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« Dexter
Episode Recap: “Left Turn Ahead”
First of all, 500 points to all the fish-head aficionados among you! And 50 extra points to anyone who sang the song out loud when you read the words. Secondly, thanks to all of you eagle-eyed readers who caught my error when I inadvertently wrote that Dexter returned to the cabin to kill Doakes — obviously more wishful thinking on my part. I honestly don’t know what Dex will do with Doakes, but I will try to be more vigilant in my serial facts.
With lines like "I’m the helpful handyman, how evil can I possibly be?" this was one of the funniest Dexters yet.
Other good lines:
"I always thought hardening arteries squeezed the life out of my father, but it was me."
"That’s fine. Tie me up, put me in the trunk. Let's go."
"I’ve got a coworker in a cage; things aren’t going so well."
"I really enjoyed our conversations, James. I lie to everyone I know, except my victims right before I kill them. Hard to establish much of a rapport there. Sorry about the cage."
Masuka needs more screen time. He cracks me up:
"You’ve gotta man up. Get tough. Love’s a battlefield."
Every time Lila was on screen, I had a panic attack. She makes me nervous. She’s so scheming and conniving and downright mean. Pressing charges against sweet Angel for a crime he didn’t commit was heartless. Stealing the GPS locator thingamajig from Dex’s minivan was, well, illegal. She cares about no one but herself. I do hope they wrap up her storyline in this season, because, like Dexter, I don’t think I ever want to see her again. She is delusional. Does she ever wear an entire outfit with, like, pants?
"I’m flying without a code here." Dexter decided to turn himself in and put his affairs in order. He found peace and calm with his decision. He told Angel how he would want to be like him. He had Debra sign his will and testament, which she was happy to sign, because she wanted to know, "So, what am I getting? I could use a new TV." He put the screws to Lila. He spent a lovely day with Rita and the kids and gave her the minivan, which is actually kind of gross when you think about it. She’s going to be pretty ticked off if she ever finds out what kind of cargo he’s been hauling in it.
Dexter thinks framing Doakes is going to be cut-and-dried, but what of the new evidence that Laguerta found in Haiti? Won’t it shed some different light? Or the fact that Lila has stumbled upon him locked in the cabin? I’m very concerned.
When Dexter laid down on the table in the cabin, it looked like he was having a therapy session with Doakes. It was hysterical. They shot Dex like he was one of his own victims.
For a guy with special-ops training, Doakes doesn’t seem very good with the whole escape thing, though he was rather cool and collected with the alligator. The boat rescue didn’t quite work out as hoped. Thank goodness Dexter showed up when he did and saved Doakes’ arse. When Dexter said "I think we made some alligators very happy," was it from feeding them the cocaine or the bodies? My bet's on both.
Lundy and Deb patched things up last week and were sexy as ever this week. She told him, "You’re a god. Don’t you ever forget it." She even stood up for him against his FBI boss. That guy was a turd and deserved her wrath. She was tough as nails and promised Lundy she was "just warming up."
Deb asked how she could find out Lila’s real identity and decided she should "cut off her head, look for a label." Sounds good to me. Once she found out about Lila's expired visa, she went over to Lila’s to run her "out of town." It made her feel "like an Old West sheriff." It was an idle threat (since Lundy said it would be tough to deport Lila) but I was convinced. She even told Dexter, "I feel like I’m back. New and improved, even." You go, girl. I like this new Debra. Wouldn’t it be interesting if she actually ends up helping Dexter with his vigilante side gig?
The imagined scenes of how it might go when Dex told Deb the truth about who he is were hilarious. My favorite was when she shot him in the head. I am glad he went to Debra and she talked him out of turning himself in, even though she had no idea what she was talking him out of. She believes in Dexter and it was good enough for him. Well, it might have been that bite of steak vs. the thought of what prison food would taste like that really made him change his mind.
"You have arrived at your destination." The suspense for the finale is killing me although the teaser for next week seemed to basically show the entire episode. But I can’t wait to find out what cliff-hangers will be in store for us.
I’m turning left and watching our BHB on the Online Video Guide.
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Dec 10, 2007 1:02 AM
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Dexter has one line from this second season :
'Now I am the master!"
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Dec 10, 2007 2:05 AM
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If things looked grim for Doakes before, Lila's arrival has turned the situation critical, as the preview for next week's season finale looks downright pyrotechnic.
I was laughing so hard when Dexter ran through all the possible outcomes for Deb's reaction if he told her his secret. Choking, pulling a gun on him, crying, or shooting him dead, each one was comedy gold. People talk about how dark this show is, but you don't hear much about how funny it can be.
Dexter and Doakes make a good team when they work together, don't they? Hint of things to come?
Lundy's boss is a major tool, kind of like the police captain. Two peas in a pod, they are.
Next Sunday can't come soon enough!
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Dec 10, 2007 2:47 AM
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best show on TV
I said it last season and I'll say it again, even if you can predict where the show is going (I did lst season and am pretty sure I'm right his season too...so far its ben leading right up), the show is friggin great BEYOND that. Its not just about the suspense, its about the characters and the dilemmas in general. How they affect the characters and WE GET TO SEE AND HEAR alot of that. The inner monologue is a great aspect of this show, I seriously cat believe people have complained about it.
this is a show I believe is done right. It could have been ALL gimmick, but its not. Its actually a good show, and I'm gla I gave it a random chance. Its become something I look forward too when its on... and without a hint of cynicalness... which for me, in this day and age of crappy "we fly by the seat of our pants...but no really we want you to think we know what we're doing" TV is hard to come by.
Kudos (or in TV guide terms Cheers) to the cast and crew of Dexter for making a show thats compelling for more reasons than high (low?) brow soap opera, or gimmicks. And its not even at its finale yet. 
BTW as much as I would want more eps to watch. I'm glad this show isn't stretched out over more per season. Tho I actually have a little faith in this crew to do it right even with that many eps... ok maybe thats a bit much.. I gotta have a little pessimism 
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Dec 10, 2007 5:34 AM
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Some of the best shows out there have seasons that don't last more than 12-14 episodes...The Sopranos did a lot with a little, Dexter, and the BBC science fiction shows Doctor Who and Torchwood. I find that 22-24 episode seasons can often be too clunky and rely on a lot of filler episodes. It just depends on the quality of the writer(s).
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Dec 10, 2007 5:47 AM
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Wow, this show has been consistently outstanding this season. Kudos to the Writers, the Actors and the rest of the crew - clearly they all deserve credit in making this show so great. (And Writers, keep on strike 'til you get your fair share!)
Loved Deb's "I am the Sheriff" moments. Deb's grown on me this season, though I'm still not sure about the Lundy thing. Deb going to run Lila out of town was hi-larious! Totally right that Deb is the one to give Dexter the reasons not to turn himself in.
Wonderful Dex-Doakes scenes! Those two worked together really well against the drug dealers. I'm still stumped about how the Doakes problem will be resolved. The previews hint that he could go boom, but I'd love to see Doakes get away after Lila goes up in flames.
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Dec 10, 2007 7:44 AM
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I keep trying to think of a way that Doakes can survive this dilemma that Dexter has going on but I can't see a long-term solution that will work and I wouldn't want it to carry over to the new season next year, either. And, as much as I despise Lila, I gotta give props to the actress who plays her for being so damned believable. She has such a total lack of conscience in her eyes. Can't wait to see how this terrific season ends next week.
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Dec 10, 2007 10:17 AM
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Great episode, as always!
When Dexter told Doakes he was going to turn himself in, I thought Dex was just playing Doakes in an effort to get Doakes to walk into the station himself. It didn't take long for Dex's sincerity to show, though.
The thought that Dex was seriously considering it...ugh--*shudder.* Of course that wasn't likely to happen given the upcoming season 3, but it's sad that Dex had so much peace with the decision originally. It shows something the show doesn't address very often--Dexter's general unhappiness with himself and his situation.
Granted, this season has really pursued that avenue as he's made progress toward "recovery," but last night's ep. really brought it home for me--that the constant game play is a huge burden for him. The humor of his voice-overs and the passion he shows for chasing and catching his prey have really downplayed the sense that he is internally miserable.
Here's hoping his misery was only temporary and that he's right with himself and who he is soon (at least for the sake of our everlasting entertainment!)
PS I made a conscious effort NOT to watch next week's previews because this week's episode would have been even better had I not known what was coming.
Please use SPOILER ALERTS for discussion of the previews of next week's show.
Pretty please? Thanks!
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Dec 10, 2007 11:32 AM
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Paula,
I imagine your suggestion that Deb help Dexter with his hobby was not really serious. No way should that happen. Deb is - well Deb. She brings this amazing combination of hopefulness and cynicism that is just delightful. I have always liked the character but this season she has just shined. As far as her relationship with Lundy, I am of the opinion that it is so hard to find a comforting relationship in this world that when two characters do find it (especially given what Deb has been through), it should be applauded, regardless of age difference etc. They have portrayed this relationship as nothing but supportive and caring on both sides with lots of good willed humor - I love it.
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Dec 10, 2007 12:52 PM
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Having recently finished the books, I thought we might have been taking this left hand turn, so Dexter has decided to turn himself in, then on the boat with Rita and the kids, he helps Cody reel in his first fish. And then sees the evil delight in Cody's eyes when the fish is cut into and Dexter realizes more than his own self, he needs to be there to teach Cody. And then he looks over at Astor who is smiling in ghoulish delight and Dexter realizes that because of Paul (who wasn't as bad on TV as he was in the books), these two kids are just like himself and Brian/Rudy. Okay, so when that doesn't happen and then Deb comes in (Jennifer Carpenter is amazing, I have wanted her to be more like Deb in the books, but softening her a bit and she finally was that last night) and Dexter starts dancing around the idea and Deb looks at him and says, don't say it and put me in that position. Because, hello, she was there with Rudy and Dexter when Rudy tried to get Dexter to kill her. And then she knows Rudy is dead (doesn't she? why haven't we hear a whole hoopla-la about his body being found? I suppose because it was, Deb would probably being able to put it together).
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Dec 10, 2007 3:33 PM
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Another great episode. Paula, you forgot Masuka's other great line- when they're looking at the picture of Doakes at the gas station and he looks over and whispers " I can't believe it... three fourty nine for regular". I really did laugh out loud.
As someone else wrote, the scenarios when he hells Deb he's the Bay harbor butcher and she reacts are HYSTERICAL.
SPOILER FOR NEXT WEEK - JUST SPECULATION
I think Lila will get hers and but I don't think it will be Dexter or Doakes who will do her in. I'm not saying who I think it is, but I'll bet some of you suspect what I do.
Anyway, definitely best show on TV now. I will hate to see it go away for an entire year. 
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Dec 10, 2007 4:09 PM
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What a great episode. Lila finding the cabin was so eerie. I can't get over how fantastic this show continues to be. I actually just stumbled upon the finale online and it's amazing as well. Can't wait for season 3!
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Dec 10, 2007 8:08 PM
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Regardless of its flaws, Dexter is the best thing on television right now (at least until the Shield returns). That being said, I am getting frustrated with Dexter's character. The intriguing thing about Dexter is that he doesn't kill out of a sense of vengence or morality, rather, he kills for to satisfy his beast. He is a sociopath who has adopted Harry's code as a way to survive while going about his business.
Dexter is not supposed to feel guilt or remorse. His feelings about Harry are complex but understandable because the guy showed him the way. So why the hell is Dexter not dealing with Doakes in a ruthless fashion? As Dexter acknowledged, if Doakes is arrested and the frame job works, there will still be years of trials and appeals with Doakes pointing the finger in Dexter's direction.
Dexter's only resistance to killing Doakes should be the code not any sense of guilt that a normal person would feel. So why in the world would Dexter save Doakes from the drug runners? It was the perfect opportunity to wrap up the loose ends without personally violating the code. I hope the writers resist the temptation to convert Dexter from a serial killer who happens to target bad people into a Dirty Harry/Death Wish rip off.
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Dec 11, 2007 7:33 AM
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So why in the world would Dexter save Doakes from the drug runners? It was the perfect opportunity to wrap up the loose ends without personally violating the code <<<<<
AZ you don't get it. Letting Doakes get killed by drug runners would be violating the code. Dexter is a serial killer, but he only kills killers. Letting Doakes get killed by killer drug dealers would violate the code. Killing the killer drug runners does not violate the code.
Dexter needs to kill to satisfy his deep seated urge, but he MUST follow the code that Harry taught him. That is the essence of Dexter. YES very convoluted.
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Dec 11, 2007 3:16 PM
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So, with the season finale coming up, how does Dexter deal with both the evil Lila and the dauntless Doakes? You mentioned "cliffhangers." That really wouldn't be in keeping with the end of Season 1...but anything can happen. So...here's my theory, based on the latest episode and the previews. We know that Lila finds Doakes...but we never see them actually together -- they're on opposite sides of the cabin wall. And somewhere, somehow, it seems the cabin is engulfed in flames, before or after an explosion (ever notice how "fire" and "Lila" go together so much?). I'm just wondering whether Lila sings another torch song...but manages to consume not only Doakes but herself as well (God! If anybody has a death wish, Lila does). I can see Doakes yelling that Dexter is the Bay Harbor killer, and Lila -- in her terribly sick, utterly codependent way -- deciding immediately that she has to kill Doakes to "save" Dexter (and keep him forever trapped in her debt). But the fire/explosion could get out of control, and engulf Lila, too. If Doakes does die, it practically eliminates any impact of the "evidence" Laguerta found in Haiti -- all she was able to tell Lundy over the phone was that the "travel agent" in Haiti said Doakes wanted a place to get some blood slides analyzed. I don't believe the "travel agent" saw the slides or their wooden box; they were in the trunk of Doakes's car back in the U.S. -- where the FBI found them. Without Doakes to say where those slides came from, Dexter might be safe. WE know where the slides came from -- inside Dexter's apartment A/C -- and Doakes knows. But if he's dead, the evidence trail dies with him. And Lila just has to die -- she is too dangerous for Dexter, and -- I think -- very disliked by viewers. Your own comments about her support this. So, what easier than eliminate Lila and Doakes is a massive explosion?!
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Dec 12, 2007 2:47 PM
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Our good friend, Michael C Hal, best known for his current work as the dark, serial killer, Dexter, has earned himself a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by and Actor in a TV Drama.
Congrats, Michael! We love you!
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