Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 36
 Chemistry July 26, 2010
Douglas King (Cincinnati, OH United States)
As someone who's been a fan since the beginning, I can say with certainty that a season of "Dexter" is only as good as it's villian. Since I found Jimmy Smitts' DA character in Season 3 to be the weakest villian so far, I was thrilled that Season 4 bounced back with it's best villian yet - John Lithgow's "Trinity killer".
Actually, referring to each season's central antagonist as a "villian" isn't really accurate. Each season of Dexter revolves around a central relationship. At Dexter's core, he is looking for someone who he can be his true, complete self with. Someone who will accept him and understand him for who he is. In Season 1, this character took the form of a brother, in Season 2, a lover, and in Season 3, a friend. Sadly and ironically, finding these "genuine" connections almost always ends up threatening Dexter's "fake" life, and, so far, Dexter always chooses to save his "fake" life instead of pursuing honest relationships with the bloodthirsty soulmates who truly understand him.
In Season 4, this central relationship takes the form of a father figure and mentor, played by the superb John Lithgow. What makes the season so mesmerizing is that, maybe for the first time, Michael C. hall, who is a fantastic actor, is paired with an actor who can really match his acting chops. The two have terrific chemistry, and to watch the two characters slowly chip away at each other's carefully constructed facades over the course of the season is thrilling. I have to say, that before the final scene of the season's last episode, I was finding myself a little disappointed that the show seemed to be ending its season in it's usual way, until ... BAM! The final scene that set the internet and fans on fire.
The show's weakness has always been its supporting characters, whose storylines never live up to Dexter's in terms of being engrossing or entertaining. I've always liked the Deborah character, and I prefer seeing her paired with partner Quinn rather than with the late Doakes (was it just me, or did that actor only ever have one expression?). But her rekindled romance with Lundy was a boring subplot, and Quinn's love affair with Trinity's daughter was only slightly more interesting. In addition, I find both of the actors who play Angel and Laguerta to be charming, but putting them together into a forbidden office romance added nothing to the season.
The season belonged to John Lithgow, and, of course, the final shocking twist. Regarding the former, I don't see how the show could possibly surpass this season's central nemesis, but regarding the later, season 5 will definitely see Dexter's life shaken up!
Absolutely riveting. Don't start this season unless you have plenty of free time! July 19, 2010
C. Vincent (Rochester, NY)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Obviously, this was a spectacular season just based on the awards, media buzz, and reviews it got, but is it worth buying opposed to just renting or watching on-line? In my opinion, absolutely yes!
Season 4 of Dexter was without a doubt the best season of any TV show I have ever watched. Season 1-3 were excellent, but season 4 took everything to a new level. I, like many others, had my doubts about John Lithgow being cast as the main antagonist (the Trinity Killer) this time around, but he did a spectacular job and really comes across as exactly what he set out to portray: a family-man/serial killer of a different mold than Dexter. He really knows how to give that look that just send chills down your spine. Watching John Lithgow and Michael C. Hall at their very best was a pure treat during season 4.
Without giving anything away about the story, I will just say that side stories were decent during the season, but it all comes back to the interactions between Dexter and the Trinity Killer. The twists and turns the writing provides really make you want to keep watching more and more. Be sure you have plenty of time on your hands when you start watching this season, because you won't be able to stop. And once you are done with the season, you will want to go back and watch it more... just to pick up on those small intricacies you might have missed the first time.
While Dexter isn't one of those shows that throws out great special effects or scenes that would really seem to thrive on blu-ray opposed to standard definition, I've found watching the standard versions of Dexter to be flat in a way. It has something about it in the scenery and the way it's filmed that really leaves more of an impression on you in high def (at least in my opinion). I thought about going standard definition just to save some money and have a little more "portability" in it in case I want to bring it to someone else's house, but figure I will enjoy it infinitely more by going with the blu-ray.
The Best So Far? July 11, 2010
D Boyd (Bellows Falls, VT United States)
Season 4 starts off at a nice clip. The episodes resolve on an episode to episode basis as the writers slowly reveal the details of the major plot which really becomes the main focus 4 or 5 episodes into the season.
The start felt very fast and refreshing where I could laugh at the situations Dexter got into and how he dealt with his life. Like a needle slowly being pushed into your skin, the season escalates nicely as you watch with horror and your mind imagines the worst and wonders how events will progress. You will get caught up in it and by the end will feel like you have been punched fully in the face. I didn't see it coming, and I loved it!
Don't read ANYTHING about what happens in this show. You are in for a real treat.
As a side note: John Lithgow does a wonderful job. The guy is a riot in his other shows, but in this, you will be pleased. He pulls off his character in an effective and creepy manner. I really don't like the big star guest appearances...I had to live through the first Batman movie series...In Dexter, it has been done well.
The writers have made a well-paced, clever season, that stays true to the reality of the prior shows.
All the actors have done a wonderful job bringing these characters to life.
The direction is even quite enjoyable.
This season may really be my favorite. I am going to have to watch the first season again and put it to the test, but it is definitely better than the second and third seasons, which I fully enjoyed.
In short, this season is TV at its best.
THE LAST 30 SECONDS OF THE END MAKE THE SEASON WORTH IT July 10, 2010
AFG777
The hairs in the back of my neck literally stood up. After the first season, this one is the best, ties a lot of loose ends and gives the most shocking season finale you've seen. Amazing.
Like a fine wine....a great book....Dexter is to be enjoyed. July 8, 2010
Belinda Lathan (Wisconsin)
You have a long plane ride. It is night and the airplane is dark and silent. The faint sound of snoring from other passengers pierces the recirculated air. In the darkness is a lone overhead light, as you sit comfortably reading the latest best seller. Your mind completely enthralled with every turn of a page.....
This is the experience of watching Dexter.
Rarely does a television show, let alone a cable show offer up an experience that is unrivaled. One that unfolds as if you are reading the pages of an acclaimed book. However Showtime's Dexter does just that. The writing is unparalleled! The premise...a serial killer that kills serial killers...is genius.
Michael C Hall is believable in the role and the manner in which he narrates his thoughts and scenes was a brilliant piece of writing. I watched every episode of season 4 and highly recommend it for those who like intelligent TV. If you "get" the writing of Mad Men or any one of the plethora of shows offered up on HBO, you will become addicted to Dexter.
A definite must see!
Showing reviews 1-5 of 36
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