The episode opens with a dramatic twist: the captain’s child has been kidnapped, setting the tone for an intense hour. At the Morgan home, Deb is excited about her upcoming double date—her with Gio, her new guy, and Dexter with her best friend Sofia. Never missing the chance to take a dig at Dex, Deb gives Dexter a rundown on how to dress and act, determined to make him appear normal. When Harry inquires about meeting Deb’s boyfriend, she shuts him down, bluntly stating he’ll never meet him. Unfazed, Harry quietly advises Dexter to keep an eye on Gio and report back.
Later, Dexter evaluates a crime scene tied to a potential serial killer. Harry, recently demoted to grunt work, finds himself paired with LaGuerta. Dexter theorizes that the murder connects to two previous ones, but La Guerta dismisses him outright. Harry, ever the voice of caution, urges Dexter to let LaGuerta build her case first. Cue an oddly placed flashback of Harry and Laura entangled in their affair. He tells her once again that they need to stop as the baby that he is expecting with the pesky woman he happens to be married to is due soon. These flashbacks do Harry no favors, making his character feel increasingly unlikable. His promises to Laura about her eventual freedom feel hollow.
Back at the station, the captain learns of his son’s kidnapping. Tensions rise when the captain’s ex-wife’s new partner blames him for failing to protect their child amidst the recent wave of abductions. The ex-wife provides little help, unable to describe the masked kidnapper. Harry steps up to help the captain despite his demotion, proving their bond goes beyond rank.
Meanwhile, Dexter focuses on Levi, someone who has escaped justice on a technicality. He suspects Levi could be the serial killer he’s hunting. As Dexter pieces the murders together, the question arises: is his need to kill clouding his judgment? Does he need the murders to be linked to a serial killer to provide him with a perfect victim?
Harry laments his new position, feeling disconnected from his old team. Dexter checks in, and their conversation shifts to the missing child, Nikky. Dexter analyzes patterns and predicts they have 12 days, drawing from the judge’s son’s case: a finger was sent on day 4, and the body was found on day 12. Harry, ever the optimist, clings to hope, while Dexter relies solely on logic and science. For a moment, Dexter allows Harry his optimism before they return to work.
A flashback reveals Laura’s dangerous life as a CI infiltrating the cartel. They demonstrate their brutality, mutilating a man in her presence and giving her his finger as a grim reminder of loyalty. She’s promoted within their ranks, but the tension underscores her peril.
Date night begins with Dexter awkwardly complimenting Gio’s teeth. He struggles to navigate social norms, even sitting by Deb instead of Sofia until Deb rudely tells him of his faux pas. Dexter orders an excessive amount of food, devouring it while the others look on in disbelief. When asked about his job, he enthusiastically describes a murder scene, earning awkward stares. He suggests darts to break the tension and lighten the mood until someone spills Deb’s drink, revealing Gio’s darker, more protective side. Dexter tries imitating Gio and Deb’s dynamic but quickly grows uncomfortable when Sofia gets overly touchy. Excusing himself to the restroom, he’s surprised when Sofia follows, leaving him pondering whether dating might be enjoyable.
The episode ends with Dexter finally getting Levi on his table. Another solid installment, blending suspense with moral ambiguity. Through flashbacks, we gain an understanding of Harry's protectiveness of Dexter. I did not like how Harry’s wife felt like the loss of their child was the reason for his infidelity, which she tolerated until Deb was born, and it was then she asked him to end it. It moved me to reduce my usual rating, but the pacing remains the same; the story stays true to Dexter and the plot.
Once again, the series challenges viewers to examine their morality. Are we rooting for a serial killer because his victims meet a certain code? Despite some of Harry’s flaws taking the spotlight, this episode remains a standout. Ten out of ten.
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