'Dexter' in his final breaths

Dexter Morgan, forensic blood splatter specialist, serial killer and all around messed up dude, might have his darkest days ahead of him. And that’s saying something after seven seasons of death, murdered love interests, devious friends and enthralling enemies.

“Dexter,” which debuted in 2006, is the rare show that has seen its audience grow year after year, constantly breaking records in viewership. So it’s astounding for SHOWTIME to let its crown jewel go off the air when it remains more popular than ever. But let’s give it up for the network, because it’s high time we said goodbye to America’s favorite serial killer.

While it’s been consistently well-acted and a verified member of the “Must See TV” club, “Dexter” has creatively suffered in it’s latter seasons. Julia Stiles’ Lumen was a poor female replacement after Dexter’s wife died at the hands of the Trinity killer, and don’t get me started on the ludicrous Doomsday killers.

But season eight begins on appealing ground. After last season’s superb cliffhanger ending, we pick up a few months down the road. Dexter continues to work for Miami Metro Police Department and raise his young son, Harrison. But it’s his adopted sister Deb (Jennifer Carpenter) who has spun off the tracks after murdering her boss last season to protect Dexter. Deb is working the private circuit now, sleeping and snorting coke with the criminals she’s “working” to take down.

Deb has consistently been the most interesting character on “Dexter,” which is not something I say lightly, seeing as the show’s main character is a likable psychopath. Now she’s more alive and venerable than ever thanks largely to Carpenter’s dangerous and uncontrolled disposition.

Deb is the physical manifestation of Dexter’s actions. His need to kill has torn down those around him, and it’s finally broken the one person he’s always cared about above all others. It’s this question season eight begs to ask. At the day’s end, who will pay for Dexter Morgan’s actions? And who will be left standing?

The first few episodes introduce a new big bad murderer who removes a specific section of his victim’s brains. An expert on psychopaths is called in, a woman played with sly mystery by Charlotte Rampling, who may or may not have ties to the killer. But she most definitely has ties to Dexter and his troubled past. It’s this dynamic relationship that gives hope “Dexter” may yet go out with it’s biggest bang yet.