JohnDoe
Bryn
Brenton
Dexter Season 5 (2010) - My Bad
John Doe Attends an Advanced Screening of the Dexter Season 5 Pilot Episode.
Dexter Season 5 poster
John Doe would like to extend a special thanks to Showtime and the Sheraton Boston Hotel for hosting the event.
The scene of the crime.
After the game changing finale of last year fans have been rabidly anticipating the return of vigilante serial killer Dexter Morgan (Michael C Hall). Forensic blood splatter expert by day and hunter of irredeemable villains by night.
Over the course of 4 years Dexter has grappled with his adopted father, Harry’s (James Remar) code. Craving a balance in his life he has struggled to channel his psychotic tendencies while seeking the illusion of normalcy. Becoming a husband and father superficially provided growth but it wasn’t until the severity of his wife, Rita’s (Julie Benz) death at the hands of Arthur, the Trinity Killer (John Lithgow) that a lifetime of dormant emotions have awakened.
Breaking with tradition, Season 5 doesn’t jump months ahead. It launches the instant after Dexter has discovered Rita’s slaughtered body in the bathtub and removed his infant son Harrison from the pool of blood that mirrors his own mutated rebirth.
This brutal event sees an avalanche of humanity invading Dexter’s already complicated patterns. Overwhelming emotions, never before experienced, always so foreign now short circuit the once methodical diseased mind as “It was me” escape his lips at the scene of the crime.
Guilt, sorrow, loss, empathy, all just words now suddenly they have meaning and it’s too much for a detached personality like Dexter to process. This is the crux of the first episodes themes, the battle for sanity in a wicked reality that has spent a lifetime absent of tenderness.
Meanwhile, the reactionary Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) is confused by her brother’s seeming lack of external grief. Being the sensory creature she is, the baggage of the past and the nightmare circumstances dictate her actions.
Newlyweds, detective Batista (David Zayas) and Lieutenant Laguerta (Lauren Velez) have the gravity of their own circumstances dawn in the wake of the funeral.
Breadcrumbs for the larger story are sprinkled throughout. The main plot thread being that Quinn suspects Dexter of nefarious behavior and sees the cataclysmic turn as indicative of potential guilt.
Dexter is out on his own as teh season begins.
John Doe Says:
An abundance of dramatic potential looms, wisely choosing to limit narrative “My Bad” focuses on the monumental dishevelment of Dexter’s psyche as his own conscience blocks out the filter of Harry. Everyone grieves differently but the facade Dexter has nurtured has never been exposed to true remorse.
The Direction of this episode is concerned with communicating Dexter’s state of mind. There are obtuse close ups, severe camera angles and focus pulling forced perspectives that put the viewer in the numb daze of our favourite blood analyzer.
The writers have whittled down the essence of circumstances and rather than launch into an alternate story arc this episode sets the foundation for the player’s emotional state. Seeping the expected comedy into the tone while not losing the dramatic force, the script severs most of the narration and as with last year continues to use Harry as an important cipher.
As always Michael C Hall (Six feet Under) carries the burden of the shows attraction with calculated ease. He understands the character intimately after 5 years and manages to inject powerful moments through subtle gestures. The unique path he is on now will no doubt explore the full range of his abilities. The blurred morality of his part now demanding the audience empathizes rather than just comprehends motivation.
Jennifer Carpenter (Quarantine) also excels as Deb. The arc of her character last year was the meatiest yet but 10 minutes into “My Bad’ we see that she is going to be pushed into new challenges.
Posing the largest hurdle for Dexter is his interaction with the children Cody (Preston Bailey) and Astor (Christina Robinson). Uncomfortable and confused about what to say, his mimicking of the funeral Director’s, “I’m Sorry for your loss” line triggers understandable rebellion from Astor who rightly blames Dex for not being there for her mum. Christina's performance explodes with the torture and anger of her state of mind, proving that the young actress is capable of playing beyond her years.
The remainder of the cast does well with the little time they have onscreen. Desmond Harrington as Joey Quinn continues to become the new Doax , smelling the hidden fresh meat on Dexter’s M.O.
It was a special treat to see this one ahead of time, despite the delay in posting this review. Just like everyone else John Doe was left with emptiness as the closing credits of last season rolled. The anticipation in the room was rampant as we fans patiently sat in the waiting room of the Sheraton Boston Hotel. When it was all over most were satisfied supporting the consensus that we are in for another great year for the show.
As a compendium to this post John Doe has also included the complete Animated web series "Dexter: The Early Cuts". Click here to watch them.
Dexter Season 5 trailer
Behind the scenes of Dexter Season 5
Inside the Writer's Room - Dexter Season 5
Screen Adventure
Abstract Magick
Cinema Herald
It was worth the wait.
Blogging American
ZENtertainment
Film & TV on DVD
Film & TV on DVD
totally agree it was worth the wait. Glad they took there time with this episode and didn't launch into another arc immediately.
Film & TV on DVD
If you are in the US there are several sites you can watch the episode for free, including imdb.com.
Thanks for visiting. Would love to know what you think once you've seen the episode.
Film & TV on DVD