Dexter is not a Tiger Woods update or an NFL football player. For that, you may say "Thank God", but look; what's Dexter anyway? More like who's Dexter anyway? Dexter Season 5 has got people talking include me, and I've never heard of Dexter. Showtime calls him "America's favorite serial killer."
Yikes.
Dexter is a Showtime Original Series about a man who works within the bowls of the criminal justice system, but goes out and kills those people already suspected of being guilty of a crime, making him a kind of serial killer.
My first response in considering this television series was "I can't believe someone made a show like this, and that people are watching it."
My second take was "What the hell is wrong with society?"
I ask because, thousands of people lined up for at least four hours to see a special screening of the show's Season 5 finale Sunday in New York City, leading to this tweet:
At the Dexter finale party in NYC and fans have been lined up since 4:30 this afternoon. That's Dextication! about 6 hours ago from Echofon
And "Dextication"? Oh man. What's going on? And I have to ask, why is Dexter white? Would the show be as popular if he were black? I ask because once again we're thrown images to consume without asking why we're supposed to do so. You know? Is this a way of saying that it's OK for a white man to be a celebrated serial killer? Now, maybe I should rethink that, because who in blazes wants to be fawned all over because they're a serial killer?
But the point is, does Dexter reflect a racial double standard, such that in reality a white person is more likely to get away with such crimes than someone black? It's worthy of discussion.
Well, here's a video from the show; maybe you can clue me in:
Stay tuned.
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteAfter last night's season finale of Dexter I have been doing some surfing to see others' reactions to the show. I came across your video blog and thought you posed some interesting questions. I would like to comment on a couple of them to perhaps begin a conversation.
As a loyal fan of the show - I've been watching since the second season began - I always feel I must share my love of Dexter. One of the questions you ask is why would people watch this show? Simply, because it is probably the best drama on television. I won't stop short of saying that almost every actor on the show deserves an Emmy for their work. My husband introduced me to the show and after the first episode of season 1, I wasn't sure I wanted to watch anymore. As a young, white, female, college-graduate, I certainly found the show morbid after only the first episode. However, as you continue on into the season, it is fascinating to be drawn into exploring the psyche of such a "likable" serial killer. Therefore, the show is not only a fabulous drama and highly entertaining, it becomes an exploration of human psychology.
Secondly, you asked why is Dexter white? Well, to put it simply, most serial killers are white. Really - over 90% of serial killers are white, middle-aged men. It's a simple fact.
You end up rooting for Dexter because he really is just damaged and trying to handle his "sickness" the best way he knows how - by not going after innocent people but rather by becoming a vigilante of sorts.
I commend your desire to question why the show is even on the air as it forces the viewer to be a voyeur into this world of murder. Do I really want to watch a serial killer on television for entertainment? In the end, it's not the killing that is entertaining - it is the real problems that Dexter faces as a human being that draw the viewer in.
I do recommend watching a few episodes of the show (from the beginning) before you immediately judge its content. It is important to see how Dexter develops and learn about his struggles through the seasons. It certainly isn't for everyone but I challenge you to see why the show is popular.
I am open to any comments you may have.
~Jackie
Ok how about this history repeats itself. Dexter was rased by a single father that somehow knew a code for killing killers. Whos to say his adopted father wasn't a serial killer as well. So now Dexter will raise 2 normal kids like deb and one thats just like him. The code will be passed on just as it was to Dexter. As for season 6 Dexter is gone and little Dex continues in the family tradition. While one sibling is protecting him the other is out to get him, Oh the possiblities are endless.
ReplyDeleteYou ought to watch the show before you start making comments about race or why it's on television. It's a very compelling drama and is far more about delving into the complex psychological issues associated with Dexter's issues.
ReplyDeleteRace doesn't play into it at all - he could be black, but he's not...it's as simple as that. Plus, as it's been posted before, most serial killers are white. I would like to think if Dexter were black he would be no less likeable or watchable - despite the fact that Michael C. Hall is fantastic in the role and I'm not sure that anyone else could do it justice.
Evil is fascinating because it's beyond our normal experience. Dexter doesn't make serial killing okay. Not at all. If thats the message you're getting from the show, you probably have some issues (not you specifically, I mean anyone). A show about become the president is also interesting, but it serves a different purpose. I happen to enjoy the West Wing quite a bit, but Dexter fills a different purpose. It's about understanding something that is so far beyond what we have to confront in our lives. There is a certain pleasure in imagining complex, even dark scenarios. It's also interesting to see how a show filmed from the perspective of a first person narrative can cause you to empathize with a character who is so far removed from yourself. It allows you to step into the shoes of someone who is different, and to discover what similarities there are. I believe that this experience itself is enjoyable - it exercises our imagination. It doesn't mean we like killing people, or want to kill people, it just means we've tried out another of many "what if"s in our minds.
Give the show a try. It is very interesting and I think one of the better dramas on television. It's pretty dark, and if thats not your thing, then it's not for you. Don't ask, "what's wrong with society" however. Imagination is a learning tool, Dexter provides only one window into another world that we can learn from.
I hope so.
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