Character Growth

“The only thing’s that changed is now you know more about me.” — Dexter Morgan, "Dexter"

When "Entertainment Weekly" did a list of shows that are popular now but shouldn't have worked, "Dexter" was right near the top. Now in its seventh season — with an eighth, and perhaps final, season already guaranteed — "Dexter" continues to draw large ratings for Showtime.

But on paper, it still shouldn't have worked.

The show is about a serial killer trying to live a normal life, hidden in the shadows, while working for the Miami police of all things. As the show has progressed, the writers and producers have endeavored to offer more three-dimensional depth to the character of Dexter Morgan, something essential for a successful television show, but problematic given that he's an ice-cold killer. But that leads to the fundamental question about the layers to people, even people who are deeply disturbed.

Dexter Morgan is the consummate anti-hero. He's a killer, but he has a code. That paradox is likely what helps the audience identify with Dexter. I have to admit, I enjoy the show and can see the appeal of the character, to some extent. That's something that's heightened in the books upon which the series is based. I've also noted that Dexter Morgan is probably the emblematic hero for the current cultural times we live in. He might be a killer, but he's ridding the world of other killers, so he's actually the good guy.

In terms of narrative, producers and writers have worked to expand Dexter as a person over the years. This has even meant raising moral questions — another interesting paradox. One of my favorite arcs happened in season three where Dexter was asked by a family friend — who knew nothing of his secret life — to help her end her life. She had a terminal illness and wanted to die. Dexter, who has killed dozens of people, was troubled by the request and didn't think he could do it. That kind of interesting moral struggle adds dimension to the character, and dimension of thought to the show. That is one of the things I enjoy about it.

Last season brought a frank discussion of religion, and even though it's not a Christian show or even a really moral show, I thought the ideas were handled in a fascinating manner.

This season has sought to explore whether Dexter can really form relationships with other people — something the show has toyed with since the first season. Of course, it helps that the show seems to be steaming toward an end point (a move that always seems to provide a burst of narrative clarity and freedom).

It's also forcing ancillary characters to answer tough questions about their own morals. The revelation of Dexter's secret life to his sister, Deb, the only true connection he's ever really formed, has been fascinating. It's hard to tell where it's all leading, or where it will all end up, but I appreciate the journey.