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“Bloody Good Time…” Advance Review: #Dexter “Those Kinds of Things” (@SHO_Dexter)

Michael C. Hall as Dexter - Season 6

Advance Review: Dexter, Season 6, Ep. 601 “Those Kinds of Things”

Air Date: Sunday, Octover 2, 2011 9:00 PM E/P on Showtime

Rating: ★★★★★

 

Dexter (Michael C. Hall) returns and doesn't waste time getting bloody!

Admittedly, this is my first time watching Dexter (ducks). I know, I know, but with so much television it’s not easy choosing which shows to watch. I’ve heard wonderful things about Dexter and know some fiercely loyal fans and now I know why. The season six premiere gives you drama, comedy, darkness, suspense, mystery, a little bit of ‘eww gross!’ sprinkled with ‘what the…,’ and a blow job. What more could you ask for, right?

Without giving away too many more details (I know you’re only thinking about that blow job – who’s giving it, who’s getting it) I will tell those like me who haven’t watched the show, you can watch and enjoy the show without feeling overwhelmed. Of course, there are a few things that need explaining:

  1. Dexter (Michael C. Hall) is a blood spatter expert for the Miami PD. He’s also a serial killer who kills other serial killers and bad guys who’ve slipped through the cracks of justice.
  2. Harry Morgan (James Remar), Dexter’s deceased adoptive father, appears to him from time to time to guide him. Harry used to be a Miami cop and also taught Dexter the essentials of killing and how not to get caught.
  3. Debra Morgan (Jennifer Carpenter) is Dexter’s adoptive sister and she is a homicide detective on the Miami PD. She’s dating Joey Quinn (Demond Harrington), also a homicide detective.

As “Those Kinds of Things” begins, immediately I’m captivated by the opening sequence of the show. Dexter is getting ready for work – a bloody shave, ritualistic flossing, juicing a blood orange, spattering hot sauce on his eggs-over-easy (seeing a theme here?) – and when he pulls the t-shirt closely over his face, that devilish smile makes me grin.

Harry (James Remar) visits Dexter (Michael C. Hall) in the bathroom at his high school reunion

Dexter is going to his 20th high school reunion but  not because he wants to hang with his old classmates, oh no; Dexter has an agenda – to avenge the death of a former classmate who was kind to him back when he was an invisible geek. Many of his former classmates recognize him from his work for the Miami PD. One classmate seems quite eager to get some alone time with Dexter. I wasn’t expecting to find such campy humor in the show but I like it. “I have no idea what Hammer time is…or how it differs from regular time.” ~ Dexter as his classmates pull him on the dance floor to MC Hammer’s “Hammer Time.”

Meanwhile, the murder of a local street vendor invigorates Dexter with elements of professionalism in the ritual of the crime. The victim was displayed to send a message – a message with religious undertones.

Throughout “Those Kinds of Things,” the subject of God and religion crop up often. After all, Dexter is trying to enroll his son Harrison (Evan George/Luke Andrew Kruntchev) in a private Catholic school. Dexter doesn’t follow/practice any set religion but I think he wants a different kind of life for his son that doesn’t involve becoming a serial killer. At least we hope.

Professor Gellar (Edward James Olmos) and Travis Marshall (Colin Hanks) take a midnight cruise in the swamp

Edward James Olmos and Colin Hanks guest star as Professor James Gellar and Travis Mitchell. Both give chilling and disturbing performances in this episode as would be expected from stars of their caliber. My curiosity is definitely piqued — especially the item they obtain during their strange midnight boat ride in the swamp. (Shudders)

 

Tune into the season six premiere of Dexter, Sunday, Oct 2nd at 9 PM E/P only on Showtime. (If you don’t have Showtime…fret not. Scroll below and click the video on Sunday and watch the full premiere here on our site! You’re welcome!)

To learn more about the show, including what you’ve missed in previous seasons—including recaps of episodes—go to http://www.sho.com/site/dexter/about.sho#fbid=QbRrPomwQ2d.   

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Photos © 2011 Showtime. All Rights Reserved.

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Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.

Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.