Dexter 2.09 Resistance is Futile

[bop_radar]

I have a stack of things to post about tonight. I toyed with the idea of making one massive post, but decided my brain wasn't organised enough. So I may be spamming LJ in the next couple of hours...

*repeating myself* OMG this series is so suspenseful! I'm absolutely riveted to Season 2 in a way that I never was with Season 1.

I had a hunch that Doakes would become a suspect rather than Dexter--as soon as he walked out on the interview with Lundy. However, from a dramatic perspective I thought it worked wonderfully even if I'd seen it coming. To have Dexter treated as a potential target but assume that he was being watched because he was a suspect was brilliant. The irony was off the charts! And it's just brilliant to watch him under this kind of pressure to see how he copes. I loved his dream and the fact that it was so transparent--everything's closer to the surface now, even if he's still able to think logically through one moment after the next. It's also clear that he's falling back on the bare bones of what his father taught him, clinging to the 'No. 1 rule': don't get caught.

How chilling was that electrocution scene?! Wow. More and more I feel that Harry brainwashed Dexter into seeing himself as a murderer and putting him through that experience where he identified with the man in the chair is a terrifying way for a parent to 'protect' their child. It did, however, help explain why Dexter is so bound by Harry's Code. And that was important in the lead-up to the confrontation with Doakes.

Wow! What an amazing scene that was. It was such a 'classic' scene: hardworking cop who no-one believes confronts murderer on his own without back-up. But of course the audience's sympathies are, as usual, twisted towards Dexter. Despite that I found him truly terrifying in that scene, advancing menacingly on Doakes. Despite the gun, it was clear that the true power in that scene lay with Dexter simply because he'd been driven to the point of no return. It was kill/capture or be killed/captured, and he proved himself willing to do anything. I'm very relieved that he hasn't yet killed Doakes because that would cross such a line. Even when he was just willing to let Doakes take the fall for his crimes I was getting very uncomfortable. My sympathy for Dexter only extends so far.

I'm fascinated to see what he does now. It's clear that locking Doakes up was a stop-gap measure. In the immediate term I have a terrible fear he's going to go to Lila because no-one else will understand. He needs help for his injury, he needs to explain the cuffs... I just don't see him facing Deb or Rita about that and I can't see what story he could come up with.

Lila is of course incredibly dangerous and I love how they've built that up. The sound of her laughing in the station with Dex's co-workers was so menacing and we know that she's capable of pretty much anything, certainly of causing a great deal of trouble for Dexter, even if she only knows/suspects the tip of the iceberg.

It also seems likely that Dex won't make his get-back-together 'date' with Rita. And it feels so close to Deb finding out the truth too. I love how that was handled in this episode, with Dexter's subaudible comment 'Good, because I won't always be there' in response to her mentioning Lundy. Only Dexter would have such an unemotional, practical response to finding out his sister's sleeping with his adversary. He genuinely cares for Deb and worries that she won't be ok if she finds out about him. In the strangest way that makes him a really good brother.

I fear for Deb so much. I'm happy that things are working out with her and Lundy but she has no idea what skeletons are hiding in the closet. Like Dexter I can't imagine the horror of her finding out.

In terms of the Doakes plot, I was impressed to see him actually do some very smart detective work--the GPS tracker on Dex's boat, the offshore lab work (rightly guessing that no-one would believe him back home). Of course he also made the typical arrogant cop mistake of confronting the murderer without back-up, but it was easy to understand why he did so given the fact that he was a suspect himself. And how wonderfully meta-y was that? The cops protecting the true murderer from the suspected murderer, only to have the suspected murderer prove a real danger to the true murderer.

I also found La Guardia (sp?) at her most sympathetic as Doakes' friend in this episode. I liked that her compassion really shone through and she looked so distraught when Lundy refused to listen to her. He's got a real hard edge that's shining through now--again, very effective dramatically as he gets closer to the truth.

Deb looked radiant, I thought. And so cutely awkward as always with her 'I'm sleeping at your place again tonight' comment as public acknowledgment of her relationship. I think it's great that they went the full disclosure path--from personal experience that IS better where relationships between co-workers are concerned, at least when they are serious/committed.

Where to from here?!

Comments

[transtempts.livejournal.com]

*squees with you* I agree with everything you said- Dexter is actually being such a good brother, worrying about Deb, trying to make sure she is okay, all in case the end comes for him. And yes, he is concerned that she won't be able to cope.

Lila=very bad news. That is going to be resolved soon, and there will have to be quite the confrontation, I think.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Re. Deb and Dex: :( I guess my biggest fear is that Deb won't realise just how much Dexter loves her. It'll be hard for her to see that if the truth comes out.

Lila scares me to pieces, and it's only small comfort that i always saw her as dangerous.

[transtempts.livejournal.com]

I know, what Deb may not realize is just how important she is to Dexter. He killed Biney for her, he is worried about her, he *emotes* when she is in trouble. She is his humanity, she 'grounds him,' and that is so clear this season. I had a dream where she found out, and I was so upset by her reaction that I woke myself up. ::facepalm:: Trust me, it was epic, and yep, I am somewhat concerned about this.

Lila- pretty much obvious that she was dangerous- who finds someone so clearly 'not right' attractive in the sense that they are tempting Dexter to show her more of that behavior? She and Doakes are the ones that are the greatest threats right now. Yes, the FBI too, but those other two are more aware of Dexter's nature and are much bigger dangers, and he knows it. He needs help.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Oh noes! You've reached the stage where you dream about the show!? Eeep! *frets for you* I only do that with BSG really.

Dexter seems past the point where he can get out of this, I think. And yeah, Doakes and Lila are the big dangers. I know a couple of people who really liked Lila and didn't necessarily see her as dangerous--I haven't yet heard how they're coping with the recent revelations about her. I think Dexter himself didn't truly fathom how dangerous Lila was at first--he was so caught up in the idea of having someone who understood him.

[transtempts.livejournal.com]

Fret not, I had just watched the first season over again and was in a 'what would happen if' state of mind when I went to bed. Obviously I should have focused on other things- like Nathan Petrelli and Adam Monroe. Again. That would have been more pleasant. *g*

Lila wants Dexter. I think it may be just that simple in some sense, and if she cannot have him- well, she burned part of her life in order to keep him close and has shown that she will come at him on his own turf. So yes, Dexter really needs an out, but how will he find one?

That is the question.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

That IS the question. *frets*

[fleegull.livejournal.com]

from personal experience that IS better where relationships between co-workers are concerned, at least when they are serious/committed.


Man, except here it's a relationship between a Fed and a cop and the rule is that cops naturally hate the Feds and the Feds look down on the cops so these two are going to catch shit from all sides. That's the harsh reality of law enforcement, agencies never get along and a relationship like this will look like a betrayal, especially since Lundy was upfront with the fact that he was sure the killer was from that precinct, this will get ugly for her. My father (a cop who worked with the Feds for years) was absolutely disgusted that Deb started sleeping with Lundy. I want the best for her, but it would have been a lot smarter to disclose the relationship after the Feds had cleared out of the station for good, or she should have put in for a transfer to a different precinct, which is what would happen if this was real life. But damn, I hope things work for her. I decided that Deb is a Disney Princess who happens to be a police officer.

I think I'd be more pissed at Dexter if he allowed Doakes to take the fall for him than if he killed him. No good cop wants to have something like that tarnishing his reputation and Doakes is a very good, if extremely stubborn, cop. The easy way out is to kill Doakes because I think a case could still be made against Dexter if Doakes is alive.

I love the fact that Doakes is cranky right down to the way he says his name on his voicemail!

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

That's the harsh reality of law enforcement, agencies never get along and a relationship like this will look like a betrayal, especially since Lundy was upfront with the fact that he was sure the killer was from that precinct, this will get ugly for her.
Ah. Good point. I must admit that that not-so-subtle point about the Feds and the cops being rivals was a bit lost on me. I don't usually watch cop shows and I'm a bit foggy on that stuff. It's interesting that they didn't address that directly on the show, though now of course I am remembering all the comments from the precinct cops about the feds coming in in suits and all... *slaps head*

I decided that Deb is a Disney Princess who happens to be a police officer.
Hee! Yes, I think so too. ;) Though she'd probably be shocked by the appearance of a voluminous ballgown and singing teacups...

I think I'd be more pissed at Dexter if he allowed Doakes to take the fall for him than if he killed him.
It would be a lot more drawn out and painful for all concerned. *nods* Though killing Doakes is kind of the 'easy' option now. And I think it's interesting he hasn't already done so. Another crack in his killer's psyche showing?

I love the fact that Doakes is cranky right down to the way he says his name on his voicemail!
Hahaha, yeah! I heart his crankiness.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I also found La Guardia (sp?) at her most sympathetic as Doakes' friend in this episode. I liked that her compassion really shone through and she looked so distraught when Lundy refused to listen to her. He's got a real hard edge that's shining through now--again, very effective dramatically as he gets closer to the truth.

This was the first episode in which I really liked Maria. I always liked Doakes. He had such a brilliant intuition about Dexter. I was always impressed. But Maria seemed like just another career climber. But their doomed romance is so beautiful now.

Of course, I don't want Dexter to be discovered but at the same time I want Maria and Doakes live happily ever after. ** sigh ** I wonder what Dexter is going to do to Doakes. Dexter's saying all the things like "I never held it against you" was highly interesting.
But Doakes was so stupid not to take the blood samples into the police department. More than stupid. Digressing, when Dexter spared these samples from throwing them into the sea I knew they will "play" somehow..

Lundy and Debs continue to be GREAT! The way he has absolutely cool when Debs told her friends about sleeping with him was priceless.

Oh the whole - SO GOOOD!!!! And thank you for your post - I am used to dropping by to chat Dexter in your LJ nowdays. :D

[anni-erie.livejournal.com]

I feel the same way about Maria- I can call her "Maria" now, because I'm attached to her character. I've seen hints since early on about her closeness with Doakes, but I sorta blew them off before this episode. She was so relateable and so loyal here. If you were really her friend- not like the woman who used to be her boss who thought she was her friend and got destroyed- like Doakes is her friend, I think she's be a good friend to have. I just wonder how long she'll be able to hold out, if a lot of people are already convinced Doakes did it. Will she do some investigating of her own, maybe? I think, unfortunately, that Doakes will have to die. He KNOWS now, for SURE, that Dexter is the "Butcher". He can't be talked out of it- Dexter confessed and he saw the body. Doakes is singleminded to the extreme. He will never let Dexter slide, even if he ends up in prison, he will never let it go. And someone will believe him or he'll hire outside help to kill Dexter. Something.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I think she's be a good friend to have. I just wonder how long she'll be able to hold out, if a lot of people are already convinced Doakes did it. Will she do some investigating of her own, maybe?

I don't think she will EVER believe that Doakes did it. I think she is quite a focused person and once she has something on her mind she will pursue it (and she is really quite devious in doing it which is much better than Doakes' methods). May be she'll try to investigate..

Yep, it all comes down to the fact that Doakes is most likely to die. I think Dexter wants to set up his death, to make it look as if Doakes attacked him or something..

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I'll find that really hard to deal with if they take that path. The more calculated Dexter is about Doakes's death/downfall, the harder I'll find it to sympathise with him. The show's done a great job of showing Dexter's pov and his survival instinct at work in this struggle, but on the other hand killing or framing an innocent man is just so sickening!

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

The show's done a great job of showing Dexter's pov and his survival instinct at work in this struggle, but on the other hand killing or framing an innocent man is just so sickening!

Agree! This will "change" the character of Dexter. It seems that Dexter himself finds this decision difficult. I am quite ready to see something unexpected..

[lunar47.livejournal.com]

The more calculated Dexter is about Doakes's death/downfall, the harder I'll find it to sympathise with him.

I agree. I think that's the one line that can't be crossed. I understand his need to protect himself but I can't watch him kill an innocent man because of it.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

This was the first episode in which I really liked Maria.
Same! She's been a hard character to like. I'm not sure I quite buy them as a couple still, but I really like them as ex-partners/friends, and I'm getting more comfortable with the idea of them taking a shippy path with those two.

But Doakes was so stupid not to take the blood samples into the police department.
I don't know... I see his pov. He sussed that they wouldn't believe him, and for starters their first question would have been 'what were you doing in Dexter's appartment without a warrant?' They could easily have accused him of framing Dexter. I don't think he had a lot of good options there. Yeah, he was a bit pig-headed and stubborn with the path he did take, but I see why he made that decision.

The way he has absolutely cool when Debs told her friends about sleeping with him was priceless.
Yeah, that was great. It's a total non-issue for him and I love that. I also loved that he said 'I'm sorry I upset you, because that was not my intention' about not letting her know what was going on. He's very authorative and firm but there's a really good side to that because he genuinely cares for her.

I'm glad you drop in to talk Dexter! I don't have that many people on my f'list who are as hooked as I am. ;)

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

He's very authorative and firm but there's a really good side to that because he genuinely cares for her. </ The part were he was so commanding made him look quite .. hot. I do have a little niggle, though. I am still wondering if for Debs Lundy still represents her father (and the fact that her father didn't notice her that much). This can be a slightly strange thing to mix into their romantic relationship. But again, she is from a strange family. <I>I'm glad you drop in to talk Dexter! I don't have that many people on my f'list who are as hooked as I am. ;)

I don't know too many Dexter fans too – and it is such an excellent show!

[lunar47.livejournal.com]

I think it was kind of stupid not to take the blood samples to the police. Dexter's prints were all over them. That would definitely be hard to explain. Even if the blood slides would be inadmissable as evidence the feds would have been looking at Dexter as a possible suspect. Ummm...lol. Why is it that I want Dexter to get caught. Okay, not really. But all my comments sort of lean to that conclusion.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Hmm, yes, there were the prints... *scratches head* That DOES seem like he could have got SOMEONE to believe him. Doakes is very stubborn and he's been very bullish about going after Dexter alone. I can see why he thinks that he has to do it this way, but seems like he'll pay the price for that.

[brandil.livejournal.com]

Yes, yes, yes.

I find it odd how Dexter is *less* socially awkward than Deb when he's a sociopath.

Also? Every time Dexter wears that brown shirt I get a little squirmy.

/tmi

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I find it odd how Dexter is *less* socially awkward than Deb when he's a sociopath.
Odd but brilliant! :)

I must admit that I don't find Dexter at all attractive. I know that's probably weird and I know most Dexter fans probably do find him attractive, at least at some level, but I feel totally neutral about him in terms of attraction. It doesn't spoil my enjoyment of the show--but my interest in him is purely intellectual. I think I'm the odd one, there.

[brandil.livejournal.com]

It's definitely Dexter that does it for me (and makes me feel all weird for being turned on by a serial killer) because when the actor was on Six Feet Under, I was rather repulsed by him. Funny how that works *g*

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Hee! My best friend feels the same way. And yet, I found him more attractive on SFU, despite the sexuality disconnect (I really struggle to find gay guys attractive in the sense of being drawn to them personally). Overtly Dexter is definitely a 'sexier' character. But we're all wired differently I guess. ;)