Dexter: Season 3

I was introduced to Dexter about eighteen months ago, being drawn into series one episode by bloody episode, admiring the unique twists and sheer audacity of the premise with relish. That first series was so complete that, at the time, I was hoping the producers would call it a day there and then and leave it alone to go down in cult TV history. But the show was too successful, its fanbase steadily building, the word of mouth spreading, and a second series soon appeared.

It took me a while, then, to accept the presence of series two - and took me some time to accept the story lines they had chosen, always thinking it weaker than its predecessor in the early episodes. Eventually, however, the charm of the superb Michael C. Hall, as our blood-thirsty anti-hero with a killer code, rose to the fore and the climax was irresistible! By then season three had already begun stateside (Showtime), so it wasn't long before I began a weekly quest to find the new episodes as they appeared.

Which means that, currently, it is the only TV show I follow with any real enthusiasm - I've tried a few others but they just don't work as well for me: scripts, acting, humour, tension - all other shows fall behind Dexter in every category. The secret of course is that only we can hear this "monster's" inner thoughts, share his secrets... We are his only friend, we go through every emotion and painful decision with him, and we love him! We want him to kill - need it as much as he does sometimes... And that the writing and central performances are good enough to allow us to feel that is exceptional.

If you haven't seen it yet my advice would be not to simply dip in now in season 3 (available on ITV soon) but to start at the beginning of series one. Dexter's journey is crucial to understanding his plight - the more you know about him and the people in his life the more you will appreciate each weekly dilemma as it comes anew. Right now I am up to speed at episode 9 of 12. If it goes as it has in seasons 1 and 2, the pace is about to be jacked up considerably... and I can't wait! Go Dex!