Dexter Season 1- TV Review

I have nothing but sympathy for the writers of this show; even with the novel it was based on as a reference (Darkly Dreaming Dexter), it must be incredibly difficult to write a series where the main character is a serial killer.  I mean, the protagonist of the piece has to attract both empathy and sympathy from the audience, otherwise they just won’t engage with him; how do you achieve that with a sociopath?

Well you recruit Michael C. Hall for a start.  Hall brings an instant likability to the role of Dexter, even as he simultaneously manages to channel enough creepiness and contained violence that every moment is uncomfortable to watch.  The entire cast is stellar really, without a glaring weakness in the bunch (not even the child actors, a rarity), but Hall really stands out, and deserves to be rewarded for his efforts as Dexter.

A 12 episode season, this initial run of the show focuses on slowly introducing us to the title character and his…interests.  Dexter is a serial killer that targets other killers; his adoptive detective father noticed his sociopathic urges at a young age, and taught his son a ‘code’ to channel these urges toward killing evil people. Now Dex works as a blood-splatter analyst for the Miami Police Department, simultaneously indulging his interest in blood and the need to blend in; the fact that he has access to police files and the evidence room doesn’t hurt either.

As Dexter continues murdering the various killers who attract his attention (and thus satisfying his own urges), a new serial killer in town begins to grab the headlines, and decides to start playing with both the police department and Dexter himself.  Our ‘hero’ is torn between wanting to catch the killer, and deep respect for the ‘Ice Truck Killer’ and his blood-draining, whore-chopping-up ways. 

Throw in numerous subplots, including Dexter’s relationship of convenience with his girlfriend, whom he chose because she is a rape victim and thus unlikely to want a sexual relationship (Dex is uncomfortable with sex, as women seem to see through his facade during the act); his adopted sister and her quest to become a homicide detective; and one cop who constantly hounds him, sensing that there is something seriously wrong despite how well Dexter manages to fit in otherwise; and many others of course.  Everything is woven together in such a way that the characters evolve before our eyes, and the supposed monster that is Dexter is soon growing in unexpected ways, even as all the tenets which make up his world and his code are challenged from every direction.

Being a thriller and a bit of a mystery, naturally you can’t say too much about the show without giving away half the plot.  Let’s just say that Dexter is deeply engrossing, thoroughly disturbing, and just a little bit terrifying.  Every element of this show comes together so well, from the acting to the narration; the uncomfortable scenes of pretend normalcy; and the incredibly brutal murders.  It’s amazing to say, but this show has no downsides; from start to end, Dexter is an absolutely brilliant psychological thriller and one of the best television shows ever created.

Simply amazing.

                 

I rate Dexter: 10/10 (Stunning; absolutely breathtaking; deeply disturbing; must see television.)

   

- Tim Sweeney

Dropkick Murphys ‘The Meanest of Times’ - Album Review

I’m a rather large fan of the Dropkick Murphys; the combination of rock/punk with traditional Celtic stylings just totally appeals to my heritage, my taste in music, and my constant urges to dance a jig, get wasted, and eat potatoes.  However, I must inform you that I am that most hated of music fans; I came to the party late. Oh yes boys and girls, I’m a new fan! Oh noes!

So before the hate mail from the hardcore Murphys fans starts pouring in, just remember that this review is just the opinion of one guy, and that doesn’t matter to you anyway, right?  Anyway now that that’s out of the way, I’d like to talk about what has rapidly become my favourite of the Dropkick Murphys’ albums: The Meanest of Times.

Many fans have been a bit down about the band since Mike McColgan left and was replaced by the rougher, more gravelly vocals of Al Barr; critics have certainly been, well, critical of Al’s lack of traditional vocal stylings.  Now while I admit that he may not be winning awards for his singing any time soon, the sheer grunt and enthusiasm he brings to the Dropkick Murphys more than makes up for it, and totally matches their musical exuberance and style.  It’s just time to move on people; long live Al!

The Meanest of Times really feels like the record of a band that has become comfortable with where they are at, and are now looking at perfecting their style and moving into the future.  The album itself is a great mix of redone Irish classics (such as Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye) and more modern, punkier/rockier songs which still feature distinctive Celtic instruments.  Everything here has received the Dropkick Murphys’s unique imprint,  and even the slower songs will still have you singing along with all your might; the more upbeat ones will have you jumping up and down and waving your hands in the air like you may or may not care.

From start to finish, the album rolls along at a frenetic pace.  While the occasional slower track is spread throughout, giving you time to catch your breath, slow is only a relevant term in this case; even songs with a darker theme still roar along.  Thankfully the fact that there is an overarching theme to the various songs (reminiscences of the past) makes the experience feel much more cohesive than it otherwise would have been.  If there are any criticisms that can be laid at the feet of The Meanest of Times, it’s that a very few of the songs feel a tad generic, with little of the Irish influence which otherwise typifies the band; it’s not a massive deal, but just jarring enough that it takes away from the experience.

Really there’s not a great more to say about the Meanest of Times.  If you are a Murphys fan you will probably like this CD, and anyone with an interest in anything Celtic, or indeed just good ol’ fashioned rock, will at the very least get a bit of a kick out of this album.  Don’t listen to the naysayers; the Dropkick Murphys are a helluva lot of fun, and this album is quite a brilliant step forward for a band which has been steadily evolving into champions of the genre.  Now pass me my Guinness, it’s time to jig along to (F)Lannigan’s Ball!

   

 

‘The Meanest of Times’: 9/10

      

- Tim Sweeney