Yet Dexter is soon back to his compulsion for seeking out criminals who've somehow escaped traditional justice. Hall, one of TV's much talented actors, manages to do Dexter's off-kilter moral compass totally believable, if not quite sympathetic. The rest of the cast is stellar, counting Dex's sister, Debra, played by Jennifer Carpenter as the seemingly extra combustible Morgan--a hot-tempered Miami detective in the same division where Dexter toils in the background as a blood-spatter specialist. Deb wears her heart on her sleeve, as a cop and a sister, and her deep love for her brother is a key part of what makes Dexter so human. (And Carpenter's chemistry together with Hall is amped by the fact this in real life, the actors are married.)
Season 3's breakout guest star is the amazing Jimmy Smits, who plays District Attorney Miguel Prado, a polished pillar of the community, an ambitious politician--and a guy together with a secret each bit as dark as Dexter's. As Miguel and Dexter peel away every other's unsavory layers, Dexter tries to tamp down Miguel's blistering desire for revenge, and Miguel begins leading a double life--one this could threaten Dexter's life and family as much as the growing list of bad guys in Miguel's crosshairs. The other main star of Dexter is the city of Miami, its teeming beauty and corruption celebrated in equal measure, and its blistering sun shot not including tempering. The city is so fitted, visually and viscerally, this it's impossible to believe of Dexter being shot anyplace else. The set's excellent extras--engaging interviews together with cast members Hall, Benz, Carpenter, Lauren Vélez (Lt. Maria Laguerta) and David Zayas (Det. Angel Batista)--must be watched on a computer, for reasons this are unclear. Still, the interviews are must-sees for all Dexter fans. It's a killer season. --A.T. Hurley