Review: Dexter: Season 8, Episodes 6 & 7 (A Little Reflection & Dress Code)

(Spoilers!)

We’re now over the half way point in the final season of Dexter. Normally at this stage, there is a clear-cut path leading toward the finale – a focal character or sub plot that will take prominence and prove to be an almost insurmountable issue for Dexter to overcome. Instead episodes six and seven posit several paths toward the season finale, in an oddly underwhelming manner that appears to be trapped in a liminal narrative, avoiding linear progression. 

This is not to say that the plot hasn't evolved at all. In episode 6 we are fully introduced Zach Hamilton, a spoilt rich-kid previously linked to the Norma Rivera case as a prime suspect. Accurately so, as after Dexter conducted some investigative work he came across evidence that places Zach as the killer. This was of course enough ammunition for Dexter to fashion a kill room, and toy with Zach on the oh so familiar table. However, after 'a little reflection', Dexter realises Zach was no different than him as a child. He too has urges or a dark passenger that he is unable to control and soon enough, he will kill again. So Dexter decides -also after some enthusiastic persuasion from Dr. Evelyn Vogel - to take Zach on as a student, to become a teacher of the do's and don'ts in murdering.

Progressing into episode 7, Zach is more than thrilled to have Dexter as his mentor. In order for them to both meet without raising suspicions, he uses his wealth and status to remove Quinn's constant surveillance and consequently relieve his status as a prime suspect in the Rivera case. Lessons will have to wait however, as Dexter is distracted elsewhere. Leaving Zach neglected and full of urges, he waits no longer and murders Cassie - Dexter's next door neighbor. So, having murdered two innocent people, is Zach too far gone to be mentored? and now knowing all of Dexter's darkest secrets, is he in fact the biggest threat?

The distraction keeping Dexter from his mentoring duties was of course the re-appearance of Hannah McKay - Dexter's ex-love and avid poisoner whom he turned over to the police not so long ago, fruitfully destroying their loving relationship. She makes quite the entrance at the end of episode 6 by poisoning Dexter and Deborah. In episode 7, both wake up in several locations rather dazed and confused - they realise Hannah is back but question, why didn't she kill them? Hannah later explains in a secluded meeting with Dexter, that this act was a call for help, a cry for escape from her new millionaire-husband Miles Castner. A man whom, with all of his wealth, provided Hannah with a new life and identity after her murderous past. This life is proving too much however, so she traveled to Miami with the wish that Dexter would 'take care of him'. Alas, she soon changed her mind, feeling it wrong to manipulate a man she was still blatantly in love with - and their love for one another is undeniable, with plenty of sexual tension to boot. 

Upon discovering their secret meeting, Miles is less than amused. He organises an ambush on Dexter and threatens Hannah with captivity on their yacht. Fearing for Hannah's safety, Dexter makes his way to her as soon as he can, only to arrive at a murder scene in which she clearly prevailed and killed her husband. As a clear act of love and dedication, Dexter promises they will get rid of the body together - it seems these moonlit, body-dumping boat rides are quite the communal activity nowadays, compared to previous series in which this ritual was a sacred moment of privacy. Regardless, it appears Dexter is once again under the proverbial green-thumb of Hannah. Much to the dismay of Deb, who has began to take matters into her own hands to assure that she is out of their lives for good. 

Elsewhere in Miami, Quinn was not granted his promotion and as a bizarre way of getting back at Batista, has decided to move in with Jamie. Masuka accuses his estranged daughter of wanting money, which initially doesn't go down well until both resolve the issue and take a step further in their father-daughter relationship. That is, he discovers she works at a 'breastaurant', an establishment in which the waitresses serve topless. Queue awkward interaction and the phrase "daughter-boobs".These sub-plots, whilst mildly entertaining, nevertheless remain out of place and trivial fillers. Elway however, is becoming more interesting as each episode passes. It is clear he has strong feelings for Deb but also possesses quite a temper, showcased through one or two aggressive outbursts. I get the feeling his prominence in this series will fast develop, but how or with whom... it is hard to tell. 

So there we have it, two episodes later and who is the biggest threat? Zach? Hannah? Or is it still Vogel? It is worth noting how disappointing it is to see her somewhat placed on the back-burner - the sub-plot of maternal vigour and dodgy psychiatric help was stronger and generated a far greater appeal. Hopefully she will return as the focal point in the last few episodes of the season. 

Until then however, in the show's oft-fragmented approach, the plot doesn't feel it's progressing particularly well, broadening its scope and trajectories rather than narrowing them down. You may argue - ah yes, but surely this is the beauty of serial television - each week is a new possibility, a different direction that keeps us glued to the screen. To that I say absolutely, and it’s fantastic if so - but only when done in a strong and effective manner. Instead, disinterest increases each week, and every episode of Dexter feels like a sequence of events awkwardly and bizarrely strung together. If the show had stuck with Vogel, we could be into some seriously deep, psychological and thrilling material right now. Instead we are given Hannah and Zach - two characters who, yes, pose a threat to Dexter for knowing all of his secrets, but, as it stands, are nevertheless underwhelming antagonists for a final season.

What are your thoughts on Dexter so far? Do you agree or disagree? Perhaps you think the introduction of Zach and Hannah was a smart move? Post a comment! 

Next week...