Monkey in a Box
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| "Monkey in a Box" | |
|---|---|
| Dexter episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 8 Episode 11 |
| Directed by | Ernest Dickerson |
| Written by | |
| Cinematography by | Jeffrey Jur |
| Editing by | Amy E. Duddleston |
| Original release date | September 15, 2013 |
| Running time | 52 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Monkey in a Box" is the eleventh episode of the eighth season of the American crime drama television series Dexter. It is the 95th overall episode of the series and was written by executive producers Tim Schlattmann and Wendy West, and directed by Ernest Dickerson. It originally aired on Showtime on September 15, 2013.
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 tries to find Saxon before leaving for Argentina, while Debra returns to Miami Metro as detective.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.40 million household viewers and gained a 1.0 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received mixed reviews from critics, who criticized the writing, pacing, logic, characters' actions and plot holes.
At Vogel's house, Dexter (Michael C. Hall) removes all of the files detailing his connection to Vogel before calling the police. He then lies to Angel (David Zayas) and Quinn (Desmond Harrington) that he already found her dead, not revealing that Saxon (Darri Ingólfsson) is the killer.
Dexter discovers that Saxon issued a demolition permission to gain access to an abandoned hospital, deducing that must be his hideout. Saxon shows up at the station to clear his name regarding Cassie's murder, but is taken aback when Dexter pulls a DNA swab on him. He provides the information to Debra (Jennifer Carpenter), who is surprised that her brother chose to let the police take care of Saxon instead. As Debra begins working again as a detective, she is questioned by Clayton (Kenny Johnson), as Hannah (Yvonne Strahovski) was reported to be seen at a hospital using Debra's name. She claims she was the one who took Harrison there, but Clayton is not convinced. He raises his suspicions to Elway (Sean Patrick Flanery), who decides to visit Debra, finding signs that there are more people in the house.
After Vogel's funeral, the police go to Angel's restaurant. Angel, Quinn and Matthews (Geoff Pierson) each take turns to bid farewell to Dexter, telling him he can return if he wants. Afterwards, Dexter meets with Sylvia Prado (Valerie Cruz), who is helping him find buyers for his apartment. He is surprised when one of the interested clients is Saxon himself, and they are left alone to talk. Saxon wants to make a truce with Dexter, wherein he will not pursue and kill him if Dexter does the same, with both moving on with their lives. Dexter agrees, but secretly continues his plan to kill him. To avoid Elway catching her, Hannah moves to a hotel near the airport. Elway and Clayton break into Debra's house, with Elway finding booked flights on her computer.
Obtaining footage of Saxon's murders, Dexter anonymously sends it to the media, while the police receive confirmation that his real name is Daniel Vogel. As a hurricane approaches Miami, Saxon discovers his photograph in a news report and sets out to kill Dexter at his apartment. However, Dexter anticipates this and sedates him with Debra's help. Dexter takes Saxon to the abandoned hospital to kill him, but Dexter finds that he has lost his interest in killing, preferring to just be with Hannah. With his Dark Passenger gone, he shares a final conversation with Harry Morgan (James Remar), noting that he does not need him anymore. He calls Debra to come and arrest him, and they embrace before Dexter leaves. Unknown to them, Clayton has followed Debra and has entered the hospital, finding Saxon strapped to his killing chair. He releases Saxon, who in turn takes a knife to kill Clayton. When Debra enters, Saxon uses Clayton's gun to shoot her and escape. As Dexter and Harrison leave for the airport, Elway follows Hannah to the airport.
Production
Development
The episode was written by executive producers Tim Schlattmann and Wendy West, and directed by Ernest Dickerson. This was Schlattmann's 16th writing credit, West's 11th writing credit, and Dickerson's ninth directing credit.[1]
