Blu-ray Review: Dexter: The Complete Third Season

Coming out on Blu-ray today is the third season of Showtime’s former best-kept-secret, Dexter. I say former because many people have finally caught on to the fact that this incredibly complex gem about a serial-killer killer is one of the best show’s that the tube has to offer.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably already intimately familiar with the show and just can’t wait to get more of it. But if you’re newcomer to the ways of Dexter Morgan, allow me to enlighten you. Dexter (Emmy nominee Michael C. Hall) is a blood spatter analyst by day and a vigilante at night. And by vigilante, I mean the type that kills murderers and other low-lifes that have escaped the justice system. Yeah, I know, the premise sounds odd, but I promise you that the show delivers the goods. Before you read more, make sure you go and watch Seasons 1 and 2 before dive into the third.

Season 3 explores some new and exciting themes in Dexter’s life: spontaneity and friendship. With the ‘Ice Cream Truck Killer’ and the ‘Bay Harbor Butcher’ victories far behind him, Dexter again finds himself in one heck of a predicament early on in the season. Having adhered to Harry’s code for all his life, he quickly finds himself violating that set of principles by performing a spontaneous kill (In the past, Dexter has verified a victim’s guilt and completely vets his prey before bringing them to justice). But this newfound impetuous behavior sets off a series of unavoidable events that threaten Dexter’s freedom. In fact, he finds himself in the sights of District Attorney Miguel Prado, played impressively by Golden Globe winner Jimmy Smits.

As great as it is to watch Dexter, the joy in the show is also found in its strong supporting characters. Fans will get meaty storylines from sister Debra, Deb’s main squeeze Rita and more juicy antics from his colleagues at the police department, Angel, Masuka, Quinn and Lt. Laguerta.

Whereas the first two seasons were connected and followed a continuous story arc, Season 3 is pretty much a cold start, building on the base of the show, but developing new circumstances for Dexter to maneuver out of. I can’t say that Season 3 is as magical as Season 1 in terms of quality, but it’s still an impressive dozen episodes that will wear the edge of your couch seat out. Jimmy Smits adds a great deal to the show and it’s nothing short of a treat to watch him and Michael C. Hall share the screen.

Season 3 looks great in high-definition and you’ll be happy that you opted for the Blu-ray to watch the 12 episodes and the extras. The release includes the following BD Live special features:

Dexter By Design: Book Excerpts
First Two Episodes of United States of Tara
First Two Episodes of the third season of The Tudors
Interviews with the cast: Michael C. Hall (Dexter Morgan), Julie Benz (Rita Bennett), Jennifer Carpenter (Debra Morgan), Lauren Vélez (Lt. Maria Laguerta) and David Zayas (Angel Batista)

Dexter Season 3 is a must for fans of the show, especially those hungry to catch up Season 4 bows next month. You won’t be disappointed with picking up this Blu-ray.