Episode: “It’s Alive!” – Season Premiere (Season 2)
Premiere Date: Sunday, September 30th, 2007
Rating: 4 out of 4 stars
Quick Synopsis: Dexter hasn’t recently, Debra is still messed up and Rita is conflicted.
Long Synopsis: The episode opens with a nice little recap of last season. When the episode begins, we learn that it has been more than a month since those events took place. Dexter, played by Michael C. Hall (Six Feet Under), is now being followed around by Sgt. Doakes, played by Erik King (Oz), as he is the only one that thinks there is something strange about him. Debra, played by Jennifer Carpenter (The Exorcism of Emily Rose), Dexter’s sister, is coming off of leave and it is her first day back. The detectives are called out on a homicide of a young man found bloody on some rocks near the water. People are recognizing her, having been all over the news, and it isn’t sitting too well with her. She is living with Dexter. Dexter hasn’t partaken in his hobby once in the time since the demise of the “Ice Truck Killer.” Dexter tries to get back in his groove a couple of times, but things don’t work out quite like he planned. Dexter’s girlfriend Rita, played by Julie Benz (Angel), is being bothered by her ex from jail to help him out. Anymore than that and it would ruin the episode, as it is quite the heart racer.
Review: Dexter was one the best new shows last season
If you watched season one and wondered how are they going to top that, well they kicked things up a notch for our antihero. You won’t believe all the trouble they have created for Dexter in this episode alone.
One of the best things about this show is how they weave in the back-story of him and his father, played by James Remar (Jericho, North Shore). And, in this episode it is used to great effect. The way the writers tie his past into what is happening to him now is something special to watch play out.
The best thing about this show is Michael C. Hall. His portrayal of Dexter is mesmerizing. How he wasn’t even nominated for an Emmy, for his work last season, is a travesty. How you can take such a character, as a serial killer with a code, and make him the guy in the story that you actually kind of root for, is amazing. But, the writers and Hall have done so.
With all that takes place in this episode, you will be left wishing you didn’t have to wait another week for episode two. New episodes will air each Sunday night on Showtime, starting with tonight’s premiere. Will you be watching? Cause, if you like your TV shows exceptionally well crafted, you should be.
For those that don’t have Showtime or want to watch them in a more portable format, you can download season one episodes of Dexter at both iTunes and Amazon Unbox.
What did you think of the season two premiere of Dexter on Showtime?
Updated 10.4.2007: See comments below about the change made.
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.
Don’t think Season 2 is available “the day after they air” — or at any other — on iTunes or Amazon as you claim.
Sam, I believe you’re right. For some reason I was thinking it would be the same as a network show, as they are usually available the day after they air. But, this is premium cable and Showtime is looking to get more subscribers to their service with shows like Dexter. Season two episodes will probably be available for download when the season is over.
Thanks for pointing it out, will fix the above to reflect it.
Thanks for doing that. I agree the show is fantastic. Never seen anything like it, and only Michael C. Hall could pull it off with the degree of irony and believability that he brings.
Dexter is a tremendiously well done show! cant wait for Season 3 in Spetember!
Season three may actually not start until October, but I can’t find a definitive premiere date as of yet. At any rate, I am really looking forward to its return.