Dexter is a pantheon to itself. The Mount Olympus of all TV shows. Climbing it has always been a challenge for the mind. Indeed you can't switch off your brain to access its realm, beyond good and evil. When I thought the dream team behind the show could never outclass masterpieces like Lost Boys, they did it again. Take It! was so overwhelming that it could have been a finale. I still can't believe how smart and well executed it was. One week to dream about it, one week to remind its numerous bright ideas.
The first thing I enjoyed about this eight installment was the respectful and accurate representation of women's power in our society. Actresses like Linda Hamilton and Sigourney Weaver have already portrayed charismatic female characters in films and now I'm convinced that Julia Stiles and Jennifer Carpenter play in the same league as these almighty ladies, even if Lumen and Deb are not as physically strong as Sarah Connor and Ellen Ripley. We had already waited long enough after the writers for them to finally give Carpenter the part her divine talent deserved. From her acting to the dual dialogs I've never been so fascinated by Deb's fate. Lost Boys nearly pictured her and Dex as twins and their relationship developed in the most empathic and ambivalent way. Their conversation in the kitchen was pivotal and should give you a few tips about what the upcoming seasons should be about. Se7en ? That would be the perfect number ! Their wicked connection actually reminded me of Jack Shephard and John Locke. What are the differences between them ? Are serial killers and cops similar in a twisted way ?
Moreover Jordan Chase and his partner in security blurred the lines even more. They always find a room for the guests to shine like John Lithgow did in season 4. Wouldn't it be great if they pulled an American Psycho from their magic hat ? I don't expect them to top Christian Bale's psycho character but I'm now convinced that they have a tremendous potential. In fact it's inevitable considering how useful they were to better comprehend her beloved monster ! The beginning should also move you because even if gorgeous Jessica Camacho was only featured as Yasmin for two episodes witnessing her floral life so brutally shattered was heartbreaking. Of course it was anecdotic compared to Christine Hill devastating act in season 4 but still the impact it had on the characters was undeniable. Even the "BastiGuerta" incident is over now and what used to be a sarcastic pun has now revealed its meaning and made the season even more rewatchable.
If you add the close-ups that felt like televisual paintings, specially the interactive one between Lumen & Dex, the intriguing cliffhanger and inspiring references to cult episodes like The Getaway well missing Dexter would be almost like not living. To sum things up I can't help wondering how they have accomplished such an extraordinary job. Instead of caging the creativity and skills of their team mates it seems the little big heads behind Dexter have chosen to let them express their mind blowing talent. Get it ? Watch it !