Dexter

10 Best Episodes of Dexter - Season 1

Step into the thrilling world of "Dexter," where the line between justice and vengeance is blurred. Dexter Morgan, a seemingly ordinary blood spatter analyst, hides a dark secret: he is a vigilante serial killer. With a code that dictates his targets, Dexter hunts down criminals who have evaded the law, all while maintaining a façade of normalcy in Miami. This gripping Showtime series first aired in 2006 and has since captivated audiences with its unique premise and complex characters.

Over the course of its 10 seasons, "Dexter" has delivered a rollercoaster of suspenseful moments, shocking twists, and moral dilemmas. Each episode delves deeper into Dexter's psyche, exploring the depths of his dual identity and the consequences of his actions. As viewers follow his dangerous escapades, they are constantly kept on the edge of their seats, wondering if Dexter will be exposed or if he will succeed in his quest for justice through unconventional means.

From heart-pounding confrontations to unexpected alliances, "Dexter" showcases the intricate dance between light and darkness within us all. As Dexter navigates the treacherous waters of his secret life, viewers are taken on a gripping journey that challenges their perceptions of morality and justice. Stay tuned as we dive into some of the best episodes that have solidified "Dexter" as a must-watch series for fans of crime dramas and psychological thrillers alike.

Written by Sophie and last updated on dec 20, 2024.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Dexter - S1E2

#12 - Crocodile (Season 1 - Episode 2)

Being wrapped up in preparing for his next victim, Dexter, finds out that the Ice Truck Killer is aware of Dexter's dirty little secret.

The episode was rated 7.84 from 2100 votes.

Dexter - S1E3

#11 - Popping Cherry (Season 1 - Episode 3)

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Dexter's on the trail of a recently released murderer who plans to kill again when he's sidetracked by the Ice Truck Killer's latest crime - a cut-up hooker found in a hockey ice rink.

The episode was rated 7.86 from 1829 votes.

Dexter - S1E5

#10 - Love American Style (Season 1 - Episode 5)

While the rest of the police department are focused on finding the Ice Truck Killer, Dexter is busy gathering evidence for his next victim. It turns out he will also discover more about relationships, love and how to make a success of it all. In doing so he gets some hilarious advice from unlikely sources and we see the first time that he actually kills two people at one time.

The episode was rated 7.92 from 1648 votes.

Dexter - S1E4

#9 - Let's Give the Boy a Hand (Season 1 - Episode 4)

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The Ice Truck Killer begins leaving pictures from Dexter's childhood at the crime scenes. Is the killer trying to tell Dexter something about his own past?

The episode was rated 8.02 from 1707 votes.

Dexter - S1E1

#8 - Dexter (Season 1 - Episode 1)

Dexter is a forensic expert in blood patterns who works with the Miami Police Department. He is also a serial killer, who kills people that the police can't bring to justice. He has to hide his double life from his sister, his girlfriend and his co-workers. He is intrigued by a killer who has found a way to kill girls without leaving blood behind.

The episode was rated 8.03 from 2850 votes.

Dexter - S1E6

#7 - Return to Sender (Season 1 - Episode 6)

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Dexter is called to the scene of the crime at the Castillo junkyard. The Ice Truck Killer has returned Valerie Castillo's body putting Dexter in danger of being caught. A boy is found who witnessed the crime.

The episode was rated 8.06 from 1599 votes.

Dexter - S1E9

#6 - Father Knows Best (Season 1 - Episode 9)

Dexter receives notification that his biological father has recently passed away. Dexter is named as the sole heir of all his possessions including his house. Dexter goes for a weekend away with Rita, Deb, and Rudy.

The episode was rated 8.08 from 1495 votes.

Dexter - S1E7

#5 - Circle of Friends (Season 1 - Episode 7)

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The police identify the Ice Truck Killer. However Dexter feels there is something wrong with the suspect. Dexter must also deal with Paul, Rita's recently paroled husband.

The episode was rated 8.13 from 1549 votes.

Dexter - S1E8

#4 - Shrink Wrap (Season 1 - Episode 8)

Dexter suspects rich women's shrink of murder. When he visits the shrink, he is surprised by a dark secret from his past.

The episode was rated 8.15 from 1560 votes.

Dexter - S1E10

#3 - Seeing Red (Season 1 - Episode 10)

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The Ice Truck Killer is back. He leaves a crime scene that brings back some horrifying repressed memories for Dexter. Paul sues Rita for sole custody of Astor and Cody.

The episode was rated 8.25 from 1518 votes.

Dexter - S1E11

#2 - Truth Be Told (Season 1 - Episode 11)

In this gripping episode of Dexter, titled "Truth Be Told," the notorious Ice Truck Killer shakes things up by taking someone dear to Dexter hostage. As tension escalates, Dexter finds himself facing a life-altering decision that challenges his carefully crafted facade as a blood spatter analyst by day and a vigilante serial killer by night.

Meanwhile, suspicions grow as Detective Doakes becomes increasingly wary of Dexter's peculiar actions, sensing a darkness lurking beneath the surface. The episode delves into the complexities of Dexter's dual identity, raising questions about how long he can keep his secrets buried before they come to light.

One lingering question that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats is why Dexter chose to keep vital information from his sister at a crucial moment in the episode. As the plot thickens and alliances shift, Dexter's silence may have unforeseen consequences that could jeopardize everything he has worked so hard to conceal.

The episode was rated 8.36 from 1544 votes.

Dexter - S1E12

#1 - Born Free (Season 1 - Episode 12)

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In the gripping episode "Born Free" of the hit TV show Dexter, viewers are taken on a thrilling journey as Dexter follows cryptic clues left by the Ice-Truck Killer in a race against time to locate a hostage. The tension builds as Dexter's meticulous nature is put to the test, leading to unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Meanwhile, Paul, Rita's ex-husband, raises concerns about Dexter's presence around Rita and their children, planting seeds of doubt and fear in Rita's mind. The complex dynamics between the characters add layers of intrigue to the storyline, leaving the audience questioning loyalties and intentions.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are left reeling from shocking revelations and moral dilemmas. With emotions running high and secrets unraveling, Dexter's internal struggles and the blurred lines between right and wrong take center stage. "Born Free" delivers a powerful conclusion to an already intense season, setting the stage for even more heart-pounding drama and unexpected revelations in the episodes to come.

The episode was rated 8.57 from 1566 votes.

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