TV Guide sez:

“I’d kill for vicodine.” Light weight. Hee.

OMG, Doakes thinks Dexter’s a junkie too! That was seriously awesome, and did I detect a half second of bonding, as Doakes recounted the addictions past of cops he’s known (like himself ::cough, cough::). Plus, we got a “motherfucker” thrown into that scene for good measure.

Yay! The victim counseling Dexter is back. When he went stabby on Hicks for insulting Rita, Dexter, I think, for the first time realized that he does care for others--or at least has that capacity. He’s had conflicting feelings before, struggling with his emotions and what he was taught to believe about himself. However, he’s conscious of those feelings now.

It was awesome to hear Dexter tell those monologues he’s got going in his head to the other addicts. It’s just like being with that shrink, except Dexter doesn’t have to kill anybody (well, not that we know of). Oddly enough, this group is just what he needed after everything with Rudy and the Bay Harbor Butcher investigation hanging over his head. That’s really not good for baddies.

Agent Rock Star might turn out to be a real prick, but his pep talk with Deb was on-point and necessary. It would take an outsider of his status, someone who can see her faults and strengths objectively, to tell her how much value she has, and that she doesn’t have to give up.

And LaGuerta gets major props too. She had every opportunity to climb back up the ladder, but a) she wasn’t going to stab another woman in the back, and b) she doesn’t give (what’s his name again?) what he wants. But, really, Pascale? Find a foot to kick your ass, and get it together. Please. I say this not only because I want to like you, but also because I dislike this arc so very, very much.

That conversation with Dex and Lundy was like being in Bizarro World for me. I'm not sure what to make of it yet. I'm not saying that Lundy is suspicious of Dexter, but I do believe he knows more that he's telling.

Easily the best ep. of the season.

Dexter's conscience is causing "the code" to break down. Got a feeling that this one might come back to haunt him.

Didn't like the quick wrap up of the Doakes subplot. Now that he thinks Dexter is fallable, he's cool with him all of a sudden? Or is it just part of some elaborate rope a dope technique to get Dexter to relax a little? Kind of doubt that.

Well Deb strikes again.

Now we know where its going, they'll figure out all the bodies from the bottom of the ocean are "bad guys" after they do DNA matches to national crime database.

I jumped a bit in my seat when the camera panned over to Doakes in the doorway. That was well done. I don't expect this quick and tidy way of getting him off Dexter's ass will last the entire season, though.

I am loving this show. It seems to get better every week.

I loved how the episode ended with Rita looking on at Dex and Lila. You can tell Rita thinks something is up between them. Great acting by Julie Benz, btw. You just know there will a confrontation between her and Dex about Lila. That being said I don't like this new chick, how can Dexter trust her so easily? She seemed very suspicious to me from the beginning.

I've got to watch this again, I wasn't giving the show my full attention, so I know I missed a lot.

I hate midterms :(

Did I miss promo's? Didn't see any here and BrotherSpamHood started at 9:53. Can anyone recap the promo for next week's ep?

Penthilisea,

No promos, Showtime pulled a fast one last week as well. Probably be on next showing in 40 minutes.

Glodaline, agreed, that was priceless.

Showtime's web site has a 2 minute clip of next week's episode (sho.com).

Here's a quick recap...


Dexter is paranoid because he's on the outside looking in regarding the task force. Every time a task force member passes him by to go to a meeting, he feels that they are staring at him.

Inside the meeting room, Lundy and the PD Captain Guy are arguing because they now have evidence that the "Bay Harbor Butcher" is killing people suspecting of crimes. The Captain wants to release that info because there have been panic shootings by people that heard bumps in the night and stuff at their houses. Lundy doesn't want that because it's the only lead and doesn't want it revealed but the Captain seems to win the argument.

Masuka runs by Dexter saying that he found a major lead that could break the case but doesn't tell Dexter what it is as he runs into the meeting room. Dexter sees Masuka getting high fives from the people in the room as he makes his report but can't hear what it is. Dexter gets worried and decides to visit his sponsor to clear his head.

The showtime site has the extended scene preview and another one where Dexter comforts Cody after he had a nightmare about the Bay Harbor Butcher.

I'm not sure what you mean. He wasn't sure if he was developing a conscience or if it was only Harry's code was the only thing keeping him from killing. He is still killing, but it's taken on an addiction component that is actually quite brilliant. Isn't that what it really is, anyway? Compulsion, addiction. I wonder what would happen if he took anti-anxiety pill.

It might not be something he will ever be cured of, but Lundy's near tacit approval was what he needed to continue his work on the salesman. In every case, he was protecting the innocent.

After all that BS, Doakes is satisfied that he's only an addict?

Was first annoyed at Rita, but she was thankful when Dex came back with his real revelation.

Deb was decent this week. I didn't want to smack her. Even though she complained that she wanted to be taken off the case, I'm glad Lundy didn't let her off that easily. I think she is only one who would take the time to make the needed connections

Bored with the LaGuerta storyline, but glad she didn't give up Esme unless she's waiting for bigger fish to fry. She wasn't that great with the press either...

I really loved this week's episode.

Favorite lines:

"You owe me a new michelin, motherfucker"

"Don't talk that way about my girlfriend"

His voice-over in the beginning, trying to distract himself from the other talkers at NA "When's the last time I sharpened my knives?"

"Who's your Daddy?" "Uh, Harry Morgan"

"You were right about the ample cargo space"

Loved Dex finally realizing he does have feelings for Rita and the kids.

Loved Doakes surprising Dex at the end and then being sympathetic (as he can be).

Like getting more background on Dexter while he was in college.

And I agree, Rita's expression at the end was priceless.

Agreed. When she was talking to Dex in the diner I asked if it was a bad sign that I was feeling worried for Dexter and that he should RUN away from that woman - evil (and that's in light of us knowing what Dexter is but not knowing a thing about the woman).

She seems rather hinky or at least a bit "off".

I really liked Lundy's pep talk to Deb. I think that we're starting to see both Dexter and Deb begin to heal.

"Thought you'd be on the treadmill"
"I took a night off."

For those watching the colors:

In the first season when we met him he wore a lot of white (neutral, blank) or blue (calm, cool color).

Tonight he was wearing blues and purples (or reddish-blues or bluish-reds). If the color theories hold, then perhaps he is starting to level out a bit.

Also, did anyone else notice that tonight was the first episode without a flashback to Harry (with or with out a younger Dexter)?

Kinda hard to take this episode.

I loved Lilah, although that would have been better had they brought in Stephanie Romanov.

So the FBI would not normally be running DNA through the criminal database? have they never watched CSI Miami?

Dexter gets feelings? Ok that either means he is no longer a sociopath, and is heading down the path of self destruction, or the writers are having fun.

Doakes- they had to do something, his stalking was straining credibility, but they did end that in a fairly "Ummm, Yeah" way.
Anyone think they will have Doakes trying male bonding?

I hope they end the crazy new captain thing soon.

I actually liked the end with Darla looking and seeing Lilah--and wondering why Dexter was so happy last night from the meeting. Be carefull what you ask for.....

This episode was weak.

The whole La Guerta transformation/Bad Liuetenant story line is inconsistent with what we know about both characters and oh so dull. Unless La Guerta sticks a shiv in Pascal soon I may have to be switching over to Sunday Night football during those scenes.

Again, how bad are these cops? Would not the first thing you do when finding a bunch of bodies without faces and the like is run their DNA through every available DNA database? No? Ok, how about if you are dealing with an FBI priority one serial killer case. How about then? Probably, I would think.

As for that whole mutha fucker/I understand scene, that was also weak and will be considered same unless Doakes later jumps out of the bushes during a Dex kill and says "I was lying to you, you junkie mutha fucker!" So let me see, Doakes thinks Dex is tied to the Ice Truck Killer (obviously since his sister is his last victim and Dex is at the scene of that last attempted kill) but now completely gives up on that because he overhears (I assume) Dex's dark passanger speach.

As for that sponsor, she reminds me a bit too much of an ex-fiance of over 10 years ago so that threw me off. By the way, what is her addiction. I tend to think it is a sex addiction considering how aggressively she hit on Dexter, but maybe she is also a killer. We shall see. Of course, saying that, maybe Rita is also a killer if she gets jealous enough.

The best part of the episode was MH's acting in the doorway with Rita at the end. The guy is so impressive.

I loved this ep - best one of the season so far!

Other than the Esme Pascal storyline, which is weak and which is dragging the show down unnecessarily, everything else was up a notch and reminded me of some of the best eps last season. I loved Dexter's fascination with the salesman's ability to lie, and his own realization that he DOES care. He just doesn't know what to do with it.

And I like that they've come up with a semi-plausible reason for Doakes to back off a bit, while at the same time not entirely removing Dexter from his radar. I liked the new girl, Lilah, but I LOVED Rita's reaction shot at the end. ("When I said I wanted you to get help, I meant unattractive MALE help, not hottie female help.") Rita's been bugging me with her attitude, so I was happy to see her thrown a little bit for a loop.

And since the Dexter/Deb relationship is the most important one to me, I enjoyed their brief bonding on the couch.

Dexter is so droll. His voice over at the NA meeting was hilarious: "I need some more duct tape and transparent wrap; when was the last time I sharpened my knives," and the response to the woman who said she'd kill for a vicodin, "Lightweight" had me rolling. The whole episode was pitch perfect. If this show doesn't win some major awards next year, something is really wrong with the voters.

You know, she could always wait till Lilah is alone in a dark alley then.............bite her.............

Seems like Dexter and Rita have more in common then they both realize.

I just assumed that LaGuerta is giving Matthews enough rope to hang himself. Obviously Pascal is going to majorly mess up at some point and Matthews will be the one holding the bag. I hope.

The stuff with the car salesman was hilarious. How icky that he had pictures of strange kids to show customers.

Lilah was a bit over the top for me. I hope they dial her down a bit. And naming her Lilah was a little anvil-y.

I think that Dexter will be able to process his understanding that he has feelings for Rita and the kids without too much trouble. He seems to be aware of his love for Harry and Debra and that hasn't made him less himself.

What I mean is that Dexter is starting down the path of making potentially unsafe kills. Rule number one of the code is "Don't get caught". Now, the guy that Dexter bought a van from (using his actual name) is among the missing. Now he's starting to feel comfortable opening up about himself, even if only in vague references. That's another big no-no.

He killed the car salesman, even though things were a little too hot for him to be resuming his activities, because he came face to face with the guy's next victim. He even mentioned it in voice over that "if [he] do[es] nothing, she dies" or something to the effect.

It's no longer a case of him feeding his addiction, but with the added benefit of disposing of unwanted members of society (which was Harry's goal, not really Dexter's). He's now starting to feel compassion for those he saves, and true contempt for those he hunts, and that's causing him to lose his methodicalness (if that's a word).

When I waited tables I had pictures in my book of my sister's dog, my brothers cats and a female friend I knew to show as my Fiance. It helped tips a lot.

Discussion of the promo for next week can take place in the Unspoiled Speculation thread.

Hey! If you guys want to see the previews for next week's Dexter, just watch Brotherhood. They were shown right after Brotherhood.

As for Dexter, this was the best episode of the season. I hated the premiere, last week was better, but tonight was as good as anything last year. This was the first time I actually liked Rita. Well, maybe it's just that I liked the look on her face when she saw Dexter's sponsor. And Deb was not annoying as usual.

You know it's a good episode when you want more. I can't wait to see how Dexter eludes his hunters.

I could see Rita saying "You know what Dexter I'm rethinking my position. Maybe you can do this on your own."

jpcdolphan, thanks for your cogent explanation of how Dexter is deviating from the Code of Harry. I was somewhat puzzled by that also, and you cleared it up. It seems like Dexter was "feeling empowered" (to use lame bizspeak) by his conversation with SA Lundy -- he (Dex), as the protector of innocent victims-to-be, is the exception to the "killing is bad" rule.

It was cute to see Dexter all self-conscious and proud after the Captain announced this new killer made the ITK look like an amateur. Nice moment.

Loved this episode. I think Tony Goldwyn is one of the best directors of the show.

It cracked me up when Dexter showed up at the dealership in blue, and Hicks wore that bright rose.

And for those of you who don't like Lilah, you've got good reason. She took Dexter to a diner with an overwhelmingly red color scheme!

Now that Deb's putting some of the pieces together, I wonder if she'll go to Dexter for his opinion as she did with the ITK case. She took it hard when Dexter stopped supporting her to protect his game with Rudy. Will she go to him again, and will he try to discourage her? Since he does care about her, would he even go there after what she's been through? This case and Lundy's support will probably lead to Deb building self-esteem (which she didn't have a lot of before Rudy). Will she even bother with Dexter when she can bounce her ideas off of Lundy, and would that bug Dexter? He wouldn't get to sway her. So much potential for the strengthening and/or straining of the Deb/Dexter relationship with storyline.

When Lundy said he didn't know how Deb survived a serial killer, was it naughty of me to answer, "Because her brother's a serial killer, and he bailed her out"?

Is it wrong that I was proud of Deb for being the one to notice the crinimal record of the victims?

I loved how Dexter killed the car salesman right after he made the rude comment about Rita. The line about the ample cargo room was nice, too.

Hi! I am a Dexter addict.......

I just started watching Dex at the premiere of season 2 and had to do my catching up right away. Having just watched the first season over the past 2 weeks, I have to say that this is an excellent show! I have also read the first 2 books (they are pretty thin).

I just have a couple of comments:

1) wow! poor ole Rita! be careful what you wish for is right! I think she will be trying extra hard to make sure Dexter's eyes don't wander away to Lilah. Too funnneeee the look on her face at the end. And of course, Dexter is oblivious. Look at me Rita! I'm getting the help I need! I have a sponsor and everything!

It is funny that someone with no emotions or feelings cares so much about this woman and her kids. When Rudy was going to kill Deb all he said was that he was "fond" of her. Then he actually killed his own brother (a kindred spirit) because he is an emotionless killer. Now suddenly he buys his girlfriend a mini van - subconsciously! What's up with that?

2) I think that Lundy and Lilah are both addicts in their own right. They recognize Dex as being one of them. What kind of addicts remains to be seen, but since Dex can recognize his own kind...

3) I think LaGuerta is letting Pascal hang herself and hoping it will work out for her in some way. She is not too bright- she thought Tony Tucci was the ice truck killer.

4) Doakes is a real moron if he buys into this addiction stuff. Seriously, he must be smarter than that!

Anyway, my .02!

This whole episode was perfection - if only one episode can be submitted for MCH's emmy consideration, this is the one. Just about every emotional possible was pitch perfect from the genius that is Michael C Hall. Jeez, I'm just stunned.

And Dexter gets his ticker tape parade of sorts - high fives and acceptance from his fellow 12-steppers.

Just ditch Pascale.

We learned a lot about Dexter this episode, that he studied medicine before switching to blood spatter, that he took a lot of advanced Jujitsu classes, and that subconsciously, he wants to protect Rita and her family.

I don't know too much about 12-step programs, but I thought that it was strongly recommended that one's sponsor NOT be a hot member of the opposite sex. (Although, I guess it's highly recommended if one is trying to get his girlfriend not to leave him. Nothing like a little jealousy.)

Dexter's getting feelings makes sense to me. At the end of last season he confronted the Great Trauma of his childhood. He faced it head-on. He recovered his memory. I think that's what psychologists call a breakthrough. It doesn't surpise me that the feelings that have been blocked for so long start to emerge. They may even overwhelm him at times, because he has no skills for managing them.

Since the beginning of the series, and I suspect I'm not alone in this, deep down I've been rooting for Dexter's humanity -- in spite of the fact that he's a sociopath. So far this season, for every statement he makes like "I'm not human," there are little bits of his own humanity revealing themselves to him. A romantic interpretation? Perhaps, but I think it also makes psychological sense.

Any Weeds watchers out there: When Dexter applauded (conveniently in unison with the crowd) as Doakes left the meeting and then went to Rita's to enthuse about the program, did anyone else get the same feeling as when Nancy Botwin watched the trunk of heroin driven away with the rest of her drug debt, and she made a beeline for Sullivan Groff's office to celebrate? I got that same "the weight of the world has been lifted" vibe.

However, Dexter, who might be caught up in the novelty of acknowledging or recognizing his feelings, would be better served not to kick back and bask in relief...

I also enjoyed the reveals about Dexter's background, and that they were delivered by Doakes. Nice touch. So Dexter knows jujitsu, he's cash-and-carry, and he was on track to become a doc like his brother...

Couple things.

First, I really like Lundy. I wasn't expecting that. I thought I'd resent him hunting down Dex, but his style of investigation appeals to me. He's laid back, supportive of his whole team -- he doesn't lord his FBI cred over the locals-- and he loves food!

Mmm, Creme Brulée.

What really got me liking him was how good he's being to Deb. It was almost like he was playing a fatherly role there, mentoring and encouraging her in the way that her real father couldn't because he was so busy shaping Dexter into a neat and useful monster.

Following the Lundy-as-dad to the Morgan siblings theme, I *loved* his conversation with Dexter. It had such tension to it, and he ended up encouraging Dexter the way he had Deb, hah! What I'm not sure of is whether Lundy was being 100% honest, or if he's playing some deeper game. The way I see it, either doesn't suspect Dexter, and was just speaking his mind, or he does and was speaking his mind with the purpose of drawing Dex out; I imagine that Dexter's face might have revealed a reaction/emotion out of the ordinary to Lundy when he was gazing raptly at the bodies before he realized that he wasn't alone.

Whatever the case, this guy is a serious opponent. I can't wait to see the conflict here ratchet up, partially because I'm not sure who I'd root for.

Second, the scene between the car guy and Dexter was on on so many levels. Dexter admiring the man's talent for lies, enjoying the opportunity to be understood (like he did with the psychologist last season), and finally his violent reaction to the killer's misogynistic ranting. You'd think that the guy wouldn't have said that kind of shit, since he'd detected Dexter's feelings (never thought I'd type those two words together...) for Rita and the kids. Stupid move, guy!

Once again, as with Little Chino, I was disturbingly glad to see the sexist murderer get stabbed to death.

Finally,it was such a relief to see Dexter talk so freely to the group at the end, you could sense him having found some of that honesty and connection he'd wanted with the Ice Truck Killer, but within a safer (except for creepy British-accented chick! She scares me) way than, you know, running off to go on a spree. Michael C. Hall's acting in that scene was... ((inarticulate noises of awe)) The "mask" gesture, and the way his face changed... ((more inarticulate noises)) Give that man an Emmy! Now! Somebody! Or a Golden Globe. Or just a brick of gold with his name and "Brilliant Actor" stamped on it.



You're so not alone, shrunken violet! I was smiling when Dexter actually bought the minivan; it felt like an expression of warmth toward the idea of Rita and the kids being a part of his life. Then the car salesman put forward the same interpretation, and Dexter (and his knife) seemed to agree, and then he went back to the NA because of his "feelings," and it made me so happy. And then disturbed the fuck out of me for making me so happy. 'Cause the more innocent people he's close to, the more lives he's going to destroy when he is caught one day, which is pretty much inevitable. Even if he doesn't happen now, it will later.

I jumped, too. And the first thought that popped into my head: Doakes is a dead man walking. He's too close to Dexter now; he's too close to finding out the truth. Somewhere along the line Dexter is going to have make Doakes disappear once and for all and that is going to add to the internal conflict going on inside Dexter's head.

The car salesman was jumping from lie to lie, scenario to scenario, so fast because he was panicked and trying to fight for his life. At first he tried the "you are so warm and caring" line with Dexter, then when he got a hint that Dexter and his girlfriend were having problems, he leaped on the bandwagon--to his ultimate demise.

I buy Doakes' reaction. He had been stalking Dexter for having a deep dark secret. Then he finds a deep dark secret. His hunch has been completely confirmed--why would he believe there was more? It is likely that all the odd behavior Dexter has could be tied to an addiction and the need to hide it.

Just a thought I've been having about SARS (Special Agent Rock Star). Harry was probably pretty well connected in the law enforcement community. I don't think it would be out of the realm of possibility that he might have known SARS. It is also a possibility that Harry might have confided in Lundy when he became aware of his pending mortality to help protect Dexter. When Dexter's body of work floated to the surface, Lundy might have arranged to be assigned to the case...

Just a thought.

I loved this episode...thought it was the best of the season so far.

I liked the way they handled the Doakes/Dex situation. I never really bought Doakes' obsession over finding out who Dexter really is. Everyone has a dark side but his "stalking" of Dexter was overkill. But I'm glad he thinks Dex just has a drug problem. When Dex first spotted Doakes at the meeting, I thought it was going to lead to more trouble...but Doakes' reaction was a nice little turn of events.

Nice little shoutout to "The Dark Passenger" as well.

Not quite sure how I feel about the new girl. Don't love her, don't hate her. However, I do not like that she will be coming between Dex and Rita. As big a dark side as she might have, she's no good for Dexter. It's Rita that brings out his humanity (which is revealing itself more and more each week).

Not really a fan of the LaGuerta/Pascal storyline either. Esmee needs to go.

Props to Deb for not being annoying this week.

Wow, the only way Lilah could be more sinister is if she had no shadow or something. Something's up there, or so we're meant to think.

Her accent and the way she delivers her lines reminds me of Kelly LeBrock in Weird Science - "Chips, dips ... chains, whips ..."

Yes, I'm old.

I'm also not a big fan of the LaGuerta/Pascal storyline, but it seems like something interesting will come as a result of it.

The AA meetings were a drag and a half - but pretty accurate none the less. Dexter's triumphant share at the end was great, even though it screamed anvil.

I found it very interesting that Rita called Dexter "a terrible liar", while Doakes called Dexter "a very good liar". Is Doakes really gonna give 12 stepper Dex a pass?

Loved slimy car salesman's rug on the styrofoam head in the death chamber.

The kid Deb was interviewing about the dead victim. They flashed the dad's mug twice, so I guess I'm supposed to know which of Dexter's victims he was. Can't place him.. Anyone?

Carradine as Lundy is terrific.

That scene where the car salesman tries to lie his way out of getting killed was just incredible. Kudos to that familiar-looking actor for making something obviously scripted sound perfectly natural.

I loved the episode in general, and am relieved that Doakes is willing to back off if only because I'm growing bored of his glower, but there was one thing that seemed too forced to me. When Deb makes the leap to "bad guys", why would she do it and why would Agent Rock Star take her seriously? I imagine that there are a LOT of missing people with criminal records. Once you're doing drugs or getting involved in gang activity your chances of dying are greatly increased, and if the body isn't found, then you're a missing person. Plus, so many of the missing people she did interviews about, like the seven-year-old daughter of the crying woman, were not Bay Harbor Butcher (heh) victims. So commonalities among that set of people (the missing people reported through interviews) aren't necessarily useful for drawing conclusions about the set of people you actually care about (Dexter's victims).

Just seemed a little clumsier than it needed to be. Especially when, as others have pointed out, it totally makes sense to run DNA against every available database on such a high-profile investigation.

Oh, but I did love that Deb was sitting on the couch when Dex came home, because my first thought was, "Shouldn't she be on the treadmill?"

I guess I saw Lilah and her attraction to Dexter, and his to her, in a different light. Dexter has been trying to find a way to be his "true" self without having to hide. Even those he's closest to, Rita and Deb, would likely reject him if they knew the truth. But Lilah's speech in the diner showed that while she may not know, or even accept, that he's a murderer, she understands his compulsion. Even the fact that she initially scares him off shows that there will be a far more profound connection between Dexter and Lilah than between Rita and Dex. That Rita's already got her back up and is chafing at Lilah will probably push him more towards Lilah. Which is okay by me.


Except embracing his "humanity" will also mean embracing the guilt over having killed so many people. Even if they're "bad" murder is murder. Dexter's already pretty tortured, but having to face the fact that he is every bit as bad as those he's killed will totally FUBAR the guy.


He's an FBI profiler, not a psychic. They deal with forensic evidence and probability. If you've read "Mindhunter" by John Douglas, you know just how scientific profiling is. He chafes at the mystic way profiling gets portrayed in entertainment because it's all built on solid police work. It's not about hunches and gut feelings. Right now, there is nothing about Dexter that links him to the forensic evidence so there's no reason for Lundy to be suspicious of him. Once patterns begin to emerge and if there is some loose end (Camilla) to tie Dexter to that pattern, then he'll become suspicious.


Not likely. He may have been well connected with the Miami police department, but unless Lundy is from Miami or came down to Miami in the past to work with the police department, I don't see how they'd cross paths.

Plus, Lundy's in DC and Dexter's in Miami. How would Lundy "keep an eye out" for Dexter from a thousand miles away? Since it's pretty clear that neither Dexter nor Deb has ever met, or even heard, of Lundy, I doubt there was any contact between a local cop and a big wig FBI profiler.

That car salesman was also the same actor who played the guy on Seinfeld who Jerry beat in a race in highschool.

Once again, how does Dex solve these crimes in his spare time and Miami PD cannot?

Hee! What really made that scene for me was the way Dexter lightly patted the hair as he walked by it. That's what elevates this show for me - those unbelievably funny dark humour moments. But also some of the very stylized shots - I particularly loved the one that was shot from overhead the makeshift morgue, that spun around as it took in all of the bones and body parts sitting on the lab tables.

Just chiming in as someone else who thinks Keith Carradine is perfect for this part. The last thing I saw him in was "Criminal Minds" where he played a serial killer, so it's funny to see him on the other side. I can't wait for the showdown that has to be coming between Dexter and Lundy, but to me it's almost a foregone conclusion that Lundy doesn't make it out of the season alive (no spoilers, just speculation). If he's truly going to end up being as good as the show is telling us he is this episode and the last, then he must be a match for Dexter and he must be able to piece it all together - but then how can we have a Season 3 unless he dies before notifying anyone else? The bigger question for me will be whether or not Deb knows what Dexter is by the time the season ends - awkward family dynamic, indeed.

But he's also a sociopath who says whatever he needs to say to a. make a sale (not saying all sales people are sociopaths!) and b. it's pretty obvious that Dex has an SO to buy the minivan. The salesman probably reverted back to his normal self while on the "bed o' death" in a panic and was just saying things to keep talking.



I'm still not sure how he's deviating. Dexter got all the information he needs to make a clean kill according to Harry's code, but lost confidence when he was thinking about the cops looking for the Bay City Butcher. Lundy affirms that's it's ok to kill as long as it's to protect the innocent. No one can connect Dexter with the purchase of the minivan and the salesman's death unless there's a string of other points that lead the cops there. As we know, the cops are stretched tight enough covering their own work, much less a huge profile case such as the BCB. It was very risky for Dex to kill again with all the press about the BCB, but he still followed Harry's code.


Possibly, but he can at least say that he killed people who killed innocent people, which is what Lundy said was ok and Harry said was ok.



The one aspect of Dexter's killings that has always bugged me is that he can find info on his targets that the police have access to but not the general public. He also does his work on his own, and someone's going to figure out that it could only be someone who has access to very sophisticated crime scene technology & info. Your average killer doesn't have access to DNA sampling and police reports, etc. They touched on it last season with the sedative that he uses, but this is going to become a bigger problem for Dex. Maybe the NA meetings will help town down the Dark Passenger voices.

When I saw black-haired bad-girl-garbed Lila, I immediately thought "How quaint?" I think the writing staff thought of eveything Deb's not and they went from there. How very subtle. Anyway, I didn't exactly loved the episode but I love the little moments within so it's all good. The Dark Passenger speech was enough to elevate this...and Doakes.

I'd bet my bottom dollar this story line is not closed. It may go dormant for a while, but it's going to come back to life somewhere down the line and cause Dex much, much anguish before it's closed for good.



I love that line, Shardik. I gonna steal it. Hope you don't mind.

I loved hearing how Dexter knew how to pull off those Rear Naked chokes, and a Standing Arm lock on an ex-special forces member. I was just fanwanking it, that Harry taught him how to fight, but it makes much more sense that he Studied advanced Jiu-Jitsu in college, along with the basic training he received from Harry.

Great kill! I love when Dexter gets pissed off, and most of the time its when some stupid guy says something mean about Rita. That car salesman could have lived alot longer, having a nice little talk with Dexter, but he shortened his life by mouthing off. I almost expected Dexter to attack Daokes for just mentioning Rita.

Oh, YES. That guy did everything about his role absolutely perfectly. He was the embodiment of every guy I've ever bought a car from in my life - he nailed every slick, icky, slimy detail and turned it into a work of art.

But did he? IIRC, at the beginning of the episode he mentioned only doing "research" or something on the car salesman and maybe even made a reference in passing as to how killing at the time with all of the heat around the Bay Harbor Butcher wasn't a good idea (he may have even noted that Harry wouldn't approve of a kill here but I could be mixing this up with another episode). Anything risky (and this was) violates rule #1..."Don't get caught".

It was only when he saw the guy's next victim and knew that she was the one that he made the move to actually initiate the kill. That goes against another rule.

The police know that the Bay Harbor Butcher is still out there and that his victims are people previously thought missing so when this car salesman turns up missing (if they pursue that angle), that gives the police a fresh lead, leading into all sorts of uncomfortable questions if they turn up a link between him and Dexter (with the van purchase). How did the killer know all of these different people from different walks of life were criminals, how did he know to be so clean, how did he seem to know police procedures regarding DNA, etc? Uh, oh.

Remember, when the series began, Dexter didn't really care about the victims of those he killed (except for the children, maybe). He just looked at the whole process as a win-win (he gets his fix, bad people get removed from society). That dynamic is starting to change. That's a problem because The Code of Harry is effective primarily because it is so methodical and relies on Dexter being emotionally detached from the process.