Dexter - The Complete Second Season DVD Review

Season one of Dexter introduced audiences to a wicked and dark protagonist; a carefully trained serial killer who has learned to focus his killing urges towards people who deserve it. The first season slowly introduces us to the inner workings of Dexter’s mind, and we also began to learn about his past as we watch him struggle with repressed images brought back to him by a serial killer. Dexter (Michael C. Hall), despite his wicked pastime, spends his time around cops, raised by a cop, with a sister that is a cop and a job as a blood expert in forensics for the police department in Miami. His adopted father, Harry, was aware of the problems with Dexter and carefully trained him to act normal while still killing the bad guys that escape the legal system. He is a trained vigilante that enjoys his work a great deal more than most.

Staying consistent with season one, which had a serial killer running through the plot of the entire season, one that was interacting with Dexter, season two has a new serial killer case. Unfortunately this time the case being investigated is Dexter’s, his dumping spot for his victims having been discovered. An F.B.I. agent is brought in to find the killer responsible, giving Dexter’s sister (Jennifer Carpenter) another disastrous romance interest. Dexter’s life becomes more and more complicated as he continues to struggle with information that he discovered at the end of season two. Agent Lundy (Keith Carradine) continues to be suspicious of Dexter, only backing off slightly when he sees that Dexter is attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

The serial killer begins attending the meetings, pretending to be a heroin addict, when a drug addiction is the excuse he uses to long-time girlfriend, Rita (Julie Benz), in order to explain his mysterious night-life. By attending these meetings and working the 12-step program for addiction Dexter begins to go through many changes, often as the result of his sponsor, Lila. Add a love triangle to the additional problems that Dexter has with the F.B.I. investigation and season one turns out to be a bumpy ride with all of the same dark humor and vicious resolution.

Packaged on four discs which are fit into two slim-disc cases, there are twelve episodes in season two. The special features include two episodes of Brotherhood as well as podcasts that can be accessed using EBridge technology. Most of this seems an attempt to further spread the word that Showtime has replaced HBO as the station to watch for new shows. There is an interview with Michael C. Hall.