Movies News Talk
Though it built up the sequel series Dexter: New Blood, the ending of the original Dexter series kept viewers divided for more than ten years.
Dexter is totally alone in the series finale, having left his Miami life totally behind the terrible loss of his sister, Debra. Debra lost her life as a result of Dexter's actions—more especially, his failure to slay Oliver Saxon, the merciless killer who shot Debra after Dexter atypically spared him. Dexter had escaped with scores of killings during the series, but finally life caught up with him.
Dexter and Hannah McKay's confirmation of their plans to leave Miami together with Dexter's son Harrison and start a fresh life sets off the events of the Dexter Finale. Dexter's love for Hannah causes him to grow increasingly careless, which lets detectives like Jacob Elway creep in on him and Hannah.
But Dexter's need to keep his loved ones—especially Debra—protected finally drives him to make a terrible choice with disastrous results.
Among the most ferocious psychopaths in the Dexter series is Oliver Saxon. In front of Dexter, he murders his own mother, Dr. Evelyn Vogel, so underlining his total lack of compassion. Driven by a need for justice and limited by his code, Dexter cannot just leave Saxon. Even if it means endangering his own life as well as the life of his loved ones, he feels obliged to stop him.
Debra's relentless confidence in Dexter finally brings about her terrible death. Dexter has Debra shot after trying to guard her by letting Saxon go. Driven by his morality and feeling of duty for his sister's protection, Dexter's unwillingness to kill Saxon finally causes Debra to die.
Dexter decides to take his own life as his world collapses following Debra's death. Like the process he employs on his victims, he takes Debra out on his boat, "Slice of Life," and lets her go. Then, driven to die in order to save people he loves, he guides the boat into a hurricane.
Dexter survives the storm and starts a new life under a false name, but, in a last turn as a lumberjack. Although divisive, this finale finally sets up Dexter: New Blood's events whereby Dexter's past and his "Dark Passenger" still haunles him.
Critics of the Dexter Finale have mostly pointed out its abrupt change in tone and unsatisfactory ending. Many supporters believed Dexter's fate as a lumberjack was a cop-out and that he ought to have paid for his deeds.
The conclusion also begged problems regarding the general theme of the show. Was Dexter's code a means of cover from the truth or a justification for his deeds? Finally, the ending leaves viewers with more questions than answers, which fuels the continuous discussion about the series' actual influence and efficacy.
Dexter's ending had a big effect on the legacy of the show. It has spurred lots of debates about its significance and how it affects the characters—especially Dexter himself.
The divisive character of the conclusion also emphasizes the complexity of the show, which examined the nature of good and evil, the function of morality, and the results of one's acts. Although some viewers might find the finale fulfilling, others would argue about its merits, hence underscoring Dexter's ongoing ability to inspire ideas and conversation.