Dexter: Series 1 Review

Dexter – Sociopath by Day, Serial Killer by Night.

That tagline alone had me intrigued.

How I Discovered Dexter:

One night, a friend rang and asked if I’d seen this “new series” that had just been released. When I said no, she told me all about it and said how great it was. Straightaway, I thought it sounded like my type of show, so I gave it a go. From that day onward, I was hooked and binged the entire series.

More recently, my mum stayed with us and asked if I had anything worth watching. Knowing she’s a big fan of crime series like CSI, NCIS and Bones, I suggested Dexter. To my surprise, she’d never even heard of it! After one episode, she was hooked just like I was. Every night she wanted another one, and before we knew it, we’d finished season one together. When she went home, she continued watching and loved it so much that she couldn’t stop.

Price & Box Set:

When I first watched it, I bought the box set second-hand from MusicMagpie for £1.75. Later, I upgraded to the full box set at a great price, £24.99, from Zoom as a Christmas treat. (Amazon usually lists the first set at around £8.50). I even gave my original copy to my mum so she could re-watch whenever she wanted.

DVD Details:

• Format: Box set, PAL, Subtitled, Colour
• Language: English
• Subtitles: French, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English, Finnish, Dutch
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 – 1.77:1
• Number of Discs: 4
• Classification: 18
• Studio: Paramount Home Entertainment
• Release Date: 19 May 2008
• Runtime: 720 minutes

The box set is simple but effective — Dexter’s sweet face with a devilish smile splattered with blood across the cover. Inside are four discs with several episodes each (this edition has no special features).

Plot:

Dexter Morgan works as a blood spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department. To most people, he seems like an ordinary guy, but beneath the surface, Dexter hides a very dark secret shaped by childhood trauma. Nobody really knows the real Dexter.

Each season introduces a new “signature” killer for Dexter to hunt. Season one centres around the Ice Truck Killer — just when you think you’ve figured it out, there’s always a twist. Clever flashbacks are woven into the story, gradually revealing more about who Dexter really is.

Tagline: Blood never lies.

Favourite Characters:

Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan:

Michael C. Hall is the heart of the series — there wouldn’t be a show without him. I instantly liked Dexter from the first episode; he’s dark and mysterious yet strangely endearing. He has such an innocent face that perfectly conceals his dangerous side. Hall makes every emotion feel believable, and he never fails to disappoint.

In 2010, Hall won both a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award for his performance. Outside of Dexter, he’s also known for HBO’s Six Feet Under and has appeared in films like Gamer and Kill Your Darlings.

Fun fact: During season four, Hall was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He kept it private during filming and underwent treatment, thankfully making a full recovery.

Jennifer Carpenter as Debra Morgan:

Jennifer Carpenter brings Dexter’s step-sister, Debra, to life brilliantly. At first, she comes across as jealous and fiery, often feeling overshadowed by Dexter. Her hot-headed, foul-mouthed personality is nothing like the actress herself, which makes the performance even more impressive. Over the seasons, I enjoyed seeing Debra’s growth, her complicated relationships, and the bond she had with her brother.

Carpenter also starred in The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005), a role that first put her on the map.

Music:

The Dexter theme by Rolfe Kent is unforgettable. It’s suspenseful, quirky, and perfectly captures Dexter’s obsession with blood while hinting at his hidden darkness. It’s one of those rare theme tunes that feels like it was made just for the character.

Main Cast:

• Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan
• Julie Benz as Rita Bennett
• Jennifer Carpenter as Debra Morgan
• Erik King as James Doakes
• Lauren Vélez as María LaGuerta
• David Zayas as Angel Batista
• James Remar as Harry Morgan

Series Summary:

Season one was an incredible start — one of the best I’ve ever seen. The writing is sharp, full of clever twists, and the pacing keeps you on the edge of your seat. 

Dexter is addictive, easy to follow, and filled with suspense that makes you want to watch “just one more.”

Verdict:

 If you love crime dramas with a dark, clever, addictive, and unforgettable twist, Dexter is a must-watch.

Rating:⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (5/5)

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