The Buoy Club

Dexter: Trouble in a Scary Part of Paradise

We have a new Buoy Club member on our hands! Marcum got me started on Dexter at the beginning of December after he bought the first season on DVD at a Black Friday sale. (It might not have been on Black Friday, but for comedy's sake, let's assume he was shopping the day after Thanksgiving.) He lent me the series after he was finished and said it was "Lost good." I had my doubts, but after burning through the first 15 episodes, I must agree with me friend on this one. Not only is Dexter an amazing show, but once again having the luxury of watching the show on DVD (like I did with Lost) has allowed to catch on much quicker than I would have otherwise. The show is well-written, all of the characters are likable and round (meaning they change) and the plot, while sometimes predictable, is always engaging.

Now, after a stellar first season that featured an Ice Truck killer, hookers and more brotherly love than you could shake a stick at, I had my doubts about season 2 living up to the high standards set by its predecessor. And while I'm not completely convinced after "An Inconvenient Lie," some nice pieces have been put into place for this season. The introduction of Frank Lundy adds a nice sense of mounting danger for Dexter as he tries to murder right under the FBI's nose. I appreciate the writers making Lundy more human than your typical "super badass" FBI agents that we see all too often. Giving him little quirks, like a fondness for tea and a hatred for the "Bay Harbor Butcher" moniker, make him seem more human, and therefore, easier to relate to. I think Dexter's met his match with Lundy, and I'm excited to see how that storyline plays out.

Another element introduced in this episode was a blooming love triangle between Dexter, Rita and Lila. Now, I've never been a big fan of romantic storylines, but I like the wrinkle in this one. Having Dexter torn between Rita, the girl who makes him feel normal, and Lila, the girl who seemingly understood him at first glance, will make for an interesting back-and-forth. Besides, Rita has turned into a total b***h so far this season, and I honestly can't see why Dexter doesn't take Lila and run. It would give Rita some more time to mourn over Paul's death...

Finally, I'm glad we've moved on from the preposterous "Doakes following Dexter every night" storyline. As well as Doakes knows Dexter, he should know he's wasting his time tailing him like a lovesick ex-girlfriend. I think of the way Doakes handled the situation with Dexter's wannabe apprentice last season and it makes his decision to tail Dexter even more laughable. I'm glad they finally resolved it and simmered down on the hostility between those two. Although I'm not sure we've seen the last of it.

Overall, it was a good episode that I feel is building to something pretty cool. Can't wait to watch some more. Thanks again, Marcum.

BUOY CLUB GRADE: 83 out of 100.