'Dexter' Final Season Recap - Monkey in a Box

With just two episodes left of Dexter, we're finally reaching the climax of what has been a very inconsistent season thus far (though still hoping to end on a high note).

After the murder of Dr. Vogel, it's no surprise that Dexter is out for revenge against Saxon.  The problem though is that he is scheduled to leave soon with both Hannah and Harrison on their way to start new lives in Argentina, so whatever he has planned, he's got to do it fast.

Meanwhile, Deb is back on the force (and seemingly fitting right in again) after learning of Dr. Vogel's murder and wanting to bring Saxon down just as bad as Dexter does.  She's also paid a visit by the private investigator whose been searching for Hannah McKay under suspicions Hannah was spotted recently at the hospital with Harrison.  Deb is able to throw him off, but doesn't have so much luck once Elway pays her a visit to her home and realizes something is up.  Deb warns both Hannah and Dexter, and it's off to a hotel until the flight leaves.

Back to Saxon.  After toying with Dexter throughout the episode - both at Miami Metro and even in his own apartment looking to reach a truce - Saxon is finally captured (with the help of Deb) and brought to the broken down hospital he's been killing his victims at.

Just as Dexter is about ready to kill Saxon like any other fellow serial killer he's killed before, he suddenly realizes he no longer needs to do it and calls Deb to have him taken in (death by electric chair).

Everything is seemingly going smoothly until that private investigator (who had followed Deb) shows up and helps Saxon escape (which of course results in the PI getting a knife to the chest) as wells as Saxon shooting Deb down, leaving her for dead as she just barely can call the police.

Notes:

• Isn't Quinn just the ultimate man?  Keeping that engagement ring still in his desk...that badass.

• Nice to see the former Mrs. Miguel Prado make an appearance in helping Dexter sell his apartment.  Nice little surprise there.

• That Masuka and daughter storyline really never went anywhere.

• Deb and Dexter having beer and steaks one last time.

• Best moment:  Deb aiding Dexter in bringing down Saxon by surprise.  Iconic.

Tune in next week for the series finale.

Grade: B-