Dexter – “Buck the System” Review [Warning: Spoilers]

Dexter: Season 7 rolls forward with its third episode, “Buck the System.” The prior two episodes have gotten this season off to a hot start – does the third keep the rhythm going?

A lot happens in this episode, from one side character getting killed to another side character’s debut. I won’t waste any time getting into what I found to be the more controversial moments, at least in my opinion; Louis getting axed by Isaac didn’t initially sit well with me. First and foremost, it exposes the writers of the show for not truly knowing what to do with a character that they revealed to be a creep way back in the latter half of last season. Yes, I know, we were all approaching a dead end with the Dexter/Louis feud since Dex’s “code” would have prevented him from actually killing Louis (there was really no way to justify it; he was nothing more than a stalker to Dex). But did it have to happen so quickly in the season? Dexter burns Louis pretty hard by getting him both fired and dumped in the same day, but we’ll never truly see Louis get revenge…

Alas, if our creepy friend had to go, then I must concede that it was a pretty great moment in tonight’s episode. Admit it: we all thought as Isaac was stepping off the boat that he was going to let that worm slip right through his fingers. I guess with the inevitable fact that Louis was useless in the grand scheme of things, what better way to build Isaac as an antagonist than a senseless (yet awesome) killing?

The episode also gave us our first interaction between Dex and Hannah (Yvonne Strahovski). The awkward DNA swab scene was humorous and we can all instantly tell that she has the potential to be Dex’s new girl. Another great moment was the horror movie chase scene in Speltzer’s house, which was constructed to be something out of a SAW movie. It serves as a way for Deb to finally “get it” when it comes to Dexter’s lifestyle.

What we’re getting so far out of the seventh season of Dexter is consistency. There is a balance of tension, controversial moments, and suspense – all sprinkled with a little dark humor. “Buck the System” is no exception. The slight left turn made in the direction of the season, coupled with the introduction of Strahovski’s character, is making for a ton of intrigue this season.

8 out of 10