The serial killer who kills other killers goes to Narcotics Anonymous.

Pretty much the whole point of season one is that you're rooting for a "bad guy." This time around, I not only wasn't rooting for him, but I kind of hated him and would have been much more satisfied with the show if Sgt. Doakes snapped and killed him around episode six or seven. Of course, it's an ongoing series, so it's no spoiler to say that doesn't happen. I spent most of the last few episodes thinking, "If this is where they're going with this show, why would I want to watch season three?" If they're never going to catch the bastard, what's the point? But I have to admit, if they put season three online, I'll probably feel compelled to find out exactly how pointless it is. Part of me is even holding out hope that they'll get around to plugging some of season two's plot holes.

Concept: C
Story: D
Characters: D
Dialog: A
Pacing: A
Cinematography: C
Special effects/design: A
Acting: B
Music: B

Enjoyment: C plus

GPA: 2.6/4 ( )

Dexter is a serial killer - we see him do the deed, and understand in some way his drive to do it. He is also a member of society, working as a blood spatter expert for Miami metro police department. His sister, Deb, is also an officer on the force. Deep down, Dexter has all the emotions of Mr. Spock, but unlike Spock, he wants to be thought normal, so he imitates those around him, trying to act the emotions he's supposed to feel.

Season 2 of this excellent series has Dexter's girlfriend, Rita, forcing him to seek a 12-step program for addicts. In the program, he is chillingly explicit about the effects of the addiction on himself, without sharing the exact form his addiction takes. A mysterious English woman, Lila, offers to be his sponsor, but it is clear she has motives, and twisted problems, of her own. Meanwhile, Dexter's body dump site is discovered by divers, and a Federal task force comes to town to investigate the "Bay Harbor Butcher" serial killer. Keith Carradine hits just the right note as an attractive (to Deb), seasoned expert leading the manhunt. And, as always, Dexter's past and his relationship with the father that shaped him and gave him the rules he lives by, are key parts of the unfolding story of his past and why he is a serial killer.

The relentless first-person style narrative gives the viewer the same thrill of fear at each almost discovery. It feels as if he's about to be revealed, and yet somehow that person interprets Dexter's actions based on the mask Dexter has created, and the history and experiences that observer brings to life. Excellently well-rounded secondary characters as well.

If the first season was like watching a train-wreck in slow motion, this season was a mid-air collision in slow motion. Parts are inevitable, you see them coming, but ya gotta keep watching. Now I must read the books! ( )