'Dexter' and Loneliness

                                                                    Liteweight Pop Psychology

Back in the days (end of the 90s), I ran a huge database called 'Film Incoherence'. Its multiple thematic chapters allowed me to explore all sorts of topics and I came up with some theories about films' or TV series' hidden sub-texts. For example, I contended that 'Baywatch” was about families and, in particular, the need for estranged families / isolated member types to reconvene, to find reassurance and comfort within a good old nuclear unit.

I also had the feeling that 'Dexter' is about... loneliness.

The premise in the series and the books is that Dexter is one of a kind, unlike any other creature -let alone any human-, doomed to hide his secret nature forever, unable of true communion with people. This idea is regularly reiterated.

1)This allows for the recurring plot structure -that some may find stripped the TV series of any surprising development- that saw Dexter come across an alter ego (usually another serial killer) whom he confides in, only to realise mid-way through that his ally-cum-enemy has turned against him in - in every season.

In other words, Dexter repeatedly “finally finds someone” (ahhh). He meets his match and is granted a chance to open up and (to variable extent) pour his heart out, maybe teach his modus operandi - in any case form some sort of alliance. ...The inevitable come-down that is the second half of each season is all the crueller.

Remember the beautiful music chosen for the closing theme (by Daniel Licht): it is not exactly uplifting. I always feel that the composer means to express this idea: forever lonely despite an incredible opportunity to somehow bond, Dexter has no choice but to live another day.

2)Call that irony or perversion. Now, this alter ego to whom Dexter is able to relate is obviously not the one character a man is supposed to share a special connection with ….his wife Rita. (I could bring up at this juncture the subject of the three children but this complicates things, especially with regards to the line taken by the novels: the series seriously departs from them.)

But in fact the theme works a contrario.

3)A qualifying component of the underlying theme is that in fact Dexter is not alone.

First he addresses us, the audience (see also 'Mr Robot'); second he is constantly visited by the spirit of his adoptive father Harry. (Harry crucially was the one who spotted Dexter's true nature and nurtured it.) Harry knew him and -thanks to the magic of 'flash-back' sequences- still knows him – and even often engages him.

Also, for someone having to hide his true identity, Dexter is highly social, very active. Do a quick count: he probably interacts with a large dozen people in every episode! He no otaku, is our Dex.

Finally, I need to make a point about the ending of the original series. It has come to my understanding that a bunch of American fanboy keyboard warriors have decreed that it is awful, worst-ending-ever, etc etc. etc. I most certainly do not agree. With regards to my argument, the final sequence is spot-on: Dexter is now completely alone. Gone is the internal monologue: the three final scenes are silent, the ghost of his mentor nowhere to be seen. To all intents and purposes, Dexter has now gone into even greater hiding, and with no visible hope of being able to get in touch with fellow crime specialists. It is poignant. A hollow husk of a man, he looks shell-shocked.

Other angle of analysis: 'Dexter' is about... parenting. (cf both the original and new seasons)