Dexter - a show that didn't understand moral dilemmas

Summary

In this analysis of *Dexter*, the video explores the show's handling of moral dilemmas and how its failure to address these dilemmas realistically undermines its narrative potential. The protagonist, Dexter, struggles with his code of only killing those who deserve it, but the series consistently avoids the consequences of his decisions, particularly in pivotal moments like Season 2. By comparing Dexter’s journey with characters from *Poirot* and *Breaking Bad*, the video argues that Dexter's story missed an opportunity for deeper character evolution, ultimately resulting in a less compelling narrative despite early successes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dexter struggles with moral dilemmas, but the show fails to allow him to face real consequences for his actions.
• 😀 The core issue of *Dexter* is the protagonist's refusal to change, as the series avoids letting him make difficult decisions.
• 😀 Dexter’s moral code—killing only those who deserve it and not getting caught—forms the foundation of his identity, but it limits character development.
• 😀 The show’s narrative becomes less compelling when it avoids letting Dexter face the full impact of his moral choices.
• 😀 *Poirot* is contrasted with *Dexter*, where Poirot faces morally complex decisions, but unlike Dexter, he isn't allowed to avoid the consequences.
• 😀 *Breaking Bad* is another show that handles moral dilemmas well, with characters like Walter White facing real consequences for their actions, unlike Dexter.
• 😀 In Season 2, when Dexter faces Doakes’ suspicions and an ultimate moral choice, the show sidesteps this dilemma by having Lila intervene, robbing Dexter of character growth.
• 😀 The show becomes predictable and less interesting after it avoids allowing Dexter to make moral decisions, with Season 2 being its peak.
• 😀 The series’ best seasons (2 and 7) contain the most compelling moral dilemmas but fail to allow Dexter to truly confront them, resulting in missed narrative opportunities.
• 😀 The show’s finale could have been a darker, more impactful ending, with Dexter either facing his own moral corruption or being forced to run, but the writers chose to avoid these outcomes.

Q & A

What is the central argument of the transcript regarding Dexter's handling of moral dilemmas?

The central argument is that *Dexter* fails to allow its protagonist to face the consequences of his actions, especially in moral dilemmas. Dexter avoids making difficult choices and never truly changes, which weakens the drama and tension in the show.

How does the author compare Dexter to other TV characters like Poirot?

The author compares Dexter to Poirot to highlight how moral dilemmas are handled differently. While Poirot faces difficult decisions and pays the cost for his actions, Dexter is shielded from the consequences of his choices, particularly in season 2, where he avoids violating his code.

What is the significance of the moral dilemma Dexter faces with Doakes in season 2?

The moral dilemma with Doakes is crucial because it forces Dexter to confront his code of ethics: if he kills Doakes, he violates his code of only killing those who deserve it. If he lets Doakes go, he risks exposure as the Bay Harbor Butcher. This dilemma is pivotal, but the resolution ultimately undermines its potential.

Why is the resolution of the moral dilemma with Doakes in season 2 considered a 'cop-out'?

The resolution is considered a 'cop-out' because Dexter is saved from making a hard decision by Lila, who kills Doakes herself. This avoids Dexter having to break his code, removing the cost that moral dilemmas are supposed to impose.

What are the flaws in Dexter’s character development throughout the series, according to the transcript?

Dexter’s character development is flawed because the show prevents him from making morally compromising decisions or facing the true cost of his actions. This leads to a lack of character growth, as Dexter remains the 'good guy' serial killer without ever confronting the darker consequences of his life.

How does the transcript compare Dexter’s handling of moral dilemmas to that of Walter White in *Breaking Bad*?

The transcript compares Dexter’s avoidance of moral consequences to Walter White’s embrace of them. While Walter White is forced to face and deal with the cost of his actions, Dexter is shielded from these costs, which undermines the moral complexity of his character.

What does the author suggest about Dexter’s potential for a better ending?

The author suggests that Dexter's story could have ended more satisfyingly if he had been allowed to make a hard choice, such as killing Maria or giving himself up. These decisions would have provided closure to his character arc and maintained the dramatic tension, rather than the show offering a premature, unsatisfying resolution.

What role does Dexter’s ‘code’ play in the moral dilemmas he faces?

Dexter's code is central to the moral dilemmas he faces, as it dictates that he only kills people who deserve it and that he must avoid getting caught. The dilemmas often revolve around whether Dexter can uphold his code while facing situations that challenge his ethical boundaries.

Why does the transcript criticize the way *Dexter* handles the character of Maria Laguerta in the later seasons?

The transcript criticizes *Dexter*’s handling of Maria Laguerta because, despite building up to a significant moral dilemma in season 7, the show once again avoids letting Dexter make a difficult decision. This prevents the series from exploring the full dramatic potential of Dexter’s character and moral struggles.

What is the overall criticism of *Dexter*'s later seasons according to the transcript?

The overall criticism is that the later seasons of *Dexter* lose their quality because the show fails to let Dexter confront the moral costs of his actions. Instead, it relies on shortcuts, such as other characters making the hard decisions for him, which weakens the impact and makes the story feel less compelling.