The final episode of Dexter, titled “Remember the Monsters?”, culminates in Dexter Morgan faking his death after abandoning his son, Harrison, with Hannah McKay in Argentina, ultimately choosing self-imposed exile as a lumberjack. This controversial ending sees Dexter seemingly unable to escape the darkness within, believing himself to be a danger to those he loves, leading to a solitary existence rather than the possibility of happiness.
The Unfolding of “Remember the Monsters?”
The final episode, airing in 2013, proved to be one of the most divisive finales in television history. To understand the controversy, we must dissect the events leading to Dexter’s ultimate fate. The episode opens with the aftermath of Debra’s shooting at the hands of Oliver Saxon (aka the Brain Surgeon). Debra is rushed to the hospital, and despite initial hopes for recovery, a complication arises, leaving her permanently brain-damaged.
Dexter, driven by guilt and the belief that he is the source of Debra’s suffering, makes the agonizing decision to disconnect her life support. This act, though portrayed as a mercy killing by Dexter, adds another layer of moral complexity to his character. He then removes Debra’s body from the hospital and, in a symbolic gesture, sails it out to sea, replicating his earlier practice with victims of his dark passenger. He dumps Debra’s body overboard into the ocean, marking a devastating turning point.
Meanwhile, Saxon is apprehended, but Dexter’s need for revenge consumes him. Instead of bringing Saxon to justice, Dexter stages an encounter in the hospital and brutally murders him in cold blood, in front of witnesses, circumventing the justice system he supposedly respects. This act confirms that Dexter’s code, once a carefully constructed framework for channeling his dark urges, has completely eroded.
Fueled by the belief that everyone close to him dies because of his presence, Dexter resolves to protect Hannah and Harrison. He makes arrangements for them to escape to Argentina. During a hurricane, Dexter seemingly pilots his boat, the Slice of Life, directly into the storm, giving the impression that he has died at sea.
The final scene reveals Dexter alive, working as a lumberjack in the Pacific Northwest, sporting a beard and appearing deeply troubled. The episode ends with a close-up of his face, suggesting that he is still grappling with his inner demons, despite his efforts to escape them.
The Controversial Elements and Fan Reactions
The ending was met with widespread criticism for several reasons. Many felt it betrayed the character development of Dexter, particularly his growing emotional connection to Debra and Harrison. The decision to kill off Debra felt gratuitous and emotionally manipulative. Furthermore, the lumberjack ending was seen as anticlimactic and unsatisfying, offering no resolution or closure to Dexter’s story.
The manner of Saxon’s death also drew ire. Dexter’s abandonment of his own code felt out of character, even considering the emotional turmoil he was experiencing. Instead of adhering to the rules that defined him for so long, he succumbed to unchecked rage.
Many viewers also questioned the logic of Dexter faking his death. He had successfully managed his dark passenger for years, balancing his homicidal urges with a normal life. The sudden shift to complete isolation felt unearned and didn’t resonate with the established character.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the primary motivation behind Dexter faking his death?
Dexter fakes his death because he believes he is a curse to those he loves. Following Debra’s death and the near-death experience of Harrison and Hannah, he concludes that his mere presence endangers their lives. He decides that the only way to ensure their safety is to remove himself entirely from their lives.
Why did Debra have to die in the series finale?
Debra’s death was intended to serve as a catalyst for Dexter’s self-imposed exile. The writers wanted to demonstrate the devastating consequences of Dexter’s dark passenger and how it ultimately destroys everything he cares about. However, many viewers considered it a cheap shock tactic and felt it diminished Debra’s character arc.
What happened to Harrison and Hannah after Dexter faked his death?
The final scene shows Harrison and Hannah successfully reaching Argentina. It’s implied that they will build a new life together, free from the danger that Dexter represents. However, their future remains somewhat ambiguous, leaving viewers to speculate on their long-term well-being. The show “Dexter: New Blood” would later add to this story.
Did Dexter ever truly escape his “dark passenger”?
The ending strongly suggests that Dexter never truly escapes his dark passenger. Despite his attempts to build a normal life and find happiness, the darkness within him continues to lurk beneath the surface. The final shot of him as a lumberjack depicts him as a troubled and isolated figure, hinting that his internal struggles persist.
What was the significance of Dexter working as a lumberjack?
The lumberjack setting is symbolic of Dexter’s attempt to strip himself bare, removing the layers of deception he built around himself in Miami. It also represents a solitary existence, far removed from human connection and the potential for further harm. However, it also highlights the futility of his escape, as he can’t escape himself.
How did the hurricane contribute to the plot?
The hurricane serves as a convenient plot device to facilitate Dexter’s disappearance. It provides a believable backdrop for his fake death, making it easier for him to disappear without raising suspicion. It also adds a dramatic element to the finale.
Was there an alternate ending considered for Dexter?
Yes, several alternate endings were considered, including one where Dexter was captured and brought to justice. However, the writers ultimately opted for the lumberjack ending, believing it was the most fitting conclusion to Dexter’s journey. Many fans disagreed with this assessment.
Did the show runners acknowledge the negative feedback surrounding the finale?
Yes, the show runners have acknowledged the negative feedback and expressed regret over certain aspects of the finale. They have admitted that they could have handled certain storylines differently and that the ending did not resonate with all viewers. Clyde Phillips, who was show runner for the first four seasons, has been critical of the finale.
What role did guilt play in Dexter’s final decision?
Guilt played a significant role in Dexter’s decision to fake his death. He felt responsible for Debra’s death and the near-death experiences of others close to him. This overwhelming guilt drove him to believe that he was a danger to everyone around him, leading him to choose self-imposed exile.
Was the final episode intended to be a cliffhanger?
While the final episode leaves some questions unanswered, it was not explicitly intended to be a cliffhanger. The lumberjack ending was meant to be a definitive conclusion to Dexter’s story, albeit a controversial one. The follow up series, “Dexter: New Blood”, would later revisit the character.
How does the ending reflect Dexter’s moral ambiguity?
The ending reinforces Dexter’s moral ambiguity by showing him capable of both extreme violence and self-sacrifice. He kills Saxon in cold blood but also chooses to remove himself from the lives of those he loves to protect them. This complex mix of actions highlights the ongoing struggle between his dark passenger and his humanity.
What is the overall message conveyed by the final episode?
The overall message is that one cannot escape their true nature. Despite Dexter’s efforts to change and find happiness, the darkness within him remains. The ending suggests that some people are simply incapable of escaping their inherent tendencies, regardless of their desires. This is, however, a somewhat pessimistic view, and one that contributed to the negative reception of the ending.