Once Upon a Time... (Dexter)

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"Once Upon a Time..."
Dexter episode
Episode no.Season 6
Episode 2
Directed by S. J. Clarkson
Written by Tim Schlattmann
Cinematography byAlan Caso
Editing byKeith Henderson
Original release dateOctober 9, 2011 (2011-10-09)
Running time53 minutes
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
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"Those Kinds of Things"		Next →
"Smokey and the Bandit"
Dexter season 6
List of episodes

"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.

Contents

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.

Plot

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]

Reception

Viewers

In its original American broadcast, "Once Upon a Time..." was seen by an estimated 1.71 million household viewers with a 0.9 in the 18–49 demographics. This means that 0.9 percent of all households with televisions watched the episode. [2] This was a 22% decrease in viewership from the previous episode, which was watched by an estimated 2.19 million household viewers with a 1.1 in the 18–49 demographics. [3]

Critical reviews

"Once Upon a Time..." received generally positive reviews. Matt Fowler of IGN gave the episode a "good" 7.5 out of 10, and wrote, ""Once Upon a Time" tried its very best to present the theme of Dexter not wanting to show Harrison his "monster" side, but there's only so many times you can attack the same theme from different angles. Dexter's been fretting about Harrison ever since the beginning of last season, which means he's empathetic. And that he cares. And that he's way more capable of being a real human being around his son than the show would have us believe. The scenes between him and Harrison, at the end, were as normal as one could hope for." [4]

Joshua Alston of The A.V. Club gave the episode a "B" grade and wrote, "If Dexter is to remain compelling for the subsequent seasons that are probably in store, this season, which is the closest thing yet to a full-blown reboot, has to set that agenda." [5] Richard Rys of Vulture wrote, "Beyond the questions of faith and forgiveness, this season poses an even bigger one — can a monster ever truly change? Dexter isn't convinced. If Brother Sam can't prove him wrong, they both seem destined for grim final chapters of their own." [6]

Chase Gamradt of BuddyTV wrote, "The season is picking up steam, let's just hope that it doesn't stray too much into a Dan Brown novel before too long." [7] Ian Grey of Salon wrote, "at least this episode was better than the sixth season premiere, thanks mainly to the focus on Dexter's sister Deb, the show's MVP, played by professional exposed nerve Jennifer Carpenter." [8]

Billy Grifter of Den of Geek wrote, "For the second episode of the season, Dexter appears to be firing on all cylinders somewhat earlier than I'd anticipated. The only problem with that is, can the writers keep cranking up the tension continuously from this point onwards? They managed it in season four, but that was exceptional." [9] Matt Richenthal of TV Fanatic gave the episode a 4 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "I watch Dexter solely for Dexter and I also like my Dexter as part of a cat-and-mouse game. I like it when he hunts and when he's on the run and when he's doing all he can to stay one step ahead of the police or whatever Big Bad the show is featuring that season. There's only so much reflection I can take, which is why the start of season six feels a bit slow." [10]

Claire Zulkey of Los Angeles Times wrote, "One of the biggest issues I've had with Dexter in seasons past is how comparatively weak the Miami Police Department storylines are compared to the rest of the show — they're murder cops, after all, not accountants. Why did they have to be so dull? But from what I've seen so far, Dexter's co-workers are getting better treatment in Season 6." [11] Television Without Pity gave the episode a "C" grade. [12]

Related Research Articles

Debra Charlotte Morgan is a fictional character created by Jeff Lindsay for his Dexter book series. She also appears in the television series, based on Lindsay's books, portrayed by Jennifer Carpenter. In Lindsay's novels, she first appeared in Darkly Dreaming Dexter and was featured in every novel in the series. Debra is the sister of the series' antihero protagonist Dexter Morgan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dexter Morgan</span> Fictional character from the Dexter book and TV series

Dexter Morgan, also known by the in-universe moniker The Bay Harbor Butcher, is a fictional character introduced as the antihero protagonist of the Dexter book series written by Jeff Lindsay, as well as the television series of the same name. In the television series, Dexter is portrayed by Michael C. Hall.

"Return to Sender" is the sixth episode of the first season of the American television drama series Dexter, which first aired on November 5, 2006 on Showtime in the United States. The episode was written by Timothy Schlattmann and was directed by Tony Goldwyn. In the episode, Dexter Morgan investigates a murder scene where one of his own victims has returned after he disposed of the body. Meanwhile, his girlfriend Rita Bennett tries to prevent her husband Paul from attending their daughter's birthday party, and Lt. María LaGuerta considers adopting a young witness of the murder whom she finds at the crime scene.

<i>Dexter</i> season 3 Drama series

The third season of Dexter premiered on September 28, 2008, and ended on December 14, 2008. "Our Father", the season premiere, attracted 1.22 million viewers in the United States, making it Showtime's highest-rated drama season premiere since Nielsen Media Research began compiling ratings in 2004. The season finale "Do You Take Dexter Morgan?" attracted 1.5 million viewers. Season three was watched by an average of 1.1 million viewers a week.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">María LaGuerta</span> Fictional human

Captain María Esperanza di Alma LaGuerta is a fictional character portrayed by Lauren Vélez in the Showtime television series Dexter. In the series, she holds the position of lieutenant at the fictitious Miami-Metro Homicide Department. While initially depicted as a protagonist, Maria LaGuerta, who serves as the superior officer to main characters Dexter and Debra Morgan, evolves into one of the primary antagonists by Season 7.

"Hello, Dexter Morgan" is the eleventh episode of the fourth season of the American crime drama television series Dexter. It is the 47th overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer Scott Buck and producer Lauren Gussis, and was directed by S. J. Clarkson. It originally aired on Showtime on December 6, 2009.

<i>Dexter</i> season 6 Drama series

The sixth season of Dexter premiered on October 2, 2011, on the television cable network Showtime, and consisted of 12 episodes. The season follows Dexter's and Miami Metro's investigations into a string of bizarre ritualistic killings featuring overtly religious apocalyptic symbolism. On November 18, 2011, it was announced that Dexter had been renewed for two more seasons.

"Those Kinds of Things" is the first episode of the sixth season of the American crime drama television series Dexter. It is the 61st overall episode of the series and was written by showrunner Scott Buck, and was directed by John Dahl. It originally aired on Showtime on October 2, 2011.

"Are You...?" is the first episode of the seventh season of the Showtime television series Dexter and the seventy-third episode overall. The episode originally aired on September 30, 2012. It was directed by John Dahl and written by newly appointed showrunner Scott Buck.

"Left Turn Ahead" is the eleventh episode of the second season and twenty-third overall episode of the American television drama series Dexter, which first aired on 9 December 2007 on Showtime in the United States. The episode was written by co-executive producer Scott Buck and Tim Schlattmann, and was directed by Marcos Siega.

"Go Your Own Way" is the tenth episode of the third season of the American crime drama television series Dexter. It is the 34th overall episode of the series and was written by producer Tim Schlattmann, and was directed by John Dahl. It originally aired on Showtime on November 30, 2008.

"I Had a Dream" is the eleventh episode of the third season of the American crime drama television series Dexter. It is the 35th overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer Charles H. Eglee and co-producer Lauren Gussis, and was directed by Marcos Siega. It originally aired on Showtime on December 7, 2008.

"Dirty Harry" is the fifth episode of the fourth season of the American crime drama television series Dexter. It is the 41st overall episode of the series and was written by supervising producer Tim Schlattmann, and was directed by Keith Gordon. It originally aired on Showtime on October 25, 2009.

"First Blood" is the fifth episode of the fifth season of the American crime drama television series Dexter. It is the 53rd overall episode of the series and was written by co-executive producer Tim Schlattmann, and was directed by Romeo Tirone. It originally aired on Showtime on October 24, 2010.

"Take It!" is the eighth episode of the fifth season of the American crime drama television series Dexter. It is the 56th overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer Manny Coto and co-executive producer Wendy West, and was directed by Romeo Tirone. It originally aired on Showtime on November 14, 2010.

"Teenage Wasteland" is the ninth episode of the fifth season of the American crime drama television series Dexter. It is the 57th overall episode of the series and was written by supervising producer Lauren Gussis, and was directed by Ernest Dickerson. It originally aired on Showtime on November 21, 2010.

"Hop a Freighter" is the eleventh episode of the fifth season of the American crime drama television series Dexter. It is the 59th overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer Scott Buck and co-executive producer Tim Schlattmann from a story by Karen Campbell, and was directed by John Dahl. It originally aired on Showtime on December 5, 2010.

"Smokey and the Bandit" is the third episode of the sixth season of the American crime drama television series Dexter. It is the 63rd overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer Manny Coto, and was directed by Stefan Schwartz. It originally aired on Showtime on October 16, 2011.

"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.

References

  1. ↑ "Dexter – WGA Directory". Writers Guild of America West . Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  2. ↑ Gorman, Bill (October 11, 2011). "Sunday Cable Ratings: Nothing Keeps Up With Kardashians; Plus Housewives NJ Finale, Boardwalk Empire,Breaking Bad,Dexter & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 13, 2011. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  3. ↑ Seidman, Robert (October 4, 2011). "Sunday Cable Ratings: Cards/Phillies, New Jersey Housewives Top Night + Boardwalk Empire,Hung,Breaking Bad & Much More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 5, 2011. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  4. ↑ Fowler, Matt (October 9, 2011). "Dexter: "Once Upon a Time" Review". IGN . Archived from the original on October 11, 2011. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  5. ↑ Alston, Joshua (October 9, 2011). "Dexter: "Once Upon A Time"". The A.V. Club . Archived from the original on October 13, 2011. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  6. ↑ Rys, Richard (October 10, 2011). "Dexter Recap: Father Figure". Vulture . Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  7. ↑ Gamradt, Chase (October 9, 2011). "'Dexter' Recap: Best of 'Once Upon a Time'". BuddyTV . Archived from the original on October 11, 2011. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  8. ↑ Grey, Ian (October 10, 2011). "Welcome to "God Talk," starring Dexter". Salon . Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  9. ↑ Grifter, Billy (October 10, 2011). "Dexter season 6 episode 2 review: Once Upon a Time..." Den of Geek . Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  10. ↑ Richenthal, Matt (October 10, 2011). "Dexter Review: Gotta Have Faith". TV Fanatic. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  11. ↑ Zulkey, Claire (October 9, 2011). "'Dexter' recap: An evening full of wonders!". Los Angeles Times . Archived from the original on October 11, 2011. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  12. ↑ "Dexter: Once Upon a Time... – And They Lived Stabbily Ever After". Television Without Pity . October 16, 2011. Archived from the original on April 8, 2014. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
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