Killing time with Dexter

I've only seen 17 episodes of Dexter so far but I'm already convinced that it's the best show on television and one of the ten best shows of the past decade. The show is such a great mix of drama, dry comedy and surprisingly emotion. On the surface Dexter might be hard to empathise with, because of his lack of emotion, but you find yourself rooting for him pretty quickly. The black script is fantastic. The comedy is low-key and understated but it produces some laughs. The acting across the table is terrific. Michael C. Hall really is amazing as Dexter Morgan. He's got the role down pat. Everything from the uncomfortable look he has, the raised shoulders, even the way he eats. Maybe I'm overanalysing but everything about his character rings true.

I stayed up until 4am a couple nights ago finishing off the first season of Dexter. I loved the Ice Truck Killer arc, although I did pick the shock 'twist' around episode 8 or whatever. It's not normal for someone to talk that in depth about a love of limbs. The show isn't perfect though. Deb has got to be one of the 25 most annoying characters in TV history. Even when Dexter has just found out that his biological father has just died she has a massive go at him. I'm not a fan of the Ice Truck Killer's ethics, but I would have easily turned a blind eye had he taken care of Deb.

The start of the second season was a little underwhelming, I must admit. Everything seems like it's just building towards something greater, not much is going on right now. One surprising thing has been the evolution of Rita's bitchyness. She's become a real unpleasant person, and you can't help but hope that Dex ends up with fresh new Lyla, who by the way is a great addition to the show. I'm excited for the season on a whole though, and just really excited for the show in general. God's speed Dexter.

On the other side of TV, last night's episode of Fringe was really disappointing. The first episode was fantastic but last night was just dreadful. It was kind of funny the irony of how the storyline about aging and dying unnaturally quickly reflected my interest in the show in general. That's a bit harsh though. Given the strength of the Pilot I've already locked myself in for the first 5 or 6 episodes at least, but beyond that no promises.

Boston Legal remains consistent as ever, Wednesday night's episode a solid contribution to the Boston Legal canon. The problem, and the only real one, with the show is it's inability to produce really good episodes. There's probably only about two or three genuinely fantastic episodes each season (one of season 4's came a week ago). Still though, no complaints from me this is still a brilliant show.