Dexter – Hello Bandit (2.02) – review

In his new role as single father, an anxious Dexter tries to get his family’s routine back on track, to begin the process of moving on from Rita’s death. Dexter attempts to focus all his attention on the kids while curbing his dark urges. But when evidence of foul play falls into his lap, Dexter makes a horrific discovery, setting him on the trail of his next victim. Debra, trying to be the good sister, shares her apartment with Dexter and the kids only to find there’s no room for her. Miami Metro has their work cut out when a grisly scene is found in a Venezuelan neighborhood. 

We are only on episode two and things are already heating up. I love the fact that the writers are not letting the tidbits from season four just fade away. Once again Dexter’s past is back to haunt him as sketches of “Kyle Butler” aka Dexter, begin to circulate in connection with the Trinity Killer, the suspect of Rita’s murder. Meanwhile Dexter’s family begins to fall apart as he struggles to be both a father and a purposeful serial killer.

I am really enjoying seeing Dexter on the edge of his own sanity. He is a creature of control and in this episode control lingers on his fingertips just out of reach. His visions of Harry are not helpful and seem only to appear to question and ridicule his current situation. Dexter is definitely afloat in chaos and desperately looking for something to hold on to. He has chosen to return to his killer ways in hopes that it will ground him and put his life back on track. It is so interesting to see it all play out on the screen and I once again applaud Michael Hall for a stellar performance.

I am quite curious about how this is all going to play out. I noticed that the writers have added a serial killer to this season and also strange ritual killings as well. These do not appear to be linked but I really think they are great elements and add to Dexter’s growing mania. The writers have also chosen to throw Maria and Angel’s relationship into turmoil. I think this is a pointless distraction and not overly necessary since there is plenty of material with Dexter and his meltdown. I must say this was a solid episode and that is teases its viewers with the promise of a one great season ahead.