First and foremost, lets talk about this trailer. If you have not seen the conclusion of season 4 now is the time to go and watch it and NOT read any further. As we Dexterholics know, Season 5 ended with a huge life changing event. The murder of Rita by Trinity really sent the Dexter world into a whirlwind. Things were finally shaping up for Dexter to have a "normal" family life with his beautiful wife and cute little fat baby, and this happens. I have quite a few ideas for this next season. Seeing the trailer (which I will post at the end of the post) really got my head spinning on a few of the ideas I had. Then I read the full transcript of the Comic-Con Panel and I felt like a Media God because one of the big wigs said something directly to one of my thoughts I was having. Ok here we go...
#1 - The effect of this on Dexter - The trailer makes it very obvious that Dexter will kill again this season when they show him talking to to Harry and telling him how killing makes him a better father. What would the show be like without Dex killing bad guys.... refer to season 2, I swear I know he did kill people but I can't recall a single one other than Doakes. Every other season I can name multiple victims. Anyways, here's my thoughts on the effect on Dexter. He became the person he is because of a traumatic event in his childhood that for the longest time he blocked out. What kind of effect will this event which is fresh and vivid in his mind have on him this go round?
"We wanted to process this huge event that's almost another origin story," said Johannessen. "This is an adult origin story in a way. This is not something that happened to him when he was three years old. We don't continue the facts of season four for very long, but this set of events he brought on himself very much permeate season five."I truly believe we are going to see a completely different "Dark Passenger". A very angry, raw, and brutal Dexter. I have a feeling that the first kill after the murder will be more of an impulse kill and could potentially violate the code. The final scene of the trailer shows Dex going ballistic and blood is everywhere, while you don't see the victim, it is obviously a very emotional moment for him. The voice over the shot says "Normally having a target would make me feel good, but now it means nothing." Dexter is not only going to battle bad guys this season he biggest enemy may be himself. If I was writing this series and wanted to really get it rolling quick, Dex makes an impulse kill and draws attention to himself in a very unwanted/unneeded manner. Personally, I like the 'nervous' Dexter, I enjoy when he is constantly worrying about the fuzz.
#2 - The trailer also shows Quinn on the case and suspecting Dexter is involved.... I am assuming that Quinn didn't get the memo about Doakes doing the same thing a few seasons back. Its been nice knowing you dude, and congrats on getting it on with a murderer's psycho daughter, but you are as good as dead bro.
#3 - Dexter and Harrison - Probably the most heart-breaking moment in the trailer was Dexter holding little Harrison and saying to him "I am the reason your mother is dead, you are going to hate me someday". Dexter is a good dad in my opinion...when he is there. Its weird to say that about a serial killer but still he was in a perfect place before this. Does this event launch Harrison into a similar pathway as Dexter? Obviously, the writers are mimicking Dexter's early life experience here. Granted the show would either have to do a 'fast forward' for season 6 or be around for like 7 to 10 more years (I would probably be ok with it) but I would love the opportunity to hear Dexter talk to Harrison (Lil' Harry) about the code and everything that he was taught. Whats your take on the Harrison and Dexter relationship of this season? Granted it can't be too complex, the kid is like 6 months old, but it does have a very complex possibility. Brilliant Writing.
This season has so many potential subplots and different directions it could go, that I am just ready for the dang thing to start. I upgraded the Uverse to get Showtime and Season 5 will be the first season I don't watch on DVD. This is the first show I can honestly say I am completely and 100% addicted to. I am not sure how I will handle not being able to see the next episode immediately. It feels like I am 14 again and I am waiting for Joey to choose between Dawson and Pacey. Yes I did just make a Dawson's Creek reference, and don't act like you weren't watching also.
Leave me your thoughts on what is coming up. I am truly interested in hearing from the millions of fans of the Media Hero. I am sure in the weeks and months leading up to the big premiere, I will revisit this entry and add to it and get deeper into my thoughts on what could/should happen. But I won't keep you waiting anymore, here is the Dexter Season 5 Trailer that premiered this weekend at Comic-Con 2010. Enjoy
JD