While
discussing the controversial series Californication recently,
I mentioned that its US parent network, Showtime, was upping the
ante so far as daring television was concerned in order to trump
rival HBO. Well, while Californication might have ruffled
a few feathers, Showtime has taken some huge risks with its edgy
series Dexter, and free-to-air network TEN is possibly
taking an even bigger one by showing it on Sunday nights.
The show started out on pay-TV here (Showtime's
Showcase channel) and I guess there’s a reason for that.
I thought no commercial network would be brave enough to touch
it; but I guess I was wrong. What makes it problematic for a free-to-air
broadcaster begins with , the eponymous ‘hero’ of
the piece; because he's a serial killer. To soften the blow somewhat,
he’s a serial killer who only targets those who have escaped
justice (just why he does this is explained in the first episode);
but it’s still a difficult sell.
By day, Dexter (Michael C Hall) works – ironically
enough – as a forensic scientist in the Miami police department.
His specialty is blood spatter, a topic which he approaches with
some relish, as you might expect. In his private life he’s
something of a loner (no surprise there), with his adopted sister
Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) and his rather fragile girlfriend Rita
(Julie Benz) being his only real outlets for human contact –
at least, human contact that doesn’t involve murder. A recurring
thread through this, the first season of the show (it’s
currently in its second season in the US), concerns Dexter’s
encounters with another shadowy and dangerous Miami denizen known
as the Ice Truck Killer.
For a sociopath, Dexter is remarkably self-aware.
The character explains his feelings and the motivations behind
his actions in some detail via voiceovers. He tells us, for example,
that he feels “empty”. Now I’m no expert in
psychology, but how would he know what it was like to feel “empty”
unless he had at some time felt “full” – something
that apparently has not happened to him. Perhaps I’m being
overly picky though, because the voiceover technique actually
works quite well here; providing a nice counterpoint to Dexter’s
ugly deeds.
Be warned though, some of the material here is very
strong. Like Californication, it doesn’t pull any
punches in terms of dialogue. But while strong language is one
thing, some of the more gruesome aspects of Dexter may
prove troubling. Put it this way, if you find CSI too
strong, steer clear of this series.
Michael C Hall was the “quiet” brother
in Six Feet Under, and his connection with the morbid
continues here. He’s certainly effective – and occasionally
downright creepy – as the title character, providing him
with intellectual depth and just a little warmth. Jennifer Carpenter
gets some good moments as the sister, while some of the show’s
lighter times are provided via David Zayas as Angel Batista, a
fellow forensics officer.
Dexter is actually a fine show, if you
can get past the creepiness and black humour. Indeed, there are
times when this show is so dark it makes Six Feet Under
look like an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond. But
those who can stomach Dexter’s antics will find a sharply
wry and often very funny series.
Phil James
To see a promo spot for
Dexter, click the play button below:
While
discussing the controversial series Californication recently,
I mentioned that its US parent network, Showtime, was upping the
ante so far as daring television was concerned in order to trump
rival HBO. Well, while Californication might have ruffled
a few feathers, Showtime has taken some huge risks with its edgy
series Dexter, and free-to-air network TEN is possibly
taking an even bigger one by showing it on Sunday nights.