Dexter

I had high hopes after the last episode, but alas, it seems Dexter's glory days are fading fast. Gone is the cold cynic with the dry wit; now we've got a sensitive guy with family values, and it's just not hitting the mark like it used to. (01.07.2019)

Well, the ninth episode had its moments, sure, but that's exactly it — they were just moments. Overall, the storyline didn't really leave a lasting impression on me. And you know what's really starting to bug me? The fact that the whole season seems to revolve around these new characters who were sort of clumsily shoehorned into the plot. (01.07.2019)

I've been sticking with a rating just a notch above average, mainly because we've got our slightly sensitive Dexter and the somewhat annoying Dr. Came-out-of-nowhere making their regular appearances. However, I'll give credit where it's due — the ending of this episode did manage to tidy up at least one plot hurdle, which I appreciated. (02.07.2019)

Despite the main character insisting on staying in their oversensitive mode, the plot picked up speed this time around, and I found myself enjoying it more than the last few episodes. Still, it's a far cry from the original Dexter vibe. (02.07.2019)

The finale of the eighth season, and the entire series, was botched, to say the least. Now, I'm not one for happily-ever-afters; I don't mind a darker conclusion. But this time, it just felt off. I couldn't stomach the feeble excuse the creators cooked up, punishing all evil like it's a run-of-the-mill Disney flick. Eight years invested, and this is what we get? I haven't read the book version, but if Jeff Lindsay wrote it this way, then my gripes are aimed his way. (05.07.2019)

The creators struggled to maintain consistent quality throughout the ninth season. Each episode left a different impression on me, which was reflected in the varying ratings. The final episode, however, was a sheer disaster that left me quite disappointed. After finishing the ninth season, my overall impression is that perhaps this storyline shouldn't have been filmed at all. The eighth season finale already had me frustrated, and just when I thought I'd cooled down after ten years, an even worse disaster came along. / Lesson learned: Want to enjoy a great series? Watch Dexter and skip the eighth and ninth seasons. (23.05.2022)

What a weird episode. It seems this season won't be about Dexter Morgan at all. Instead of the emotionless Dexter, we're introduced to the emotional Jim Lindsay, who talks to his deceased sister and tries to pick up a deer. Astral Deb was another letdown, as she didn't swear once during the entire episode. Considering the disaster that was the eighth season's finale, I'm not entirely convinced this politically correct season has much room for improvement. But, I'll keep my hopes up for now. / Lesson learned: The kids are sure to track you down. (19.05.2022)

My second encounter with Jim Lindsay turned out much better than I expected. I still have reservations about many aspects, I still find it hard to accept my favorite serial killer taking someone out based solely on unverified information from a single source. However, the episode itself was quite enjoyable,  and if things don't go completely off the rails, I might even allow myself to hope. (20.05.2022)

The plot of the third episode was quite interesting, there was some tension, and the chilling atmosphere was well done. All that was missing was Dexter himself. Jim is cut from a different cloth; he longs for family life, is oddly emotional (which is quite paradoxical), but perhaps he's just somewhat paralyzed by the constant cold. The original Dexter shines through only occasionally, and in those moments, I think maybe all is not lost, but who knows. / Lesson learned: Don't humble yourself before the strong and don't raise yourself above the weak. :-) (20.05.2022)

Finally, I got to the episode that really convinced me things could work this way. Maybe it was because Jim felt more like a guide to the unfolding plot, which is finally heading in the long-anticipated direction. Well, I'll wait and see if the creators can handle it the way I imagine. / Lesson learned: Don't get into a car with a stranger (especially if they're a white heterosexual). (20.05.2022)

Well, this one didn't quite hit the mark for me. The way the creators steered the storyline was quite heavy-handed. The only part I really enjoyed in the fifth episode was Kurganov's storyline. As for what was happening with Harrison, it felt like a rehash of what we've seen in the series before. The rest of the plot seemed filled with "coincidences" that were so obvious it felt like the creators were parodying themselves. Just when I was starting to think it might improve... / Lesson learned: If you don't want to be found, don't leave breadcrumbs. (21.05.2022)

The quality of the episodes keeps fluctuating. The last one was downright awful, but now we're back to an episode with a great atmosphere, and a decent story that kept the tension alive. However, I'm left disappointed that the creators decided to involve Harrison in the plot of the ninth season; he really doesn't sit well with me here. I'd much prefer a more developed storyline for Kurt instead. Despite this, I'm satisfied with how the episode turned out. / Lesson learned: Don't be lazy, keep digging; you're sure to find something. (21.05.2022)

The plot slowly became more intriguing (not necessarily unpredictable), with tension building up nicely. The quality atmosphere was present throughout. The only downside, in my opinion, continues to be Harrison, who I simply can't warm up to. / Lesson learned: It's best not to bite truck drivers. (21.05.2022)

I'm genuinely puzzled now. After the previous two episodes, I had high hopes for this season, but not even Joker's appearance could salvage this latest episode. There was far too much focus on Harrison for my liking, and things took a turn for the worse when the local police chief miraculously cracked the Bay Harbor Butcher case in just one afternoon. / Lesson learned: Iron Lake might not be the best destination; the concentration of killers there is truly alarming. 3*- (22.05.2022)

Even with my ongoing dislike for Harrison, I found the ninth episode quite enjoyable. However, Dexter's justifications for what he does seemed considerably weaker than they did years ago. I suppose his son might have something to do with it; that character really gets on my nerves. If this truly is the final season, I'm expecting a definitive resolution to the Morgan question. I can't imagine any other finale that would make sense. (23.05.2022)

The writers' strike back then halted series filming, and right now, I feel like some of them should go on strike forever. The grand finale of the ninth season, and honestly the entire series, has just reminded me of what a fool I am for coming back to Dexter after the disastrous eighth season (especially its ending). I solemnly swear and promise that I won't subject myself to any potential tenth season, "Dexter X: Afterlife Kills". The plot of the ninth episode was completely illogical, and its screenplay went against all the rules the creators had set for the series. Just horrible. / Lesson learned: Have kids so that you'll have someone to care for you in old age. (23.05.2022)