What I’m Watching: Dexter

Dexter: Season 5, Episode 6 “Everything is Illumenated” (B+)

Well it’s a good thing that Lumen didn’t leave Miami, since her continued stay is creating some of the best dramatic and comedic material this show has seen in a while. While some might argue that Miguel Prado would also call Dexter to ask for help with cleaning up kills, this is a whole new ball game. Dexter getting a call from Lumen on his cell phone while he’s in the middle of one murder to go help her clean one up is a wholly new, completely awesome development. What I didn’t expect was their bickering and the way that Dexter’s funny side comes out when he’s actually talking to a person out loud rather than simply narrating to himself. His snapping at her was entertaining, and I loved his joke about luminol (no relation). Of course, the interaction quickly turned serious, and Dexter’s seemingly hurt reaction to her swearing at him was a very intriguing moment. I liked the editing in this episode, showing Deb and Masuka walking down the rows as Dexter scrambled to stage the crime scene. Dexter’s reaction to what he thought was Harrison saying “die die” was amusing, and it’s good that he’s found a way to balance his relationship with the babysitter so that he doesn’t have another thing to worry about while he’s juggling multiple murders. Fortunately, though it was touch and go for a while there, Batista and Laguerta seem to be okay for the moment. Quinn and Deb may have some problems, though, considering Quinn’s friend’s remark: “you’re sleeping with the target’s sister?!”