ bracket. This should warrant greater examination and instead it's brushed off to the side. The only other notable aspect of the episode is €“ as has been the case ever since she saw Dex impale Colin Hanks €“ Deb. Jennifer Carpenter is bringing it as usual and seems to be the only cast member to really breathe life into the production. Deb's ongoing struggle to accept her brother's homicidal tendencies €“ which claimed yet another one of her boyfriends in this episode (Queens Boulevard for life!) €“ seems to be the only character arc worth following. I wish I could say I care that Quinn and Jamie are hooking up or that Angel's return to the force didn't feel about as hollow and lazy as a drunken jack-o-lantern, but I don't and I can't. Unfortunately I can't help but feel this episode didn't give me much to think the final season will be doing anything it hasn't already (like giving Dexter random hook-ups because God forbid we follow a male protagonist whom isn't slaying chicks, am I right, bro?). Judging from this episode alone it appears that although I'm a fan of the show and want to avoid underestimating its ability to surprise, Dexter's final installment is off to a lackluster start.
Contributor

Fed a steady diet of cartoons, comics, tv and movies as a child, Joe now survives on nothing but endless film and television series, animated or otherwise, as well as novels of the graphic and literary varieties. He can also be seen ingesting copious amounts of sarcasm and absurdity.