As a seasoned viewer of Dexter, I must say that the show has always intrigued me with its complex portrayal of morality and the human psyche. However, if we were to judge Dexter Morgan by his actions and attitudes, it’s clear that he is not the hero many might think he is.
I found myself utterly captivated by the enigmatic character of Dexter Morgan, portrayed brilliantly by Michael C. Hall, in the renowned “Dexter” franchise. This complex anti-hero, with his irresistible charisma and sharp intellect, was a serial killer who, for the most part, targeted other killers. Balancing this dark side of his life, he strived to maintain a semblance of normalcy as a brother, spouse, and blood spatter analyst. However, as the series unfolded, it grew evident that there wasn’t much separating Dexter from the criminals he eliminated.
This week sees the release of Dexter: Original Sin. In anticipation, we’re taking a closer look at Dexter’s criminal acts and character to assess how he measures up against the other antagonists in his series. Shockingly, it appears that Dexter could be the most morally reprehensible of them all.
10
He Racked Up Over 100 Victims
Throughout the span of the Dexter TV series, viewers witnessed Dexter carrying out numerous murders, although it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact number of his victims. However, there is evidence suggesting that this number surpasses 100. By the conclusion of the first season, he had almost reached 100 blood slides, which is a substantial amount in itself. This total does not include the individuals he killed prior to starting his trophy collection or those he eliminated after stopping.
During the sequel series Dexter: New Blood, Dexter claimed that his kill count was in the 100s.
A Horrifyingly High Number
It’s tricky to measure Dexter’s on-screen kill count against other show characters due to the unknown number of their actual victims. Yet, it’s significant to note that Jeffrey Dahmer, a real-life serial killer, confessed to taking 17 lives, while Ted Bundy admitted to 30 (though experts believe he could have killed many more). We don’t intend to trivialize the real-world victims by mentioning these numbers, but rather, to underscore the sheer terror that a count of over 100 murders would evoke.
9
He Killed His Own Family
Killing strangers, even other killers, is already a moral dilemma. But something a lot more straightforward in awfulness is the idea of killing family. Dexter has done this at least once, though there’s an argument to be made that he’s actually killed three family members. Although he does express remorse over each, it doesn’t undo these characters’ deaths, nor Dexter’s culpability.
It Runs in the Family
In the first season, Dexter’s brother Brian was unveiled as the Ice Truck Killer. Following his attempt on Deborah’s life, Dexter’s sister adopted by him, he felt compelled to take Brian’s life first. Although this action could be justified within the series context, it’s important to note that Hannah McKay, Dexter’s future girlfriend, was responsible for poisoning Deb in season 7. Despite having her arrested, Dexter didn’t kill Deborah himself, hinting at alternative methods to handle Brian without resorting to murder.
In the course of the series, it became clear that Harry, who had adopted Dexter, took his own life upon discovering one of Dexter’s murders. While it was ultimately Harry’s choice to do so, it’s unlikely he would have made that decision without Dexter’s actions influencing him. In a similar vein, following Deb’s shooting and subsequent catatonic state, Dexter chose to remove her from life support. This act could be perceived as euthanasia, except for the fact that much of her predicament was due to Dexter’s initial actions.
8
The Sheer Number of Indirect Deaths He’s Responsible For
Previously noted, Dexter indirectly caused Deb’s death through disconnecting her from life support and unintentionally setting the circumstances for her being shot, which adds a deeper layer of sorrow. Similarly, while he didn’t personally murder Doakes or LaGuerta, his actions led loved ones to feel cornered, resulting in them taking lives on Dexter’s behalf. To summarize, death was a constant companion for Dexter, even when he wasn’t intending to cause harm.
The Number Continues to Climb
The sum of individuals Dexter unintentionally or indirectly killed is clearly more than 150, possibly even reaching 200. What’s more troubling is that he played a role in inspiring or developing other killers such as Miguel Prado and Lumen Pierce.
By the finale of “New Blood”, he subtly nurtured Harrison’s violent inclinations, leading him into an unavoidable scenario where he was compelled to kill his own father. While Dexter may technically be alive, Harrison firmly believes he is dead. For a child who has already experienced his mother’s murder and abandonment by his father, this will undoubtedly leave lasting scars.
7
He Abandoned the Family Members He Didn’t Kill
In a different phrasing, we could say: Dexter isn’t just a lethal assassin, but he’s also a neglectful father who deserted his kids. Though there were instances in the series where he appeared as a caring parent, those moments don’t justify his later choice to leave them behind. To start with, Harrison was the first family member he abandoned when Dexter had to flee and move to Alaska. However, even before that incident, Dexter also walked away from Astor and Cody, his stepchildren, at a critical juncture in their lives.
Might Have Been for the Best
Some spectators might contend that Dexter left Astor and Cody with their grandparents for safety reasons, as well as because Astor insisted on it. Given Dexter’s history of mishaps involving deceased family members, these viewers may have a valid concern. However, considering he unintentionally caused the death of both their biological parents and had previously put them in danger due to Lila, one might argue he owes them more than just safety. Furthermore, when Harrison locates him in Alaska later on, we see that life without their father has been far from easy for Astor and Cody.
6
Doesn’t Always Follow His Code
In terms of adhering to his strict moral compass, Dexter often faltered significantly. Throughout both the initial series and “Dexter: New Blood,” he ended up taking lives that, by his own code’s standards, were not justified. For instance, during season 4, episode 7, he wrongly executed Farrow, believing him to be a murderer. While Farrow was indeed a despicable individual, he hadn’t actually killed anyone. It wasn’t until Farrow’s assistant was arrested for the crimes that Dexter came to this realization.
In season 5 and 7, he ended the lives of two individuals: Rankin and Clint. The killing of Rankin occurred due to anger, while Clint’s death was partly driven by blackmail and partially because he was a harsh, unkind father to Hannah. It’s important to note that these characters were far from perfect, yet they weren’t justified targets according to his principles. This demonstrates that Dexter was prepared to manipulate or disregard his code when it benefited him.
How Many Other Innocent Victims?
Just as it’s uncertain exactly how many victims Dexter has, it’s also unclear if all those he killed were truly culpable. Moreover, we are evaluating guilt based on Dexter’s criteria for who ‘deserves to be killed’, a moral quandary that presents its own set of complexities.
Instead of labeling them all as “killers,” it’s essential to recognize that some individuals capable of heinous acts may also have positive contributions to society or personal connections, such as family ties. This complexity is even acknowledged by Dexter, a character known for his vigilante justice, who on occasion spared killers he had initially intended to execute. This nuance adds layers to Dexter’s actions, suggesting that not all offenders are deserving of the death penalty. It also underscores the fact that it is Dexter himself who ultimately decides who lives and dies.
5
He Regularly Tortures His Victims
Multiple instances across the series depict Dexter deriving pleasure not only from murder but also from tormenting his victims. He ominously brandishes weapons to inflict pain and terrorize them under false hope of escape. In the initial episode, we witness him meticulously saw through his first victim’s skull, while a later episode features him employing a chainsaw.
Furthermore, he displays pictures of his enemies’ enemies on the walls, and although some appear unperturbed or justify their behavior, this marks the beginning of his mental combat tactics.
Getting Inside Their Heads
Dexter’s methods of eliminating his targets often involve swift heart stabbings, but it’s the psychological torment he inflicts prior to their deaths that truly magnifies the suffering. For instance, just before ending Miguel’s life, Dexter reveals that he murdered his brother, a revelation that must have been excruciatingly painful as an act of deception. Furthermore, Dexter takes pleasure in awakening the Castillos so they can witness each other’s fear and helplessness moments before his grisly actions unfold.
It’s challenging to identify any justification other than fear or dominance that would explain why Dexter keeps his victims conscious before killing them. Although some argue he does so to reveal his true self, the significance of this “true” self is questionable. Is he boasting about this “true” self, or does he find pleasure in the fear it instills? Perhaps he wants killers to experience a taste of their own medicine, or witness the departure of light from their eyes, as implied by Brian’s Dark Passenger persona. However, it also seems plausible that this entire ritual serves as an opportunity for him to exert his power and assert moral superiority over others.
4
He Collects Sick Trophies
In many instances, serial killers keep mementos from their victims, and this is true for Dexter as well, with his collection of blood slides. This act suggests that he holds a sentimental view of these murders, revisiting them fondly. While the trophies don’t elevate Dexter to a worse category than other show characters who kill, they symbolically indicate that he is not morally superior either.
The Type of Trophy Matters
Among all the major murderers, Dexter’s victim samples, or blood slides as they are commonly known, are some of the most gruesome and personal mementos. Unlike Zach Hamilton who captured photos, Miguel who claimed rings, and Hannah who took various belongings from her victims, Dexter instead retained a part of his victims themselves.
It seems quite plausible that the selection of this specific trophy was based on two reasons: firstly, Dexter being a skilled blood spatter analyst, and secondly, his background referred to as “born in blood.” However, considering it a private and distinctive aspect, taking it adds an extra layer of disquiet.
3
He Commits Numerous Crimes Besides Murder
In their early years, multiple serial killers are known to engage in acts other than murder. For instance, during Dexter’s childhood, Harry uncovered his propensity for violence upon finding out that Dexter had killed several animals. Over time, he would also set fires to conceal some of his murders, steal vehicles, and abduct numerous victims. To add to this, faking his death at the end of the series can be considered a crime (many viewers believe the final episode was just as criminal).
Part of a Pattern
Dexter’s most heinous act is murder, yet it’s part of a larger web of immoral actions, such as manipulation, trophy-keeping, torment, and minor offenses. To put it simply, he’s not someone you’d want to spend time with due to his questionable nature. What makes this even more distressing is that he successfully persuades other characters (and viewers) to see him in a positive light.
2
He’s a Master Manipulator
Skillfully deceiving others doesn’t automatically label someone a villain, but if your life is built on a foundation of repeated lies, it raises concerns. In Dexter’s case, much of what he did was aimed at maintaining a facade or persuading others of something untrue. For example, he married Rita not just for love, but to hide his true identity and crimes. He also deceived Deb, his sister, by lying about committing murder right in front of her eyes.
Even Fooled Himself
Dexter often comes across as deceptive, suggesting he may have fooled himself throughout his life. For example, while repeatedly labeling himself as a monster, he seems to be at peace with his killings due to Harry’s code. However, it appears that this code is ineffective, and Dexter has unquestionably killed innocent people. Instead of seeking another solution or confessing, Dexter chooses to view his murders of murderers as a noble act, one he believes benefits not only himself but others as well.
While some might contend that the killings were ultimately beneficial, there’s a strong possibility that Dexter was the primary beneficiary of his own crimes, as opposed to acting on behalf of others – this could well be the greatest deception yet.
1
He Thinks He’s Better Than His Victims
The information provided suggests that each of the listed points demonstrates a similarity between Dexter and the criminals he pursues. Nevertheless, it’s important to note one significant distinction, albeit a negative one: Dexter believes himself to be superior to them.
In the third season, he tells Miguel that he views all his targets as “unrefined versions” of himself, not fully grasping that many of them operate by similar codes, albeit with distinct regulations. Miguel believes his victims were deserving of death and sees himself as akin to Dexter, yet Dexter firmly denies this comparison. As Dexter puts it, he believes he’s superior to (or perhaps less evil than) his victims because, unlike them, he acknowledges his monstrous nature. However, recognizing oneself as a monster doesn’t make one any less of a monster; it merely provides an excuse for Dexter to hide behind this realization.
Believes (or Pretends to Believe) His Kills are Justified
Previously mentioned, Dexter frequently refers to himself as a monster, not as a admission or regret, but rather as a justification. In his thought process, being monstrous isn’t something that can be altered, only redirected towards a particular goal. This perspective leads him to think that there is some goodness in his actions because he perceives himself as eliminating other monsters from the world.
Instead of discussing whether it’s righteous to eliminate murderers, let’s focus on the fact that justifying such actions makes it far simpler to commit acts of violence across the board. Dexter doesn’t become a more noble character simply because he follows a code; in fact, he might be more dangerous due to his belief that he is superior, making it easier for him to carry out actions in his self-interest and justify them as necessary or altruistic.
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2024-12-14 22:32