Show Review: Dexter

Few shows made audiences root for a serial killer like Dexter. 

It delivered thrilling moments and a complex anti-hero but lost its edge in later seasons. Now, with a prequel exploring his origins, does Dexter still hold up, or was it better left in the past?

In its earlier seasons, Dexter Morgan, played by Michael C. Hall, managed to flip morality in the public eye and make people root for the "bad guy." Michael C. Hall’s performance as Dexter Morgan carried the series, making a serial killer feel eerily relatable while maintaining an unsettling sense of detachment.

Of all eight seasons the show put on, critics acclaim season 4 as being the most stand-out one of all, with John Lithgow’s Trinity Killer delivering one of television’s most chilling antagonists.

Lithgow's performance was powerful and clearly distinguished his character from Hall's. Lithgow's character conveyed the more sinister aspects of a killer including the absence of his family, the gruesome nature of his kills, and the false demeanor that he maintained to hide his true identity. This made for an intriguing and well-balanced season and resulted in a lot of growth and change for Dexter, even resulting in the death of his wife at the end of the season.

John Lithgow (left), and Michael C. Hall
co-star in Dexter Season 4.

However, as the seasons progressed, Dexter struggled to maintain its early brilliance, with later storylines feeling increasingly convoluted and detached from what made the show compelling in the first place.

One of the most bizarre storylines of the entire show occurred in season 6 when Debra Morgan, played by Jennifer Carpenter, realized her love for Dexter went beyond a sisterly attachment. Debra’s sudden and unsettling realization that she was in love with Dexter was a plot twist that felt forced, out of character, and ultimately added little to the show beyond unnecessary sensationalism.

Another moment in the show where the plot seemed to veer from its original well-structured path was when we were introduced to Dr. Evelyn Vogal in season 8. Vogel was introduced as a neuropsychiatrist who claimed to have helped Harry Morgan, Dexter's adoptive father, create Dexter’s "code." Instead of adding depth to the plot, her storyline felt like a last-minute rewrite that weakened Harry’s role and made Dexter’s origins feel less authentic.

Journalist and critic, Nick Harley, gave his opinions on Den of Geek noting that while Charlotte Rampling's portrayal of Dr. Vogel initially seemed promising, her character's introduction 'twisted so much of the well-worn character mythology' surrounding Dexter's upbringing and the Code of Harry, making the addition feel forced and disruptive to the already established narrative.

Another point of the show that left fans disappointed was the finale as it failed to deliver the satisfying conclusion that such a layered character deserved. In the finale, Dexter's next moves are unclear as he ends up in an unknown location where he'll live out the rest of his life. Fans, including myself, also seemed to have been disappointed with Dexter's failed love story as his son ended up being left in the possession of Hannah McKay, Dexter's love interest and fellow serial killer. 

Yvonne Strahovski as Hannah McKay (left), with

 Jadon Wells as Harrison Morgan in Dexter Season 8.

Hannah McKay’s role in the final season felt rushed and unconvincing, especially in how she was suddenly positioned as Harrison’s caretaker. The idea that Dexter would abandon his son and trust him with a fugitive felt completely out of character, making the already controversial finale even harder to justify.

In all, Dexter had its perks and there was a mix of brilliance and confusion in the writing of the show. Although I would recommend this show to anyone interested, I would just prepare yourself for the disappointment you will most likely feel at the tail end of the show. 

Milton Ray Simmons Obituary

Milton Ray Simmons, whose family and friends knew him as Ray, has died. He was 73.

Simmons passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. His final moments were spent at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, MA. He was surrounded by family. 

Simmons (Left) with his wife and grandchildren.

As an avid fisherman and Elvis enthusiast, Simmons enjoyed many things. He often went out on his boat to fish. One of his favorite events of the year was his annual bass fishing trip he took with his two brothers. He loved his family and was always there to support them. From piano and voice recitals to hockey and lacrosse games, Simmons was there for it all up until the very end. 

His family would tell you he was the greatest man they ever knew. Simmons had a kind heart and spirit that shined bright always. He left a lasting impact on everyone who knew and met him, and even though his spirit has moved on, he lives forever in the hearts of many. His loving smile and infectious laugh will be remembered for years to come, and the impact he made on his family and country will never be forgotten. 

Simmons was a retired U.S. Army veteran who fought for our country in Vietnam. He was proud to be a veteran and wore that title with pride. Simmons graduated from Ayer High School before he became a soldier. After retiring from the Army, Simmons found comfort in his family, living a simple life with his wife, Madeleine Simmons. 

Simmons was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on October 13, 1949, to Fred and Edith (Wheeler) Simmons. He moved to Shirley, MA, where he grew up and attended school. Simmons remained in MA for the remainder of his life and created a beautiful life there with family nearby. He spent his later life with his loving wife, Madeleine, in Methuen, a short drive away from many of his children and grandchildren. 

Simmons and his
grandson, Ethan.

Simmons was present for numerous momentous occasions that wouldn't have been the same without him. He got to see two of his grandchildren graduate from high school before he passed, and he's watched the rest of them graduate from a greater place. Even after his passing, Simmons would never stop supporting those he loved. 

Simmons is preceded by a long list of loving family members: his wife Madeleine; his children Michael, Amy, Matt, and Christian; his grandchildren Ethan, Lauren, Julia, Rachel, Haley, and Brody; and his siblings Judy, John, Paul, Joyce, and Dianne, along with numerous nieces and nephews.