Once Upon a Time... (Dexter)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Episode 2
| "Once Upon a Time..." | |
|---|---|
| Dexter episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 6 Episode 2 |
| Directed by | S. J. Clarkson |
| Written by | Tim Schlattmann |
| Cinematography by | Alan Caso |
| Editing by | Keith Henderson |
| Original release date | October 9, 2011 |
| Running time | 53 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Once Upon a Time..." is the second episode of the sixth season of the American crime drama television series Dexter. It is the 62nd overall episode of the series and was written by co-executive producer Tim Schlattmann, and was directed by S. J. Clarkson. It originally aired on Showtime on October 9, 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, Dexter is introduced to Brother Sam, an ex-con turned minister who helps other ex-cons start a new life. Meanwhile, Debra receives a promotion, while Gellar seeks Travis' full cooperation.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.71 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 its performances, but felt that the themes were redundant.
Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) finds an engagement ring in the refrigerator, giving Quinn (Desmond Harrington) to propose to her. However, she turns it down, saying they must wait. While she states she is content with their relationship, Quinn is left disillusioned and asks her to move out of his apartment.
Miami Metro investigates Omar Rivera's murder in the beach, noting he worked at a body shop. They question the shop's owner, Brother Sam (Mos Def), an ex-con turned minister who helps other ex-cons start a new life. Brother Sam is not a suspect, and he considers that everyone can change, but Dexter (Michael C. Hall) is unconvinced. He visits him at his shop, and is told that he killed a man in the past, but religion helped him move forward. Despite LaGuerta (Lauren Vélez) advocating for Angel (David Zayas) to become lieutenant, Matthews (Geoff Pierson) instead gives the position to Debra after her act of heroism at the restaurant goes viral. Debra reluctantly agrees, while Angel and LaGuerta are left disappointed.
While he remains committed to helping Gellar (Edward James Olmos) on his plans, Travis (Colin Hanks) often asks to arrive a few minutes to tend other activities, to Gellar's disappointment. Travis meets with his sister Lisa (Molly Parker) to dine at her house. When he returns to a church they use as their hideout, he finds Gellar awaiting him. He burns his own arm with a hot iron, lamenting Travis' selfishness. A horrified Travis agrees to prioritize their work. Later, they abduct a jogger (David Monahan) to use as their next victim.
Dexter follows Brother Sam at his shop, finding him take a body to his trunk. As he is almost attacked by his dog, he is caught by Brother Sam. He reveals that the body, Nick, is actually alive and he tried to have him killed. Nick's gang arrives to kill Brother Sam, but are forced to leave when Dexter reveals his badge. Nevertheless, Dexter finds that the leader of the gang is also a murderer and subsequently tracks and kills him.
Production
Development
The episode was written by co-executive producer Tim Schlattmann, and was directed by S. J. Clarkson. This was Schlattmann's 11th writing credit, and Clarkson's second directing credit.[1]
