Dexter Morgan's Dumbest Decisions

Overview

Dexter Morgan, a genius in hiding his double life, made several catastrophic decisions that nearly cost him everything. These decisions highlight the conflict between his methodical nature and his poor decision-making skills. Below are his seven major blunders, each illustrating how he nearly lost control of his life.

Decision 1: Sparing Arthur Mitchell

• Context: Dexter had Arthur Mitchell (Trinity) cornered but chose not to kill him immediately.
• Reason: Wanted to conduct the ritual killing properly.
• Consequence: Trinity murdered Rita, leaving their son Harrison in a pool of blood.
• Symbolism: This mirrored Dexter's own origin story, emphasizing his lack of control.

Decision 2: Attempting Change with Oliver Saxon

• Context: Dexter decided to spare Oliver Saxon, a dangerous killer.
• Reason: Sudden moral epiphany to try due process.
• Consequence: Saxon shot Deborah, leading to her eventual death.
• Reflection: Dexter's hesitation cost him the one person who believed in his good side.

Decision 3: Cheating on Rita

• Context: Dexter cheated on Rita with Lila.
• Importance of Rita: She was Dexter's anchor and provided stability.
• Lila's Influence: Excited by Dexter's dark side, she aimed to unravel him.
• Consequence: Led to chaos and threatened Dexter's family.

Decision 4: Leaving a Blood Slide

• Context: Dexter left a blood slide at the Travis Marshall crime scene.
• Significance: A careless mistake for someone detail-oriented.
• Outcome: Maria Legera reopened the Bay Harbor Butcher case.
• Impact: Dexter's empire began to collapse.

Decision 5: Trusting Miguel Prado

• Context: Dexter opened up to Miguel Prado, a district attorney.
• Expectation: Thought they shared values in killing the deserving.
• Reality: Miguel used Dexter’s methods for personal vendettas.
• Lesson: Dexter’s loneliness led to a dangerous alliance.

Decision 6: Leaving Harrison with Hannah McKay

• Context: Post-faking his death, Dexter left Harrison with Hannah McKay.
• Hannah's Profile: A known fugitive and murderer.
• Reason: To avoid fatherhood responsibilities.
• Consequence: Harrison inherited Dexter’s damage, as seen in "New Blood."

Decision 7: Making Deborah Choose

• Context: Maria Legera discovered Dexter's identity as the Bay Harbor Butcher.
• Decision: Dexter made Deborah choose between killing Legera or Dexter going to prison.
• Impact: Deborah's moral compass shattered, leading to her downfall.

Conclusion

• Themes: Dexter’s decisions highlight pride, control, and desperation overruling logic.
• Overall Impact: In trying to be human, Dexter repeatedly created chaos.
• Question for Reflection: What was Dexter's dumbest decision, and which moment sealed his fate?