What I’m Watching: Dexter (Season Finale)

Dexter: Season 5, Episode 12 “The Big One” (B+)

There are plenty of similarities between this year’s finale and previous ones, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t a terrific finale and a generally original one at that. This reminded me most of the season one closer, with the killer opening up the trunk to check on his captive and then parading her in front of Dexter as he details his plans to end her life. The difference here is that the bad guy, a.k.a. Jordan Chase, is also interested in offing Dexter, and it’s only thanks to his clever escape skills and foot-stabbing action that he’s able to avoid certain death. That’s now two episodes in a row that Dexter finds himself surprised and ends up a prisoner of someone who’s out to get him. Just like in season one, Deb was physically present at the scene of the crime but survives without any knowledge of Dexter’s complicity, though the scene in this episode was considerably more intense and really had my heart beating fast. It speaks volumes about Deb that she’s able to let them get away and conduct herself professionally without making herself an official accomplice by seeing their faces. I’m somewhat disappointed that Dexter’s secret hasn’t been revealed to her, but it does make sense and was exceptionally well-executed. Another thing that was handled very well was the departure of Lumen. I couldn’t imagine her dying or leaving, but deciding to go because she doesn’t feel the need to kill was a clever way to have her leave for understandable reasons. I like the fact that Dexter protected Quinn and then refused to admit that he did him a favor, and that he was so casual about hating Quinn when talking to Deb. This has been one terrific season, just as good as last year and almost as good as season one, and I’m eagerly looking forward to season six. Kudos to both Jonny Lee Miller and Julia Stiles for great guest spots this year as well.

Season grade: A-
Season MVP: Michael C. Hall