25 Days of Crime-mas Day 24: Dexter continues to slay in the genre

Dexter remains one of the greatest TV crime dramas, with an intriguing vigilante twist. It is our Christmas Eve choice in the 25 Days of Crime-mas.

Christmas Eve is here. With the kids in bed, excited for Santa, and still plenty of wrapping, baking, and more to do, you want a great TV crime drama to keep you company. It has to be all about Dexter, right?

Well, it’s my pick for the 25 Days of Crime-mas. Dexter is one of the strongest, most unique crime dramas ever, whether we liked the ending or not.

Eight seasons of thrilling storylines

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It all started with one man, a forensic scientist with homicidal tendencies. However, he wants to make sure he uses his tendencies for good. Instead of killing anyone out there, people who wouldn’t deserve it, he focuses his need to kill on those who are guilty of crimes.

And so we get a series of a lead character that we want to love and hate at the same time. After all, he’s killing people. We should be against him. But he’s killing bad people. Doesn’t that mean he’s good?

It does raise an interesting question of morality, and I’ll get onto that shortly. But for now, just know that Dexter certainly opts for a unique story to follow.

Dexter cast

Michael C. Hall plays the titular character, Dexter Morgan, and he won a Golden Globe for his role. It was certainly well deserved, as we broke down the layers of the character and got to know him deeper.

Angel‘s Julie Benz took on the role of Rita Bennett, Dexter’s wife, while Jennifer Carpenter played Debra Morgan, Dexter’s adoptive sister. James Remar played Harry Morgan, Dexter’s adoptive father.

Over the years, there were some notable guest stars and additions to the main cast. You’ll recognize Mark Pellegrino from Supernatural, 13 Reasons Why, and so many other TV shows! Lucifer fans will recognize Aimee Garcia, and Hustle fans will recognize Jaime Murray.

John Lithgow deserves a mention as the Trinity Killer. He earned a Golden Globe for his performance, and it certainly brought another side to the chameleon actor.

This is a series that commanded the best of the best. And it certainly showed in the production.

Why Dexter belongs on the list

Why doesn’t this series belong on the list? That should actually be the question to ask.

Dexter brought us a question of morality. Could we really like the lead character when he killed people? Sure, those people arguably “deserved” it but was it right for someone to take the justice system into his own hands?

Something that the series focused on was the cracks in the justice system. It showed why people would get away with crimes, but that karma (or more like Dexter) was always going to be out to get him.

The series also offered a twist with Dexter being on the side of good in his work. He’s a forensic scientist, working with the police. He knows how the police work when it comes to checking on crime scenes, and he could use his job to help avoid getting caught.

For those who haven’t watched it yet (although it’s been out for years), I won’t spoil the ending. However, it did receive mixed views. Personally, I thought it was one of only two ways the show could end for this character.

Best episodes to watch

Naturally, the pilot episode is a must. However, there are some great episodes throughout the series run.

While the latter seasons aren’t favored as much, Season 7, Episode 12 (“Surprise Mother****er”) is one to check out. This is at a point when Debra has found out her brother kills people and she wants to help him stop. Their relationship twists and turns throughout the series run, and this is a great moment to see how their mindsets are similar but different.

If you want to see the moment Debra finds out the truth, it’s the Season 6 finale to check out. For the most part, it’s a standard episode for Dexter. The greatness is at the very end with the big reveal of truth.

The Season 2 finale is another exciting and explosive episode to check out. Dexter has a stalker in the form of Lila, the woman he had an affair with. However, she’s not going to kill Dexter. Oh no! She wants to help him, which may or may not involve setting a police officer on fire while he’s tied up in a cabin.

For a different side to Dexter, you’ll want to check out Season 5, Episode 4 (“Beauty and the Beast”). The murder of the week is anything but routine. We get to see Dexter find a victim and try to help her. Of course, this victim isn’t exactly trusting of her new savior, and who can blame her after what we’ve witnessed over the years?

What are you watching this Christmas Eve? What do you love the most about Dexter? Which is your favorite episode? Share in the comments below.

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