Dexter – “Sunshine and Frosty Swirl” Review [Warning: Spoilers]

Fresh off of one of the most jaw-dropping endings to an episode that the series has ever displayed, Dexter is back for the second episode of season 7, “Sunshine and Frosty Swirl.”

This week’s episode picks up right where last week’s left off: Dex’s secret has been revealed to Deb and Deb is now losing her lunch on the front lawn. There are two main storylines focused on throughout the episode: Deb’s attempt to understand and “cure” Dexter, and Dexter’s attempt to figure out what Louis really knows about him. As foul-mouthed as ever, Jennifer Carpenter is fantastic in this episode as she struggles with Dexter’s secret and attempts to piece back together her shattered world. The interactions between Dex and Louis were great as well – both when Dexter threatens Louis and the next day when Louis shows up at Dexter’s apartment (the look that Dexter gives him is priceless).

Aside from these two main storylines, there are a few side plots that are touched upon as well in the episode. Batista and Quinn are still investigating the dead stripper, which help us to unveil more information on Ray Stevenson’s character, Isaac. More importantly and even more so teased, however, was LaGuerta connection of Doakes’ case evidence with that of the blood slide found at the crime scene in last week’s episode. Although just a very brief moment for LaGuerta, this scene definitely has implications for where this season is headed. Finally, there’s Wayne: the “self-healed” murderer who is sharing his secret to being cured with Dexter. Or so we think.

The episode winds down with Dex considering Wayne’s story and the possibility that maybe Deb is right about the chance of Dexter being cured someday. Alas, much like a piñata, this little idea gets its rope pulled and we all swing and miss; Wayne reveals it all to be a hoax just to give him the opportunity to commit suicide (and open the door to introducing Yvonne Strahovski’s character next week). This moment, and that of Isaac’s eyeball stabbing – both meant to be the big shock-and-awe moments of the episode – fall a bit short compared to last week’s emotional ending. Nevertheless, “Sunshine and Frosty Swirl” sets the stage nicely for a fantastic feud between Dexter and Louis that is sure to bring some entertainment all season long.

8 out of 10