This television series is based on the novel, Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay. This cable television program was produced by Showtime. The show is narrated by Dexter Morgan, a serial killer and forensics expert in Miami, Florida.
It is a sardonic and humorous show with excellent cinematography. Almost everyone has a nice tan with subtle reddish tones. Watching the show reminds me of how much I like Miami: the Latin (basically Cuban) local flavor.
Dexter makes me think of Hannibal Lector.
Has Hollywood so run out of ideas it has to take this turn?
Dexter is a new twist to an existing formula. Take Hannibal Lector, the CSI franchises, rename him Dexter, make him very blond, buff and emotionally vacant. Did I mention that he's hot too?
Dexter's main problem is not getting caught, exposed, or found out pursuing and executing other serial killers. He's held in check, to not go on a killing spree, by his moral code. The moral code was given to him by adoptive parent Harry Morgan. Without the (ghostly) guiding hand of Harry - a former police officer - Dexter could be out killing anybody and everybody.
Got that?
In this universe, Miami Florida is swamped with killers. Wait, that is reality... These folks - the ones that Dexter pursues - don't fit any particular stereotype, or what we publicly know of the serial killer profile. The only thing they have in common is the main character's lack of actual felt compassion, empathy and humanity.
However, the funky thing about Dexter is that he is likable, humorous, good looking, kind and compassionate for a cold blooded murder. He doesn't hate people, because he doesn't have the emotion for it. The key to understanding him is that he thinks about his urge (to kill) and uses his moral code to control them.
Weird, how I can identify with this guy.
I only have two issues with the show:
- Showing women's bodies as desiccated pieces of meat is not art, is not entertaining, and is not creative. It really makes me angry.
I would like Hollywood writers, producers, and directors to think of what's really scary, let us use our imagination - that's more frightening.
- I know black men and women put up with roles in the business in order to put food on the table. I don't have a beef with them. I have news for the writers of this show. However, one cop cursing most of the time, almost exclusively, makes no sense.
Be consistent: make them all foulmouthed. I grew up near working police officers: the white cops cursed constantly and profusely, but the black ones (as far as I heard) did not. I am sure they did.
Yet, even if I was writing fiction about cops, I wouldn't write white or black characters in that way. I like Sergeant Doakes (Erik King), but the potty mouth has to ease up some.
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