Dexter Season 4 Episode 7: Slack Tide

Even into a good season, a plodding, filler-stuffed episode must fall.  This week’s edition of Dexter felt laborious in pacing — a sure-fire sign that the writers are trying to stretch the season’s 12-episode arc out.  Some interesting character revelations were introduced and the story progressed, adding a few new twists and turns, but how soon and how well those last-minute plot points may be fleshed out remains to be seen. 

Once again, Dexter’s home life is almost as painful for the viewer to watch as it is for him to endure.  Rita loves him a whole bunch now that he’s in therapy and she has him (seemingly) successfully under her thumb, helping the kids with homework and putting together wee Harrison’s baby bouncer.  (Not to fling about too much Rita Hate, but what exactly does Rita do all day?  Particularly in the mornings when Dexter is getting ready to go to work?)