Dexter Morgan’s chilling smile at the end of “Dexter: New Blood” episode 7, “Skin of Her Teeth,” stems from a potent cocktail of realization, validation, and a terrifying acceptance of Harrison’s darker nature, mirroring his own. He recognizes the brutal truth: Harrison isn’t simply traumatized; he’s a budding Dark Passenger carrier, a killer in the making, and this unsettling reflection solidifies Dexter’s belief that he finally has a purpose beyond mere survival – to mold Harrison in his own twisted image.
Unraveling the Grin: A Psychopath’s Revelation
Dexter’s smile wasn’t one of simple joy, but rather a complex expression born from the chaos that had engulfed his seemingly reformed life in Iron Lake. He had meticulously constructed a new identity, a facade of normalcy, hoping to escape the constant urge to kill. However, Harrison’s arrival and subsequent actions shattered this illusion. The episode culminates with Harrison brutally attacking Kurt Caldwell, a known serial killer, after Dexter had seemingly decided to let Caldwell go free based on legal principles. This act of violence, while arguably justified in the narrative, represents a significant turning point for Dexter.
He sees a kindred spirit, a potential successor. The smile is an acknowledgement of this horrifying truth, an admission that his efforts to suppress his own darkness and guide Harrison toward a “normal” life have failed. It signifies a shift in Dexter’s perspective, suggesting that he is ready to embrace the darker aspects of Harrison’s personality and, perhaps, even nurture them, solidifying his own legacy. The smile is a chilling realization that Dexter isn’t escaping his past, but rather replicating it.
The Shadow of the Dark Passenger: A Legacy of Violence
The concept of the Dark Passenger is crucial to understanding Dexter’s actions. Harry Morgan, Dexter’s adoptive father, recognized Dexter’s homicidal tendencies early on and created a code to channel them toward other killers, minimizing collateral damage. This code became Dexter’s guiding principle, a way to justify his actions and maintain a semblance of control. Harrison’s emergence as a potential killer raises a complex question: Will Dexter try to guide Harrison with a similar code, or will he allow him to descend into unrestrained violence?
The smile suggests the former, but with a dangerous caveat. Dexter now has a personal stake in Harrison’s development. He sees an opportunity to correct the mistakes Harry made, to perfect the code, and to ensure that Harrison becomes an even more effective (and morally ambiguous) vigilante. This is a deeply disturbing prospect, as it implies that Dexter is willing to sacrifice Harrison’s potential for a normal life in favor of perpetuating the cycle of violence.
FAQ: Decoding Dexter’s Darkest Motivations
Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the intricacies of Dexter’s psyche and his relationship with Harrison, shedding light on the significance of that chilling smile:
H3 FAQ 1: Was Dexter truly trying to leave his Dark Passenger behind in Iron Lake?
The short answer is yes, but with reservations. Dexter genuinely wanted a fresh start, a chance to live a life free from the constant urge to kill. He had created a stable identity as Jim Lindsay, integrated into the community, and even found love with Angela Bishop. However, the arrival of Harrison and the resurfacing of his own violent past made it increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to suppress his Dark Passenger. The desire to protect Harrison, coupled with the realization of his son’s own dark tendencies, ultimately reignited Dexter’s homicidal instincts.
H3 FAQ 2: Is Harrison a psychopath like Dexter?
Not necessarily. While Harrison exhibits signs of antisocial personality traits and violent tendencies, it’s crucial to differentiate between trauma-induced behavior and inherent psychopathy. Harrison’s past experiences, including witnessing the death of his mother and the abandonment by his father, have undoubtedly contributed to his emotional instability and anger. Whether he possesses the same inherent lack of empathy as Dexter remains to be seen, but the potential is certainly there.
H3 FAQ 3: What role does Kurt Caldwell play in Dexter’s decision-making?
Kurt Caldwell is a catalyst. He represents the kind of individual Dexter targets: a serial killer who operates with impunity. Caldwell’s actions, particularly his targeting of young women, serve as a constant reminder of the darkness that exists in the world and the need for someone to stop it. Furthermore, Caldwell’s manipulation of Harrison further fuels Dexter’s protective instincts and reinforces his belief that he must intervene.
H3 FAQ 4: Why didn’t Dexter just kill Kurt himself?
Dexter was trying to be “good,” at least initially. He genuinely attempted to live by the rules and allow the legal system to handle Caldwell. This stemmed from his desire to be a positive influence on Harrison and demonstrate a different way of life. However, Caldwell’s continued actions and Harrison’s vulnerability ultimately pushed Dexter to reconsider his approach. Also, he didn’t have definitive proof for a solid conviction.
H3 FAQ 5: Is Dexter justified in training Harrison to be a killer?
This is a deeply ethical question with no easy answer. From Dexter’s perspective, he may believe that he is protecting Harrison and preventing him from becoming a monster. However, imposing his own twisted morality on Harrison and guiding him down a path of violence is inherently problematic. It robs Harrison of his agency and perpetuates the cycle of violence. The audience is left to grapple with the complexities of vigilante justice and the potential consequences of such actions.
H3 FAQ 6: How does Angela Bishop impact Dexter’s plans for Harrison?
Angela represents the biggest threat to Dexter’s plans. Her role as a police chief and her growing suspicions about Dexter’s true identity pose a significant obstacle. Dexter must navigate her investigations carefully while simultaneously trying to guide Harrison. Angela’s presence adds a layer of suspense and uncertainty to the narrative, as she could expose Dexter and Harrison at any moment.
H3 FAQ 7: What is the significance of the “Skin of Her Teeth” title?
The title is loaded with meaning. It refers to both Audrey, Angela’s daughter, surviving the cabin fire, and to Harrison escaping Kurt’s clutches and inflicting violence. Both survivors came dangerously close to death, but ultimately persevered, though potentially marked and changed by the experience. This highlights the themes of survival, resilience, and the lasting impact of trauma.
H3 FAQ 8: Will Harrison follow Dexter’s code?
That’s the million-dollar question. While Dexter may attempt to instill his code in Harrison, there’s no guarantee that Harrison will adhere to it. Harrison’s own moral compass, shaped by his past experiences and trauma, may lead him down a different path. He might be more ruthless or less discerning than Dexter, potentially leading to unintended consequences and a greater body count.
H3 FAQ 9: What are the potential consequences of Dexter’s actions?
The consequences could be devastating. Dexter’s decision to embrace Harrison’s dark side could lead to Harrison’s arrest, imprisonment, or even death. It could also lead to Dexter’s own downfall, as his past catches up to him. Furthermore, their actions could have a ripple effect on the Iron Lake community, causing further violence and destruction.
H3 FAQ 10: Did Dexter truly love Harrison, or was he just seeing himself?
It’s a complicated blend of both. Dexter undoubtedly loved Harrison, but his love was often filtered through the lens of his own experiences and desires. He saw a reflection of himself in Harrison and projected his own need for guidance and control onto his son. This raises questions about the authenticity of Dexter’s love and the extent to which he was truly acting in Harrison’s best interests.
H3 FAQ 11: Is Dexter irredeemable?
That’s a matter of perspective. Some viewers may argue that Dexter is beyond redemption, given his history of violence and his willingness to manipulate and exploit others. Others may believe that he is capable of change and that his love for Harrison offers a glimmer of hope. Ultimately, the question of Dexter’s redeemability is left open for interpretation.
H3 FAQ 12: What does the future hold for Dexter and Harrison?
The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: more blood. The season finale sets the stage for a dramatic showdown between Dexter, Harrison, Angela, and potentially other adversaries. The themes of family, legacy, and the nature of evil will be further explored, leading to a potentially tragic and unforgettable conclusion. The smile at the end of episode 7 wasn’t a resolution, but a chilling promise of more darkness to come.