Top 20 Shocking Moments in Dexter

“Get Gellar”

Season Seven opens with a misguided young man being manipulated by his radically evangelical mentor. Travis Marshall assists in multiple murders while under the guidance of Professor James Gellar…or so we’re made to think. Believing Gellar to be behind the “Doomsday” killings, Dexter teams up with Travis to track down the maniac. However, Dexter is ultimately stupified to discover Gellar’s frozen remains in a concealed icebox. It turns out that Travis was only imagining his teacher’s presence the entire time, and it’s the student himself who’s been committing the crimes. This revelation radically changes the show’s direction, and it establishes Colin Hanks’s role as the primary villain. Some viewers might have seen this one coming, but the scene is still noteworthy as a narrative monkey-wrench.

“Seeing Red”

Rita’s ex-husband was an unloved demon who just wouldn’t dissipate. Paul was abusive and possessive of Rita, as well as the family that she and Dexter were trying to have together. In violation of his restraining order, he visits and manipulates both Rita and his children. Despite Paul’s efforts to appear like a “changed” family man, Dexter sees through the lies…and gets really tired of it. After an altercation and some choice words about Rita, Dexter knocks Paul unconscious and sets him up for a convenient arrest. Though the obvious answer to the problem might have been Dexter’s table and plastic wrap, the framing ultimately became an unexpected and more intelligent way to dispose of this creep. The climactic scene was equally disturbing and satisfying.

Dexter’s efforts to conceal his nature from Rita led him into NA meetings…and there he met Lila West. Lila’s past was comparably complex, with arson and malevolence being just the beginning. While Lila became an intricate love interest for Dexter, she ultimately threatened the lives of his established family and conjured the blazing end to James Doakes. Despite the layers to their relationship, Dexter’s choice to eliminate Lila was never a guarantee. Though she clearly meant something to him, the concluding moments of Season Two saw Dexter claiming Lila’s life. It’s unclear whether the decision was propelled by Dexter’s urges or a grappling sense of family and justice. Either way, he defied an alliance with someone attempting to come to his side. It was…complicated.

“Our Father”

Dexter grew up with Harry Morgan as a morally gray father figure. Harry taught the boy many things, but he never showed Dexter how to be a dad himself. So when Rita’s cravings for chocolate led to a realization of pregnancy, our antihero was just as unprepared as we were for the news. Dexter began his relationship with Rita as a tool to disguise his “Dark Passenger,” but a biological son drastically elevated his real-world responsibilities. And it gave us Harrison, who would become an instrumental figure in molding Dexter’s character. Fatherhood helped bridge the gap between the psychopath and the human–a story that was continued in “Dexter: New Blood”. But it was this jaw-dropping second at the kitchen table that started it all.

“Hello, Dexter Morgan”

The later seasons of “Dexter” have garnered mixed reviews, but John Lithgow’s performances as the Trinity Killer has been undeniably praised. Deservedly so, as he helped create one of the most intimidating rivals to Dexter that the series has ever known. One of his scariest power plays happens here, when Arthur Mitchell appears at Miami Metro and stares his counterpart directly in the eye. The “Kyle Butler” alias dissolves as Trinity threateningly shows his hand, and Dexter instantaneously understands that his life and loved ones are now threatened. The appearance sets up a “kill or be killed” ticking clock that propels the season finale towards its violently tragic conclusion, and we’ll never forget the way Lithgow’s stare into the camera left our terrified spines convulsing.

“Are We There Yet?”

An unexpected development in “Dexter”’s final episodes suggested that he would be taking on a protégé. Initially figuring Zach Hamilton to be his next victim, Dexter changes his mind when learns that both he and Zach grew up with similarly violent tendencies. With the help of his father’s former psychiatric associate, he takes steps to teach Zach the “Code of Harry.” For a moment, they all seem to be a twistedly affectionate family. But the prospect gets derailed when Dexter comes home to find his new student murdered. There’s no time to mourn, since this event directly helps to uncover the true identity of the Brain Surgeon, the season’s principal antagonist. And the tales of all three killers make for some difficult viewing.

“Do the Wrong Thing”

A side effect of Dexter’s sinister desires allows him to recognize identical impulses in others. So it didn’t take him long to realize that Hannah McKay came with a murderous background. This time, Dexter used a first date as his guise to lure Hannah towards her premeditated doom. Killers they may be, but there was something heartbreaking about seeing Hannah on Dexter’s table…only moments after they’d romantically held hands. We expected the worst, until Dexter unpredictably diverted his knife. Instead of a victim, our homicidal protagonist suddenly had a lover. Until now, Rita had been the closest Dexter had come to a healthy relationship, but Hannah became a partner who could actually understand him. And we can’t forget how she fearlessly met his menacing gaze.

“This Is the Way the World Ends”


There’s a lot to unpack about Deb and Dex’s kinship, but this development took it a little farther than what we were prepared for. During one of her therapy sessions, Debra talks deeply about her brother and the elaborate history that they both share. Deb’s counselor offers the detail that they are not “biologically” related, trying to ease her client’s mind about the arguable romantic emotions that she may be manifesting. We hope that this isn’t the first scene of the show that you watched, because it could be hard to take…out of context. Regardless, Dexter and Debra spent their entire chaotic lives backing each other up. While a declaration like this may be earned, it still fastened us to the edge of our seats.

“Seeing Red”


Dexter’s role for the Miami Metro has been fueled by blood and his gift for analyzing it. So nobody–Dexter most of all–expected a blood-ridden crime scene to shake this expert to his core. The scene calls back to one of Dexter’s most significant repressed memories, the one that quite possibly made him the way that he is. The setting was arranged by the Ice Truck Killer, with the direct intent of thwarting Dexter’s resolve. But the psychological trap did its job of forcing our antihero to face his literal and figurative demons. Fans engaged in the show with high hopes of seeing into this forensic analyst and secret serial killer’s history. The “blood room” was our first chance at finally doing so.

Dex and Deb’s bond has been a throughline that held the moral and dramatic compass of the show together this entire time. Some fans might have thought that the end would involve Dexter taking his sister’s life…but perhaps not in this way. After a gunshot injury sends Deb into a volatile coma, Dexter decides that his choices are few and grim. In an act that he perceives as merciful, Dexter pulls the plug on Deb’s life support, later disposing of her body. Seeing himself as the cause for all of it, he fabricates his own demise and abandons the family that he fears to harm. While much can be debated about this finale, Debra’s fate was undoubtedly paramount in the story’s legacy.

“The Big One”

The fifth season's story involves Dexter helping Lumen catch Jordan Chase, the man responsible for nearly killing her. Dexter and Lumen begin a partnership and take down all of Chase's cohorts until they get Chase himself. Debra, who deduced Chase's truth herself and is aware of two vigilantes moving against him, catches Dexter and Lumen after their act of retribution, although with their identities obscured behind plastic. However, Debra chooses not to capture them. Having been disillusioned by Chase's protection through legal technicalities, Debra offers the vigilantes the chance to escape. This moment is certainly adrenaline-pumping as Dexter comes so close to getting caught. Debra's need to prove herself made us think she'll snag the culprits, but her own sense of justice ultimately prevails.

“Dirty Harry”

The fourth season's arc revolves around capturing the infamous Trinity Killer, although Dexter gets involved halfway through. Debra is shot while investigating Trinity, and Dexter decides to find the killer to make him pay. Despite tracking Trinity down, Dexter is unable to stop the latest killing spree. He's still successful enough to follow Trinity back to his house but is completely unprepared to see what's next. As it turns out, the man who's killed hundreds of people across decades, has a family of his own. Dexter, who's faced marriage problems with Rita, is baffled how a killer like him can balance both lives. While Dexter's seen horrifying things, watching Trinity with his family scares him more than anything else.

“Resistance Is Futile”

Having never bought into Dexter's facade of being a normal man, Doakes relentlessly pursues Dexter to learn his secret. He finally finds success when Dexter scrambles to cover his tracks as the Bay Harbor Butcher. Confronting Dexter, Doakes looks to bring him to justice. However, he doesn't account for Dexter's killer instinct as the latter turns the table on Doakes to capture him instead. The shocking aspect here doesn't just come from the capture, but the potential consequences to follow. Since Doakes doesn't qualify for Dexter's kill code, watching him take down Doakes carries the possibility of Dexter breaking his oath. It also seemed as if this was supposed to be Doakes' winning moment after having been defied by Dexter so many times.

"Dex Takes a Holiday"

A key character in the second season, Frank Lundy began a romance with Debra that was cut short after the Bay Harbor Butcher case was closed. He returns in Season 4, and begins the search for the Trinity Killer. Things are on track for Debra for once as she gets back together with Lundy... which is when everything comes crashing down. Debra and Lundy are shot at by an unknown assailant, leaving Lundy dead and ending this short reconciliation. Lundy's death reinforced the idea that anyone can die in the show, as his return was initially set up as a big deal. The ambiguity behind the shooter spreads a sense of fear throughout the scene, making the Trinity Killer seem even more dangerous.

“About Last Night”

Assistant DA Miguel Prado witnesses Dexter killing Freebo, the man involved in his brother's death. He wins Dexter's trust after giving him his shirt stained with Freebo's blood that could be used as evidence. Their partnership reaches its peak when they kill together, but Miguel begins straying too far by breaking the code. Needing leverage, Dexter investigates the shirt, only to learn it was cow's blood all along. An incensed Dexter realizes Miguel played him to learn how to be a killer. Having been charming, and seemingly loyal, it turns out Miguel was so calculating he could even fool Dexter himself. This changes the entire context of the season, as Miguel is revealed to be far more dangerous than thought.

“The British Invasion”

Dexter's association with Lila proves to be a toxic influence, as she makes him alienate his family and friends. Lila becomes obsessed with Dexter even after he dumps her, following his whereabouts to the cabin where Doakes is being held. Although clearly a villain, Lila wasn't presented as a killer until here she decides to cover Dexter's tracks. Mercilessly leaving Doakes to die in a cabin explosion, we watch as Lila leaves Doakes to his pleas of mercy. Doakes was a main cast character and a parallel to Dexter, so it was unexpected to see him meet such a horrible demise. There's also the fact that Doakes was technically the hero here, and his death meant there was no justice to be found in this story.

“This Is the Way the World Ends”

During a widely disliked plotline, Debra's therapist convinces her she's in love with her adoptive brother Dexter. Meanwhile, Dexter tracks down Travis Marshall, the Doomsday Killer, and takes him to the church that operated as his hideout. Having been told by Dexter that he was running forensics at the church, Debra arrives to tell him her feelings, only to witness Travis' demise. The episode's focus was mainly on Dexter's hunt for Travis and Debra's arc, both of which are instantly shut down in this scene. With mere moments left before the end of the season, we're left with the reality that Dexter has finally been caught. Significantly, it's one of the few times that Dexter expresses pure terror, as Debra sees who he really is.

“Truth Be Told”

The Ice Truck Killer has the drop on Dexter the whole time and looks to recruit him. In the penultimate episode of the first season, Debra's boyfriend Rudy proposes to her, which she happily accepts. It's here when Rudy suddenly changes his attitude, going from a nice person into someone filled with malicious intent. Rudy reveals he only got close to Debra because of her status as Dexter's adoptive sister and captures her. In an even bigger shocker, he confesses to being Dexter's biological brother, Brian, and sees his identity as the Ice Truck Killer as a complement to Dexter's own killing nature. This revelation brings all the plot points of the season together, with an outwardly harmless man becoming the main villain.

“Surprise, Motherf***er!”

LaGuerta deduces Dexter as the Bay Harbor Butcher and arrests him. Although Dexter manages to wriggle out, he realizes she will never stop pursuing him or Debra and decides to kill her. Luring her into the kill room for another victim, Dexter successfully ambushes LaGuerta but is interrupted by Debra who tries to convince him otherwise. Debra is faced with the impossible choice of killing her brother or protecting him, and chooses the latter. This results in Debra killing LaGuerta, something that absolutely shatters her. In a truly overwhelming moment, we watch as Debra mourns her act of murder, with even Dexter feeling remorse. It signifies how far Dexter has gotten, clearly coming across as the true villain of the series.

“The Getaway”

In the fourth season finale, Dexter finally captures Arthur, the Trinity Killer. He even contemplates leaving his dark passenger behind for his family but comes home to find his world upside down. It's revealed that Arthur had tracked Dexter's home and caught Rita, who becomes the final tragic victim of the Trinity Killer. Dexter ultimately loses when he should have won, as Arthur gets the last evil laugh from beyond the grave. The moment breaks the foundation of "Dexter," as Rita's death means nothing will ever be the same. It gives Dexter a painful reality check, with his decision to let Arthur live earlier coming to haunt him. Rita's demise also represents the loss of innocence, as her son is left to weep in her blood.


Which shocking Dexter reveal do you think should have made the cut? Let us know in the comments.