Darkly Dreaming of Dexter

I have to confess I have this certain fascination for fictional serial killers.  I remember being quite awed by Hannibal Lecter in the movie Silence of the Lambs. The way he stared at Agent Starling sent chills up my spine. Also,  I was quite enamored with Francis Dolarhyde in Red Dragon, more so because Ralph Fiennes acted out Dolarhyde’s torment between falling in love and his homicidal nature so well that I too was torn whether to sympathize with him or be afraid.  

Thus it was not surprising when my younger sister told me about a serial killer who murders serial killers.  A light bulb of interest instantly lit, my eyes widening and my lips pursed as I say "Oooooh!"  I took a mental note to find a copy on DVD and indulge in a Dexter marathon.

Dexter was  based on the novels Darkly Dreaming Dexter and Dearly Devoted Dexter by Jeff Lindsay.  It tells the story of a blood spatter analyst for the Miami police who has a secret life as a serial killer.  His victims are primarily serial killers and like the usual serialist, he keeps trophies of his victims in the form of glass slides with a drop of blood of each victim. How cool is that: handy, creative although risky, DNA-wise.  I would not spoil those who want to watch the series. All I can say, it is truly worthy of your time especially to those who enjoy murder and suspense. 

The series is dark. Dexter is dark.  The first season will take you into the depths of  Dexter’s mind as he struggles between his need to kill and trying to achieve some sense of normalcy in his life.  He is brilliant, deceptive, precise, calculating and unbelievably charming.   I feel quite drawn to Dexter. Owe it to Michael C. Hall’s amazing portrayal of this character.  My fascination is further heightened by the fact that Michael C. Hall has a boyish, handsome look to die for and piercing eyes, which he uses quite remarkably in conveying the intricacies that is Dexter Morgan. 

After finishing the first season, I’m beginning to develop an affection for Dexter.   His story conveys how one comes to terms with his own dark side and accept it as part of human nature.  While I can’t say my dark side goes to the extent of having homicidal tendencies, nevertheless, Dexter  makes me examine the dark parts of my soul.  Dark tendencies which, like Dexter, we try to hide, to keep buried but they sometimes surface like a monster needing to be fed.  I find myself riding along his escapades, feeling relief when his need to kill is fulfilled and when he escapes getting caught.  I silently root for him but thanking at the same time that this is all fiction.  I mean, if Dexter were a real person, I might suddenly question my moral fiber. Lol.

I ‘m sure I’m not the only person out there who’s in love with Dexter. Any fan would admit that they’re dreaming about him and those enigmatic, menacing eyes. Is he sexy or what! He has that air of sexiness about him that you find yourself wanting to be with him, even if it means getting killed.  Again, thank goodness this is fiction! I wouldn’t dare have the hots for, let’s say, Jack the Ripper.  That’s plain sick.

I’m hooked! Time to get my hands on Season 2 before Dexter premieres its third season this September.  Until then, I’ll be watching reruns on my iPod, read Jeff Lindsay’s first Dexter novel and in the twisted recesses of my mind…

I’ll be darkly dreaming of him.