"Dexter" A Beautiful Day (TV Episode 2013) Poster

(TV Series)

(2013)

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7/10
Everybody Knows about Dexter
claudio_carvalho30 July 2014
There is a memorial service for the sixth month of LaGuerta's death and many things have changed in Miami Metro since then. Angel has returned as lieutenant and Tom Matthews as deputy Chief; Debra has quit the police and now she is working as private investigator. Dexter tries to contact her, but she avoids him. Debra is involved with a drug dealer and thief and is sort of crazy. The police are investigating the death of a man that had part of his brain removed and the psychopath expert Dr. Evelyn Vogel joins the team to help them. Dexter meets Debra expecting to protect her in an unfortunate encounter. Then Dr. Vogel meets Dexter and talks about Harry's Code, showing that she know about Dexter.

"A Beautiful Day" is a strange beginning of the last season, with Debra completely out of control. Out of the blue appears a new character, Dr. Evelyn Vogel, knowing Harry's Code. Does everybody know about Dexter? I did not like this beginning of season. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Um Lindo Dia" ("A Beautiful Day")
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9/10
A beautiful day!
anand-vks1 July 2013
I couldn't wait to watch this episode and was not disappointed! The writers get off the blocks with a bang and we could literally see the beginning of the end for our beloved serial killer from the very first episode.

The star performer? I would say it was Jennifer Carpenter. Playing the guilt wracked Deb on a path to self destruction, she fits the role to a T. The clarity with which Dexter opens the episode couldn't end with a bigger contrast towards the end of the episode as he starts losing control and lets his "dark passenger" take over more than just once. Which leads us to the question, "Who is truly on their path to self destruction?" Not even his projections of Harry could rein him this time which sets up an interesting season ahead.

Who is this Dr.Evelyn Vogel? How does she know so much about Dexter? How many of Dexter's acts is Deb willing to cover up? How long before Dexter cracks for good and lets his dark side take over? How and when is Hannah coming back? We are left with so many questions... Looking forward to a bloody interesting end to this wonderful series. Pun intended.
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9/10
Evelyn Knows More
ZegMaarJus20 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This episode begins with Dexter, it is 6 months after LaGuerta's death. Meanwhile Angel has been promoted to Lieutenant. A dead body has been found, his head has been squeezed apart. Debra is undercover, she's investigating Andrew Briggs his life. Quinn and Jamie are having sex. Matthews is back as Deputy Chef after Maria's death. Dexter and Deb are arguing. Dexter gets in to a fight with Andrew, he sticks a knife right trough Andrew's heart. Deb saw everything. Evelyn knows about Harry's code, what a shocker. Nice episode of Dexter Season 8, a big shock: Dr. Evelyn Vogel know about Harry's code. How will this event turn out for Dexter?
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10/10
worth every 3213 seconds
forrarser1 July 2013
That is what I call a proper TV-show. Consistent, never-boring and most importantly brave writing. I have never been disappointed by any episode, and this one was not exception. Other TV-shows should learn from these guys. There is no room for cinematographic foreplay in Dexter. It is like writers don't get emotional with the scenario. May be writers are also missing their brain center for processing emotions and empathy. Thank God for that.

This really was a great start for the final requiem for demonic Dexter. I am so happy that after so many years of watching dozens of worthless TV- series, Dexter seems to be the ONLY one that is gonna end the way it should. Cheers.
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10/10
A Captivating Season Premiere - 8.5/10
dexbreakthrones1 July 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This episode, titled "A Beautiful Day", happened to be one of the best I have viewed in a long time. From Cinematography, to Directing, this episode delivered. In contrast to the premiere episodes of both Season Six and Seven, this one definitely is the better.

Written by Scott Buck, and Directed by Keith Gordon, the episode features some great, fast moving, smooth, and "higher budget" style cinematography, which was both glossy and classy to watch.

The pacing was great, and had vibes of earlier Dexter episodes, which previous seasons sorely lacked. The dialogue in the episode was a step up from previous Season premiere's, especially the terrible monologue and dialogue in last years, "Are You...?" episode.

But that aside, this episode had some great storytelling, the story (as you went along) got better and better, which was nice to see.

Overall this episode of Dexter was one of the best premiere's in a long time, it is up their with the likes of Season 2, 3, 4 and 1. Great Episode.

Rating: 8.5/10 = A- Best Actor: Jennifer Carpenter
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10/10
Great premiere.
garlick1231 July 2013
Warning: Spoilers
After 7 seasons so far, of which Dexter has not been very constant in it's quality, this season is off to a good start.

I had very high hopes for this season's premiere, though this episode is not as impressive as season 7's premiere and last 2 episodes - it is definitely a great season starter, considering even the best of Dexter's seasons started weak (with Season 7 as an obvious exception.)

The highlights are once again on Debra, who now tries to run away from what she had done, leaving Miami Metro and letting go of her relationship with her Dexter. Another interesting development begins early this season with Evelyn Vogel's mysterious appearance, and reveal at the end of the episode.

Overally a good episode though Angel Batista's acting was a bit off and the whole time jump and introduction of Evelyn Vogel was done a bit sloppy. The promo at the end sold the next episodes really well though.

8.8/10
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10/10
The night has come, night of all nights
nikashvili30 June 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Finally, the end has begun. Today first episode of Dexter's final 8th season has premiered. And I should say, I did not expect such an amazing start.

A Beautiful Day takes us after 6 months period after LaGuerta's death. Dexter seems to live the same life, he used to. Actually better. He's become better father, spending a lot time with Harrison, playing football with him and taking son to a beach. But Debra is gone. She is no longer part of his, or anybody's life. She's moved to another police department and leads a case on drug sales. However, she desperately runs from her brother, thinking that she shot wrong person that night.

Dexter deals with everyday quite successfully. He investigates a very interesting case of serial killer, which amuses him a lot. But then there comes a destruction, someone who might know his secret?

This episode gives a fresh look to Morgan's character - how he blames himself for what happened to Debra and feels responsibility to take care of sister. Dead father Harry, who always kept giving stupid advises, after death at least, pushes him to let Debra go. And he does not, of course.

Here is another problem our favorite serial killer faces - he can't control emotions anymore. And this is huge problem, which can lead him to huge mistakes.

I enjoyed this episode pretty much for number of reasons. First, I've missed all these very much and it has refreshed my memories of the past 7 seasons. Second, it puts Dexter into multiple troubles, which seems engaging and very intrigue. Third, character of Dexter Morgan becomes more complex. I am sure he will have to make a lot of moral decisions in the final season, if he wants to survive. Fourth, Harrison comes back to fathers life, finally. I think he will be one of the major troubles in Dex's life and it's not gonna be easy. Here is my guess (and this is NOT a spoiler): Harrison can be just like his father. Will Dexter cope with that?

Finally, this is the best season premiere so far. Hope you enjoyed it.
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8/10
Charlotte Rampling happens
alcibiades-y-d1 July 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Whoever loves Charlotte Rampling would find this episode is enthralling. She plays a neuroscientist called Dr. Vogel who knows almost everything about Dexter, at least she knows well the existence of Harry's code. Maybe Harry himself told her about it or she herself helped Harry to come up with a code twenty years ago? Is she going to be the arch-enemy in the season? More importantly, is she going to die at the hands of Dexter?

At the outset, it seemed that Debra was falling apart because her guilt was chewing her out. In the course of events it was revealed that it was Dexter who was lost. Without Debra's presence, he could barely be able to keep his "Dark Passenger" in check. He confronted Dr. Vogel straightaway after he found out that she had several Dexter-murdering-scene drawings by his son Harrison in her possession. I sincerely hope Dr. Vogel will not end up in one of Dexter's bags for dead bodies.

Debra had moved on before all the above happened. She became a bounty hunter. (I am surprised they bounty hunters still exist.) She tried her best to stay away from Dexter but her past seemed to haunt back. She is involved in Dexter's another murder again.
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9/10
S8.E1 - Dr. Vogel [9/10]
panagiotis199327 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
(S8. E1) My Reaction / Review for Dexter Season 8 Episode 1 ''A Beautiful Day'': Season 7 was good and I gave it a rating of 9/10. Let's see if this one is better or worse. Seems like Deb is out of control. Seems like the relationship between Dex and Deb is falling apart, makes sense after what happened with Laguerta. Angel is now LT? I thought he wanted to retire and have a restaurant. The last thing Dex needs is an expert when it comes to psychopaths. Dr. Vogel seems to be very interested in Dex, that's not good. Dex killed Deb's boyfriend, damn, I didn't expect that. Dex is out of control. Dr Vogel knows about Harry's code? Wow, how? Overall a good episode, my rating is 9/10.
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6/10
Painful to watch any time
jpapanone18 April 2021
Deb/jennifer carpenter is on screen...especially if she's trying to talk through tears.

I'm ok with dexter being a sometimes slightly better than mediocre show...and that's what it is.

It ain't breaking bad. It's got a lot of baggage to deal with in order to get through. It's like how I met your mother.

Is it good?

Its fine. Some highs,some lows...lot of take or leave it. Lot of episodes that are just moving the story along but not memorable at all. Thats what this episode is.
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7/10
Season 8 Good...but
clacura27 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
OK...the final episode was a serious loser for otherwise good show. Everyone agrees with this. Some ironies must be said, one is Michael C Hall was on a show with arguably the best series finale ever in Six Feet Under and then the worst. Kinda cool when you think about it.

The good before the bad. Jennifer Carpenter is a much better actor than imagined. One of the best casting moves ever. At first, I wasn't as impressed, but as the series developed, she became more impressive. Her character is devoid of emotional editing, she is very "real" and to maintain this integrity over eight seasons makes her one of the best!

Here's what bothered me about season 8. When a fan tracks a show (and binge watching will not go away with technologies developing) the Dexter Team (writers, producers, directors, creator(s)) have to stop taking for granted the viewer will accept what we questioned early on in a series.

Here's a few issues that take me out of the show when I watch which is the worst thing a director/writer/producer wants to hear.

1. Dexter dumping bodies off his boat: Just stupid at this point in the series. Way too easy. I feel like I am being called stupid to accept this. No point in discussing specific reasons, there are just too many.

2. Dexter living a life of superman: His ability to multi-task is insane and stupid. How he can manage three lives and not raise suspicion by anyone close at this point is again like telling me I am a moron.

3. Hanna is wanted by all yet doesn't change her looks: This is something that has happened throughout the series. At least dye her hair! Seriously...she is a blond hottie...make some effort! This pisses me off...same result as above.

4. "Make Your Own Kind of Music" Why use the same song used in LOST? Annoying. Weak writing. Another moment that took me out of the show. Minor annoyance, but part of the total "laziness" over eight seasons.
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2/10
Season 8
rovinnomire30 July 2023
Hollywood script writers/developer's love of the dark hero/antihero. It became a hit theme with The Crow and "dark Batman" and so forth in the 90s, and by the time Dexter came along, it seemed everything beyond it was no longer in the thought process for any script development.

Whatever you thought of Dexter for its early seasons, you could feel it slipping away by season 7, and for this final season, it became evident the series had overstayed its welcome. The writers seemed to be throwing darts blindly for potential plot points at random, and "yeah, that could work, let's go for it." The entire premise of Dexter Morgan's character and "code" had eroded by S7, and the series was now hurtling recklessly toward what has been dubbed one of the most disappointing series finales of all time.

It was always a stretch, to put it mildly, to reason Dexter would worm his way out of most of the messes he had been written into. But of course he had to escape without repercussion, he's the lead dude, right? But the morph from the end of S7 to the start of S8 {"6 months had passed"} was inept and absurd.

Characters are just lost here. Past development now leads to nothing. Batista seems a mere shell of himself. Joey is a cardboard cutout, standing around in scenes with nothing to do. Jamie, one of the few remaining likeable characters, we dont know what to do with her either, so hey, lets have her and Joey doing the bedroom bump every 20 minutes. Lazy and weak.

Charlotte Rampling was an accomplished actress but this story line with her materializing from Dex's past seemed very ill conceived. And Debra, whose foul mouth became tiresome before season 1 had ended, now a train wreck, has lost all her appeal. Really there was - by this final season - no one to care about.

I suppose if Dex had gotten his comeuppance or they had explored more intrigue in that direction, an 8th season might have been worth a look. Instead, it was just confirmation that the show was, by S8, about as fascinating as that old drunk on the park bench: Rancid, unappealing, and best avoided.
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6/10
You can't kill me
dannylee-7808216 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
1. Deb is done with police 2. Female Lundy is in town 3. Deb and Dex are done

A lot o weird loose ends that are never explained.. Laguertas death doesn't result in an investigation? Angel is back? Perhaps to replace the vacant lieutenant spot. Quinn-Nadia was just... a useless accessory? Dexter knows Hannah is walking free and no questions to him? I mean I understand it's a new season but a lot of unanswered questions that were rather significant in the previous season. But I can live with that.

Dexter feels slightly off this season. He's quite unfamiliar. He is more full of emotions and out of control as seen in the scene where he bursts at Harrison, possibly because of Deb. He and Deb seem to be completely done to the point of no return. Some strange edits and random jumps, especially at the end where seemingly Dr. Vogel knows about Dexter. A rough start for the final season of Dexter - almost feels like a different show at this point.
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1/10
I'm done
skay_baltimore30 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
NO explanation of how LaGuerta was shot with Deb's gun and no one questioned anything -- they just pick up 6 months after the fact. This show/series is utter trash. It's not worth my time now even though I have Prime and Dexter is free.
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4/10
i gave "Dexter" a 9 in general, but this episode only 4 because of an unnecessary detailed sex scene
numedeuser16 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
First of all, lets make clear that i am OK with porn! But when i watch "Dexter" i do not care how Jamie Batista moves when she fuks!!! (see the scene, at minute 23 and 40 sec). Why did you have to show it now? WHY? Have the audience decreased so bad after 7 wonderful seasons that you considered a necessary outburst using porn stuff in this wonderful series?! I doubt about the decrease of audience! I mean why did you have to show Jamie Batista's naked ass riding technique (by the way...why did she covered her right breast with her hand? because she is embarrassed by them, or you thought that it is too much?!). I was glad(before ep1 season 8) that people who decide the scenes where not using porn in this great series. I bet that a lot of the women who appeared in this series wanted to show their naked bodies and/or their fuking techniques (maybe as a confirmation of how they have fuked their way into this series ;)). I do not like when people mix porn with other stuff. Yeah there were series, or movies where this sad thing was happening and in spite of the fact that i loved the movie in general, i gave it a lower note because of that mix. When i want to watch porn, i watch porn, not "Dexter".
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