Haven't you always wondered what goes on in the mind of a serial killer?
In this unconventional crime show, Michael C. Hall plays Miami Metro blood spatter analyst Dexter Morgan who must keep a huge secret about himself: he's a psychopathic serial killer that feels deep urges to kill. Except, Dexter only hunts down people who he believes deserve to die: other killers. By following his adoptive stepfather Harry's so-called moral code, Dexter maneuvers life in a way that allows him to satiate his dark urges while also never getting caught. The show is darkly funny and intellectually challenging. It will have you analyzing Dexter's psychological disorders and questioning your own morals within a few episodes.
Here's 5 reasons you should watch Dexter...
1. Dexter's eloquent inner monologue.
Dexter Morgan is a smart guy. He went to med school and graduated at the top of his class. So, we'd expect his speech to be highly educated and interesting....and the shows' writers certainly deliver. Not only is his character charmingly manipulative, his inner dialogue, those darker thoughts and secret plans that he cannot share with anyone else, serve to propel the plot forward. Not to mention, this narration often lets us become aware of Dexter's most personal revelations, doubts, and anxieties. Dexter is complex. So what better way to show his multiple layers than through a lens into his mind? Michael C. Hall's haunting voice only adds to this brilliant aspect.
2. All the blood and gore you can expect from a typical crime show.
Yep, that's right. This show is extremely gory. It's definitely not for the faint of heart.....or those with weak stomachs. But let's be honest, the bloody crime scenes and psychological profiling of sadistic criminals are what draw us SVU, CSI, NCIS, and Criminal Minds junkies in. The crazier the crime scene the better, right?
3. The suspense.
If this show doesn't get your heart pumping, I don't know what will. Dexter goes to a lot of trouble to succeed in what he does. All to satisfy his "dark passenger," a name that he has given to his lust for blood. Constantly finding himself in dangerous situations, he searches for his kills while his coworkers race against him to find the same criminals. There are hundreds of close calls, elaborate cover ups, and lying through his teeth. And the awful cliffhangers at the end of each episode keep you watching for hours.
4. Debra Morgan.
Tough gal cop. Loving sister. Overall bad-ass. Debra Morgan is Dexter's adoptive sister and she's one of the highlights of the show. Her witty sense of humor, fiery and opinionated personality, and blatant disregard for professionalism and censored language at the station point her out as quite a unique character. Deb is strong-willed, brave, and simply knows how to get the job done. And actress Jennifer Carpenter couldn't be more perfect for the role.
5. It's an emotional roller coaster. You will experience all the feels.
You could say it's ironic that although Dexter is a psychopath with supposedly no emotion, this is one of the most emotionally taxing shows that I've ever watched. By the end of the series, my nerves were shot, my eyes were cried dry, and I truly didn't know what to do with myself. But it was worth it. Because the story is just that good.
Originally airing on Showtime in 2006, Dexter went on to complete 8 successful seasons. All of which are on Netflix (thank you, magical Netflix fairies!). If you're searching for a new show, consider watching Dexter. It's worth the late-night binge sessions, I promise.
Enjoy your new obsession, friends!