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Category:    Home > Reviews > Drama > Comedy > Murder > TV > Dexter – The Fifth Season (2010/Showtime/CBS Blu-ray)

Dexter – The Fifth Season (2010/Showtime Blu-ray)

 

Picture: A-     Sound: A-     Extras: C     Episodes: B+

 

 

NOTE: There will be PREVIOUS SEASON spoilers in this review

 

We are treated to another season of the morally twisted serial killer Dexter on Blu-ray with The Complete Fifth Season.  We ended Season 4 with the tragic loss of Dexter’s wife Rita; ending one of the best seasons of a series in television history; perhaps one of the best storylines to be on television or film.

 

So where was Dexter to go after such a memorably epic season; well of course nowhere, but down.  Season 4 created something that was not easy to top, so The Fifth Season was bound to suffer.  And suffering is what Season 5 is all about.  Dexter Morgan (who lacked emotion for as long as he could remember) suffered a loss, a loss that would rock him to his core.  He was now a single father; a single father who also just lost his two step children as they blame him for their mother’s death.  The Trinity Killer had stolen the life that Dexter had created and there was no turning back.  As Dexter had disposed of The Trinity Killer himself without the knowledge of his sister or local authorities, he was forced to again suffer alone.  All of this on top of Dexter (being the husband of the slain) being suspect number one; and consistently in his absences to work and meetings making himself all the more suspect.

 

As Dexter tries to pull his life back together, another tragedy unfolds around him.  While on the prowl for his next victim, Dexter discovers a beaten, broken, and near death woman named Lumen (Julia Styles) who was being held captive.  Dexter instinctively saves the woman, but quickly realizes he has revealed himself and there is no turning back.  He keeps the woman hidden from view (at first), but soon builds a bond with her; thinking that their tragic pasts have linked them somehow, each having a ‘dark passenger.’  Lumen is part of a bigger plot by a group of men who have terrorized the world for years; never slowing down as their disgusting brand of wrath was unleashed on an unsuspecting world.  Now in Dexter’s sights the men will be brought to justice…in Dexter’s on special way.  Viewers will watch the tale of ‘the barrel girls’ unfurl with a series of jaw dropping and ‘edge of your seat’ events.

 

The technical features for the Fifth Season have not been touched, when compared to Season 4; but why mess with a working formula.  The picture again is presented in a 1080p High Definition that excellently balances both light and dark (something Dexter himself is trying to do).  The image as always is crisp, clean, clear and nearly perfect only having tiny issues here and there.  The colors blast vibrantly onto the screen and the dark inky blacks surround each frame to nicely capture each moment, with no light/dark issues to mention.  The detail of the picture this season is astonishing as every freckle, scar and blood drip can be seen with ease.  I do notice grain here and there and some pulsating on certain textures; but truly minor gripes.  Outside of the few issues here and there the picture is demonstration quality, especially for a TV series.  The sound is still awesome in its Dolby True HD 5.1 format.  The bass booms like a heart beat, adding intensity to dramatic sequences and when action hits the screen you are suddenly surrounded with sound.  The musical scores set up the atmosphere from every angle, sending chills down your spine.  The dialogue projects through crisp and clear with ease, making every word pop.

 

The extras are somewhat lacking, as they have many short interviews, but nothing all too revealing.  I was expecting more from this great series.  The extras include the following:

 

  • Episodes 1 & 2 of The Borgias
  • Interviews with Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, CS Lee, Lauren Velez, Julia Stiles, James Remar, Desmond Harrington, Chip Johannessen, and David Zayas
  • Reflecting on Season Five: Julia Stiles

 

 

-   Michael P. Dougherty II


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