Update: Title change for the episode. Dexter: Episode 11 is now titled 'Hialeah and Fourth.'
My first impulse is to say that Season 5 of 'Dexter' is getting really good but that falls short of what I really think about this season.
Season 5 'Dexter' has been outstanding throughout.
Keep in mind, last season was the season of the Trinity Killer with John Lithgow turning in a bravura performance as the psycho whack-job counterpoint to Dexter (Michael C. Hall) who seemed wholly balanced and stable in comparison.
Then there was the fine, though too-short return guest appearance by Keith Carradine as Deb's doomed lover, Frank Lundy.
Oh yeah. Dexter's wife, Rita was murdered.
Season four was engrossing and riveting, shocking and sad.
How were the Dexter showrunners going to follow up such a great season? As it turns out, with an equally great, but absolutely different season 5.
After they killed off Julie Benz's 'Rita' character the Dexter showrunners explained that they wanted to turn Dex's world upside down (and inside out). And they certainly did. We the audience had no idea what they had planned for Dex in season 5 but who could have guessed that he'd find his soulmate?
OK. Maybe that's a bit of a stretch because it is very early in their romance. But consider this: Julia Stiles' 'Lumen' is absolutely unique. She is the first person involved in a positive way with Dexter who knows exactly who he is and accepts him for it. It seemed a foregone conclusion that no woman would knowingly get involved with a serial killer but involved they are--on several levels.
And to top it off, seemingly Lumen is sane--at least when measured on the Dexter sanity scale.
Dexter's audience is among the most loyal there is so it was understandable that they were a bit apprehensive about Lumen and how she'd affect the still-grieving Dexter. But as season 5 progressed and the great episodes kept coming, Lumen and Dexter seemed to fit together like puzzle pieces.
As corny as the phrase 'You complete me' sounds, this is exactly what one does for the other. Both Dexter and Lumen had gaping holes in their psyches and hearts that they desperately needed healed and each has facilitated the healing of the other. They have been good for one another.
When Jennifer Carpenter, never better as 'Deb,' said to Dexter in episode 10 that there would be no recovery for the women that went through Jordan Chase and Co's. house of horrors, that a women would be better off dead than to survive and have to live with memories of the horrific acts perpetrated upon her, Deb was wrong--at least in part. Of course, she never considered that a victim could kick-start the healing process by killing the men responsible for her kidnapping, torture, and rape, but it seems to be working for Lumen.
Julia Stiles has put forth a very solid effort in crafting the Lumen character. She was totally convincing as the shell of a human being that Dexter accidentally rescued. Her evolution into a seemingly normal woman has been plausible and I think cathartic for the audience, too.
Where this is going is the big question. I see a lot of comments on the 'net that viewers do not want Lumen killed. I don't either but the Dexter-Lumen relationship is in a honeymoon period, so to speak. It cannot stay as it is because Dexter isn't going to have the luxury of this partnership lasting. At least he knows that someone understood him on a deeper level then perhaps even Harry ever did. And so Dexter has gained positive insights into himself that may have never happened if it were not for Lumen coming into his life.
I feel a mixture of excitement and dread about the last few episodes of season 5. What are your thoughts? What are you feeling?
Dexter realizes someone is watching Lumen and himself.
A Twin
Masuka presents new evidence in the barrel murder case.
Dexter: Episode 11 'Hop A Freighter'
Synopsis: Dexter and Lumen's plans are momentarily thwarted when Dexter's forced to do damage control after he concedes that someone, outside of Miami Metro, has taken an interest in them. Debra's speculation on the missing Barrel Girl suspects begins to take shape. Quinn finds himself more involved in a homicide than he'd like to be.
More photo stills frorm "Hop A Freighter' after the jump:
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