Meeting the Family

Dexter 5.09 Review - 'Teenage Wasteland'

Guest Starring:
Rick Peters as Elliott
Tasia Sherel as Francis
Christina Robinson as Astor Bennett
Tabitha Morella as Olivia
Daniel Travis as Barry
with
Peter Weller as Stan Liddy
with
Jonny Lee Miller as Jordan Chase
and
Julia Stiles as Lumen Pierce

This week's episode of Dexter was quite an interesting episode, managing to combine elements of both the main narrative (ie/ Dexter and Lumen's developments), while at the same time briefly reintroducing a character from earlier on in the season and tying up all the loose ends associated with that character. That's right ladies and gents - Astor returned to Miami!

But more on that in a moment.

All in all, this week's episode managed to strike a balance between main character progression and secondary character developments. Unfortunately, all the other story arcs associated with the season (ie/LaGuerta and Batista's storyline/Quinn and Liddy's plot developments), were given a back seat during this episode, but to be honest, i really didn't mind. Sure, i would have loved to have seen more of Liddy (especially after scaring that kid in the photo store), but Batista and LaGuerta's storylines honestly don't intrigue me much anymore. I much rather them apart and dealing with their own individual story arcs or helping out on cases.

Dexter's developments during this episode were quite well-paced and managed to keep the suspense flowing rather well. From his initial and brief subplot with Jordan Chase during the episode, Dexter ended up walking away with a sample of blood from a vial Jordan kept in his locker. Unfortunately, Jordan notices his locker ajar and discovers that Dexter has stolen some of the blood. Looks like he knows what you're upto Dexy-boy.

Dexter and Jordan working out as part of Dexter's 'healing process'.
Image copyright of Showtime.

Additionally, Dexter's developments with Astor were suspensful and enjoyable to watch. At first, i was worried it would develop into a rehash of 5.2, but instead of leaving in anger, Astor returns to Orlando with her friend on good terms with Dexter. If there was ever going to be a time to end the kids' storylines, this would be it - an almost perfect ending and peace between Dexter and the Bennett kids. I will miss them.

Debra's storyline really piqued up this episode as well, as she dealt with the aftermath of her suspension. Having been reassigned to the file room, Debra ends up discovering new evidence related to the Barrel Girls case - namely that upto five men were involved in the rape, torture and murder of the women. After a standoff between Debra and LaGuerta, LaGuerta finally gives in and reopens the case, but not before hinting to Debra about Quinn's suspension earlier on in the season. After confronting Quinn about it, Debra promptly storms off, leaving Quinn alone and possibly ending their relationship. Will they kiss and make up? We will have to wait and see.

Overall, here are my final marks for the episode:

• Potency of the season's theme(s) identified in the episode:  *********

• Editing & Scenes of Relevance:  ********

• Main character's connection with audience/actors effectiveness in role:  *********

• Secondary character's connection with audience/actors effectiveness in role:  ********

• Music & Visual Effects:  *********

• Originality and effectiveness of the episode's narrative:  *********

• Integration and effectivenss of multiple story arcs and character relationships:  ********

Overall Marks: 60 / 70

Grade Percentage: 86%

With only three episodes to go, this season is shaping up to be one of the most intense and suspensful seasons thus far. Now that Jordan Chase knows that Dexter and Lumen are after him, they really will have their hands full trying to take down this uber-popular celebrity. Will Dexter be forced to reveal himself in order to take down Jordan? We will have to wait until next week's episode to find out!