An interesting and original idea that's very skillfully executed, Showtime's Dexter is never less than watchable, often quite compelling, and sometimes thoroughly riveting. As the 12 episodes from the show's first season (packaged here in a four disc set) reveal, it's also the epitome of "high concept," a kind of Silence of the Lambs for the C.S.I. generation. Creator-executive producer James Manos Jr.'s title character, one Dexter Morgan (played by Michael C. Hall of Six Feet Under renown), works for the Miami Police Department as an blood spatter analyst, visiting crime scenes and helping figure out what happened. He has an avocation, too: during his off hours, he tracks down some very, very bad people who for various reasons have eluded the proper authorities. Seems his adoptive father, a cop himself, taught the kid how to channel his dark side in a "positive" direction; and so, having captured these evildoers (including a child molester-murderer and a recidivist drunk driver with a trail of bodies in his wake), Dex dispatches them with clinical precision, thus making him a serial killer who snuffs serial killers. But there's more--much more, as it turns out. By his own description, Dexter is "a monster," an empty shell who fakes all human interactions and admits to no real feelings for anything or anyone, including his foster sister (Jennifer Carter) and his nominal girlfriend (Julie Benz), a former crack addict and battered spouse who's as uninterested in sex as he is. There's an explanation for Dexter's weirdness, of course, one so deep and traumatic that even he isn't aware of it. It's gradually revealed over the course of the season as he and the cops (who include Erik King, Lauren Velez, and David Zayas, all first-rate) track down the so-called "Ice Truck Killer," a fellow monster whose grisly m.o. both fascinates and taunts our hero, leading to a genuinely shocking and squirm-inducing finale. Dexter can be a bit arch, with an ironic, too-hip-for-the-room tone that get a little old. Still, it's a safe bet that anyone who views this first season will be salivating for the second. Extras include audio commentary on two episodes, a featurette about real-life blood spatter analysis, and a variety of DVD-ROM items. --Sam Graham

Beyond Dexter

More TV Head-cases on DVD

The Book that Started It All

More from Showtime

fantastic

Dexter is, quite simply the best show on television. I have loaned these dvds to 3 of my friends and within 2 days each of them watched the entire season. The character development is excellent, the acting is superb and the storyline is inventive and unique.

A must for any TV on DVD fan!!

When this was advertised on UK TV I was wondering if it would work (a serial killer working for the police) but I am so glad I decided to buy the dvd box set.
This is one of the most original series I have seen that is like a black comedy with some CSI thrown in as well.
I could not stop watching this as soon as I put it on and can't wait for season two!

Buy it Now!!

hands down the best show on tv

Seriously, I can't remember ever liking a show as much as I did this one. Some people might seem repulsed by the idea of this show, and think they could never symmpathize with a serial killer, but after about half of the episodes in this season, you will absolutely love Dexter. He may be a killer, but he is a hero. The ending left my jaw dropped(literaly), and I am hardly ever shocked by anything I see on tv. If you're looking for a well written, well acted, ridiculusly entertaining show, then you've found. Do yourself a favor and go out and buy this dvd. You will not regret it. Trust me.