TV Review: Dexter 7.8, "Argentina"
Hopefully now that everyone is firmly established, the final four episodes can bring us home for what has been arguably one of the series’ best seasons.
rating: 4
Ive griped a bit the last few weeks as to the shift in tone and pacing of season seven, but I think Argentina has done a great job of bringing some clearer definition to the dynamics weve been watching for the last few episodes. From the title to Dexters kids showing up for a visit to his meditations on family and Isaaks grieving, Argentina had some great thematic unity, some cool albeit brief action scenes, a couple incredible character scenes, and even a few good laugh out loud moments. Though Argentina served more to set things up for later episodes than anything else, it helped crystalize the three most pertinent relationships Dexter is conducting this season: Hannahs, Debs, and Isaaks. In Argentina we watched Dexter continue to fail at staying away from Hannah and who can blame him? Dont get me wrong though; despite my past reservations about the character being too similar to past love interests and not being well enough defined (both of which I now feel have been addressed), Ive liked watching Hannah for more than the obviousreasons. Shes proved to be at once a unique character throughout the Dexter cannon and a genuine kindred spirit to Dexter. Though it mightve been a bit on the nose, I liked how calmly and matter of factly Hannah was able to discuss Dexters situation with Isaak and offer the obvious advice to become more familiar with Isaaks true motives. Whereas I think the last episode worked to assert this notion of these two characters being kind of perfect for each other, this episode solidified it mostly through Dexters refusal to Deb to kill Hannah (and subsequent confession of his true feelings for Hannah) and his attempt to picture Hannah among the rest of his family after he informed her of his kids (and sister). Speaking of, though I really wasnt into the whole Debs in love with Dexter device last season, I respect the show for not forgetting this bit of dysfunction and finally laying it all out on the table. I always assumed this was an unnecessary way to keep Deb conflicted after she found out about Dexters killings and would be mostly not talked about this season, but now that Deb actually told him shes in love with Dexter (or at least was) Dexter is noticeably disturbed and I think watching him try to deal with this unusual development can be interesting because itll force Dexter to refine his already foggy idea of love. Plus, I have to once again praise Jennifer Carpenter for her incredible performance during that scene as well as the writers for providing her with such honest and poignant dialogue. This was the first time I felt profound sympathy for Debra regarding her newfound feelings for her brother; I mean seriously, Youre a serial killer and Im more fucked up than you! The poor woman. Debs not the only person grieving in Argentina and jebus does Isaak have a lot to mourn not only was his true love brutally murdered and dumped in the ocean, but now Isaaks been cut off from his Koshka brotherhood thanks to his former right hand man, George, pulling a coup de tat. The scene at the bar in which Dexter and Isaak have a seriously great heart to heart (theyve been having a lot of those for two guys who each know the other is actively trying to kill them) and Dexter finally understands why Isaak is so dedicated to ending Dexters life was not only another excellent performance from both actors as well as the writers, but as Hannah pointed out it was necessary. The worst part about both The Skinner and The Doomsday Killer was that Dexter (and the audience) never really knew why these men did what they did and seasons three and six were both pretty insufferable (for many other additional reasons as well, but Im not going to get into that now). Weve known Isaaks true motivation the whole season but until now Dexter hasnt and now that he does the two characters interactions will be that much more meaningful. Again, plot-wise thats about the long and short of it. Quinn still sucks. Angel opened his restaurant. Dexters kids will apparently be sticking around for a little bit which is cool not because Im a huge fan of Dexter having kids at all, but since they were such a huge part of his life for so long, Im glad theyre making some more appearances because you know, realism. I was glad that they all were sent away to Orlando after Ritas death because Astor was getting really obnoxious and honestly without Rita around to take care of them the kids probably wouldve really weighed down the plot. Oh, and LaGuerta now knows Dexter moved his boat from one marina to another during the Bay Harbor Butcher investigation. Of course we know why this matters, but after several episodes of LaGuerta following this lead, I still dont understand how she recognizes the fact that Dexter owns a boat as being some kind of damning evidence. Ive got nine words for LaGuerta: YOU AINT NO MOTHA FUCKIN JAMES DOAKES, MOTHA FUCKA. Anyway, Argentina had a lot going for it with the writing, acting, and action (can I just watch Dexter karate-flipping that dude in Isaaks apartment on a repeating loop?), and hopefully now that everyone is firmly established, the final four episodes can bring us home for what has been arguably one of the series best seasons.
"Remember when I murdered that pedophile for you? Good times..."