[doglover5]

So I just started watching Dexter (from season 1). Just curious to know how accurate it is (relative to the fact that it's a tv show of course.)

As you continue to watch, you'll see Dexter has a VERY strong sense of compassion; he just has different ways of showing it. The only thing that really "makes" him appear that way is that his moral values obviously differ from most people's in that he'd rather kill a rapist/serial killer rather than give them the luxury of the justice system. Which makes total sense to me. While I DEFINITELY love the show... I question its validity as far as ASPD goes. Serial killer doesn't have to be synonymous to psychopath/antisocial. While he does have some traits, whether he actually has ASPD or is just severely otherwise traumatized mentally/emotionally is up for debate. : )

I've had the pleasure of enduring the first five seasons and a few episodes of the sixth. He's most psychopathic in the beginning of the first season and in what few episodes I've seen of the sixth. But even at his most psychopathic, he still falls short of the real thing. If you ask me, the producers or writers intended for him to be more consistent with the books (he's much more psychopathic in the books, and the first season reflects this), but they had his character develop more emotional depth as the show progressed in order to keep viewers attached and entertained. Gotta give the people what they want...

Very true. Instead of giving the viewers what they promise (AKA a genuine psychopath) & risk people not getting "hooked", they decided to give him a growing reservoir of compassion & feelings & allow the audience a chance to relate to him. Which I suppose is an interesting way of looking at things. I encourage people to face the monstrosities programmed into our DNA, which people will regularly fight without actually acknowledging as a part of themselves... So in a way, it's kind of nice to have people comparing their point of view to that of an adorable serial killer. But the books are way more brutal & awesome. I'm only halfway through the series though.

[doglover5]

Ah, I see. Thank you! I'm definitely "hooked" after completing the first season. I always like books better than movies/ shows though, so i'm glad to hear this series should deliver. Guess I will continue with whichever I can get my hands on first!

Yeah, it definitely has an addictive quality to it! But since the books usually trump the movies anyway, I try to enjoy it as if it were not an adaptation... It's less disappointing!
I used to want to work on homocide investigations, but since I'd rather not actually *work* with the corrupt law enforcement... Might as well watch the romanticized tv/movie versions of it. And the true crime books by Ann Rule. Those are good too.

[Contrast]

Dexter is probably a schizoid.

[belljason92]

I have seen it the show is amazing, is it possible for someone without conscience or emotion to live by a code that allows murder but protects the innocent?

[di meliora]

Possible covers a lot of territory. Join the military. Our leaders ensure there is killing to be done.

[Girl_Interrupted]

Originally Posted by Contrast

Dexter is probably a schizoid.

That is exactly what I thought.

I've never seen the show, however, why would another fellow ASPD go round killing the rapists and murderers and such? He basically wouldn't give a damn.

Schizoid sounds about right.

By the way, if anyone from the UK sees this, can they tell me what channel/day/time I could watch it? Cheers.

You'd be surprised about the kinds of things that can trigger an antisocial. Hahahahaha. If I even so much as have to listen to the words of an obvious narcissist, my blood boils. I can't tolerate it!! Lmao[br]What he does isn't out of charity or good will. His code is a survival mechanism. He is able to kill, get away with it, & do it in a way which is at least somewhat socially acceptable... But even at a great number of times, he questions why he must abide to the code because it seems fake/manufactured. But the fact is, he was going to kill anyway. Whether it was "innocents" or killers/rapists.[br] To a degree... We all have to follow some sort of code. If we don't make at least some sort of effort to control ourselves, the persistent chaos just amplifies. It doesn't just get worked out of your system. Much like an addiction, I suppose... But that's just me.[br][br] He COULD have hints of schizoid, but he became quite attached to Rita & later Lumen. If he were schizoid, he would have a much harder time pretending to give a ****, I'd think. Psychopathy/Antisocial implies a neglect towards people's personal rights but it doesn't imply we have a total & unwavering lack of interest. Some people might but that's circumstantial, not a broad statement across the board.[br] Also, I think it's worth noting that not all killers/rapists are antisocial. And it's also worth noting that there is by no means any sort of unspoken camaraderie that would somehow "protect" them from being victimized as well.

BTW sorry for the atrocity of unformatted text! I don't know why it's not processing my line breaks. ****.

[Contrast]

If it's a survival mechanism Dexter lives by, then he has one great reptilian brain he puts to great use! xD

Harry Morgan fabricated a code for Dexter to oblige in in order to feed his beast. In a way I guess the writers wanted Dexter to be in the win-win type of zone.. he feeds the beast whilst taking out the trash hat society despises.

Has anyone seen the Dexter season 7 trailer?
It actually looks like a season where the writers portray him psychopathic than the other seasons.

I hope this is the season where he exhibits full-fledged psychopathy, I want some entertaining *****.. not some sanctimonious twat playing the same role of mentally ruminating his actions and life, but I think if Dexter went through a mid-life crisis, it'd be ****ing hilarious.

Though I'm prudent about season 8 if it's been officially announced for a release, I reckon it would be quite interesting if Dexter has gotten into too much strife in season 7 that he gets transferred to another unit in another area.. it will make things interesting.

[Sierrarose]

Don’t forget though Dexter’s schizoid personality was discovered early by his stepfather and carefully directed. Whose to say that any serial killer wouldn’t have been so brutal if discovered, diagnosed, and re-directed in the same way.

Also I think there’s more than a schizoid personality disorder going on with Dexter. Looks to me like a combination of disorders including PTSD.

Fun and fascinating to watch. I‘ve never been able to watch anything as gruesome before. I think having a liking for revenge movies helped. They did deserve it after all.

[Sierrarose]

Had another thought. The mind of the author fascinates me. What kind of person thinks this stuff up?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Lindsay_%28writer%29

That guy. :P

And I agree Contrast -- I'd like to see more going on with the series than him constantly having to justify his own actions/thought processes against everyone else's. It's beginning to get old. Though I've already watched this far (& got my boyfriend hooked!), so I'm probably going to see it through regardless of the direction they decide to take it. Seven does seem to be promising, thus far.

I hope this is the season where he exhibits full-fledged psychopathy, I want some entertaining *****...

It will never happen. There aren't enough psychopathic viewers in the world for a "more psychopathic" Dexter to remain on air, therefore the creators must appease the normal folk ... to a degree. If you want some good-ol'-fashioned Comedic Sociopathy, watch Wilfred, Arrested Development, or It's Always Sunny.

Shayatanica ... I like your signature.

Danke, Michael. And welcome back.

[Contrast]

Originally Posted by Michael D.

It will never happen. There aren't enough psychopathic viewers in the world for a "more psychopathic" Dexter to remain on air, therefore the creators must appease the normal folk ... to a degree. If you want some good-ol'-fashioned Comedic Sociopathy, watch Wilfred, Arrested Development, or It's Always Sunny.

Shayatanica ... I like your signature.

Arrested Development looks fairly good, + IMDB gave it a 9.3/10. I'll check it out soon. Thank you

Yes, I guess you're right, I guess they won't fulfill my hopes of Dex being more psychopathic.. Dexter doesn't seem prosperous in this season but let's wait it see.

[Contrast]

The day has come, season 7 **** yeah baby here we go.