Research for Dexter; Season 1 Review

http://uk.dvd.ign.com/articles/813/813610p1.html

" ...We've had a lot of anti-heroes on TV in recent years, with guys like Vic Mackey and Tony Soprano challenging the audiences' loyalty and asking us to see how much we're willing to accept or root for a person who might have their positive traits, but does a lot of awful things. Based on a series of novels, Dexter takes this to the next degree, because our "hero" isn't a dirty cop, or even a gangster, but rather a straight up serial killer..." - Itroduces the concept of what Dexter actually is to the series.

"...Hall is absolutely phenomenal in this role. Dexter is a man who is putting up a big front to all of those around him; the front of a nice, normal, non-serial killer. More than that, Dexter has a hard time processing emotions, and in fact doubts he even has any genuine feelings. But he knows it's pivotal he fit in, and act the part of a grieving coworker, a caring boyfriend, or whatever the situation calls for. Hall perfectly embodies this man, playing both Dexter and the persona that Dexter himself is playing, while always allowing us to see the dangerous glint underneath the facade Dexter is putting up..." - Explains the actor's role and how successful he is potraying Dexter.

"...The season also charts Dexter's inner journey, as a man who is so sure he has no emotions at all has to process just what it is he does feel about those who are close to him..."

"...There are also a couple of attempts to add layers to police Lt. Laguerta (Lauren Valez) that seem a bit forced, though more interesting moments also occur for her along the way. More accessible are David Zayas's kind-hearted cop Angel, and C.S. Lee as Dexter's colleague, the lovably creepy Masuka..." - The negatives of the series.

"...Overall, this is a show that really clicked in quickly. The 12-episodes tell a very complete and fascinating story about Dexter and the Ice Truck Killer, that lead to a very satisfying conclusion. Interesting steps are taken along the way, such as revealing who the killer is to the audience well before Dexter finds out, and it all pays off very well. And keeping it all working start to finish is Hall, who makes for one of the most charismatic and fascinating portrayals of this type of character since Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs. Serial killers are a familiar subject in fiction, but Dexter Morgan already has a spot right at the top of the most memorable." - "Final Word"