Has Debs Finally Snapped? —
The second installment of this Michael C. Hall directed episode was very well written and Hall’s knowledge of the characters helped in the direction I’m sure, with the introduction of someone who is intimately involved with Dexters upbringing, as a controlled serial killer was really well conceived. To have Dr. Evelyn Vogel (Charlotte Rampling) turn up as an expert on seriel killers was the usual Dexter fare, but to then have her be someone who helped shape Dexter via the code of Harry was nicely done in my opinion.
Dexter has always had an interesting new character each season with this being no different. They have all brought something new and unique to the table but this time things are a bit more personal thanks to Dr Vogel having such a profound effect on his unusual upbringing. Right now Dexter is angry and confused as his sister’s entire outlook on life has been shattered and Dexter can’t seem to find a way to fix it. Perhaps Vogel will be able to help, as Dexter’s imaginary father seems to think she might.
*****
The end of last episode saw Dr Vogel give Dexter a bundle of drawings which Dexter drew when he was eight years old, but the doctor tells Dex he won’t kill her, so a confused and angry Dexter asks why. She replies, “I don’t fit the profile for Harry’s code.” We now get to find out in some detail what she meant by that statement, and it turns out she knows everything there is to know about him, because Harry confided in her when Dexter was still young. Together they came up with the code and also found a way for the incurable seriel killer to channel his urge to kill.
The recent murder of the brain scooped victim would appear to be the work of a former patient of Vogel’s and she asks Dexter to use his talent to find and stop the killer, before he scoops out some of her brain. He is none too thrilled but eventually comes round.
Sister Debs Morgan (Jennifer Carpenter) is being slapped on the wrist by her boss Jacob Elway (Sean Patrick Flanery), thanks to their bounty being killed, but Debs finally reveals the fact she has recovered a key that might lead them to the treasure, and a large bonus. Debs goes it alone but ends up being beaten and her gun stolen. Now the man who beat her has been found shot to death, with Debs blood and gun found in the car. Will Dexter be able to help his sister after all she’s done for him?
Quinn (Desmond Harrington) is getting moaned at by Angel Batista (David Zayas) as he knows about he and Jamie Batista (Aimee Garcia), so wants Quinn to go for the Sergeant’s exam, but Quinn and Jamie end up fighting over it as Quinn feels he’s being unfairly pressured. We finish with a strong scene with Vogel and Dexter talking about their fears, but Dexter takes comfort in Vogel’s words.
A good strong episode with some very interesting possibilities being set up, so things are still looking good for the series finale.
Grade: A
Get in the conversation. Visit the Influx Forum.