Show: Dexter (Showtime)
Episode: “See-Through” (Season 2)
Air Date: Sunday, October 20th, 2007
Rating: 4 out of 4 stars

Quick Synopsis: Things really heat up.

Long Synopsis: Rita’s mother comes for a visit. Masuka thinks he may have found a big break in the case. The “Bay Harbor Butcher” investigation has determined that most of the bodies are of suspected murders. They look deeper into the rest of the victims. Dexter visits with his sponsor, but Rita thinks he may need someone more experienced and less female. Dexter also tries to interfere with the investigation. Meanwhile, Sgt. Doakes is on the trail of a fellow former Special Forces military man that is suspected of killing his wife.

Review: Dexter continues to impress. Watching Dexter try to keep ahead of the investigation, while wondering if he actually made a mistake in getting rid of the bodies, is great. His kinship with his sponsor, feeling that she really knows him, will be fun to continue to follow.

There were some great scenes again in this episode, like Dexter’s reaction to the type of art his sponsor creates, how she gathers her art supplies, the interaction between Debra and Special Agent Lundy and the dinner with Rita, the kids and her mother.

JoBeth Williams, who has guest starred on just about everything, like 24, Numb3rs and Criminal Minds most recently, is perfect as Rita’s mother. She is just what Dexter needs, another person to keep his “mask” on in front of. Her character brings another interesting aspect of the story to follow.

After episode two, the TVaholic thought Lt. Laguerta was angling to get her old job back, but then last week’s episode had me questioning that a bit. Now, it turns out my first inclination was the right one, but I didn’t quite see how she was going about it. Let’s just say, she is still the devious bitch that she was in season one.

Episode four of season two is another outstanding hour of TV. Once again, you want to watch next week’s episode right now.

What did you think of the “See-Through” episode of Dexter?

Update 10.28.2007: TVaholic is doing our first ever giveaway. Find out how you can get your hands on a Dexter Season One DVD Prize Pack. You have until November 4th, 2007 to enter.

Show: Dexter (Showtime)
Episode: “An Inconvenient Lie” (Season 2)
Air Date: Sunday, October 14th, 2007
Rating: 4 out of 4 stars

Quick Synopsis: “Dark Passenger” gets a new ride.

Long Synopsis: Dexter has let Rita believe that he has a drug addiction, but this is causing problems for him. She wants him to attend NA meetings and breaks things off unless he decides to go. So, he decides to attend and finds out that it is helpful in more ways than one. Meanwhile, he is also trying to stay off of the task force’s radar and is glad when he isn’t chosen to be part of it. Yet, Debra is assigned to it. Dexter is also hoping that gathering info on his next potential victim will be enough, while he lays low.

Review: “An Inconvenient Lie” really gets into the main storyline of the second season, the hunt for the “Bay Harbor Butcher,” or as we know him to be, Dexter. Watching him try and stay one step ahead should be unbelievably compelling.

This episode has some really great scenes. The interaction with another NA attendee at the coffee shop is just outstanding. Dexter finally opening up at a meeting is amazing to watch. Rita’s reaction when she sees his new sponsor. These and so many more are just great television. What is your favorite scene?

Some interesting dynamics have been setup, like Dexter’s sister Debra being on the task force that is hunting him or him pretending to have a drug addiction, when his real addiction is really a lot more sinister.

Michael C. Hall continues to impress. His portrayal of Dexter is just amazing to watch. Everyone on the show is really good, but he is what makes the show go. Can you even imagine anyone else playing inhabiting this role?

As for Lt. Laguerta angling for the squad leader position, which I mentioned in the previous episode’s review, maybe she really does have a heart, at least for another woman holding her former position. Her demotion from last season seems to have changed her a bit. What do you think?

Episode three of season two is another excellent hour of TV. Once again, you want to watch the next episode right away, but will have to wait another week.

What did you think of the “An Inconvenient Lie” episode of Dexter?

Update 10.28.2007: TVaholic is doing our first ever giveaway. Find out how you can get your hands on a Dexter Season One DVD Prize Pack. You have until November 4th, 2007 to enter.

Show: Dexter (Showtime)
Episode: “Waiting to Exhale” (Season 2)
Air Date: Sunday, October 7th, 2007
Rating: 4 out of 4 stars

Quick Synopsis: Dexter gets back on his game and gets some closure.

Long Synopsis: Dexter is trying to deal with his failure and the big find of his dumping ground from the last episode. He goes about finding a new place to dump bodies and takes a second stab at Little Chino. A big shot investigator has been called in to head up the investigation into the new serial killer, the “Bay Harbor Butcher.”

Meanwhile, his sister Debra is still on the verge of losing it. She almost goes completely off the deep end when she catches a kid spray painting on the cop car. Sgt. Doakes tries to get on the task force to track down this new serial killer. Rita is planning a funeral for her ex-husband. Everyone needs a little closure.

Review: This episode goes about setting up the major story of the new season. That being the hunt for the “Bay Harbor Butcher,” as the press has already named him. We all know who the killer is, but the cat and mouse game between Dexter and the new federal investigator, Special Agent Frank Lundy, played by Keith Carradine (Complete Savages, Deadwood), that has been brought in to hunt him down, should make for compelling TV.

The first episode of season two put Dexter in the place of failing and questioning himself. It was all about starting to clean up the events of last season. Episode two goes about putting Dexter back on his game. It makes for a good transitional episode that leads into the main story of season two that will play out over the next 10 episodes.

Watching Debra try to deal with what has happened to her and work the job makes for a solid side story. Also, Lt. Laguerta, played by Lauren Valez (Oz, New York Undercover), is so laying the groundwork to get the new Lieutenant out of her old job. The TVaholic doesn’t by her nicey-nice routine. And, another side story that looks like it will be interesting is Dexter admitting to Rita that he has an addiction. While she thinks it is a drug addiction, we all know what it really is. These should make for fascinating TV, along with the main story of Dexter trying to keep from getting caught, while continuing to let out his “Dark Passenger.”

So far, there is no sign of any sophomore slump for Dexter. Each episode leaves you wanting to watch the next episode, right then, just as season one did.

What did you think of the “Waiting to Exhale” episode of Dexter?

Update 10.28.2007: TVaholic is doing our first ever giveaway. Find out how you can get your hands on a Dexter Season One DVD Prize Pack. You have until November 4th, 2007 to enter.

Show: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX)
Episode: “The Gang Gets Invincible” (Season 3)
Original Air Date: Thursday, September 13th 2007
Rating: 2½ out of 4 stars

Quick Synopsis: The gang tries out for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Long Synopsis: In this one the gang hears about open tryouts being held for the Philadelphia Eagles, like in the movie. Mac and Glenn decide to take part, not because they think they can make the team, but to find out once and for all, who the better football player is. Dee wants to join in the competition, but they say she can’t because girls can’t tryout. So, she goes all Just One of the Guys and gets into the tryouts. Meanwhile, Charlie and Frank decide to tailgate the tryouts.

Review: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has never made it into the TVaholic’s viewing schedule. So, when a screener with the first four episodes of season three arrived, I watched the first two. They will both air tomorrow night, September 13th.

Each episode is a giant setup for the final scene punch line. But, in this episode there was a lot more to like leading up to that last scene. It definitely gives a better glimpse into why this show might be worth adding to your viewing schedule.

Like, when Geoffrey Owens (The Cosby Show) playing a fake Donavan McNabb arrives to give an inspirational talk at the tryouts, like the flyer promised. It was very funny, especially when it turns into an ad for McDonald’s.

It is a bit on the loud and obnoxious side sometimes, as they seem to being trying to hard to be funny and will go over-the-top in a hurry. When the comedy doesn’t land, it can be hard to watch, but when it does, it can make even the hard to watch scenes worth it. This is similar to how the comedy plays out on The Office. It just doesn’t happen as often in Philadelphia as it does in Scranton.

Overall, this was a better episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia than the season premiere. This one leaves me wanting to check out a few more episodes, as it looks to be a show that will need a handful of viewings to get a complete handle on.

What did you think of this episode of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia?