Here at WTHS, we have forensic science as one of the courses taught here, and it is a rather popular class.  This year, many students have taken the class due to their love of the show Dexter.  Kevin Beal, a senior at WTHS said: “Dexter was the best TV series I have ever watched, and after seeing Dexter use forensic science to solve all those crimes, it really intrigued me and is the main reason why I took the class”.  Also, Nick Foti, a junior at WTHS plans to take the class next year for one reason and one reason only; “I want to be Dexter” he said when asked why he plans to take the course.  Of course we hope he means the forensic scientist part of Dexter, and not the serial killer part, but I guess well find that out soon enough.

If you’re looking for an action packed, drama filled, mind wrenching show that will keep you up all night watching episodes because you simply can’t wait to see what happens next, then Dexter is definitely the show for you.  The award winning TV show was originally released in 2006, and ran seven seasons until its season finale in 2013.  Because ShowTime is a premium cable network, the show had limited viewers.  But, after the series finished in 2013, the show was released on Netflix the show saw a great increase in popularity.

The series takes place in Miami, Florida, and follows the life of Dexter Morgan, a blood splatter analysis for the Miami PD.  Dexter is an expert at his job, and is the best blood splatter analysis around.  If there is blood at a crime scene, he can figure out exactly what happened, and even re-enact the events that occurred.

From the outside looking in, Dexter looks like your average every day guy, and a great asset to the police department.  But, little do they know, Dexter is a serial killer.  After witnessing the murder of his mother at the age of three, something inside him changed.  He refers to it as “the darkness inside him”.  This darkness gives Dexter the unflinching need to kill, which was recognized by his foster Father, Harry Morgan, who was a police officer for the Miami PD.  He recognized this dark side to Dexter, and taught him to use for good, and to kill “constructively”. Consequently, Dexter investigates his victims and only kills those who have slipped through the justice system and gotten away with terrible crimes. In order to fix this flaw in the justice system and to keep these people from hurting others, Dexter feels it is his duty to take out these people and give them what they deserve.

Throughout the series we see Dexter put on the guise of an ordinary man.  He has the perfect cover up; no one would ever suspect innocent lab geek Dexter of even being able to hurt a fly.  As Dexter struggles to keep his artificial act believable, he also struggles with keeping his secret and properly disposing of his victims.  Throughout the series he fights many battles, both mentally with himself and the demons of his past, as well as physically with those who interfere with him.  During the day Dexter goes to work, goes fishing, spends time with his son, and loves to eat donuts, but at night he makes the transition to a serial killer, and takes care of what he needs to take care of.

The series has been a huge hit, and stars a lab scientist as the so called hero in the series.  Having the scientist be the hero instead of one of the big, strong, police officers, is unheard of, and is part of what makes this series unique.  Also, throughout the series we hear Dexter talk in his head, as he depicts how he really feels about everything.  This allows the viewer direct insight into the mind of Dexter, and allows us to see just how phony the artificial act he puts on for everyone else is.  Hearing Dexter talk about others in head is actually hilarious, as we see how he really feels about those that he pretends to be friends with. The series is actually quite humorous, and has a perfect blend of humor, suspense, action, and drama.   Not only is Dexter a unique TV show, but it has also spiked a large interest in the field of Forensic science.

If you are looking for the next show for you to binge watch, Dexter is certainly a great choice.  Its unique blend of action, excitement, drama, and deep well thought out plots, makes for a great series that will keep you interested throughout its eight seasons.  When the series ends it feels like a part of you is missing, and there’s a good chance you will find yourself re-watching old episodes just so you can continue to enjoy the show.  With a great plot and a terrific series finale, Dexter is certainly a quality show, and it will not disappoint.  If you do intend to begin watching the series, Dexter can be found on Netflix, and can also be bought on DVD.