After reviewing the second season of “Dexter” on DVD I ended my review not quite sure if this was a show worth buying or just watching once and leaving it at that. While I would never presume to tell someone they simply must buy a TV season considering the costs involved, I really think giving this one a solid once over is well worth the time as it is certainly one of the better and far more entertaining television shows I have seen in some time.
For those not in the know, “Dexter” follows Miami police department blood splatter specialist, Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), but more important than his ability to help solve crimes by analyzing a blood stained crime scene is Dexter’s need to kill. You see, he’s a serial killer of a different sort, a killer that must feed his addiction, but he has managed to do so in what some may describe as a more constructive and beneficial way. Dexter kills criminals, and only those that fall in line with “The Code.” Did you skirt the law and get away with murder? No problem, Dexter will be right over with a plastic lined death room and all the necessary cutting materials.
In season two his underwater ocean cemetery was discovered and the entire season was spent watching as Dexter wiggled his way in and out of trouble. The third season finds Dexter in yet another precarious situation, but arguably not as dangerous, but definitely equally far-fetched. Then again, if you are looking for reality with this show you have come to the wrong place. Just one season will be enough to have you upset and wondering how one guy could remain inconspicuous for that long.
This time around Dexter finds himself mixed up with A.D.A. Miguel Prado played by newcomer Jimmy Smits after Dexter mistakenly killed Miguel’s brother. Curiously, Miguel and Dexter form a unique friendship that guides the rest of the season. It’s hard for me to say where this season stands in terms of ranking the first three, but I can definitely say this season didn’t have any characters nearly as annoying as Lila in season two, but then again the absence of Erik King as James Doakes is a tragedy.
This Blu-ray set contains all 12 season three episodes and looks brilliant in high-definition and it is a TV series I would definitely buy and would definitely buy on Blu-ray. This is something I don’t traditionally do as “The West Wing,” “The Shield” and “Seinfeld” are the only three television shows I have ever purchased on DVD. Had they not been sent to me for review I would have also bought the original “Star Trek” seasons as well, but that is it. Television shows on home video are pricey and I am consistently surprised at how much they cost and how many people buy them. You have to be picky and I would say “Dexter” meets the requirements.
Unfortunately, this release is limited to just the episodes as the special features come in the form of BD Live online features, which are said to include interviews with the cast, book excerpts from “Dexter By Design” and episodes from Showtime series “The Tudors” and “The United States of Tara,” but all I saw when I connected where the bonus episodes and no additional features. But then again, how “special” is a feature really if the studio doesn’t see reason enough to include it on the disc?
Nevermind the lack of features, just focus on the show’s content and you won’t be disappointed. As of the posting of this review you can buy all three seasons of “Dexter” on DVD for $53.99 at Amazon or $98.49 on Blu-ray. If you aren’t quite sure which direction you want to go you can check all of the buying options at Amazon by clicking right here. I really think this is one you won’t be disappointed with and if you are a Netflix subscriber you can watch seasons one and two on their Instant Play service to see just how well the show works for you. Give it a shot at least, I can’t believe you won’t be impressed.
