Appropriately released in tandem with autumn’s dark evenings, Michael C. Hall reprises the role of Dexter Morgan for the Showtime drama “Dexter,” which is now in its sixth season. Hall’s performance rings honest and creepy as the police department’s blood-spatter analyst, moonlighting as a vigilante serial killer. Every season to this point sought to explore a different part of Dexter’s life, amid his relationships with family, co-workers and other criminals who ultimately become victims. Season 6 is no different. This time we find the series focused on Detective Morgan’s inner beliefs and ultimate goals for raising his son. This dichotomous foray into Dexter’s thoughts and actions is accompanied by the natural rotation of all-star supporting cast members.
Mos Def (credited as Mos) enters this season directly opposing Dexter’s stereotype of criminals. A gangster turned God-lover, Def’s character, “Brother Sam,” seemingly defies the norm as the preacher-mechanic who hires former criminals. Moreover, Colin Hanks marks his return to drama as Travis Marshall, one-half of the overreligious villain duo this season. His counterpart, Professor Gellar, is acted by Edward James Olmos. Interestingly enough, they kill their victims and then label them with an apocalyptic touch, marking their first kill with an alpha and omega symbol. While the new characters show great promise, old faces find new meaning with life-changing influences on the horizon.
Jennifer Carpenter’s portrayal of Debra Morgan maintains its usual intensity as Dexter’s potty-mouthed sister, a detective with a heart of gold. It does not take long for her life to overcomplicate itself, as she rises to the position of lieutenant in the wake of a public shooting, placing her in the public spotlight.
As the plot thickens, Dexter has befriended Brother Sam and begins to see the remorse in the error of his ways. Dexter initially believes Brother Sam’s faith to be mask. However, Brother Sam proves true redemption — becoming a friend to Dexter and his son, and consoling Dexter when his son undergoes an appendectomy. When Brother Sam is killed, Dexter vows vengeance. Amid a search to find the “Doomsday Killer,” Dexter gets close to accomplice (Hanks) and determines that he is not directly responsible for the murders. It really does not help matters when it comes to light that Quinn is dating a material witness in the investigation.
Dexter’s search for meaning, coupled with the anger of Brother Sam’s death, drives him insane. This is marked by an increase in ghostly posthumous conversations with his father and a return from an old character: Dexter’s serial-killer brother. I think this season is ridiculously riveting, with a faithful twist that makes me question my own faith basis. Aside from the blood and interwoven character play, the underlying premise seems to push a deeper meaning about life that I simply can’t place into words. Although the storyline is gruesome at times, this season expands upon the deeper reaches of Dexter and the surrounding characters. I have not remembered when murder mysteries have been more tantalizing, but I sure can bet that I will continue to tune in to Dexter, airing Sundays at 9 p.m. on Showtime.