*** SPOILER ALERT – DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU PLAN ON WATCHING THE FINALE OF DEXTER ON SHOWTIME – SPOILER ALERT ***
So today’s cartoon is in honor of the series finale of one of my favorite shows – Dexter. For eight seasons on Showtime audiences have grown to love a serial killer with a code of ethics. As horrible as he may have been, the writers continuously pit Dexter against even worse baddies forcing you to root for Dexter each season. Of course nothing could ever top the fourth season and its finale starring John Lithgow as the Trinity Killer. If all you know of Lithgow is his work in Third Rock from the Sun, then you will be even more creeped out about his run as a malicious serial killer and father. So of course many fan sites are saying this was a weak season and quite a few are disappointed with the ending.
SERIOUSLY…THIS IS WHERE THE SPOILING BEGINS:
Some thought he should finally get the happiness he craved with Hannah, the first person to finally put something in Dexter’s heart beside his Dark Passenger. Others thought he should have killed himself as he boats off into the eye of the Hurricane. Many claim this was the weakest of all the seasons (I disagree as I think it was Season 6 with the exception of the last three episodes). This was no Trinity Killer with my heart racing through half the episodes but it had some definite strengths and a couple weaknesses but those were limited to two plot points.
First, Hannah is a wanted fugitive and knows that there are people actively looking for her. No hat, no haircut, no dye job? Dexter producers, Scott Buck and Sara Colleton have an explanation here in this Entertainment Weekly article but it still didn’t make sense for Dexter not to at least buy her a wig.
Second, if nothing else Dexter learned in the fourth season that his inaction has just as many consequences as his actions. Because he chose not to kill the Trinity Killer when he had the chance, it ultimately ended up in Rita being murdered. Fast forward to this season and the same situation was put in front of Dexter with the Brain Surgeon. Dexter’s inaction led to the Brain Surgeon ultimately being responsible for Deb’s death.
Outside of these points, the season did a good job of creating a sense of moving onward for many of the rest of the cast including Hannah finding out about Dexter’s “death” online while in Argentina. Though I have to admit I was waiting for Masuka’s daughter to do something really crazy.
In the end, Dexter realizes that the only way to keep from hurting the ones he loves is to avoid human contact and move to where his interaction with others is limited. So we see him in the final scene as a loner bearded lumberjack. My wish is that if they ever make the series into a musical, my cartoon will be an inspiration and it ends with Dexter singing the famous “I’m a Lumberjack” song by Monty Python.
Comments
76 responses to “How Dexter Ended”
I’ve heard so much much from so many sources about how much the fans were disappointed and disgusted by this dismal season, and how they were downright depressed by the series’ finale. Personally, I haven’t watched Dexter faithfully since the second season, but I was dismayed to see such a reaction.
Do I feel the same way? I dunno. I haven’t watch the last few seasons, although from what I’ve heard, things have gotten even more far-fetched and unbelievable. I’ll catch ’em all as soon as Netflix allows me free reign over the realm. 🙂
If they are depressed by a TV show…they need to get a life IMO haha
There is always one my great friend…
In this case a lot more than one but still
you are right…
Get a life everyone or else? 🙁 lmao
A favorite song. I probably have seen 3 episodes years ago.
I figured you might like that song haha
We don’t watch much television so I’ve not even heard of this show. Looks like I’ve not missed anything either. Too bad.
Have a terrific day. 🙂
We watch a bunch of TV so thanks for sticking with me as I indulge
I’ve never seen Dexter, but Monty Python’s Flying Circus was a great show. And the lumberjack song is a classic.
They only import British shows to Canada?
We get as many American show as you do! We probably even get your rejects. But I always find British humour to be very appealing. They make good dramas, too.
Watching a few on BBC America
GOOD… GLAD TO KNOW THIS…
Yes we British certainly know how to hit the sweet spots 😉 lmao
My older brothers had me watching Monty Python when I was 10 years old… I still love it!
I didn’t get it at that age haha
I’m a big fan and did feel a tad let down by the whole lumberjack thing. Lumberjack? Really? With his skills hows about working in an abattoir or a research station in Antarctica? I was hoping it would end with him back to his old ways working in a police lab in Mexico and hunting down drug cartels. Robbed.
They keep rumoring a sequel…maybe he ends up in the middle east killing bad guys there. Then they could do a Homeland/Dexter crossover
Hey you two stop telling everyone what happens
next, I mean… I haven’t even seen the first one yet 🙁 lol
I kinda fell off the Dexter wagon a few years back,maybe I’ll catch up someday!
Which season was your last?
I’ve never seen Dexter, but want to see the show one day.
Nice drawing as expected, Bearman!
By next year all 8 seasons should be available
And you have to watch them in one sitting or else!
Just put your diapers on and go
It’s on Satellite TV now but I haven’t watched any… Maybe I should 🙂
I haven’t seen a single episode of Dexter but I was thinking of getting the series once it’s finished. Is the series finished now?
done done done
I haven’t watched Dexter but I keep hearing about it (like Breaking Bad and sparkles in Twighlight) so maybe I should check it out sometime. Although I’m not into horror or killing. There’s too much of that in reality already.
It’s strange but as I said you tend to root for this guy….there is some graphic stuff but it is mostly the psychology and interaction with others that draws you in.
He cuts down creeps, and eats his lunch! Bearman, you’ve always captured Dexter with such dexterity! Well done!
Thanks Mark…I like this one better than the version I did before
I’ve never watched Dexter but love your cartoon!
I thought you watched everything
Love the pic, but unfortunately I have never watched Dexter. 😉
Trust me it is good then. hahah j/k
Never watched the show either, but then again, how would I have time to post sooo many comics if I watched TV? *ba-da-bum!*
No, seriously, how do YOU manage?
Sometimes TV is my inspiration so it is like homework. That and no kids helps
I never watch the show, but I have seen a lot of Monty Python. Love any comparison to that show!
Haven’t watched to much MP but that is always a winning song
If season 6 had to do with teaching someone how to be a serial killer when he was dealing with a powerful businessman, then yes, that was week.
I thought with Dexter, Michael C. Hall really came into his own as an actor. While he was pretty decent in Six Feet Under, this was where he really stretched and showed his acting chops.
I remember the cast thinking he couldn’t pull it off because of who he was on SFU and then they had the first read through and he was so creepy good.
AGAC! (Ain’t Got A Clue) I thought Dexter made some kind of preppy shoes and why would anyone want to own a snake and if they did would they really name him Monty?
Having no idea what this is all about has it’s rewards though because it gets the imagination started.
I really think a reality TV show about a bunch of singing lumber jacks would be a big hit.
Maybe instead of an unreality show you could sell the idea to Disney and they could do an animated musical with your character as the central figure. You could throw in a Sasquatch to attract the nut fringe, you could throw in some endangered wolves and owls to attract the tree huggers. Maybe a little romance to gain the chick flick watchers and an alien attack on the lumber camp for the sci-fi crowd.
See…you already have the outline for a script…now just write it and draw about a million pictures for animation and you should have it ready by the weekend.
*giggles*
I am the idea guy Bo, not the execution guy. I could be a bazillionaire if I followed up on all my great ideas.
I know that feeling well.
I watched all the way through to the dismal end. The whole last season it was clear the writers did not have a clear direction. Funny, when we watched it I asked my wife if the writters were watching Monty Python and said “THATS IT”
Interesting because they writers say this has been in the works since they announced the end 2 years ago. It wasn’t the high intensity season you come to expect but it wrapped things up nicely IMO
Never seen Dexter. I’ll have to watch the entire series then return to submit a sensible comment.
We will be here
Have you seen it yet? 🙂
🙂
I’ve heard of the show. I’ve had enough horror in my life that I don’t need to watch serial killers on TV. Er… If I HAD a TV.
Love your lumberjack, Didn’t know trees could bleed like that though… ;`)
Well sometimes other serial killers get between the ax and the tree
The Lumberjack Song is a true Classic 🙂
Andro
One of the few bits I can remember
Since I don’t watch Dexter, I’ll just pretend that this is Tom Brady with a beard. Looks just like him. Great job! 🙂
Mr TV doesn’t watch dEXTER???
I’m Mr. TV? What gave you that impression? Since my son was born he has stolen tv time. :-/
Well you know all about pop culture…figure tv has to come in some time
I like the Lumberjack Dexter. Such a bad last year of writing and the worst guest star though, The John Lithgow year just ruined it for everyone else. So Dexter leaves his son with a killer on the run? Breaking bad is officially the best show ever. You still have time to watch all 5 years before Sunday’s final episode if you don’t care about sleep!
I tried BB but I couldn’t get into it after 5 episodes I gave up.
Yes but a killer who kills for self preservation and would die for Dexter’s son. Good choice IMO
Hey Bearman, thanks for interacting with me at G+
I’m glad you post the funnies there it’s so convenient for me to catch them there. I usually have G+ running while I’m cartooning. I’m sure you know I still read them, even though I’m a slacker with comments etc. Just have too much going on with all the cartooning. Sorry my friend.
And I still read your comics in my RSS reader even though you don’t let me comment anymore haha
I know Michael, he is one of my favorite cartoonist but I can’t leave comments either and I haven’t had time to get on Google+ much lately.
Hey this is about my problems not yours Bo. haha
I love that song!!!
Thx T
What a great song this one is, I could do the whole gig if you like? Hey maybe that would be a good video, but realistically after my Reefer interpretation I think that I will give it a miss, for everyone’s sake 🙂 lmao This is an awesome posting and your cartoon is brilliant Bearman 🙂 Have fun today…
Andro
Video indeed! Do it.
As long as he didn’t become a lumber jack in New Hampshire! I’ve never watched this show…. so I have no comment! [wink]
I will let him know haha
I’ve been busy as ever and FINALLY got a chance to swing by….and I couldn’t even read your post because I haven’t watched any of the last season yet. Dang it! I’ll be back……
come back…come back
Did the blood on the axe come from…an EX-PARROT?!
There is a joke in there that I can’t link to haha
Hahaha… I don’t believe this… I’ve never seen it. Not a single episode! Go figure (since it’s one of your favorites) right?! Seriously… we need to do reviews. People would follow along just to see if we’ve both ever watched (and enjoyed) the same thing! I do love your work, though (as always)!
🙂
That’s cuz you watch crap