Dexter Season 7 Review

24th May 2013

Keeping the strong writing, Dexter is back again – this time has to contend with his sister (who caught him in the act at the end of season 6). The show threatens at first to see Dexter blindside her with a bluff, but soon gives way to the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth: Which is a huge relief as the direct approach forces the writers to deal with it properly instead of playing hide and seek with the audience. And to be fair, what comes out the other end is worthy of their efforts.

But Dexter also has to contend with Euro-mafia boss (Ray Stevenson) who is put for Dexter’s blood after he has away with one of the man’s cohorts. Stevenson it must be said does great things with the part he is given, and perhaps could have done with even more screen time. Initially you may suspect he’s just another angry boss, but as the season matures, so does his backstory and current situation. And it’s a refreshing antagonist for Dexter to face that doesn’t just have the same old regular outcome.

Dexter also gets a new girlfriend too – but again, one that comes with one heck of an issue related history. The biggest perhaps is the murders she has committed. Yes indeed, the plot thickens!

If there is any marmite to the show Dexter it is the character of the sister, Debra. As much as Jennifer Carpenter plays the character well, it’s the character herself that has always presented serious logic issues. Suspending your disbelief as far as Dexter and his mantra are concerned is one thing. But being asked to believe that his sister holds such a high position in the police department with her attitude and temperament is another. In one scene she blatantly attacks a suspect who has gotten off the hook, without any regard for repercussions of her actions – and the biggest insult is that there are none for her and never have been – Except giving the actress a chance to continually break down mentally on camera in the hope that it will end up with an acceptance speech at an award ceremony.

That large aspect aside, there is so much to take away from the series as a whole, and season 7 doesn’t let slip the many aspects. True the focus has narrowed down to just a few key characters and the usual ensemble don’t get half as much of a look in as they previously did – but they are all still there.

Season 7 may not hit the highs of say Season 4, but it is hardly a low, and does leave the drama wide open for interesting developments to come for season 8 (the final season). True the climactic scene you can probably see coming half a season away, but when it happens finally – you’ll be ready for season 8.