That Night, A Forest Grew
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Episode 7
| "That Night, A Forest Grew" | |
|---|---|
| Dexter episode | |
 | |
| Episode no. | Season 2 Episode 7 |
| Directed by | Jeremy Podeswa |
| Written by | Daniel Cerone |
| Cinematography by | Romeo Tirone |
| Editing by | Stewart Schill |
| Original release date | November 11, 2007 |
| Running time | 55 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"That Night, A Forest Grew" is the seventh episode of the second season and nineteenth overall episode of the American television drama series Dexter, which first aired on November 11, 2007 on Showtime in the United States. The episode was written by executive producer Daniel Cerone and was directed by Jeremy Podeswa.
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 sends a manifesto to confuse the police department, while also trying to prevent Doakes from investigating further.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.84 million household viewers and gained a 0.4/1 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received critical acclaim, who praised the scenes between Dexter and Doakes, as well as curiosity over Lila's intentions.
Under the Bay Harbor Butcher name, Dexter (Michael C. Hall) sends a manifesto to a newspaper, hoping he can distract the police by copy-pasting different manifestos from the Internet. He reveals three names not disclosed to the media, and builds different "explanations" behind his motives, leading to confusion over what he truly wants.
Doakes (Erik King) decides to investigate the Shipping Yard case, but Camilla (Margo Martindale) refuses to give him the files. To ruin his reputation, Dexter sabotages Doakes by making him intimidate an innocent suspect. Upon discovering he was set up, Doakes confronts Dexter. Dexter mocks him and head-butts him. When Dexter leaves, Doakes brutally assaults him in front of everyone, ruining his reputation. Tired, LaGuerta (Lauren Vélez) suspends Doakes and opens an investigation against him.
Meanwhile, Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) decides to break up with Gabriel (Dave Baez) but says it is not his fault. While lunching with Lundy (Keith Carradine), Debra kisses him. During a briefing over the Butcher's case, Lundy deduces that the killer wants to confuse them and that he might be involved in the police.
Dexter continues his relationship with Lila (Jaime Murray), although Debra dislikes her personality. Cody (Preston Bailey) calls Dexter and asks him to assist with a school project presentation the following day. While Gail (JoBeth Williams) refuses to get Dexter involved again, Rita (Julie Benz) is not content with her grounding her children for wanting to meet him. Rita also states that Gail lied about her decision to move into the house; she did not quit her job. She was fired instead. Fed up with her controlling nature, Rita kicks her out of the house. Dexter attends Cody's presentation the following day but is forced to leave shortly after it ends when Lila calls him for help when her apartment is burned down. Unbeknownst to Dexter, Lila set the fire off herself.
Production
Development
The episode was written by executive producer Daniel Cerone and was directed by Jeremy Podeswa. This was Cerone's fifth writing credit, and Podeswa's first directing credit.[1]
