I wasn't sure they'd manage to pull it off, but that was truly the perfect way to end such a groundbreaking and wonderful series. Kudos to Clyde Phillips and Showtime.
In the end, Dexter had to die because he fit his own code, and when his son told him to open his eyes (the same way he always did with his victims) he realized it was necessary. They did a great job showing that even though Harrison is troubled, he's a better person than Dexter and was right when he called his father out. Although it was a bit harsh to have him be the one to kill Dex. That probably won't help Harrison be any less traumatized.
The last Batista appearance and Doakes finally being exonerated were some nice finishing touches as well. The only thing that I felt was missing was I wish they showed some of the aftermath, but I guess it's good they left a little up to the imagination. Thinking about it, it was a lot like the Breaking Bad ending, with the protagonist dying and his less guilty accomplice driving off to begin again. It worked well both times. Of course, the season wasn't perfect. There was some sloppy writing (like the M99/Ketamine switch up and Dexter miraculously healing after being shot in the leg), but nothing major IMO. The most common complaint I've seen is about Logan's fate. I get why it might upset some viewers, but I don't understand why so many are trying to argue that Dexter killing him doesn't make sense. It clearly does in the established context. No way Batista wouldn't be able to come up with enough evidence at that point, and Dexter knew it.
It really was Dexter's last chance to guarantee his escape and be with his son. Faking your own death when you've been a major suspect in that big of an investigation is not something that people will ignore. Plus, Batista and Quinn witnessed Dexter casually kill Saxon in the Season 8 finale but let it go because they thought they knew their friend. In the context of Dexter faking his death and then becoming a murder suspect in a new town, along with old suspicions, things take on a new shape. They have more than enough to hold Dex in custody while they comb through all the evidence from LaGuerta's folder and Iron Lake.
Dexter wouldn't have seen the light of day. He knew he was caught and that Harrison would be brought in and questioned as well (maybe even charged). It makes sense that he would rather risk running than face that kind of scrutiny just to MAYBE get off (but still always be held under suspicion anyway). So he ran, because it would be much simpler and the only way to ensure he'd be with Harrison again. I really don't think it was bad writing like so many are saying, just a little rushed. And that brings me to my one criticism. While I really loved the ending, I do think it would have been better to spread it out over a couple of episodes to give everything a little more room to breathe. Regardless of it feeling a bit too hurried, the end felt earned. It was bold, and I totally respected it. It's an infinitely more satisfying finale than we were given in Season 8 at the very least, and I feel like people who are claiming otherwise are just nitpicking or being obtuse.
Anyways, even though I'm sad to see it go, after this excellent final season I'm finally ready to say goodbye to one of my favorite series. To me, the finale stayed true to the heart of the show, providing a memorable, fitting, and cathartic sendoff to one of the all-time greatest characters on television. It was a thoughtful, bittersweet, and admirably poignant conclusion which Michael C. Hall absolutely killed. He is Dexter Morgan, and his brilliant performance is going to stick with me forever.
In the end, Dexter had to die because he fit his own code, and when his son told him to open his eyes (the same way he always did with his victims) he realized it was necessary. They did a great job showing that even though Harrison is troubled, he's a better person than Dexter and was right when he called his father out. Although it was a bit harsh to have him be the one to kill Dex. That probably won't help Harrison be any less traumatized.
The last Batista appearance and Doakes finally being exonerated were some nice finishing touches as well. The only thing that I felt was missing was I wish they showed some of the aftermath, but I guess it's good they left a little up to the imagination. Thinking about it, it was a lot like the Breaking Bad ending, with the protagonist dying and his less guilty accomplice driving off to begin again. It worked well both times. Of course, the season wasn't perfect. There was some sloppy writing (like the M99/Ketamine switch up and Dexter miraculously healing after being shot in the leg), but nothing major IMO. The most common complaint I've seen is about Logan's fate. I get why it might upset some viewers, but I don't understand why so many are trying to argue that Dexter killing him doesn't make sense. It clearly does in the established context. No way Batista wouldn't be able to come up with enough evidence at that point, and Dexter knew it.
It really was Dexter's last chance to guarantee his escape and be with his son. Faking your own death when you've been a major suspect in that big of an investigation is not something that people will ignore. Plus, Batista and Quinn witnessed Dexter casually kill Saxon in the Season 8 finale but let it go because they thought they knew their friend. In the context of Dexter faking his death and then becoming a murder suspect in a new town, along with old suspicions, things take on a new shape. They have more than enough to hold Dex in custody while they comb through all the evidence from LaGuerta's folder and Iron Lake.
Dexter wouldn't have seen the light of day. He knew he was caught and that Harrison would be brought in and questioned as well (maybe even charged). It makes sense that he would rather risk running than face that kind of scrutiny just to MAYBE get off (but still always be held under suspicion anyway). So he ran, because it would be much simpler and the only way to ensure he'd be with Harrison again. I really don't think it was bad writing like so many are saying, just a little rushed. And that brings me to my one criticism. While I really loved the ending, I do think it would have been better to spread it out over a couple of episodes to give everything a little more room to breathe. Regardless of it feeling a bit too hurried, the end felt earned. It was bold, and I totally respected it. It's an infinitely more satisfying finale than we were given in Season 8 at the very least, and I feel like people who are claiming otherwise are just nitpicking or being obtuse.
Anyways, even though I'm sad to see it go, after this excellent final season I'm finally ready to say goodbye to one of my favorite series. To me, the finale stayed true to the heart of the show, providing a memorable, fitting, and cathartic sendoff to one of the all-time greatest characters on television. It was a thoughtful, bittersweet, and admirably poignant conclusion which Michael C. Hall absolutely killed. He is Dexter Morgan, and his brilliant performance is going to stick with me forever.