Welcome Back ‘Dexter’

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Oops.

Big oops.

It’s not often we see Dexter Morgan do something spontaneous and unplanned. Sure, he adapts to the odd occurrence here and there, but rarely does he ever just instinctively react in the heat-of-the-moment.

It is against his serial killer nature.

But there’s a first time for everything.

And so went the premiere of the third season of Dexter, where Dex really did have a rare oopsie daisy when he accidentally kills the baby bro’ of Miami’s high-powered Assistant District Attorney.

Ouch.

He had it all planned out – thug o’ the week was a drug dealer who had gotten off
lightly after the murder of two college girls. Cue name: Freebo. As par usual, Dex scoped, prepared and was all set for the strike when SURPRISE! Freebo is in a struggle with aforementioned baby bro’ right as Dex goes for the kidnap.

Bummer.

Worse bummer: in the struggle that ensues, Freebo gets away whilst baby bro’ attacks Dex, for which Dex – in a strange turn of self-defense – ends up killing him.

Double bummer.

Enter Assistant District Attorney Miguel Prado.

And the always fabulous Jimmy Smits.

I have to say, this was a very, very clever way to introduce Smits and his character into an already stellar cast and show. I’m so used to seeing him come in and be instantly strong, instantly powerful, instantly imposing – and all in a good way. He just has that kind of wonderful presence on screen.

Yet, his arrival to the Land o’ Dex was far more understated, which made it even more effective and well-done. I loved seeing him shattered and broken by the death of his baby brother, kind of off his game, yet trying to maintain his cool demeanor, his rage and his sense of order all the while getting the lay of the land of who is what in Miami Metro.

GENIUS!

Speaking of lay of the land, we can officially say Lieutenant LaGuerta has slept her way to the top. Seriously, this chick is the epitome of a political case and has no business being in charge of the squad given she seems to have had personal relationships with just about everyone in a high-powered position, including Prado. Oy vey. The woman is already on my list, and I just had to roll my eyes when she “disclosed” her past history with the Prado family.

Just. Go. Away. LaGuerta.

And what was with her mopey attitude? Still morning the loss of Doakes or what?

Meanwhile, my favorite Deb is now trying to clean up her act in the hopes of getting that ever-elusive detective promotion. And she got a hair cut.

And how funny was that?

Seriously, the whole “Did you get a haircut?" routine was just too darn funny. How many times do we watch shows whereby one of the main characters gets some sort of different hairstyle (ahem … Cold Case) and NO ONE acknowledges it? I loved that the Dexter folks decided to own up and joke about it.

But what is up with IA setting their sites on Deb to get close to a new squad member in an attempt to accelerate her detective promotion? Have to say, the girl playing the IA sneak was a kick. And can I just say I love it when Jennifer Carpenter gets to have that snarky, back/forth fast paced, no BS dialogue. She has the knack for perfect delivery every time.

As for my second other favorite Rita … wow, she’s come a long way, hasn’t she? Lovin’ where she’s at right now – so distraught and wounded in season one; coming into her own and really taking charge of herself and of her relationship with Dex in season two; now, things couldn’t be better for her and Dex (and I do mean could.not.be.better). Plenty of bedtime rompage happening. As much as I disliked Lethal Lila Looser from last season, she did free up Dex’s … how should we say … McLovin’ side. And I’m glad to see Rita the beneficiary of it.

The pudding sequences? Fantastic.

But pregnant? Ahhhhhhhhh!

And let me just round out this round up with the a GO BATISTA on being promoted to Detective Sergeant! Yay!

Although Cam and Co. (Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles) have the title of My Favorite Show, Dex and Co. are tied with the honor.

Welcome back, team!

New episodes of Dexter air Sunday at 9 p.m. on Showtime. Check out the official Dexter Web site for the inside scoop on the series.