Catching Up with 'Dexter'

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

I owe Dexter Morgan and Co. an apology.

I'm not really avoiding him.

Er, them.

It's amazing how much DVR time one does NOT have when one is holding down multiple occupations.

So goes the life of this particular writer these days.

But perhaps what is most frustrating for me is that this season continues to impress. Thus, I'm feeling even worse for falling behind on covering life at Miami Metro Homicide.

(Ne'er mind I'm wondering why my lapse in covering the show couldn't have happened LAST year, when I was already bored to tears by the time we reached this point in the season).

So where are we?

Roundup: 'Dollhouse' Delivers; 'Dexter's' Better Half

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

After taking a second second job (got to love this economy, eh?), I have to apologize to regular readers of PTR for getting my Dexter and Dollhouse write-ups posted a wee bit tardier than usual.




Dollhouse

Let me sum up last week's episode of Dollhouse this way: Dichen Lachman rocks.

Seriously.

Her portrayal of Sierra stole several episodes away from Eliza Dushku's Echo last season.

As in, Echo who?

There is something about her ability to assume all the different doll personalities that seems so incredibly natural - almost instinctive. So any episode that is going to feature her backstory coming full circle is good by me.

Particularly since when I last left the dolls, I was ... well, let's just say somewhat concerned that the action and suspense of the first season had all but disappeared this season.

Alas, I spoke too soon.

Last week's ep counts as a wow ep for me.

Learning that Sierra came from a mental institution whereby she was deliberately being made coo coo for cocoa puffs by the doctor who turns out to be one of Rossum's biggest clients AND obsessed with her after the fact?

Nice.

And Topher's emotional decision to have to let Sierra go (per demented doc's request), only to one up the dollhouse, imprint Sierra with her "clean" (as in, NOT coo coo) master imprint to get revenge on dearly demented doc?

A.W.E.S.O.M.E.

We recall Topher has a particular fondness for Sierra. Once a year, he imprints her with "his" perfect geek girl personality to play video games, eat pizza, hang out. It's his reward, as it were, for what he does. Playing on that theme - and giving us the full story that it was, in fact, Topher who saved Sierra from the mental institution - was tight writing. I like it when writers fill in the blanks for us and loop it back to what we already know in such a seamless way that it's as if we already feel as if we knew that element of the story.

Now the love story with Victor ... hmmm. Cute, but I don't get it. Can a doll - in their wiped clean state - really fall for another doll? I guess so.

In any event, this ep was all about Dichen for me. She delivered another powerhouse performance (the mental institution scenes alone were just fantastic) that did not have me missing Echo, Ballard or anyone else for that matter.

THAT is how much of an asset she - and her character - are to this show.

New episodes of Dollhouse air Fridays at 9 p.m. on FOX. For the scoop on the series, head on over to the show's official site.






Dexter

Keeping to the co-stars-sometimes-rock-it-better-than-the-leads theme, can I get another amen for JC?

That would be Jennifer Carpenter.

OMG.

The woman continues to impress me season in, season out.

We already know I wouldn't have gotten through last season's doldrums without her. But this past week's episode of Dexter had me watching her take the character of Debra Morgan to a whole new level of mess.

In a good way.

I confess I knew it was probably too good to be true for her to stay in her happy-go-lucky state of grace with Anton. Although the character deserved to at least experience some sort of happiness, you are much more engaged as the viewer when Deb Morgan is struggling with herself.

On all levels.

Emotionally. Mentally. Physically.

And boy did we get it all once again in this ep.

Torturing herself by not taking the pain medication to heal up the bullet wounds.

Breaking down to her brother, feeling as if she is a black mark of doom on everything she touches.

Beside herself on the loss of Lundy.

The wounds of Debra Morgan run ever so deep. Just when we think they might be healing, something tears them open once again. But what convinces us, the viewer, of just how real and painful those wounds are is JC's portrayal. She has an emotional depth that, for me, just pulls one through the screen.

Seriously.

It is intense. I don't care if she's hyperventilating as she confesses to Dex over the spot where Lundy was shot, or running for her life in the film Quarantine, her intensity is palpable. And much like with Dichen Lachman over on Dollhouse, Dexter would not be the same with out Jennifer Carpenter.

In the words of Dexter: "If Deb dies, I'd be lost."

So would we.

Thankfully, she didn't.

But her survival dredged up a whole lotta not-so-goodness.

In other news ... so Dexter's lying finally caught up with him, and Rita is instantly going for ... divorce? Or suggesting the marriage is on the rocks?

Did I miss something, or does this seem a little quick off the draw? I guess we, the viewer, are supposed to understand that there's been "other" stuff going on in the Morgan household contributing to this uncertainty, but I'm not sure I'm buying it on screen. That said, I actually LIKE the conflict and/or the challenge to the relationship (since happy-go-lucky Dexter did NOT work for me). It just seems a little quick. But hey, this is TV.

And I have to say ... did we really think Laguerta's decision to disclose her relationship with Batista WASN'T going to result in brass asking her to transfer Batista out of her squad?

Um, yeah. Even I knew that was coming. Yet, she seemed blissfully ignorant that consequence would ever occur.

Um, duh?

It's decisions like this that still make me wonder how Laguerta ever got to be a Lieutenant in the first place. The woman is not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

No pun intended.

And while Dex comes ever so close to the Trinity Killer this week, Jennifer Carpenter rocked this episode.

Again.

And P.S. ... how much do I love having James Remar in nearly every episode? Love.It.

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. You can follow the show on Twitter: Twitter.com/sho_dexter; or, become a fan on Facebook: Facebook.com/Dexter.

'Dexter's' Revenge ... On Me

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

It really is true: revenge is a b**ch.

And, in my head (shout-out Wendy Williams), the Dexter writers are getting some serious revenge on me this season for my less-than-stellar support of their efforts last season.

Oh.My.Freaking.God.

Are they ever.

Remember when the first season finale of Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles left me staring at the screen, eyes wide open, mouth agape for 10 minutes AFTER the episode ended whereby we saw dearest Cameron blown to judgment day in the Jeep ...?

Cue this week's episode of Dexter

Deb and Lundy.

Gunned down in the parking lot.

AFTER rekindling their romance.

JUST as I was thinking "Awe, yes! Long live the Deb and Lundy Shippers!" JUST as I was thinking, "It's OK Deb. The best thing to happen to you was/is/and always will be Lundy." JUST as I was thinking "Man, I so love this show. Again."

I.Did.Not.See.THAT.Coming.

Those plot twists are the best kind - something the show seemed to drift away from last season but has rebounded with aplomb this season.

Not to mention it all comes right on the heels of Lundy thinking he might - just might - have brushed shoulders with the Trinity Killer. Which begs the question: did TK (we can call him that, right?) shoot Lundy and Deb so as to deter Lundy from pursuing the case? The previews for next week certainly want us to think this, but I confess my first thought was Anton (though I actually didn't WANT to think this).

In other news .... wait, was there any?

Seriously.

Everything else in the episode paled in comparison to the last five minutes. Yeah, okay, so Dexter took down psycho cop chick, who killer her own family for freedom. Yeah, okay, so Laguerta and Batista are in a do we/don't we disclose our relationship conundrum. Yeah, okay, so Rita and the kids took a vay-kay, which gave Dex some much needed alone pondering the status of my life at the moment time.

Um, yeah, sorry, but this week was all about the Deb/Lundy plot twist. Like, serious-A-game-Dexter-writers-have-got-their-creative-genius-back plot twist.

Not only am I having my heart broken AGAIN with the idea that Deb and Lundy aren't going to be together, if Deb is once AGAIN the target of yet ANOTHER serial killer's revenge ... egads, folks. We'll need to commit her to an asylum, like, yesterday.

I don't know how she's going to survive that AGAIN.

But watch the writers surprise me.

Again.

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. You can follow the show on Twitter: Twitter.com/sho_dexter; or, become a fan on Facebook: Facebook.com/Dexter.

Roundup: 'Dollhouse' Putzing Along; 'Dexter' Hitting His Stride

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Regular readers of PTR may have noticed that my Dexter and Dollhouse write-ups skipped a week. Apologies as I've been out on the road a bit of late and am only just now getting caught up with the DVR. Yikes! Soooo, rather than try and go back and recap two weeks worth of episodes, I thought I'd give more of an evaluative write-up at how the shows seem to be doing as they progress into their seasons.




Dollhouse

Well, I've been here before.

Finding myself missing the way a show was done in its first season. Not sure I'm following where it is intending to go during its second season. Still liking it enough to hang in there and see what happens.

It's my Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles complex reincarnated through Dollhouse.

And that is to say that Dollhouse seems much slower this year, and a little melodramatic at times. While I do appreciate trying to explore the deeper echelons of Echo's memory recall and/or the fact that wiping one's entire neurological sense of self WILL have residual consequences, we seem to be getting long, drawn out sequences of backstory of either the assignment itself or her IN the assignment. And that has, at least for me, removed the sense of adventure, excitement and urgency that was present in the episodes last season.

I also didn't realize how much the absence of Special Agent's Paul Ballard's pursuit to bring down the dollhouse would create such a bland void and/or remove that sense of uncertainty and intrigue that got me so interested last year. Don't get me wrong: I love, love, love the fact that Tahmoh Penikett is getting a huge uptick in screen time this season. But not having a true nemesis - either on the inside (Alpha) or outside (Ballard) of the dollhouse - has slowed the show way down.

And I don't know if that is a good thing - especially given ratings are still seemingly anemic even WITH DVR viewings.

I had this issue with the second season of Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles. It decided to go ... well, let's just say philosophical and melodramatic. It stopped its fight to save the world, took a back seat on the action and had us wandering through episode after episode of tangent material that seemed completely unrelated to what the show's essence was supposed to be about.

I don't believe Dollhouse is quite at that point. But removing two very central conflicts - one being of the pursuit to bring it down, and the second being one of its own attempting to sabotage its very existence - has left me feeling a bit Vanilla when I watch it.

I hope that's temporary.

New episodes of Dollhouse air Fridays at 9 p.m. on FOX. For the scoop on the series, head on over to the show's official site.






Dexter

For all the issues I seem to be having with Dollhouse, I'm having absolutely zero-zilch-none with good ol' Dex. That is a HUGE improvement over last year at this time when I thought the show had fallen and couldn't get up. This year, through its third episode, I'm loving just about everything the show has on offer:

- John Lithgow manages to do more in a handful of short and sweet scenes as The Trinity Killer than Jimmy Smits ever did as Miguel Prado in his ungodly number of BFF episodes.

- Jennifer Carpenter's Deb is so conflicted about having Special Agent Frank Lundy back in town pursuing The Trinity Killer that I just can't help but want it to work out given they seem so suited for each other - age issue aside. And to have this all happen JUST as she was finally getting her stuff together and/or in a solid relationship for the first time in her life is some excellent conflict characterization that is moving her story along beautifully.

- Dexter is back to being uncomfortable and unsettled in his new suburbanite existence that it's making me wonder what exactly WAS the third season about? I love, love, love Harry being back, front and center, as Dex's conscience and code handler. And as Dex seems to be so thoroughly impressed by the Trinity Killer's ability to NOT get caught, it puts him once again in the uncomfortable position of being Lundy's go-to guy.

- The Laguerta and Batista relationship is one I find myself actually routing for. I've never been a fan of Laguerta, but she seems to have mellowed in her old age. However, I have always loved Batista, so providing she doesn't hurt him royally, I'd kind of like to see this work out. Yet, I can't escape the feeling it won't.

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. You can follow the show on Twitter: Twitter.com/sho_dexter; or, become a fan on Facebook: Facebook.com/Dexter.

Welcome Back, 'Dexter'

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

A new creepy and clever adversary.

The return of Special Agent Frank Lundy.

Rita's back in charge.

Deb's doing good.

Harry's guiding light has returned.

Can we just forget the third season of Dexter ever happened and pick up the series from here?

Seriously? Can we?

I never like it when my favorite shows decide to take a creative left turn, and I was less than impressed with the direction Dexter took during its third go around.

I know I wasn't the only one.

It was, by far, the weakest season. I didn't get it. Nor did I buy it. And after the third episode, when the whole show should've been renamed Miguel Prado's My New BFF, I wondered whether I would even be back this season.

But Jennifer Carpenter saved it for me.

I'm so glad she did.

The fourth season premiere got the show back to its basics. As in, repackaging the best of the first two seasons.

1) A new, more impressive, more creepy serial killer adversary in the form of the Trinity Killer (played by the can-be-a-baddy-in-the-best-of-ways John Lithgow). Jimmy Smits' I'm-a-serial-killer-DA-and-I-need-to-share just didn't work for me. Lithgow is a huge improvement considering he CAN be a bad guy, not just a third rock from the sun. We may not be at Tobin Bell's Jigsaw character from the Saw film franchise as yet, but quiet, calm, steady and ice cold works for me. Just like Dex's brother in season one. Go.Trinty.Killer.

2) The return of Special Agent Frank Lundy - who was, is and always will be the best thing to happen to Deb Morgan. I am thrilled he's back in town - albeit retired - to track down the Trinity Killer as his one "special case" that seemed to have gotten away (all good cops seemed to have one, eh?). Lundy's presence creates that very subtle sense of unease with Dex as he once again is set to help the one guy (outside of Sergeant Doakes) who could figure out his secret.

As such, I think these two elements alone make for a great fourth season premise.

Dexter was at his best when he was opposite his own brother in that first year, going tit-for-tat with someone cut from the serial killer cloth. Not in rehab. Not showing up for golf lessons and lunch dates. Not playing house. No teaching someone how to be a serial killer.

Moreover, Deb was at her best when she had the cool, steady, supportive and guiding hand of Special Agent Lundy in her life - personally and professionally. There is fantastic chemistry between Jennifer Carpenter and Keith Carradine. His character's return to the show is a huge plus not only for the potential love triangle that will likely arise between Deb, Lundy and Anton (one of the few good things to come out of season three), but also for what will surely bring more growth for the Deb character all the while creating uneasiness in the Dexter character.

All that said, I have to say I'm also happy to see Harry Morgan resurrected from being last season's roadkill. Seriously. I wasn't happy when he was turned into the bad dad who had a fling with a confidential informant (CI), which suddenly found Dexter wanting to ditch anything and everything that had to do with Harry. I'm all for flawed characters and getting out from underneath the parental shadow, but that whole approach just didn't work for me. Besides, James Remar is one of the best things about this show, so sending him to Davy Jones' Locker wasn't a good idea in my eyes.

And the lovely Julie Benz was so ridiculously wasted last season that it was insulting. I got tired of seeing everyone's character development pushed to the side so the entire show could revolve around Miguel Prado's family, his obsessions, his whatever. The character of Rita, in my opinion, was sacrificed the most as part of the Prado/Dexter BFF routine. Thankfully, Julie's Rita is back in the forefront in the fourth season, being the wife, mother and confident woman we love her to be.

The other steady hand in Dexter's life.

Some office hanky panky between Batista and Laguerta should be interesting. Didn't see that one coming. Probably will see that end before it really begins UNLESS the writers decide to do the opposite and make it work. In some strange way, I'd actually like to see that.

After all, these writers still have a way of surprising me.

Even in my discontent.

That's the sign of a good show.

All in all, a strong fourth season premiere that had me feeling like the real Dexter is back in town.

And possibly better than ever.

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. You can follow the show on Twitter: Twitter.com/sho_dexter; or, become a fan on Facebook: Facebook.com/Dexter.

'Dexter's' Real Life Nuptials

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

File this under: I had no idea.

The dynamic brother sister duo of Dexter are now husband and wife in the ol' real life.

Dex (Michael C. Hall) and Deb (Jennifer Carpenter) wed on New Year's Eve, according to Hall's rep, Craig Bankey. The outdoor ceremony was held in Big Sur. Hall, 37, and Carpenter, 29, appeared together for the first time publicly at this past weekend's Golden Globes Awards ceremony after quietly dating for the past year and a half.

It's refreshing that not every relationship in Hollyweird has to be of the gag-me-with-a-spoon-over-the-top-just-go-away Bradgelina variety. There are those who know how to keep to themselves and their privacy.

Right on!

Congrats to the newlyweds!

Source: People

SAG Nominations Announced

By LillyKat / PTR Senior Staff Writer

This is probably the only thing going right for the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) these days: the 15th Annual SAG Award nominations are out, and similar to the Golden Globes, we've got a few PTR Faves in the mix. Notably: Michael C. Hall and Dexter ; Kyra Sedgwick and The Closer.

Holly Hunter also gets a nod for Saving Grace, and Tracey Ullman is getting a well-deserved nod for her work on Showtime's Tracey Ullman's State of the Union (yay!). Happy to see Shirley MacLaine up again for her rockin' performance in the Lifetime miniseries, Coco Chanel.

(And I know this is a television blog, but can I just say: GO AMY ADAMS! Love. Her. Glad to see her up for best supporting actress in the motion picture, Doubt.)

With irritation and dissent running rampant within SAG's membership about its direction or lack thereof and its leadership's handling or lack thereof of negotiations with the studios to get a contract (what is it now ... six months and counting?), SAG will need to get together and play nice on January 25th, which is when the 15th Annual SAG Awards will air live on TBS/TNT.

Guess they better not vote to strike, eh?

Main television category nominations are as follows:

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
RALPH FIENNES / Bernard Lafferty - "BERNARD AND DORIS" (HBO)
PAUL GIAMATTI / John Adams - "JOHN ADAMS" (HBO)
KEVIN SPACEY / Ron Klain - "RECOUNT" (HBO)
KIEFER SUTHERLAND / Jack Bauer - "24: REDEMPTION" (FOX)
TOM WILKINSON / Benjamin Franklin - "JOHN ADAMS" (HBO)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
LAURA DERN / Katherine Harris - "RECOUNT" (HBO)
LAURA LINNEY / Abigail Adams - "JOHN ADAMS" (HBO)
SHIRLEY MacLAINE / Coco Chanel - "COCO CHANEL" (Lifetime)
PHYLICIA RASHAD / Lena Younger - "A RAISIN IN THE SUN" (ABC)
SUSAN SARANDON / Doris Duke - "BERNARD AND DORIS" (HBO)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
MICHAEL C. HALL / Dexter Morgan - "DEXTER" (Showtime)
JON HAMM / Don Draper - "MAD MEN" (AMC)
HUGH LAURIE / Gregory House - "HOUSE" (FOX)
WILLIAM SHATNER / Denny Crane - "BOSTON LEGAL" (ABC)
JAMES SPADER / Alan Shore - "BOSTON LEGAL" (ABC)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
SALLY FIELD / Nora Walker - "BROTHERS & SISTERS" (ABC)
MARISKA HARGITAY / Det. Olivia Benson - "LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT" (NBC)
HOLLY HUNTER / Grace Hanadarko - "SAVING GRACE" (TNT)
ELISABETH MOSS / Peggy Olson - "MAD MEN" (AMC)
KYRA SEDGWICK / Dep. Chief Brenda Johnson - "THE CLOSER" (TNT)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
ALEC BALDWIN / Jack Donaghy - "30 ROCK" (NBC)
STEVE CARELL / Michael Scott - "THE OFFICE" (NBC)
DAVID DUCHOVNY / Hank Moody - "CALIFORNICATION" (Showtime)
JEREMY PIVEN / Ari Gold - "ENTOURAGE" (HBO)
TONY SHALHOUB / Adrian Monk - "MONK" (USA)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
CHRISTINA APPLEGATE / Samantha Newly - "SAMANTHA WHO?" (ABC)
AMERICA FERRERA / Betty Suarez - "UGLY BETTY" (ABC)
TINA FEY / Liz Lemon - "30 ROCK" (NBC)
MARY-LOUISE PARKER / Nancy Botwin - "WEEDS" (Showtime)
TRACEY ULLMAN / Various Characters - "TRACEY ULLMAN’S STATE OF THE UNION" (Showtime)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
BOSTON LEGAL (ABC)
THE CLOSER (TNT)
DEXTER (Showtime)
HOUSE (Fox)
MAD MEN (AMC)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
30 ROCK (NBC)
DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES (ABC)
ENTOURAGE (HBO)
THE OFFICE (NBC)
WEEDS (Showtime)


For a full list of all the nominees, head on over to SAG.

'Dexter's' Happy Ending

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Well, that was one big happy ending, eh?

Or at least all's well that ends well.

And yet, I have to confess that although I do like things to wrap up nicely in season finales, they need to leave something for next season. With Dexter, it was almost as if things wrapped up a little TOO nicely.

And that left me unimpressed.

In fact, after watching the previous finales of the first two seasons, I've never been left thinking, "So, that's it? He just rides off into the sunset a happy guy?"

And that, I'm afraid, has been my issue for most of round three: happy-go-lucky BFF Dexter is just not as interesting as darkly conflicted Dexter.

This whole life is good thing doesn't work for me, and it isn't why the show compelled me to watch it in the first place.

So he makes nice with Ramon Prado. So he escapes the confines of Tree Trimmer Killer George King by the skin (no pun intended) of his teeth. So he gets married. So he lives happily ever after until next season.

Yawn.

Even though he didn't have to kill Ramon or have the wedding be a bust, either of those two scenarios would have felt more like a finale to me and/or made me whole lot more curious as to what may be in store next season. As it stands right now, aside from the soon-to-be daddy quotient, I'm not sure whether I care what happens to him going forward.

But there was a silver lining: making amends with Harry.

And thank the heavens for that.

I never bought into this whole hold-a-grudge-against-dad thing that played out ridiculously for most of this season. And like any good parent - even if we're only talking about imagining one - Harry didn't give up on his son's rebellion. He stuck with him until the end - a valuable lesson Dearly Demented Daddy Dexter might want to make a note of.

But aside from the rather lackluster end to Dexter's journey this season, how about ol' Deb?

RIGHT ON!!!

How thrilled am I to see her a) earn her detective shield; b) get to still be with Anton; c) make peace with Lieutenant LaGuerta.

As disgruntled as I've been with Dexter, Miguel Prado and turning Rita into a know-nothing of a character (what the heck happened there?), Deb's storyline saved this season for me. Whether it was the on-again-off-again back and forth between her and Quinn (which actually made her a BETTER cop), the IA quandary or the uncertainty surrounding her feelings for Anton, I need to send Jennifer Carpenter flowers. If it weren't for her - and weren't for the writers continuing to explore her character - I'd have stopped watching. Soooo, contrary to Dexter, Deb's happy ending was one I could get behind - especially after two seasons of heartbreak and emotional turmoil.

What can I say, the poor girl was due.

And speaking of LaGuerta, I have to say I'm impressed to see her move beyond her tit-for-tat vendetta against Deb, actually grant her the promotion AND compliment her for not allowing work to sacrifice her personal life. Score points for LaGuerta, who, actually, earned the MOST points for me during this third season. She finally seemed to evolve past her political appointment as head of the squad and actually a) look like a good cop; b) look to be human; c) look to be able to do the right thing without screwing someone over in the process.

But by in large, I wasn't impressed with the third season. It ranks as my least favorite. But Dexter still does remain my favorite serial killer, and I'm willing to grant the show one off season (at least as it pertains to me).

But not two.

Fair warning for season four.

If you missed any of the third season of Dexter, check out the official Dexter Web site to catch up.

Few PTR Faves in 'Globes' Noms

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Well, we can't win 'em all.

Or nominate 'em all.

This year's Golden Globes Nominees are decidedly less PTR-favorish than last year. Our girl Kyra Sedgwick still gets a nod for her fantastic work on The Closer ; and, Michael C. Hall is nominated for his work on Dexter (the show also earns a nod for best drama). Other than that, not a whole lot as it pertains to our PTR Faves.

But hey, no writer's strike to cancel the ceremony this year.

Side note: Extra coolness that Shirley Maclaine is nominated for her role in the mini-series, Coco Chanel. She. Rocked. It.

Second side note: Good to see Debra Messing up for The Starter Wife, too. Have missed her being on television since Will & Grace went off the air.

Winners of the 66th Annual Golden Globes Awards will be announced at the annual red carpet shindig of a ceremony, which will be held at the Beverly Hills Hilton on January 11, 2009 and air at 8 p.m. EST on NBC.


The main television nominees:


BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

a. DEXTER (SHOWTIME)
b. HOUSE (FOX)
c. IN TREATMENT (HBO)
d. MAD MEN (AMC)
e. TRUE BLOOD (HBO)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

a. SALLY FIELD – BROTHERS AND SISTERS
b. MARISKA HARGITAY –LAW AND ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT
c. JANUARY JONES – MAD MEN
d. ANNA PAQUIN – TRUE BLOOD
e. KYRA SEDGWICK – THE CLOSER

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

a. GABRIEL BYRNE – IN TREATMENT
b. MICHAEL C. HALL – DEXTER
c. JON HAMM – MAD MEN
d. HUGH LAURIE – HOUSE
e. JONATHAN RHYS MEYERS – THE TUDORS

BEST TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

a. 30 ROCK (NBC)
b. CALIFORNICATION (SHOWTIME)
c. ENTOURAGE (HBO)
d. THE OFFICE (NBC)
e. WEEDS (SHOWTIME)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

a. CHRISTINA APPLEGATE – SAMANTHA WHO?
b. AMERICA FERRERA – UGLY BETTY
c. TINA FEY – 30 ROCK
d. DEBRA MESSING – THE STARTER WIFE
e. MARY-LOUISE PARKER – WEEDS

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

a. ALEC BALDWIN – 30 ROCK
b. STEVE CARELL – THE OFFICE
c. KEVIN CONNOLLY – ENTOURAGE
d. DAVID DUCHOVNY – CALIFORNICATION
e. TONY SHALHOUB – MONK

BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

a. A RAISIN IN THE SUN (ABC)
b. BERNARD AND DORIS (HBO
c. CRANFORD (PBS)
d. JOHN ADAMS (HBO)
e. RECOUNT (HBO)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

a. JUDI DENCH – CRANFORD
b. CATHERINE KEENER – AN AMERICAN CRIME
c. LAURA LINNEY – JOHN ADAMS
d. SHIRLEY MACLAINE – COCO CHANEL
e. SUSAN SARANDON – BERNARD AND DORIS

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

a. RALPH FIENNES – BERNARD AND DORIS
b. PAUL GIAMATTI – JOHN ADAMS
c. KEVIN SPACEY – RECOUNT
d. KIEFER SUTHERLAND – 24: REDEMPTION
e. TOM WILKINSON – RECOUNT

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

a. EILEEN ATKINS – CRANFORD
b. LAURA DERN – RECOUNT
c. MELISSA GEORGE – IN TREATMENT
d. RACHEL GRIFFITHS – BROTHERS AND SISTERS
e. DIANNE WIEST – IN TREATMENT

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

a. NEIL PATRICK HARRIS – HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
b. DENIS LEARY – RECOUNT
c. JEREMY PIVEN – ENTOURAGE
d. BLAIR UNDERWOOD – IN TREATMENT
e. TOM WILKINSON – JOHN ADAMS


For a full list of nominees, visit GoldenGlobes.org.

'Dexter' Does Prado

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Psych.

That summed up our whole Dexter hooded/bound/captured-in-the-trunk routine that we thought was going to be so ominous last week for Dex. Turns out it was a "pretend" kidnap on the part of the squad to get him to his bachelor party.

Psych.

Whatever.

The good news is that out of that whole gotcha moment, Dexter confesses to Harry that he blew it with Miguel Prado. Really, Dex? You don't say. Ironic Harry actually confesses himself to being proud of Dex for trying to have a "friend."

Can't say I agree, but that's OK.

MIGUEL PRADO IS DEAD!!!

YAY!!!

Finally.

Freakin' finally.

I wish I could say good riddance, but then we wouldn't have a season finale next week, would we?

As if we need more Miguel Prado from BEYOND the grave, or some sort of last laugh on his elevator ride down to hell, it seems as though the last of the psycho Prado brothers, Ramon, was hired by Miguel as a bodyguard to "protect" him from Dexter given things had gone considerably south with their BFF routine. Now that Miguel turns up dead, well ... should it come as any surprise Ramon is going to take that a little personally next week? Or put Dexter in his crosshairs?

Uh, no.

Hat trick, anyone?

I feel like Dexter is going to have to off all three of the Prado brothers before this season is through. Needless to say, next week will begin another tap dance on the part of Dexter Morgan to look cool while in the line of fire. Have to say I'm hoping the use of the Tree Trimmer killer's MO as cover for offing Miguel WILL hold up. And yet, is it bad that I think we're going to have some sort of closing scene straight out of Carrie, with Miguel's hand reaching up from the grave trying to pull Dex down?

Just. Go. Away. Miguel.

On the Deb front this week, I am SO bummed she and Anton appear to be over. Not. Cool. So much intensity, passion and genuine you-got-me-I-got-you thing happening that I'm rolling my eyes at ANY suggestion there is going to be a Deb/Quinn hook-up.

Seriously?

As much as I like Quinn as Deb's partner on the job, I'm not feeling him for partner off the job.

And for the umpteenth time, can I just say Jennifer Carpenter rocks. The scene where Dex is forced to confess to her that her perfect vision of Harry shouldn't be so perfect given he stepped out on mom with one of his CI's ... genius. I was completely transfixed by her expression - the transition from irritation, to shock, to pain to having to walk in and interview Anton.

You go, girl. Can we nominate her for something - Golden Globe? Emmy? Something?

And am I the only one who thinks the wedding is NOT going to happen? Like, some strange event is going to occur that prevents it from going on? And is it bad that I actually prefer Rita and Dexter UN-married?

Normally, I'm so amped to see how the season ends. This year, I'm just kind of waiting for it to be over.

The third season finale of Dexter airs next Sunday at 9 p.m. on Showtime. Check out the official Dexter Web site for the inside scoop on the series.

The Real 'Dexter' Stands Up

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Can we just start the entire third season of Dexter over from ...oh, let's say the third episode and cut to NOW ...?

Seriously.

The real Dexter finally showed up after about seven episodes of Barney and Friends ... er, I mean Miguel Prado's My New BFF ... er, whatever.

Last night (aptly titled "Go Your Own Way" - cue Fleetwood Mac song) was the first episode I've watched in weeks that felt like something from the previous seasons. And yet, I can't help but wonder why in the world it has taken THIS LONG to get here, or why we didn't just have enraged, can't-be-reasoned-with Miguel as Dex's nemesis all along WITHOUT the so obvious disguise of BFF-ness - especially if Miguel is in cahoots with the Tree Trimmer Killer?

Like, did I miss something, here?

Isn't this what we loved about the show from the beginning: the tit-for-tat nemesis angle? the outwit / outsmart / survival routine that allows Dex be the Dark Defender? his struggle to identify, fit in, blend and cope with all-things good and evil?

Now, we've got two episodes to cram it all in.

WTF?

We recall when another PTR Fave show (Cold Case) crammed WAY too much into the final four episodes of the fourth season. Um, yeah ... I believe we're STILL trying to clean up that mess. For this viewer, the series never recovered from that boneheaded creative blunder nor did it ever deal with all the issues that arose from it on screen.

There is such a a thing as too much, too quick.

I have no idea if Dexter is now poised to make the same mistake. They've drawn out this Miguel v. Dexter thing to the point of boredom, and it bothers me the writers are now only giving us the meaty - and far more interesting - bits at the end. And I'm not talking about stacking storylines for a season finale. No, I'm talking about eight episodes of filler nothingness that we could all have done without.

What is this ... a procedural?

Did Jimmy Smits only want to get crazy for three episodes?

I don't know. All I can say is I wish Dark Defender Dex and Psycho Miguel would've started their smackdown earlier. Perhaps it would've spared us from seeing Rita reduced to a dumb blond, Dex reduced to thinking he really can squeeze in nine holes of golf and lunch on the veranda in between blood splatters, and a show that used to be so compelling with the most complex of characters fall into ho-hum mediocrity.

And yet, I am STILL watching, I am STILL hoping, and I am STILL curious as to how this third season ends.

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.

'Dexter's' DOH! Moment

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

So there it is.

The big reveal.

The OMFG moment for the third season of Dexter.

Miguel Prado is a scum o' the earth slime ball who has set-up and used Dex to start doing his own version of vigilante justice.

Problem is, if I hadn't seen this coming from ... oh, about 400 miles away ... I probably would care a whole lot more. But since I a) have been onto Miguel since about the third episode; and b) gave up caring last week, um ... yeah ... didn't do much for me.

HOWEVER ... let the Dex v. Prado Smackdown begin! Maybe we'll finally see Dexter re-grow a pair and get back to being himself.

AND ... I will say this episode did hold some excitement for me - or, I should I say, finally put Dexter back on his toes and in an uncertain position which, as I've been saying for a while now, is when he's at his best. I also finally got back to wondering what he was going to do next, not predicting it before it happened.

Scene of the Season candidate: the dream sequence with Harry and the corpse of Ellen Wolf as Dex tries to figure out WTF has happened ...? HYSTERICAL!

Can I just say my girl Deb was on once again this week?

One of the things I have continued to enjoy about the Deb character is the fact she does NOT hold her emotions in check - particularly when the situation is as desperate and uncertain as it was this week, when she raced against the clock to save Anton from George King, tree trimmer with a vengeance. Now, it is true that Deb's emotions can get her into trouble, and we've all seen her struggle to mature. But, those emotions are also what makes her human. We here at PTR are not fans of our female homicide detectives doing zombie emotional routines. Deb, lest it be said, has never gone down the zombie trail. When she gets passionate, even if it does get her into hot water, it shows us just how dedicated of a cop she is.

And I dig that.

Like I said, Jennifer Carpenter is single-handedly saving this season for me.

And why I keep watching.

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.

'Dexter': Told You So

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Can I just say I told you so?

And Harry told you so?

I'm not even going to go into the ridiculous let - me - show - you - how - to - be - a - serial - killer nonsense that transpired between Dexter and Miguel Prado this week.

Just look at the previews for NEXT week.

I knew this BFF thing wasn't going to end well. Clearly, Miguel cannot be trusted nor is he ever going to keep to any code. All I can say is I think - I think - my dream of Dex offing Prado may come true.

But perhaps worse than all of this is the fact that I just don't care anymore.

As in, this has been the most predictable, clichéd build up of a storyline that I'm so over and past how it's going to end. And because I'm so far ahead of where the show is at the moment (and I have NOT seen any advanced screeners), not to mention I've just never seen Jimmy Smits look like such a goofball in a character (as in, he's just so eager, so needy, so trying to convince us that he's just like Dex) ... well, unless somebody on the Dexter writing staff pulls a serious rabbit out of this hat, thanks, Jimmy, it's been fun.

Actually, not really.

It is worth reiterating that I do love Jimmy Smits, which is why I can't believe how annoyed I am with him on this show (though, technically speaking, it isn't his fault; he's only as good as the material he's given). That said, I absolutely despise the Prado character, which, in and of itself, isn't a crime. We don't have to like the characters that we watch. But, in this viewer's rather humble opinion, they have to be believable in the overall scheme of things, they have to resonate, they shouldn't be shoved down our throats, and they should not look like some sort of stunt casting in an attempt to make up for a below-average plot line (which this whole Dex - BFF - family - man - make - my - own - code - thing is). Agent Lundy (played by the lovely Keith Carradine) was better in one episode of Season 2 than Smits has been in the entire third season. Lundy was never introduced to just suddenly buddy up to Deb and make her forget the Ice Truck Killer saga. The reveal was methodical, believable, and hardly predictable. And, even though I really did NOT like Lila nor did I ever care much for Sergeant Doakes, those two characters provided tangible conflict in scenarios that didn't seem to come from left field nor make Dexter look like a fool and/or some distant relative of himself. Nothing they ever did was so over the top that I just rolled my eyes every time they came on the screen.

That, I'm afraid, is my issue with Smits and the Prado character.

It's just not believable to me.

Shopping for kill supplies at the sporting good store? Seriously?

I've never bought the let's - be - best - buds - routine from the beginning, and Prado has been played so overly eager (as again was the case last night) that I just can't believe anything that comes out of his mouth anymore, or anything he does. And in this whole process, Dexter has been reduced to being so lame, deaf and dumb that I can't believe he could ever be brought to share his deepest secrets with a dude who could send him to the chair - no matter how pissed off he is at his father. Thank God for the Harry flashbacks. Did we forget what makes Dexter character so interesting? It isn't Mr. Mom, Mr. Country Club or Mr. Mini Me. If next week is any indication, we may finally get back to solo, sinister Dexter.

We've seen what happens on other shows when they move away from the essence of what made their central characters so compelling. Some can recover, others cannot. I actually do believe Dexter can recover, but I'm afraid the Dexter scribes have not done their best work this season. He's is just too far off in la-la land for me, and although I have no idea how it's going to end, a down and dirty face off with Miguel would do wonders for me.

Sooner rather than later.

But for all the failures with the actual Dexter character this season, Deb has rocked it. I could actually just watch all her scenes and be happy. Deb and the on-again, off-again conflict with Joey Quinn. One minute we don't like him, next minute we do. One minute, he's actually teaching Deb to be a better cop, the next he's seeming to one-up her. I really like this partnership, the conflict, the uncertainty. It's like what we used to have with Dexter. And through it all, I feel as if Deb has continued to mature this this season, particularly in her handling of CI Anton - both personally and professionally. And throwing in the Yuki Amato IA conundrum actually was a good twist.

I don't even have much to write about Rita because she's just home planning a wedding. Rita, Rita, wherefore art thou, Rita? She's kinda been reduced to a housewife in training. WTF? Remember when she and Dexter had to work on their relationship? Sort of that awkward beauty? Yes, he cheated on her with Lila. Yes, she's gotten past the Paul Plauge. Yes, they've changed. But, this "Hey, honey, I'm home" thing is a snore.

What isn't a snore is the fact CI Anton has been snatched by the Freebo killer wannabe - another reason I'm looking forward to next week's ep.

Perhaps a little too much.

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.

'Dexter' Keeps the Code

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Last week, we thanked the heavens for Harry.

This week, we thank the heavens for The Code.

Even Dexter's modified version of it.

As in, we don't go after defense attorneys just because Miguel Prado as a bee up his bum and/or said defense attorney is a) very good, and b) makes Prado's work difficult by doing said good job.

THANK. GOD.

I was going to flip off the channel to Dexter last night if Dex really did take Miguel Prado up on his let's-go-after routine as it pertained to Ellen Wolf, Miami's numero uno defense attorney.

Miguel needs help.

And it is not of the vigilante justice variety.

Perhaps both he and Ramon need to enroll themselves in therapy.

I'm not convinced Miguel has the discipline nor the exquisite moral center that Dexter has so as to engage in Dex's version of justice. Ellen Wolf gave us hints as to Prado's less than ethical practices as an ADA (among others: planted evidence, jury tampering) whilst Prado's wife said it plainly: he's one thing in public; something else in private. And what he is in private doesn't seem to be much better than what he is in public. We saw him snap at Dex because he would NOT just blindly kill off Ellen Wolf. Prado's mea culpa at the end of the ep was predictable if not totally anticipated. I half wanted Dex to just end it right then and there, but alas, more Prado Bonding Time is slated for next week.

But perhaps above anything else, I get the sense there seems to be a whole lot more simmering under the surface as it pertains to Prado, and that has me a) suspicious and b) wary of any further involvement on Dex's part in the Prado world.

And while you could make the argument that Dexter is also one thing in public and another thing in private, there is a BIG difference: Dex has his emotions under control and in check; he not does he fly off the handle or use his "condition" for personal vendettas. Prado seems to think he's got Carte Blanche to go after whomever he chooses depending on whether he's had a bad day or not. Oy Vey.

I cannot see how this is BFF routine is going to end well. And next week's preview has got Miguel sitting in on a Dex kill? As in, let me show you how to do it?

Harry must be rolling over in his grave.

Isn't this the part of the code Dexter just swore last week he wanted to keep to himself - that actual killing?

Hello? Is this on?

Whatever.

Now what I did love about Dex this week was his Angel of Death Mercy routine for poor ol' Camilla. I confess I was really hoping they'd take it in this direction because I just couldn't bear the thought of this good woman dying so ... well, awfully. Losing all sense of herself, her faculties, and the pain being beyond anything she could continue to bear had me literally saying, "Just put her out of her misery, Dex."

And he did.

At her request.

And whilst it technically violated Dex's own code of never hurting a friend, this one was definitely worthy of the exception. And, although Camilla has played only a minor role, she is a huge key link to Dex's past - knowing how and what Harry rescued him from, and she seems a much better definition of BFF than Miguel Prado would ever comprehend.

And did Deb just rock it this week or what?

Give that woman her shield already.

Now, she did compromise the Freebo investigation by tipping off her CI they wanted to use him as bait, BUT she backed it up with some awesome all nighter detective work and came up with a new lead on her own!

My concern is my favorite IA snitch is going to not only nail her for it, but also nail her for now being personally involved WITH the CI.

Bummer.

Because I really like where that is going. Adorable, actually.

But can we really think Yuki Amato is NOT going to look for a way to stick it to Deb for screwing up her IA investigation of Quinn (apparently a cop killed because he cut corners, not because they had an affair ... seriously?). Me thinks this will get juicier as we had toward the last half of episodes for the second season.

And can I just say the way they shot Jennifer Carpenter moving around the briefing room, with every folder and picture of the Freebo victims spread on the floor as she tried to piece the new lead together whilst balancing the effect of what would have been a metric ton of caffeine so as to make it seem as if she had Tourette's ... GENIUS!

The tempo of her line delivery was just.too.funny.

Get some sleep, Deb.

And I'm LOVING the Detective Batista story with the Vice cop. It's about time Angel had a good woman in his life.

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.

'Dexter's' Voice of Reason

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Thank you, Harry.

Father knows best.

And Dex needs to get over his hate - you - you - lied - to - me - I'm - doing - my - own - code - from - now - on thing and start listening to you once again.

Even if it is only in his own mind.

Or else ... well, I don't know.

What I do know is that finally, thankfully, wonderously, Harry was the voice of reason this week on Dexter - something he hasn't been since ... oh, let's see ... some time last year. As we know, Dex has daddy issues this season, and they aren't just of the Will I Be A Good Father to Rita's Kid variety.

He continues to be all irked with what we'll call Harry's imperfections. As in, Harry lied. He cheated. He was repulsed by Dex.

Yeah, okay. Nobody's perfect. Especially parents.

Of a serial killer.

Need we remind Dexter Morgan that Harry DID raise Dex to survive in the world. He DID make it seem as if this serial killer kid was going to do something more than end up on Death Row. He DID save Dexter from his brother's twisted fate.

Soooo, on balance, Harry isn't all that bad compared to a whole lotta parents. And he's the only one (besides me, I guess) who thinks this Miguel Prado thing has got to go.

Do we not remember the old The X-Files adage Trust No One ...? (perhaps Dex needs to rent the series on DVD and catch up)

Or we could Dexter-ize it to say Trust No One (Especially If You're A Serial Killer).

N-ee-ways, don't get me started on this week's Tag Team, who-can-we-go-after-next routine between Prado and Dexter. However, I will give Dexter credit for picking some sort of Holy Grail of perps to test Prado's resolve.

To which he jumps in with both feet.

Of course.

But what really got my attention this week is the suggestion by one of Prado's foes that Prado is ... how should we say ... ethically challenged on how he goes about his ADA business. As in, potentially could be brought up on some charges.

To which LaGuerta balks.

Of course.

After all, this is the woman who defended Doakes, right?

But I am way curious as what is up with Prado's ethics, 'cause he seems to be ready, willing and overly able to bend a whole lotta rules way too easily - not to mention take part in a different sort of vigilante justice than bro' Ramon. That said, my issue remains the drawn out process by which we are getting to this point (and the overkill BFF routine between Dex and Prado that has preceded it).

That aside, I have to say the show redeemed itself a bit this week with this subtle planting of an issue with Prado. Is it bad that I now kinda want Dex to end up offing Prado should Prado lose the plot?

On the non-BFF front this week, Deb totally scores one for the team by bringing in the other Prado bro' on kidnapping, false imprisonment and torture charges seeing as Ramon will stop at nothing to find Freebo's killer.

And apparently, my favorite IA deckhand Yuki Amado is out to get good-guy-bad-guy-back-to-good-guy Joey Quinn on a personal vendetta. Now, I'm not sure I believe this, but okay. Strangely, I've come to like how he works with Deb. He's actually shown her a few good pointers. But he's set her up, too. Dunno. Verdict is still out on this guy.

Go 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.

'Dexter' is MIA - Seriously

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

So, I was all amped for this week's ep of Dexter.

The previews lead me to believe we might be getting things back on the awkwardly suspenseful track for America's Favorite Serial Killer.

As in, no more Mr. Mom or Hubby-To-Be doldrums.

Back to mysteriously disappearing to ... you know, kill people.

Well, we had that.

For about five minutes.

The rest was more Prado Stalkerazzi.

Golf.

A tiff with Rita over whether or not to give up the ol' bachelor pad now that marriage is on the horizon.

And a medical emergency whereby I a) thought for sure Rita was going to lose the baby and/or b) was actually kinda disappointed she didn't.

Horrible to say, I know. But seriously, the trauma that would've come with her having lost the baby might have put some serious Oomph back in this tangent-esque season, or at least made Dexter oddly grateful he didn't really have to face the dad equation given I'm not buying that he actually wants to be a father. If anything, sister Deb seems more capable at this point.

Whatever.

And now we have Prado baiting Dex? As in, setting up his kills for him by "leading" him to some slugs o' the earth that he himself couldn't put away?

How convenient.

I love Jimmy Smits. I do. And none of this is his fault given he's only as good as the material that he's given.

Which is exactly the problem.

I just don't know what in the world the Dexter scribes are going for with Miguel Prado, and they've given me way too much way too soon. As such, it's now farcical. The Stalkerazzi, Best Bud, We're the Same is just not believable. That kind of smothering alone should be making Dexter annoyed to the point of aversion. He has never let anyone do this to him, and he hasn't changed sufficiently to suddenly be having lunch dates and golf lessons. And if we're really keeping score, the stalker-wanna-be-best-bud routine is actually three seasons old: first the brother, then Lila, now Prado.

And third time is not a charm with Prado.

Did we not think he connected Dex's MIA routine for Rita's medical emergency a little too easily? As we all know, Dex has been missing before. Sure, OK, Rita wasn't necessarily in the hospital when he was, but 12 messages? Having the the U.S. Coast Guard on speed dial so as to track down Dex on his fishing day off?

I guess the National Guard not available.

Give me a break, folks.

Do I need to start a Save Dexter From Absurdity Campaign?

The one thing that I did like about this week was the flashback sequence whilst Dex was stalking his prey in Bimini. According to Harry, Dex must choose who is his wife, and who is the mistress. Meaning, is his condition his wife, and Rita the mistress? Or the other way around?

Thank goodness, too, that Deb still continues to hold my interest. No IA axe to grind this week, but a touching interview with a young kid potentially tied to the Freebo case.

And on a totally random note: Can I just ask when did Deb start driving a BMW convertible? Granted it is an oldie, but still ... where did that come from?

Anyways, seeing the The Exorcism of Emily Rose on cable this past weekend reminded me again why I do love Jennifer Carpenter.

She's saving the show for me right about now.

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.

'Dexter' Renewed for Two More Seasons

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

It seems America's favorite serial killer will be back next season.

And the season after that.

But ... I am still in a slight conundrum as it pertains to this season.

As we know, this third season has fallen somewhat flat for me, and I'm not the only one who feels this way: the Chicago Tribune's TV Watcher Maureen Ryan echos a lot of the same concerns I've had (is she reading PTR ...? KID-ding) about this season being "the least interesting." Like Maureen, I will still watch the show as I do love Dex. But it needs to be kicked back up a notch. We really don't want him to be so ... well, normal.

Glad to know I'm not the only one.

The full Showtime press release announcing 'Dexter's renewal is as follows:

SHOWTIME has ordered two more seasons of its award-winning top-rated drama series DEXTER, starring Emmy®- and Golden Globe®-nominated actor Michael C. Hall (“Six Feet Under”), it was announced today by Robert Greenblatt, Showtime President of Entertainment. The Best Drama Series Emmy®-nominated DEXTER premiered its third season three weeks ago to widespread critical and audience acclaim plus record ratings as it surpassed 3 million viewers in its premiere week and ranks as SHOWTIME’s top-rated drama series. Seasons four and five will consist of 12 episodes each, with production on season four set to begin next spring in Los Angeles.

"DEXTER's enormous success is a tribute to the great achievements of its cast, the producing team, the author of the original book, and the gifted Michael C. Hall,” said Greenblatt. “I thought at best we would attract a devoted cult audience but soon realized that, ironically, this show is so thematically rich and layered with humanity that audiences of all kinds have flocked to it."

One of the most acclaimed series on television, DEXTER stars Michael C. Hall (two-time Emmy® and Golden Globe®-nominee) as a complicated and conflicted blood-spatter expert for the Miami police department who moonlights as a serial killer. The show was nominated this year for five Emmy® Awards including Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. The series also received a prestigious 2008 Peabody Award and was twice named one of AFI’s top ten television programs. DEXTER is SHOWTIME’s highest rated drama and was the network’s highest rated show in 2007. Additionally, DEXTER has been the most successful SHOWTIME DVD title to date and continues to be one of the top selling titles for the network on iTunes.

John Goldwyn, Sara Colleton, Clyde Phillips and Charles H. Eglee serve as executive producers for season three. Michael C. Hall, Scott Buck and Melissa Rosenberg serve as co-executive producers for season three.

'Dexter's' Role of a Lifetime

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Will the real Dexter Morgan please stand up?

Enough of the BBQs with the Prados, running to get Rita saltines for her morning sickness, or being Mr. Mom.

I'm missing the edge.

The confusion.

The holy sh*t now what routine.

As such, I find myself in the same conundrum this week as last week, though I did find this week's ep slightly more interesting.

I thought his proposal to Rita was sweet, but I also knew it was half made up from the confession of the psycho-chick killer who offed the boyfriend that wasn't really her boyfriend - except in her deranged mind.

And the Detective Batista sub-plot was beautiful. It was so touching when he confessed to the Vice detective (who had almost busted him the night before whilst undercover in a prostitution sting operation), about his need to connect with someone - anyone, which included hookers - after losing both his daughter and marriage.

And though I normally bag on Lauren Vélez and her Lieutenant LaGuerta monotony, she had the best line of the ep: "I've had enough of the Prado family."

So have I.

Seriously, I need a break with this obsession over the death of baby bro' and/or Dex and Rita's new BFF routine with all-things Prado.

BBQs. Lunches. Happy Hours. Late night rendezvous.

And this whole let's - tell - Ramon - what - we - did thing between Dexter and Miguel ...? Enough. Move on. Drop it. Throw something else into the mix. But stop with the we can tell him / no we can't / yes we can back and forth.

Believe you-me, no one is more surprised than I to find myself tuning out the Dexter stuff and being more interested in what is happening with ol' Deb, detective suspicious Joey Quinn and IA sleuth Yuki Amado, who is being played ingeniously by Liza Lapira.

Seriously, Yuki is just so smart-ass snarky funny, and Lapira can go toe-to-toe with Jennifer Carpenter like there is no tomorrow. They have fantastic antagonistic chemistry, and given the doldrums of Dex's good life routine, I find myself relishing the Deb v. Yuki confrontations.

Not to mention what really is the deal with Quinn.

As such, I'm actually excited about what I saw in the previews for next week - which seems to throw everything off kilter once again for Dexter, possibly reinstating that sense of uncomfortable urgency, need - to - stay - one - step - ahead thing that seems to have gone out the door for these first handful of episodes.

I'm longing for the unpredictable edgy Dexter Morgan. And as I said last week, he's far more interesting of a character when he's under pressure, trying to fit in, not sure where he stands. And though I do still love the relationship he has with Rite, the Mr. Mom-Hubby-to-Be routine is getting a lil' boring.

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.

And ...? So ...? on 'Dexter'

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

It's not often I don't have much to say about one of our PTR Faves. So it kinda bugs me that I feel I'm at a loss for words this week as it pertains to Dexter.

As in, I was ... bored.

Perhaps my Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles hangover has adversely affected the rest of my television viewing?

Dunno.

All I can think about Dex this week is "And ...? So ...?"

I feel as if the Dex folks are taking great pains to set us all up for the other shoe to drop. As such, it's starting to play somewhat predictable.

For the past two seasons, we've had that sense of uncomfortable urgency, need - to - stay - one - step - ahead thing from the get-go. Whether it was the genius tit - for - tat with the Icetruck Killer, or the Lila Experiment with a Side of Sergeant Doakes Obsession, things remained unpredictable for Dexter Morgan.

Now, he seems like he should be picking up Cody from day care, or running home to cook dinner for Rita.

What happened to his edge?

This whole Miguel - buddy - buddy - routine is really just too much cream on the tacos right now. That is, things are way too hunky dory to be believed. I'm not averse to giving Dex a best friend, but it took nearly the entire first season to reveal Dex's bro' connection. Last season, Agent Lundy always kept things calmly curious, Lila got under everyone's skin, and Doakes never ceased to remind us Dex is not normal. Plus there was the Harry Code hanging over everything.

This season, all that is gone, and I find myself twiddling my thumbs with the Deb IA conundrum and Dex's will I/won't I be a good father thing. I get he's trying to sort it out, but I'm not feeling he's under any pressure to do so - and he's far more interesting of a character when he's under pressure, trying to fit in, not sure where he stands. With everything so good for him in life, the edge isn't what it used to be. And outside his suspicions of Miguel and feeling kinda weird about his new BFF ... well, he seems kinda vanilla all of a sudden.

And I'm not sure that's what I like.

Where is Sergeant Doakes when you need him.

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.

'Dexter's' Pregnant Pause

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Again, apologies for the lateness on this recap; traveling to/from a trade show in Chicago last/this week has seriously wreaked havoc on my TV viewing. Alas, better late than never.

So Dex is preggers, eh?

OK, not really.

Technically, Rita is preggers, but hey, it’s like the same thing.

And oh what a tangled web of questions we weave as to just exactly how good of a father Dex would be.

Or not.

This is a genius twist to the already complex characterization of Dexter Morgan. And what about Rita giving him the option to participate (or not) given she’s going to have the baby irregardless? Do we love Rita, or do we love Rita? We.Love.Rita.

Aside from the obvious distraction of her delicate state, I have to say what didn’t click for me this week was the insta-bond best friend thing between Miguel and Dex (not that I mind having Michael C. Hall and Jimmy Smits in scene after scene – they do rock it).

I just can’t quite go there as yet. Maybe it’s because I’ve been so used to two straight seasons of Sergeant Doakes’ out – to – get – Dex – at – all - costs routine that Miguel’s insta-buddy version seems too … Convenient? Easy? And yet, given how good this writing staff is, I am inclined to believe this is a set-up and/or that it’s going to be tipped on its ear soon. If not, that’s OK. I don’t mind having Dex actually have someone on his side for a change. I just didn’t expect it to be in two episodes or less.

Along those lines, I was having a tough time buying Miguel’s stalking of Freebo, which interrupted Dex’s kill zone and had him fibbing once again about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Since Miguel was there to do some dirty work on his own (read: kill Freebo), he bought it.

‘kay, again … kind of a stretch, but OK. I guess I’ll buy Miguel’s anger – rage – will - do – anything - to - avenge - baby - bro’s - death mentality. As we know, desperate people do desperate things, and I can understand Miguel being in that kind of state at the moment. It's one of the things I enjoyed about the character introduction in last week's premiere (and Smits' portrayal). But again, just a little too convenient to be there right as Dex is slicing and dicing. Or to be, like, “Hey, thanks!”

And again ... can Lieutenant LaGuerta just.go.away? I swear, she is just the biggest annoyance of a character. Her scenes with Miguel were so awkwardly awkward. Seriously awkward. I don't know if Lauren Velez is over matched by Jimmy Smits' talent or what, but wow ... I could do without her for the rest of the season.

On the Deb front this week … still being pursued by IA. And I still love Jennifer Carpenter. But her outburst of desperation at the bar trying to get a lead in the the Freebo case … what was up with that? It seemed kinda weird. She’s been determined and focused to crack cases before, but she hasn’t lost it like that. Dunno. Weird, but I’ll go with it.

Now what I did really enjoy was that IA called her on the fact she has no life (a page out of Lilly Rush’s book). Freakin’ funny. “What the hell is scrapbooking?”

Given she’s been almost killed by a serial killer and had a pretty good albeit older guy take an assignment halfway across the country, she’s fallen on some downer times at the moment. I’m going to have a little more faith the writers will not allow her to fall off the face of the earth a la Lilly’s zombie routine.

‘Cause we know how much fun that was to watch.

For two seasons.

Oy.

So call me curious and confused on this ep of Dex.

Bring on next week.

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.