Season One of Dexter — based upon a series of novels by Jeff Lindsay about a blood spatter expert who works with law enforcement to better hide his true identity as a serial killer — is arguably the best. It not only seduces you into loving Dexter Morgan (played with devil-may-care panache by Michael C. Hall, formerly of Six Feet Under fame), but it's got such a complex and layered story that it's hard to think back and believe all that happened in just one season. The most recently-wrapped season, three, was great too because of the slinky and cagey addition of Miguel Prado (Jimmy Smits). The suspense was truly killer! And now, with Season Four to look forward to (in the fall of '09), we can only enjoy what little morsels come our way on disc.
Season Three was released on DVD in 2008, but this is the first time its bowed on Blu-ray, and I must say it looks amazing. For newbies who have all the latest tech-goodies, Season Two is a servicable standalone experience (but seeing Season One beforehand wouldn't hurt).
This time around, there is more focus on Dexter's dogged sister, Officer Debra Morgan (Jennifer Carpenter), her hunt for Miami's most wanted murderer (little does she know: it's her big bro!), and her torrid secret affair with FBI profiler Frank Lundy (David Carradine). Then there's the ultimate crazy hot chick, Lila (Jaime Murray, currently playing Aphrodite on the series Valentine), who makes Dexter's double life triply more complicated.
While there's lots of affairs and sexy sizzle going on, horror fans needn't despair: Dexter is still using his shrink wrap and sharp instruments all throughout Season Two, and things wrap up on a fitting death note.
There are just a few extras, though there is BD-Live content (if you can go on the Internet, say with a Playstation), and the first two episodes of Diablo Cody's The United States of Tara.
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Reviewed by Staci Layne Wilson
