#Dexter rita death serial

But as the family becomes an ever-present part of his life, especially as the children begin to worm their way into his heart, we realize-even if he does not-that there is genuine care and concern for these human beings. Dexter initially maintains the protective-yet-friendly role of father-figure. If he is never in love with Rita, he does learn to love her and her two children.

Hiding the truth, living a lie, she is never the complement to his battered psyche.ĭexter struggles to adjust to family life. Despite their bond growing over the course of the show, his secret life, the fear of discovery always intercedes-their love always feels forced, never natural. If his true self is never revealed, a facsimile comes forth that makes him feel more comfortable around Rita. The revelation of an addiction and subsequent affair with Lila strengthens their relationship, even if it has damaged their trust (and aroused her suspicions of his late night activities). She can help, she’s been through this, they can work together. His second season revelation of an “addiction”, a flaw in his armor, makes him vulnerable. If he occasionally has the late night, well then it must be his job as he says. A levelheaded, good-looking citizen on patrol who likes her kids? Ok. Initially it must appear that Dexter’s interest in her is too good to be true. Someone reliable, who will be there for her and her children. Put through tough times, she is accepting of a companion to share her burdens and responsibilities. She, like him, has a damaged past: an abusive, drug-addicted husband. In the beginning: Dexter’s relationship with Rita enabled him to develop the persona of a family man, first as a cover and later as an emotional truth. It has become-in fact always was-the driving force in his life. As the character has become more human, the desire for companionship and a normal life has overtaken the necessitation to kill. Looking back over Dexter’s journey, the need for a trustworthy companion has never been greater. Unfortunately, a relationship born out of necessity can last only until the need is fulfilled.

Fearful of his dark nature, with Lumen he can openly express his emotions, aggressions and affections. For the first time, he is able to be completely honest with himself and another. Dexter’s latest relationship with Lumen Pierce worked for several reasons.

While they have met some qualifications, while they have fulfilled some desire for human connection, none have been totally able to commit to who Dexter truly is.Īnd when Dexter finally finds someone who he can be honest with, who accepts him? She is forced to leave. Over five years, supposed suitors have come and gone-often in a permanent, grisly fashion. Someone who he can be honest with and who understands him. Someone who shares a damaged past, someone he can relate to.

#Dexter rita death serial

Oh, and honestly, if Dexter was caught or started killing innocent people, the show would sink.Īmidst all the serial killers, lunatic British women and macho-psychotic cops, the ongoing arc is Dexter’s struggle to find someone to share his life with.

But in retrospect, he has always had relatively complete control of his family life and inner-personality conflicts. Sure, these plotlines are toyed with, and some tension is created by the possibility that he may get caught or the masquerade revealed. Must have a meticulous attention to detail, a fetish for butcher knives and a love of late-night boat cruises to dispose of dismembered bodies.Įntering its sixth season, Dexter has never really been about the (anti)hero’s attempt to maintain a “normal” life or keep his dark passenger in check. Seeking a long-term relationship enough with the short game. He or she must share a strict moral code, the only thing keeping that devious dark passenger in check. If he can swap spit with her, that makes it even better. Instead of keeping them corked, Dexter needs a companion with which to share his true emotions and swap war stories. A comrade, a buddy, a pal, someone with a common interest in serial-murder-vigilantism.