Ep 1. Dexter

Dexter is a crime thriller that follows the life of a Miami Police Department blood spatter analyst, Dexter Morgan. Season 1, Episode 1, ‘Dexter’ establishes the character of Dexter Morgan, and the premise of the show. Dexter is shown to be a highly intelligent, well-presented, and socially awkward guy with a dark secret. The episode introduces his world, his coworkers, and his past. Dexter has a dark past as a serial killer and the episode shows a glimpse of the tragic circumstances that led to it.

The episode opens with Dexter giving a voice-over about how he was born in blood, and that he had no feelings, or was incapable of experiencing emotions like normal people. Then there's a quick cut to a gruesome crime scene, where Dexter shows up to help out the Miami Police Department. Dexter observes the crime scene and identifies the killer almost instantly. He analyzes the blood splatter, the cuts, and the patterns to give the homicide department leads to the killer's identity. Dexter is highly skilled at what he does; this scene establishes him as a reliable consultant for the Miami PD. However, this scene also uncovers the darker side to Dexter's personality, as he openly fantasizes about killing the killer.

The episode soon shows us Dexter’s private life. He is shown to have a normal life with a girlfriend, Rita, and her two kids. Rita, played by Julie Benz, is a victim of physical abuse and has trust issues with men. Dexter tries to understand her past and provide her with a sense of safety and security in their relationship. Dexter’s sister, Debra, is also introduced; she happens to be a detective at the Miami PD. She has difficulty in getting respect from her male colleagues but is shown to be consistently hardworking and capable.

As the episode progresses, we see glimpses of Dexter’s darker side. He admits that he can’t help feeling an urge to kill when he encounters certain people. He only kills people who have gotten away with their crimes, often after a flaw in the legal system results in their release. Dexter's code of morals, he never kills the innocent or uninvolved, makes him choose his victims carefully and plan their murders meticulously.

As the episode continues, it gives us a glimpse of Dexter’s past. Dexter was adopted by a cop, Harry Morgan, who recognized Dexter's innate impulse to kill. So, Harry trained and taught Dexter to channel his motivation to do something good for society. Harry implemented Dexter's code of conduct and morality, and the episode shows flashbacks of Harry teaching Dexter how to blend in with society and avoid getting caught. Dexter still holds Harry's code dear, and the code makes it easier for him to justify his actions.

The climax of the episode shows Dexter's darker side, as he confronts and kills a perpetrator who had slipped through the legal cracks. The scene is intense, as Dexter's internal monologue battles with his ‘dark passenger,’ the code, and his urge to kill. The scene is highly stylized, with quick cuts, flashbacks, and red-themed lighting.

The episode ends with Dexter relishing the successful completion of his "ritual." He has a sense of satisfaction and calmness, as if he had just completed a job that he was born to do. The show leaves the viewer with the feeling that there's more to come - that this is just the beginning of Dexter's journey as a serial killer hunting down other killers.

In conclusion, season 1, episode 1, 'Dexter' is a well-crafted introduction to the character. The episode establishes the premise of the show in a straightforward but effective way. It introduces the viewer to Dexter, the character, and the world he inhabits. The episode manages to make the audience feel sympathetic to a killer; it's a delicate line to walk but is done exceptionally well. The episode leaves the audience curious about the world of Dexter Morgan and the twists and turns that his life and work will take from here on out.