Reel Therapy

Unraveling the mind through film.

by Jeremy Clyman, M.A.

Dexter: Emmy Awards, A New Season, Much Intrigue

a hit television show redefines the word "killer"

Published on September 6, 2010 by Jeremy Clyman, M.A. in Reel Therapy

A few nights ago "Dexter," the critically acclaimed hit series on Showtime, won multiple Emmy awards including Best Director. This hard news update offers the perfect opportunity to do two things:

a. articulate my glee for the fifth season which is fast approaching (the first episode will air in late September)
b. shamelessly advertise the recently released "The Psychology of Dexter" of which I and many other PT bloggers contributed a chapter

In case you have not watched and, therefore, fallen in love with "Dexter" you should know the following in deciding whether to commit your television life to this new course. "Dexter" is a show about a serial killer who only kills other killers. More specifically, to watch "Dexter" is to find yourself - whether you like it or not - rooting for and fascinated by this utterly original figure, as strong writing and gripping plotlines have engendered a gentle, likable protagonist, connected by complex relationships and embedded in perpetually tense adventures.

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Last season ended with a shocker as Dexter's emotional rock and soul mate, Rita, was brutally killed by a cold-blooded lunatic that Dexter nabbed just a few hours too late. This season, he morphs from domesticated husband to guilt-ridden single dad, which throws all of the core questions about the show up in the air.

It's not too late. You can still catch up. Read the book. Watch the series. The word "killer" will take on a whole new meaning. You will not be sorry.