Showtime's Dexter

Showtime's Dexter

Dexter is an American TV show, that is ironic, humorous, and appealing to almost every audience type. Dexter is the main character played by Michael C. Hall. His character represents an anti- hero, something that we can all relate to in someway.  The show is gory and a little controversial, yet glorified by the many who tune in to watch it. Dexter is a crime investigator who is above the law, enforcing it by his own means of justice; although he is an investigator, his craving to kill is uniquely satisfied and somewhat justified.  We like this new modern Hannibal because our society is attracted to the anti- hero type. We really admire Dexter, even though what he is doing is corrupt. We ask ourselves, given his circumstances, is it really wrong? Is it really considered injustice to kill other killers if you obtain this unfightable murderous behavior? Would it be right to imprison Dexter for doing what was only natural to him? I think the answer is no. Our culture is to favor those who use their better judgment for a greater good, we consider this brave. He represents what we all strive to be.  Although technically speaking, Dexter really is no better than the men he kills. He is just as mentally ill as his victims. However, Dexter is a complex character because he shows such a lack of emotion yet he still very likable. An article from Huffington post says, “Dexter Morgan is superficially charming but lacks emotional depth, after the fashion of other sociopaths.  He lacks the violence, anger and venom of Paul, Rita’s abusive ex-husband for instance. Even so, Dexter meets all of the clinical criteria for an abusive boyfriend and his cold calculating schemes are psychologically abusive.  When we delved into the nitty gritty of this issue, we concluded, to the horror of his admirers, that Dexter is really just as abusive as Paul.” Our culture fantasies about being above the law. We like the fact that he is a completely average white, middle aged family man, there is a sense of morality when you get to know his character, we can connect with him. We were all raised on these values, we have all had aspirations of being a superhero.  Although he is a crime investigator, his craving to kill is uniquely satisfied and somewhat justified. 

DePaulo, Bella, and Bella DePaulo. “Analyzing Dexter: Psychologists and Criminologists Explain Why They Are Smitten.” HuffPost, HuffPost, 25 May 2011, www.huffpost.com/entry/analyzing-dexter-psycholo_b_701490.

[1 image, 1 link, 1 quotation, and 420 words]