Dexter - S03E01: Our Father

As always Dexter kicks off its season by laying down some foundation for itself to work on:

Dexter somewhat breaking free from Harry and developing his own code. It isn't the first time Dexter has promised to evolve, try new things, and break from the code. But we have never seen him go the whole way about it - I think we will this season as he seems to have banished Harry from his mind once and for all, although I am sure he will still pop up occasionally. He even dogs Harry's posthumous yearly birthday celebration with Deb, as he has moved on from Harry.

A new problem arises for Dexter when he unintentionally breaks the code, in a bad way, while out on a typical hunt. This injects new suspense into the show, since the last season tied off most of its plot strands. Jimmy Smits joins the cast as a recurring character, i assume. I am really excited to see him on the show; as I think he fits Dexter perfectly, and is just a great actor in general - he deserved a good role after Cane was axed. This episode gives a few hints as to a growing relationship between Smits as Miguel Prado and Dexter - it is never explicitly talked about, but at the funeral Dexter is at the coffin and from behind Miguel can see Dexter look deeply saddened, but really he is just stressed or guilty or something. Miguel Prado looks on at him for longer than one usually would. Some would say he is suspicious of Dexter, but I didn't feel that at all.

Joey Quinn (Desmond Harrington, Rescue Me) joins the precinct, as a possible love-interest for Deb, a cop, and as an ambiguous character with a past, as Deb begins to find out from a bureau employee, Yuki Amado (Liza Lapira, Huff), who wants her cooperation with investigating him. But Deb won't rat on a fellow cop, yet.

The episode ends on a massive cliffhanger involving Rita, and in turn, Dexter. Great episode and I have no doubt this season will be just as great as the last two. Although, the first 2-3 episodes of the second season will be difficult to top.

Californication - S02E01: Slip of the Tongue

It feels awesome to have Californication back, and this episode does not disappoint. In fact, I think it is one of the best, if not the very best episode so far.

Tom Kapinos pens the season opener and David Duchovny directs - and does a fine job, as he did when he did a few episodes during The X-Files. We are tricked for a second into believing Hank and Karen getting back together was a dream, and that the wedding has not yet taken place, but we are quickly relieved of our anxiety when Karen wakes Hank up. In an interview, creator Tom Kapinos (Dawson's Creek) asks that in movies the guy gets the girl and they drive off into the sunset - but what happens after that? Apparently, that question will be answered throughout the next four episodes.

I'm not going to spoil too much - just that the gang head to an LA party, and there is a case of mistaken identity, followed by a run in with the law. Oh, and an appearance from renowned dickhead Pete Wentz. Tom Kapinos truly smashes him with words.

I really fucking love the dialogue on Californication. I loved it on Dawson's Creek too. This episode has some of the wittiest and funniest dialogue of the season. The actress who plays Becca is still as wooden as a block of wood, but as usual the rest of the cast's delivery is spot-on. Oh, and good luck to David in rehab, I hear from Tom Kapinos he is making a recovery.