Dexter: The Final Season

This black-humored Showtime original series—starring Michael C. Hall as Dexter, a blood-spatter expert for Miami PD and TV's favorite serial-killer hero—developed a strong fan following that kept Dexter's reign of crime going for eight seasons, the last of which finds him in great shape, but adoptive sister Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) spiraling into a self-destructive binge after learning his dark secret and even killing to protect it. The story arc here is all about reconciling present and past, which comes back in the form of psychopathologist Dr. Evelyn Vogel (Charlotte Rampling), who helped Dexter's adoptive father Harry (James Remar) create Dexter's code (i.e., he only slays other killers) and now consults for Miami PD in the case of a serial murderer nicknamed the Brain Surgeon (for reasons that become obvious after you see the first victim). There's also a potential apprentice for Dexter to mentor, and maybe even a chance at a real family life of his own, although it's hard to envision a happy ending for a man with so much collateral damage on his conscience. Compiling all 13 episodes from 2013, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes. Likely to satisfy faithful fans, this is recommended. (S. Axmaker)