A Horse of a Different Color
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Episode 4
| "A Horse of a Different Color" | |
|---|---|
| Dexter episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 6 Episode 4 |
| Directed by | John Dahl |
| Written by | Lauren Gussis |
| Cinematography by | Romeo Tirone |
| Editing by | Louis Cioffi |
| Original release date | October 23, 2011 |
| Running time | 52 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"A Horse of a Different Color" is the fourth episode of the sixth season of the American crime drama television series Dexter. It is the 64th overall episode of the series and was written by supervising producer Lauren Gussis, and was directed by John Dahl. It originally aired on Showtime on October 23, 2011.
Set in Miami, the series centers on Dexter Morgan, a forensic technician specializing in bloodstain pattern analysis for the fictional Miami Metro Police Department, who leads a secret parallel life as a vigilante serial killer, hunting down murderers who have not been adequately punished by the justice system due to corruption or legal technicalities. In the episode, Miami Metro finds a new serial killer, while Travis begins to deviate from Gellar's plans.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.89 million household viewers and gained a 0.9 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances and themes, but criticizing the characterization and CGI.
Miami Metro investigates the appearance of the four horses, as each one carried a mannequin with Nathan's dismembered body parts. They find another symbol of Alpha and Omega as well as four numbers, which were also found in Omar Rivera's murder, and they realize they are after the same killer. Mike Anderson (Billy Brown) theorizes that the horses resemble the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
LaGuerta (Lauren Vélez) is not thrilled that Matthews (Geoff Pierson) wants Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) to oversee all press hearings, so she gets her to attend therapy for the restaurant shooting. As Mike discovers that there might be "tableaus" involved, Dexter discovers that the murders and numbers were all five days apart. While they work on what his next move might be, Debra decides to name the killer as the "Doomsday Killer." At a café, Travis (Colin Hanks) and Gellar (Edward James Olmos) discuss their strategy, but Travis is distracted by the waitress, Erin (Jamie Silberhartz), whom he likes. Travis abandons Gellar later to go on a date with Erin, which culminates with sex. The following day, Travis is horrified to find that Gellar has kidnapped Erin, demanding that he focuses on his mission.
As Dexter investigates the Doomsday Killer, he also talks with Brother Sam (Mos Def) over the case, and how the killer uses God as an excuse to kill. During this, Dexter realizes that the amount of work in the murders suggests two serial killers. Harrison is reported sick, and a doctor states that he needs surgery for his appendix. After talking with Brother Sam, Dexter prays to God for his son's safety. Masuka continues his relationship with Ryan (Brea Grant), realizing that she shares the same interests as him. However, Masuka is informed that a prosthetic hand from the Ice Truck Killer has gone on auction on a website. He tries to buy it back, but is already sold. Ryan confirms she did it to pay her rent, and Masuka is forced to fire her.
During her press conference, Debra accidentally uses profanity, and LaGuerta believes this will disrupt her career. However, the public approves of Debra's carefree personality, delighting Matthews. Dexter is relieved when Harrison's surgery is successful. Miami Metro gains a list of possible suspects, including Gellar himself. Gellar was a religious studies professor who vanished three years prior after being fired for stealing a sword. They are then summoned to a botanical garden, where Erin is bound. When someone accidentally touches a wire, a trap kills Erin to display her as the Angel of Death, while locusts are released. As Dexter leaves, he notices Travis watching the scene, and deduces he could be one of the Doomsday Killers.
Production
The episode was written by supervising producer Lauren Gussis, and was directed by John Dahl. This was Gussis' eighth writing credit, and Dahl's ninth directing credit.[1]
