Dexter - Premiering on Channel 10 Sunday at 9:40 PM
This Sunday night Dexter will premiere on Channel Ten - yes, it is finally arriving on Australian free to air television. It’s only a couple of years late - the third season of Dexter is filming right now and is due to air in the states in September this year.
So for those of you new to the show, what can you expect? First up, let us state that this is not a show for the faint hearted. During the day Dexter is a blood spatter expert for the Miami police department. At night time, he is a serial killer - with a difference. He only kills serial killers. You could make the argument that he is actually saving lives. At the same time, killing is wrong, right? That is where the show gets interesting.
If you like your television bland and your characters black and white, Dexter won’t be for you. Michael C Hall said of Dexter - “A lot of times we see somebody with a black hat, somebody wearing a white hat, and he’s got a big ten gallon grey hat, which I like.” Sometimes there may be scenes which are a little scary, some might even say slightly gory, but certainly nothing worse than what you’d see on CSI. And of course given Dexter’s job, you’re going to see blood. Sometimes just a little bit, sometimes quite a lot of it.
There is a lot of great music in the show - from the jaunty theme tune which plays during the opening credits to more haunting themes and a lot in between. The first time I saw this series I would wake up at night hearing the music in my head. In this show the music is almost a character along with the cast.
Speaking of the cast, most of them will probably look unfamiliar to you to begin with even though a large percentage of the cast have been in many and varied shows previously. One person you’re likely to recognise if you are a Sex and The City fan is James Remar - who played Richard Wright in Sex and The City, one of Samantha’s favourite men.
In Dexter he is Harry Morgan, Dexter’s father who plays a huge role in Dexter’s life.
Rita Bennett, played by Julie Benz - Dexter’s sweet and trusting girlfriend. Rita has two kids - Astor and Cody - and an ex-husband who is currently in jail for what he did to her.
Debra Morgan, played by Jennifer Carpenter - Dexter’s sister who is a police officer. Debra works in the vice department and has legs up to her eyebrows but her dream is to become a homicide detective.
Lt. Maria Laguerta, played by Lauren Vélez - the always stunningly dressed lieutenant of the homicide department. Watch out for her sparkly lipstick, layered jewelery, salon fresh hair, fancy shoes and tailored suits.
Angel Batista, played by David Zayas - the detective with a heart of gold. He loves the Miami nightlife, and his wife. Aww. If you had to choose a policeman to help you, Angel would probably be the one.
Vincent Masuka, played by C. S. Lee - a forensic expert with his mind in the gutter who loves to drool over Dexter’s sister.
By the end of the first episode, Dexter will have introduced you to everyone near and dear to him - as well as those not so dear. You’ll get to know him a little. Will you like him? Will you tune in next time? Let us know in our new thread dedicated to Dexter Discussion.
Despite Dexter being about serial killers and Dexter’s job involving blood and murder it’s not too gory. I usually don’t like watching lots of gore but this show is a a lot more than that. As someone who’s now watching season 2 I highly recommend watching Dexter. I might even have to watch season 1 again. It’s jolly good tv viewing - a damn site better than Big Brother.
I am interested in watching it -thanks for the reminder and review of the cast of characters.
I’m almost done season 1 and I think the most interesting aspect is the relationship Dexter has with his father. That’s some interesting parenting.
I can’t wait. I’m sure you know where you’ll find me Sunday night at 9.40. Yup bum planted firmly on the lounge in front of the TV
Jen - I definitely recommend watching it a second time - and a third, and a fourth..
etc.
Trish - glad I could provide a reminder, I am so looking forward to discussing this show with people who are new to it.
Cugat - So you liked it then? I thought you would. I do think that is one of the best relationships in the show.
Gemisht - I have seen a 9:50pm starting time advertised, so don’t panic if they are running late. Apparently Rove is on before it..
[...] I wrote about Dexter over on Aussie Bloggers - it is finally being shown on channel 10 this weekend so if you’re in Australia and you [...]
Exciting! I caught up on the first season this last spring and I’m hoping to get ahold of the 2nd season on DVD soon. I really love Dexter.
Here I am waiting to watch, its 9.52 and still Rove is on. Why can’t these TV stations stick to their schedule.
Since I am in the USA I have seen all the Dexter’s and so won’t comment except to say - really good show - not for the squeamish. Originally shown on a cable station - Showtime - they are now showing the first season on commercial stations and I have no idea how they could do that - just like “The Sopranos” there is a lot of “language” - they probably cut it to pieces. I don’t know the state of Australian tv so I hope y’all getting the full episodes..
We caught the first episode and I think that I’m going to be a fan, I’m surprised I hadn’t watched this earlier actually.
At last; an off beat show that isn’t obsessed with 2 bit sentimentality. It’s about the most original and engaging American show I’ve seen in living memory. Excellent article, thanks.