Blinded by the Light (Dexter)
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Episode 3
| "Blinded by the Light" | |
|---|---|
| Dexter episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 4 Episode 3 |
| Directed by | Marcos Siega |
| Written by | Scott Buck |
| Cinematography by | Romeo Tirone |
| Editing by | Matthew V. Colonna |
| Original release date | October 11, 2009 |
| Running time | 51 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Blinded by the Light" is the third episode of the fourth season of the American crime drama television series Dexter. It is the 39th overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer Scott Buck, and was directed by Marcos Siega. It originally aired on Showtime on October 11, 2009.
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, Dexter and Miami Metro investigate a new victim committed by the Trinity Killer, while also dealing with a vandal in his neighborhood.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.24 million household viewers and gained a 0.5/1 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received positive reviews from critics, although some criticized the lack of character development and momentum.
During a barbecue, Rita (Julie Benz) confronts Dexter (Michael C. Hall) over his car crash. For his sake, she decides to drive him to work. When a local vandal begins stirring up trouble, the neighborhood establishes a watch, further complicating Dexter's escapades.
The Trinity Killer (John Lithgow) forces Tarla (Suzanne Cryer) to enter a warehouse building, then yells at her to jump out of the building. When he threatens to kill her family, she jumps, leading to her death. He subsequently drops some powder next to her body. As Miami Metro investigates the death, Lundy (Keith Carradine), finds a pattern to a similar death that occurred thirty years ago. Following Trinity's pattern, he will then kill a man as his final victim. Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) is skeptical of ruling the death as a suicide, given that she drove so far and left two children behind. Quinn (Desmond Harrington) decides to give two tickets for a Miami Dolphins game to Dexter, and he in turn gives it to Masuka (C. S. Lee).
Masuka finds that Tarla was diagnosed with a brain tumor, ruling her death as a suicide, but Debra is still not convinced. Quinn confronts Dexter over his attempts to deflect him, and Dexter states he does not care if he is "a dirty cop." Quinn is offended by the remark, explaining he took the money to cover his debts, to which Dexter simply tells him not to get Debra involved. Anton (David Ramsey) returns from his job at the cruise; as his band has a local job at a bar, he can now stay with Debra more often. Debra is not happy with the news, especially as she questions her feelings for Lundy. Dexter also talks with Astor (Christina Robinson), apologizing for constantly humiliating her. Astor reconciles with him, understanding his position.
Dexter suspects that Jesse (Matthew Fahey), a teenager whom Astor likes, might be the vandal in the neighborhood. However, as he sneaks in, he discovers that Jesse's father Andy (J. C. MacKenzie) is the real vandal. Andy admits hating the neighborhood and his own life, and is willing to let Dexter kill him. When Dexter threatens to kill Jesse, Andy promises to stop. Dexter returns home, annoyed over a lights system that his neighbor Elliot installed. He destroys them with a rake, which is witnessed by Rita.
Production
Development
The episode was written by executive producer Scott Buck, and was directed by Marcos Siega. This was Buck's seventh writing credit, and Siega's ninth directing credit.[1]
