Dexter S5E03 -
Practically Perfect - 8.5/10
I'd agree this was the most exciting ep of the three so far this season, and certainly the most like the
Dexter we know and love. I was pleased the whole
is out of the way now - I was worried we were going to get another 'serial killer of the year' like we've had for the last four seasons - something the producers specifically said they weren't doing this year. Looks like there's going to be another Doakes-style dilemma facing Dex next episode where he has to choose between killing an innocent in the interest of self-preservation or risk someone else knowing his dark secret. I agree with Cakey that the moment of the episode was where Dex was
sent a picture of Harrison's first steps whilst standing over the body of his next victim
I hope they take the nanny story in a direction we don't expect, rather than as Cakey suggests simply have her turn into some nutjob. But then I don't want her to be simply a substitute Rita either. I loved Dexter's line about leaving messages on his fridge, which linked directly back to the pilot episode; that was a nice touch. I also thought for a moment that the dreary LaGuerta/Batista sub-plot may have turned into something interesting when
turned up - I hoped they may be investigating LaGuerta's money but sadly it looks like yet another 'relationship' development we could do without. The reason shows like
Breaking Bad and
Mad Men will always pick up Best Drama nods in front of
Dexter is due to all the unnecessary 'padding' on this show with secondary characters most of the viewing public couldn't care less about. I think the Quinn story strand is going in a very interesting direction though (probably because it actually
relates to Dexter himself) - I look forward to seeing how that one plays out.
All in all, I'm glad to see the show get back to something like its best/most exciting after dealing with the S4 fallout.