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When Showtime last aired an original episode of Dexter in December 2009, it did so with more than 2.6 million people watching. Or, better known in some circles as the most-watched original series episode in network history.

And I like that the season four finale set the record. “The Getaway” was the most memorable episode of the season, and maybe the series. (Yet that latter point would take a ton of convincing. There have been a good number of memorable Dexter episodes).

“The Getaway” also dropped a bomb in its final moments. A reveal that likely changes Dexter – the character and, probably more importantly, the show – from here on out.

Anyway, fun stuff went down in season four, and based on it and the little I know about the new season, Dexter is poised to have a fantastic fifth year. Here’s why:

You know the drill. This column is probably littered with spoilers. If you’re somewhere you shouldn’t be, do yourself a favor and check out another wondrous page of BOP.

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Still here? Alright then, let’s go.

Holy Rita, Batman!

If you’ve not a clue about the reveal I was referring to, then you clearly have never seen Dexter and shouldn’t be reading this column anyway. Rita’s dead, and Dexter has to face (and do his best in avoiding) the consequences.

I’m starting with this point because the fallout of the horrific event will probably be the most significant the series has grappled with to date.

Up until her death at the hands of Arthur Mitchell, Julie Benz’ sympathetic, sugary sweet love bug, Rita Bennett, had been in every episode of Dexter. Obviously, an elephant in the room will be there for at least the first handful of new season episodes.

It’s sad, really. Rita centered Dexter. And even though she never learned about his secret, Rita was somebody who understood Dexter and was a soundboard for him when need be. And, of course, she was a loving wife and mother. The idea of her no longer playing in Dexter mythology – not even as a ghost, apparently – is just weird.

With Rita gone, dynamics will change. For one, Dexter will be more of a parental figure than he ever was for Cody and Astor. Astor, actually, seems to have transformed into a total bitch – check out the season five trailer – and I don’t know how I feel about it. I just wish Rita were around to handle everything like she used to!

No big villain

For the first time, Dexter won’t contend with one “supervillain.” Instead, he’ll wrestle with multiple baddies over the course of the season.

The reason for it is because Dexter becomes the lead suspect in Rita’s murder. To have him compete with that, as well as another Jimmy Smits or – shiver – John Lithgow, probably would have split the focus too much on what the Dexter writing room wants the new season to be.

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