Dexter (season 2)

Dexter season 2
DVD box
Country of origin	United States
No. of episodes	12
Broadcast
Original channel	Showtime
Original run	September 30, 2007 (2007-09-30) – December 16, 2007 (2007-12-16)
Season chronology
← Previous Season 1 Next → Season 3

The second season of Dexter premiered on September 30, 2007,^[1] and ended on December 16, 2007.^[2] "It's Alive", the season premiere, attracted 1.09 million viewers in the United States,^[3] making Dexter the first Showtime series to attract more than a million viewers with a season premiere.^[4] The season finale, "The British Invasion", attracted 1.4 million viewers,^[5] making it the program's most-watched episode until the airing of the season three finale, "Do You Take Dexter Morgan?".^[6] Including digital video recorder (DVR) usage, season two was watched by an average of 2.4 million viewers a week, outperforming season one by 21%.^[5] The season received universal acclaim from critics, and was praised as "one of the best shows on TV this decade" by the Chicago Sun-Times,^[7] while Variety considers Hall's portrayal of the title character as a "towering achievement, one that eclipses the show's other shortcomings and rough patches";^[8] the aggregate site Metacritic scored the season at 85 out of 100 based on 11 reviews.^[7]

In the season, the bodies of Dexter's victims are uncovered and an investigation is launched in Dexter's own department to find the killer, dubbed the "Bay Harbor Butcher".^[9] During this time, Debra struggles to recover after surviving Ice Truck Killer's attempts to murder her, and Rita sends Dexter to Narcotics Anonymous meetings when she suspects that he has an addiction.^[9] Sergeant James Doakes (Erik King), follows Dexter, suspecting that he is connected with the "Ice Truck Killer" killings.^[10] Three new characters are introduced:^[11] Keith Carradine appears as Special Agent Frank Lundy, an FBI agent who heads the "Bay Harbor Butcher" investigation,^[12] JoBeth Williams as Rita's mother Gail, and Jaime Murray as Lila Tournay, Dexter's psychotically unbalanced Narcotics Anonymous sponsor.^[13]

Plot

At the start of Season 2, the psychological fallout from killing Brian (his brother) and the constant surveillance by Sgt. Doakes have resulted in Dexter having not killed anyone in a month. Furthermore, Dexter learns two upsetting things about Harry: that he was sleeping with Laura Moser, Dexter's biological mother, before she died and that, after walking in on Dexter in the middle of a kill, Harry committed suicide from the guilt. These discoveries cause his faith in The Code to waver, and Dexter imagines scenarios in which he turns himself in.

Meanwhile, Debra's experiences with the Ice Truck Killer continue to traumatize her. For safety and comfort, she stays with Dexter, further complicating his life. Additionally, scuba divers discover Dexter's victims in the bay. As the police extract bags of dismembered human remains from the water, the media dubs the suspected killer the "Bay Harbor Butcher," and FBI Special Agent Lundy—an expert on serial killers— is brought in to catch him. Debra becomes romantically involved with Special Agent Lundy. A cult following begins to form behind the "Butcher" when it is discovered that his victims were largely criminals.

Paul Bennett, still in prison, continues asserting his innocence to Rita, only to eventually be killed in a prison fight. Against Dexter's wishes, Rita gives Bennett a full funeral. After reflecting on Paul's claims, Rita confronts Dexter and he admits to framing Paul. This admission, coupled with Dexter's other odd behavior, leads Rita to believe that Dexter himself is a heroin addict, a lie he goes with to cover for his actual activities. She compels him to join Narcotics Anonymous, where he meets and becomes involved with his sponsor, Lila Tournay, a pyromaniac who starts to pursue Dexter obsessively.

Doakes confronts Dexter leaving an NA meeting. Doakes is temporarily satisfied that Dexter's odd behavior can be explained by the traumatic experience of a law enforcement career combined with drug abuse. Doakes' suspicions about Dexter eventually return, and he ultimately discovers Dexter's glass slides. The possibility of matching them with the bodies of the Butcher's victims sets up a climactic showdown in which Doakes confronts Dexter at a remote cabin, ending with Dexter overpowering Doakes and keeping him locked in a cage inside the cabin. Dexter then begins framing Doakes as the Butcher. After the police discover Dexter's slides in Doakes's car, the FBI begins a manhunt for Doakes. Lieutenant LaGuerta, Doakes's former partner, is the only one who believes that Doakes is innocent. LaGuerta tries to prove to Lundy that Doakes was with her on a stakeout during one of the Bay Harbor murders; however, Lundy rejects LaGuerta's case files because she did not report that she received a phone call from Doakes after the FBI began its manhunt.

In the season finale, Tournay finds the cabin where Doakes is imprisoned and causes a propane tank explosion, killing Doakes and blowing up the corpse of one of Dexter's victims, thus preventing Dexter from being caught. Tournay then meets with Dexter, expecting him to accept her love now that she knows his "dark secret". She catches him preparing to kill her and seeks revenge by kidnapping Rita's children and using them to lure Dexter into a trap intended to kill them. Dexter saves the children and escapes, later exacting his own revenge on her after she has fled to Paris. In the closing scenes, Doakes' memorial service goes largely unattended, with the exception of LaGuerta, Dexter, and Doakes' immediate family.

Cast

Main cast

• Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan
• Julie Benz as Rita Bennett
• Jennifer Carpenter as Debra Morgan
• Erik King as James Doakes
• C.S. Lee as Vince Masuka
• Lauren Vélez as María LaGuerta
• David Zayas as Angel Batista
• James Remar as Harry Morgan

Recurring cast

• Preston Bailey as Cody Bennett (12 episodes)
• Christina Robinson as Astor Bennett (12 episodes)
• Keith Carradine as Frank Lundy (11 episodes)
• Jaime Murray as Lila West (10 episodes)
• Geoff Pierson as Tom Matthews (7 episodes)
• Dave Baez as Gabriel (5 episodes)
• JoBeth Williams as Gail Brandon (4 episodes)
• Judith Scott as Esmee Pascal (4 episodes)

Crew

Series developer James Manos, Jr. left his first season role as executive producer. First season executive producers John Goldwyn, Sara Colleton and Clyde Phillips all returned for the second season. First season co-executive producer Daniel Cerone was promoted to executive producer for the second season. First season consulting producer Melissa Rosenberg took a staff position as co-executive producer for the second season. Scott Buck joined the crew as a co-executive producer and writer. Robert Lloyd Lewis returned as the on set producer.

First season Story Editor Timothy Schlattmann was promoted to Executive Story Editor for the second season and continued to write episodes. Lauren Gussis was promoted from staff writer to Story Editor and continued to write for the show. Chad Tomasoski, who had not worked on the show since the pilot episode, rejoined the crew as an associate producer.

Episodes

See also: List of Dexter episodes

№	#	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date
13	1	"It's Alive!"	Tony Goldwyn	Daniel Cerone	September 30, 2007 (2007-09-30)
A suspicious Doakes follows Dexter at all times, which makes it impossible for Dexter to kill. Thirty-eight days after his last kill, Dexter gains an opportunity, but finds himself unable to murder gang leader Little Chino (Matthew Willig). An emotionally unstable Debra returns to work in the Homicide Department. She tries to resume a normal lifestyle, but finds herself under scrutiny from the public. Paul tries to convince Rita that he was framed by Dexter, but she refuses to believe him in spite of the evidence presented to her. Scuba divers discover approximately 30 hefty bags of Dexter's mutilated victims' body parts on the ocean floor.
14	2	"Waiting to Exhale"	Marcos Siega	Clyde Phillips	October 7, 2007 (2007-10-07)
The Miami Metro Police Department, led by FBI Special Agent Frank Lundy, begins the hunt for the "Bay Harbor Butcher". Both Dexter and the police are hunting for Little Chino, and Dexter is determined to kill him properly given a second chance. Debra and Dexter struggle to overcome memories of the encounter with Brian that led to his death. After Paul's funeral, Rita confronts Dexter about his involvement in Paul's death, and he admits to having an addiction, which Rita infers to be to drugs. LaGuerta shows surprising support for new boss, Lieutenant Esmee Pascal (Judith Scott).
15	3	"An Inconvenient Lie"	Tony Goldwyn	Melissa Rosenberg	October 14, 2007 (2007-10-14)
Rita threatens to leave Dexter if he does not commit to a program to deal with his drug addiction. He starts attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings, while still trying to evade Doakes' constant surveillance. At the meeting, Dexter meets a mysterious and flirtatious woman named Lila (Jaime Murray), who volunteers to be his sponsor. Doakes tracks Dexter at the meeting, but to Dexter's relief, Doakes displays understanding of the "addiction" and lets Dexter go. Later, he hunts down a new victim, Roger Hicks (Don McManus), a used-car salesman who murders beautiful brunettes. Lundy invites Debra to join the new task force investigating the Bay Harbor Butcher, and soon discovers a pattern to the murders.
16	4	"See-Through"	Nick Gomez	Scott Buck	October 21, 2007 (2007-10-21)
Dexter begins to question Lila's suitability as his sponsor, and Rita encourages him to find a male one. Rita's visiting mother, Gail (JoBeth Williams), becomes sure that Dexter is hiding something from the family. Cody starts having nightmares about the Bay Harbor Butcher. When Vince announces that he has found a way to identify the marina where the Bay Harbor Butcher moors his boat, Dexter attempts to destroy some of the evidence. Debra starts dating Gabriel (Dave Baez), whom she met at the gym. LaGuerta returns to her job as lieutenant following the mental collapsing of Pascal, who suspects her fiancé of cheating; it turns out that he was cheating on her with none other than LaGuerta.
17	5	"The Dark Defender"	Keith Gordon	Tim Schlattmann	October 28, 2007 (2007-10-28)
Dexter discovers that one of the men who murdered his mother in front of him as a boy is still alive. He dreams that a comic-book hero based on the Bay Harbor Butcher saves his mother, and is encouraged by Lila to seek closure by confronting his mother's killer, Santos Jimenez (Tony Amendola). Doakes and LaGuerta investigate a homicide in a comic-book store, and reminisce about their days as partners. Rita's mother warns Dexter to leave Rita and her children alone. Debra begins to lose faith in her relationship with Gabriel, suspecting that he is taking advantage of her.
18	6	"Dex, Lies and Videotape"	Nick Gomez	Lauren Gussis	November 4, 2007 (2007-11-04)
After learning that he was filmed while cleaning his boat at the marina, Dexter becomes desperate and tries to delete the videofile, which he eventually manages to do before computer upgrades enable its viewing by his colleagues. A mock killer mimics, and claims to be inspired by, the Bay Harbor Butcher, and unless the police find him, the FBI may take over the case completely. After learning about his mother's secret relationship with his foster father, Dexter questions Harry's motives about his own adoption. At Rita's mother suggestion, Dexter brings Lila to dinner, and when Rita finds out that Lila accompanied Dexter on his road trip, Rita breaks up with him. Dexter and Lila leave together and have sex later.
19	7	"That Night, a Forest Grew"	Jeremy Podeswa	Daniel Cerone	November 11, 2007 (2007-11-11)
A written manifesto sent by the Bay Harbor Butcher to a local newspaper sends Lundy's special task force into chaos. Doakes almost discovers the truth about Dexter's past, which forces Dexter to devise a plan to get him suspended from the police force. During a romantic dinner with Dexter, Lila learns that Dexter plans to attend one of Cody's school events where he will see Rita, and becomes jealous. Rita stands up to her mother and compels her to move out of the house. Debra breaks up with Gabriel and decides to pursue a relationship with Lundy, not knowing if her feelings are reciprocated.
20	8	"Morning Comes"	Keith Gordon	Scott Buck	November 18, 2007 (2007-11-18)
A desperate Lila sets her loft on fire in an effort to sustain her relationship with Dexter, but Dexter realizes that Lila is lying when she claims it was an accident. Jimenez visits Dexter and the suspicious Doakes breaks into Dexter's apartment and finds the hidden collection of blood slides. Lundy re-examines all of the department's old cases when he suspects that the Bay Harbor Butcher has a history in law enforcement. Rita tells Dexter that he is no longer welcome to visit her house or her children.
21	9	"Resistance Is Futile"	Marcos Siega	Melissa Rosenberg	November 25, 2007 (2007-11-25)
Under constant surveillance by federal agents, Dexter is unable to dispose of his latest victim's remains. He apologizes to Rita, admitting that his affair with Lila was a mistake, but she is still hesitant to forgive him, as Lila retaliates by pursuing Angel. After finding Dexter's collection of blood slides, Doakes seeks the advice of an old friend in Haiti to analyze them. The department begins to suspect Doakes' involvement in the Bay Harbor Butcher case, but cannot find him for questions. Debra and Lundy spend the night together and contemplate making their relationship public.
22	10	"There's Something About Harry"	Steve Shill	Scott Reynolds	December 2, 2007 (2007-12-02)
After their latest confrontation, Dexter imprisons Doakes in a cabin hidden in the Florida Everglades, but is unsure of what to do next. Doakes reveals information that leads Dexter to a surprising discovery about his foster father's death. The FBI continues the search for Doakes, while LaGuerta tries to prove his innocence. As the investigation comes to a close, Debra realizes that Lundy will leave Miami at the end of the investigation. She confronts him about the future of their relationship. Rita and Dexter reconcile and visit the beach together, while Lila plans to frame Angel for raping her.
23	11	"Left Turn Ahead"	Marcos Siega	Scott Buck & Tim Schlattmann	December 9, 2007 (2007-12-09)
Dexter contemplates admitting to the Bay Harbor Butcher killings. Doakes escapes from his cell but runs afoul of two drug smugglers. The FBI is displeased with the lack of progress in the Bay Harbor Butcher case and assigns a deputy director to take over Lundy's role in the investigation. Angel is arrested for the sexual assault of Lila, who offers to drop the charges if Dexter will resume their relationship. Debra investigates Lila's past and discovers that she is an illegal immigrant. Meanwhile, using Dexter's global positioning system, Lila discovers the cabin in the swamp, where Doakes is being held.
24	12	"The British Invasion"	Steve Shill	Teleplay by: Daniel Cerone Story by: Daniel Cerone & Melissa Rosenberg	December 16, 2007 (2007-12-16)
Lila finds Doakes imprisoned in the cabin, and realizes that Dexter is the Bay Harbor Butcher. She ignores his pleas for help, and kills Doakes by setting the cabin on fire. Doakes is found dead, and because the evidence of the Bay Harbor Butcher killings indicates him as the criminal, the case is closed. Debra and Lundy try to resolve their relationship problems and Dexter reconciles with Rita. When Lila threatens Rita's children, Dexter realizes that he needs to find a solution to Lila's obsession with him. After Lila attempts to kill him, Dexter follows her to Paris and kills her.

References

1. ^ Goldman, Eric (2007-09-28). "Dexter: "It's Alive!" Advance Review". IGN. http://tv.ign.com/articles/823/823727p1.html. Retrieved 2009-02-14. 
2. ^ Goldman, Eric (2007-12-17). "Dexter: "The British Invasion" Review". IGN. http://au.tv.ign.com/articles/841/841953p1.html. Retrieved 2009-03-19. 
3. ^ Mitovich, Matt (2007-10-03). "Dexter's Ratings Are Bloody Good". TV Guide. http://www.tvguide.com/news/Dexters-Ratings-Bloody-12335.aspx. Retrieved 2009-02-14. 
4. ^ Lafayette, Jon (2007-10-02). "Dexter Debut Is Showtime’s First to Draw 1 Million Viewers". TV Week. http://www.tvweek.com/news/2007/10/dexter_debut_is_showtimes_firs.php. Retrieved 2009-02-21. 
5. ^ ^{a b} Nordyke, Kimberly; Gough, Paul (2007-12-19). "Dexter kills in second-season finale". Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSN1954618820071221. Retrieved 2009-03-20. 
6. ^ Martin, Denise (2008-12-16). "Dexter finale makes off with killer ratings". Los Angeles Times. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2008/12/dexter-finale-m.html. Retrieved 2009-03-20. 
7. ^ ^{a b} "Dexter Season 2 (Series: Showtime, Sunday 9:00p)". Metacritic. 2007-09-30. http://www.metacritic.com/tv/shows/dexterseason2. Retrieved 2009-08-14. 
8. ^ Lowry, Brian (2007-09-26). "Dexter Review - TV Show Reviews - Analysis Of Dexter The TV Series". Variety. http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117934880.html?categoryid=32&cs=1. Retrieved 2009-08-14. 
9. ^ ^{a b} Tallerico, Brian. "Dexter Review". UGO Networks. http://www.ugo.com/a/2007-fall-tv-guide/?cur=dexter-review. Retrieved 2009-03-19. 
10. ^ Dehnart, Andy (2007-12-14). "Dexter is poised for a graceful, conflicted finale". MSNBC. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22248626/. Retrieved 2009-03-20. 
11. ^ Deggans, Eric (2007-12-15). "Dexter thrills, and wraps up dexterously". St. Petersburg Times. http://www.sptimes.com/2007/12/15/Tv/_Dexter__thrills__and.shtml. Retrieved 2009-03-20. 
12. ^ Donnelly, G.J. (2007-10-15). "Keith Carradine: From Serial Killer to Dexter Nemesis". TV Guide: p. 87. http://www.tvguide.com/news/keith-carradine-dexter-38140.aspx. Retrieved 2009-03-20. 
13. ^ Bellafante, Ginia (2007-11-23). "Sympathy for the Devil: The Nice-Guy Serial Killer Next Door". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/23/arts/television/23dext.html?_r=1. Retrieved 2009-03-20. 

External links

• List of Dexter episodes at the Internet Movie Database
• List of Dexter season 2 episodes at TV.com
• Dexter at epguides.com