Seriable’s Aria Mohtadi reviews the Dexter Season 6 finale
So, “This Is The Way The World Ends” — but what does it mean for the overarching story, and will things ever be the same again? Let’s find out.
REFLECTIONS
In ‘Reflections’ we discuss major plot points and general aspects of the episode.
Dexter‘s journey of absolution came to an end; a rather uneasy one, as his dark passenger was finally revealed to his most intimate soul mate: Debra, his sister, and as it turns out, the head of Miami Metro Police department. Was the finale of the sixth season thrilling enough? Did it meet our expectations? Let’s find out:
Father, son, serial killer…
Although the fate of Travis was almost clear, as it is in the case every other Dexter villain, the finale brought the tension up a notch with him kidnapping Dexter’s son, Harrison, who’s claimed by Dex to be his only ray of “hope”. At times, the episode felt a bit rushed and events flowed conveniently, which I guess has become a “tradition” for most shows that desperately want to wrap their storylines by the end date. At least Dexter left one loose; The “ITK cosplay club”…which I hope…truly HOPE, they won’t forget about upon season 7 premiere!
The episode’s cliffhanger? Out of place…’nough said. But seriously, we’re gonna be discussing that one too. 
So Dexter somehow managed to hang by the boat by probably going back into the lake of fire and back. I liked the “in water” sequence because it mostly reflected upon Dexter’s inner thoughts. He was not afraid to die, he was afraid that he was gonna leave Harrison behind. I guess serial killers show their true colors in the worst situations; and honestly I was glad with the scene because it gave us something about Dexter he lacked throughout the season.
And yet in his dire helplessness, his “Monster” resurfaced, and he was saved by a fishing boat…a smuggling one I suppose. The visuals of the scene reminded me of the episode “Crocodile” in the first season. So the crew brought Dex on the deck, and then he saved the day by killing the “Enforcer” and revealing his dark passenger to a group of immigrants. I wonder if there will be consequences for his (not the first) kill in the open? It was a “miracle” he was saved after all.
Back to Miami, Travis was designing his final tableau in the apartment alongside the bodies of the poor owners. As Travis himself gave us (and Dexter) a clue in the last episode, he’d stand on a pillar of light, witnessing the end of the world he’d been most anticipating. In a way I think the show was manipulating Travis into leaving clues for the Miami Metro team to get hold of. There are inconsistencies with his character who’s at times clumsy yet meticulous. But I guess it all falls under the category of him having a split personality, and his clumsy portrayal being the “false” image he perceives of himself.
Way to go Debra! Let the arch serial killer of the series clear the crime scene of any evidence against him. I felt the “false prophet” mural was as stupid as Dexter’s wall-scratching was. Seriously, why would Travis do that to his painting, unless…well unless we’ve still got two seasons to go!
Meanwhile, Travis took a trip to Dexter’s apartment, changed into his shirt (I guess, symbolically, shifted personalities) and planned his kidnapping of Harrison, the “offering” to God. And after noticing the “Noah’s ark” school play invitation, it didn’t occur to him that Dexter would be there beside Harrison; but then again he’s crazy enough to leave someone on a boat and setting a circle of fire around him.
I think the whole sacrificial “lamb” plot was a weak attempt from the show to put Dexter in “distress”, like the time they took Harrison to the hospital and the snack bar…err…a miracle, saved him. I guess ever since the “Gellar reveal” Travis has been improvising!
But the ‘lamb of god’ plotline also brought Dex’s relationship with Harrison to a new level; he finally acknowledges his role as a protective “father”. At least Bro Sam‘s midseason hospital speech injected some sense into him. I wonder how will Dexter perceive all this madness after a while; was the failed “Sacrifice of Harrison” a test of faith for Dexter like Isaac’s was to Abraham, the prophet? If Dexter saw a glimmer of faith in the hospital when Harrison was healed, how will he reflect upon his son almost being slayed and saved at last moment?
With help of Dexter, who decided to change his “elusive” attitude since Episode 10 this season, the “highly-efficient” Metro PD managed to find out what Travis was planning, ahead of time. I guess the clue-bindings would have made more sense if given more time, but all that in a day, when they weren’t able to fetch Travis’ medical files for more than a half of season, feels much too silly and contrived.
Couldn’t help but feel ‘bewildered’ how Masuka underestimated Louis‘ skills and blabbed about the “Elite status” of the department…hah…yeah, skilled in pastimes rather than solving crimes I guess…
Along the way Debra decided to send Dex, alone, on a mission to clear the infamous church crime scene where he’d managed to withhold a few bits of valuable clues, such as Gellar’s corpse which apparently also fitted in a pocket. Also plastic bags and cutting tools are everywhere, rest assured.
Thank you school staff for letting Harrison out of your sight and trusting the weird looking guy holding a giant crib-basket to take him under his “wing”. Well, I guess it made sense for Travis to offer the son of the beast, supposedly bearing the “666″ mark on his head.
Meanwhile, Angel who’s been a total mess this season, decided to “course-correct” Quinn’s career; an unjustified stupid move which ended in failure, no wonder. Both have been ‘Highly Annoying’ this season, I know, especially Quinn, but HEY! This guy just saved you from burning to death last episode! Give him a bloody break for god’s sake!
Well, good thing Quinn realized in the end he’s gotta set things straight if he intends to remain in the glorious Metro PD. Even though my hopes are dead and gone regarding Quinn’s storyline, I hope he’d pursue his leads on Dexter.
”Let’s get this f*cker!”
Why does this sentence keep popping up in EVERY one of the shows which involve a police squad?!
At least one good thing came out of Debra’s failed attempt to arrest Travis the doomsday maniac: LaGuerta showed support and consideration. At least, that’s some growth on Deb and Maria‘s relationship; I think Id mentioned this, earlier this season, that as much as LaGuerta hates Debra, she sees values in her, and that makes her offer help every once in a while.
So there he was, Travis waiting for the final eclipse to set the sacrificial lamb’s crib on fire (!), when Dexter put the pieces together in a second and managed to stop him. Oh, Travis was shocked; he’d originally assumed Harrison would have walked to the place by himself, or perhaps Jamie would have been nearby grabbing a taco or something. Never, in a million years, he could have imagined Dexter surviving the lake of fire….well, come to think of it, what would any other person expect?
Easy as biting an apple, Dexter managed to fool Travis while playing with his blind faith, and injecting himself with “harmless vitamins” to play dead and outsmart him. Hmm…why did Travis hesitate to kill Dexter, when he’d already killed a cop RIGHT THERE on the rooftop? That one, we shall not wonder. And people playing dead and fooling their enemies, has become such a cliche I didn’t even want to bring it up!
Once again, Dexter somehow managed to drag Travis’ body downstairs, outside the police perimeter and back to his car trunk. Teach us how you do that Dex, please.
Debra was finally “at ease” that she’d confessed and acknowledged her love for Dexter in some way, and was only worried about Dex’s reaction to all of this incestuous thoughts, little did she expect of the devastating truth she’d come by.
So she decided to take a trip to the infamous church where she’d sent Dexter, and express her love in the middle of all the potential body parts that may have been lying there.
Wonderful thinking on Dexter’s part!
Debra sends you to a crime scene, and it doesn’t occur to you that there’s a slight chance she might send backup or worse, come to revisit the place herself…oh finales…
Anyway, the final sequence with Dexter and Travis brought closure to the main season 6 arcs. Travis reached the destination of a journey of “delusion”, “hatred” and “murder”…which was being strapped to another killer’s death-bed. And Dexter reached his destination of a journey of “dilemma”, “Transcendence” and “faith”…which was his embrace of the Monster within him, and suffering the consequence of his “careless” plannings…which was Debra watching him when killing someone.
I guess both Dexter and Travis did witness the apocalypse, as it all ended for the two; for Travis it ended in pitch-black death by the hands of the False prophet, the beast…and for Dexter it put an “End” to his blood-stained private life; when his sister, the person who probably cared most about him (besides Rita), saw his cover blown away.
For a moment, Brother Sam’s teachings went down the drain, as Dexter played “God” in front of Travis; it’s ironic how he couldn’t predict this would be his last moment of “solitude”.
Was the final reveal a logical step in Deb’s journey towards getting to know his brother?
Definitely not by “that” timing. Debra would have found out sooner or later the strangeness surrounding Dexter with the help of her therapist. And I know some of you were waiting a long time for the moment of truth to happen. But one would ask:
Couldn’t the same thing have happened in the season 5 finale in the very same situation? What kept Debra from seeing Dex murdering someone? Lumen? Plot-wise maybe, but still if the writers “wanted” for it happen it would have happened to matter what the situation demanded.
Despite all, I’m glad the show brought the characters to a new level, and as much as the final reveal may seem unbaked, I find the growth in Debra apparent and maintain my hopes for next season.
Travis Marshall, you, your tableaus and your imaginary friend will be dearly missed!
Continue reading on page 2.. Beneath the Surface & Final Thoughts..
Pages: 1 2
PERSON OF INTEREST Renewed For Season 2
TERRA NOVA: Season 2 Decision Delayed Until 2012
ONCE UPON A TIME: The Comprehensive Character Guide
BREAKING BAD: Bryan Cranston Confirms Season 5 Will Premiere In July
FRINGE OBSERVATIONS: 4.22 Brave New World: Part 2
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ONCE UPON A TIME OBSERVATIONS: 1.22 A Land Without Magic
ONCE UPON A TIME OBSERVATIONS: 1.21 An Apple Red As Blood
FRINGE OBSERVATIONS: 4.21 Brave New World: Part 1
ONCE UPON A TIME OBSERVATIONS: 1.20 The Stranger
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I just rewatched this season’s episodes, & it was better than I remembered although still with flaws such as those that you have pointed out, Aria. It set up a promising premise that fell apart, in my opinion, as the season wore on.
I’m not even that demanding & have overlooked how Dexter has just missed getting caught any number of times. It is a fictional story, one with some fantastical elements, but this season has really gone too far in stretching our credulity with poorly executed Figment Gellar.
How did Dexter survive the boat being blown up? How did he manage to swim away when his hands were tied (conveniently) in front of him instead of behind his back (he was trying to pick the rope knot with his teeth, but how did he manage to do it?), & he was suffering from the effects of inhaling the poison gas earlier that day so how could he swim & wind up with his hands free? And he managed to hang on for hours because it was dark when the explosion took place & (conveniently) daylight when the coyote boat found him (if it had been dark, he probably would not have been spotted). When Dexter was in the water at the beginning of the episode, I kept expecting to see a shark. Of course, Dexter was not in any shape to jump it.
Water was also where Brother Sam baptized his followers. I was disappointed that the religious theme dwindled in the final episodes.
I love the lame excuse Dexter gave to Jamie that he fell off his boat—& Jamie & the rest of the people who bought this story (looking at you, Deb) must have fallen off the turnip truck.
How did Travis set up those elaborate tableaux? The writers have not been playing fair; one person could not have done the setups. If Travis had done them during daylight, someone probably would have noticed. If he had done them at night, someone would probably have seen suspicious lights. Travis needed some elaborate & specialized equipment & supplies for his projects—he had to buy them somewhere, but no one seemed to be suspicious (I’ve also wondered this about Dexter with his own tableaux involving vast quantities of plastic & duct tape, specialized knives, drugs, etc.).
Why did Travis go to Dexter’s place? He thought Dexter was dead, in which case, he would have expected to encounter grieving relatives & friends (from the police department!) who would have easily recognized him. At the very least, people must have presumed that Dexter was missing. Surely Travis would have thought that others might be at the apartment, trying to determine what happened to a police lieutenant’s brother? And why would Harrison still be going to a school pageant if his father was presumed missing or dead?
Miami is hot. No one thinks it’s suspicious that Harrison was still wearing the lion costume after the pageant, which must have been stifling? People in Miami are so jaded (maybe they are?), they don’t notice Travis, whose face has been plastered all over the news, with the kid in the lion outfit? They don’t stick out at all? No security cameras & no security guards en route to the roof of a skyscraper? Weren’t there supposed to be two police on the roof? The lone policeman stationed on the Transcorp roof is admiring the view & not guarding the door to the roof—maybe expecting that Travis will be descending from Heaven? Aria, you mention how did Dexter get unconscious Travis down from the roof & into the car without anyone noticing?—& Dexter also had a toddler in tow! Why didn’t Dexter just push Travis off the building? Or shoot him with the cop’s weapon?
Keeping running count of the number of serial killers that poor little Harrison has encountered—of course, Daddy Dexter every day, plus Trinity & now Travis. Maybe Dex needs to take up knitting or something else instead of murder as a hobby.
Did Travis meet Harry’s code? I would have accepted putting Travis in a mental asylum or prison for the rest of his life, but I question Dexter murdering someone who was clearly insane.
My quarrel with the Deb-Dex romance is that I do not see that the show has set the stage for this development. After all, we are watching a show about a serial killer so why should we quibble at incest, particularly consensual incest, if that is integral to the plot (such as in “Game of Thrones”)? (Not saying that I approve of incest—I don’t approve of serial killing either.) I have not seen anything in the brother-sister relationship hinting at this plot direction (Debster?) in previous seasons. I am curious if there is any indication that Dexter could or does think of Deb as a love interest (methinks not). I guess incest is just the trendy plot twist this season, & this turn will (soon, I hope!) be forgotten. Deb had been complaining that she wanted a table, & Dex was a chair so if he was lacking as a brother, then he is even less suitable as a lover—not to mention the serial killer thing that would appear to be something of an obstacle in a romantic interest, especially if you are a cop.
I’m sure that Louis will turn out to be a nut job. Perhaps that’s not something that sticks out in Miami Metro PD HQ. As you have noted, Aria, the cops have not been that effective at police work this season. Maybe Louis’s Yoda impression isn’t that good, & that’s why he’s not elite?
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Thanks for sharing you thoughts and insights,
You are absolutely right in every one of your arguments,
the same convenient plot-patchings have been bothering me ever since the 2nd season of the show.
I think from a moment on the Show stopped taking itself (and the novels) seriously and spiraled down the eventual mess of becoming “mainstream”.
Sometimes watching Dexter feels like a daytime animated series, where everything falls into place, because it’s supposed to be “fun”!
I would have liked the idea that Debra discovered the true nature of his brother through her therapy sessions and further “investigation” –
The final cliffhanger felt way too “easy” on both sides – it’s like the writers just “skipped” a big development spectrum.
The incest subplot, I assume now to be a “spike” around the therapy curve which inevitably would have gone down the path of “discovering the real dexter”, given the right story progression; but unfortunately they went with the easiest solution:
Debra just “happened” to drop by at the church where Dexter, “happened” to be killing someone right in the open.
I honestly don’t know what to expect of the Louis storyline,
because so far there’s been no solid development on his role in the big picture – Probably , as you mentioned, it would turn out to be another lame case-of-the-week scenario!
I really hope the showrunners revise their strategies for season 7.
Again,
thanks for the great observations, Peanut.
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