Dexter: Episodes To Watch If You Miss Dexter & Rita | ScreenRant
For eight seasons, and over 100 episodes, Dexter became a household name, and is still one of many successful shows that came from the Showtime network. Dexter exploded with success, not only because of Michael C. Hall's performance of the troubled blood splatter analyst, but for the terrific storylines, and relationships he retained (or demolished) along the way.
Sure, viewers might prefer one of his love interests over another, but no one can argue the impact Rita Bennett had on Dexter. She was just as damaged as he was, and for that, they somehow made their relationship work. Rita was sweet, understanding and open to loving again, despite the abuse she endured from her ex-husband. Although Rita only survived until season four, her relationship and short marriage to Dexter was memorable, and as fans get ready for the Dexter mini-series, they might want to take a stroll down memory lane and experience their unique love story all over again.
10 Season 1, Episode 1: Dexter
It's best to start from the beginning with Dexter Morgan and Rita Bennett. Viewers already know Dexter's dark side, but with Rita and her kids, they see a side different side to him right away that will be difficult to manage. Seeing how Rita and Dexter's relationship blossomed from the first episode in the series to her last was moving, and changed in many ways; but nonetheless, they navigated through life together.
In the first episode titled "Dexter," viewers see the man himself as he interacts with Rita's kids, while also going out on a date with Rita that ends with an awkward interaction of intimacy.
9 Season 1, Episode 5: Love American Style
After Dexter and Rita take things to the next level in episode four, emotions run high when Rita's co-worker's husband dies. Even though Dexter can't understand what loss truly feels like, he's there for Rita and tries to make an effort to be supportive. There are several heartfelt moments in this episode, while also an awkward one, too.
Since Dexter can't read emotions, he swings and misses when he tries to provide intimacy for Rita. Since they're watching a sad movie, Rita is crying, which is definitely the wrong place, the wrong time for the moves he makes on her. Nevertheless, the episode provides growth within their relationship.
8 Season 1, Episode 9: Father Knows Best
Dexter may be adopted, but when his biological father passes away, he is left with his possessions. Even though Dexter seems more confused than sad, Rita decides to join him on the drive to clean out this stranger's home. This gesture shows how sweet Rita is, while truly wanting to be a rock for Dexter at this time.
Debra and Rudy, also known as The Ice Truck Killer and Dexter's brother, show up for support as well. Once they go through the record collection left behind, a fun-filled dance party breaks out, to which Dexter has no idea how to react. It's a breath of fresh air in a series that is so dark and bloody, which makes it even better.
7 Season 2, Episode 10: There's Something About Harry
Jumping to the end of season two, Doakes is framed as "The Bay Harbor Butcher," Rita's ex-husband Paul is dead, and Dexter has the chance to redeem himself with her. After the Lila debacle, he's left groveling to get in Rita's good graces, which is why he ends up at the beach with her, Angel, and the kids.
After learning from Doakes that Harry died by suicide, Dexter's relationship goes to a deeper level, as they share his confusion and sadness. Even though it's one of the saddest moments in the Dexter series, it was exactly what the two needed.
6 Season 3, Episode 1: Our Father
In the season three premiere, Dexter's life seems fairly on track, and as Dexter says, "Rita is the scaffolding that holds it in place." He's making breakfast for the whole family and is asked by Cody to come to Dad Day at school. His relationship with Rita seems like it has never been better, but as fans know, paradise doesn't last forever.
After a chocolate pudding binge and a semi-failed presentation at Dad Day, Rita tears up at the gesture. To close out the episode, Dexter is beginning to realize he needs to evolve to live, and Rita discovers she's pregnant, which is a major surprise to everyone.
5 Season 3, Episode 4: All In The Family
There's a lot to pack in here and it's a breakthrough for Rita and her relationship with Dexter. Now that she knows she's pregnant, she's clutching onto sanity as she balances morning sickness, her kids, and snobby customers at her job. After getting to her breaking point, she's fired, which is totally uncalled for. This gives Dexter more of a reason to propose to her, even though he's really not sure how. In the end, he takes the words of a murder suspect and spins them to fit his narrative.
Even though they aren't necessarily his own words, his proposal speech is emotional, as he asks Cody, Aster, and then Rita if he can be a part of their family through marriage. While it seems heartfelt to Rita and the kids, it's a selfish motive for Dexter, so he can appear more like a family man to hide his darkness.
4 Season 3, Episode 12: Do You Take Dexter Morgan?
A lot happened in season three and by episode 12, Miguel Prado is killed off by Dexter, and Rita is still in the dark about who Dexter really is. After a run-in with "The Skinner," Dexter shows up fashionably late to his own wedding.
While he had a close call and almost lost his life, his facade at a normal life resumes as he says 'I do' to Rita. As they dance into the sunset, his worries are always on the surface, but just for a moment, his friends, family, and now wife are all in one place and happy.
3 Season 4, Episode 11: Hello, Dexter Morgan
Almost a whole season later, not everything is cozy in the world of Rita and Dexter. They've moved on to couples counseling to get through their issues, and prior to a therapy appointment, Rita finally tells Dexter their next-door neighbor Elliot kissed her. As always, Dexter shows little emotion but mentioned he's opened up more.
Later, Dexter mentions that he's forgiven Rita for the infidelity. In the end, to cover his tracks, he punches Elliot to prove he cares. Again, even though viewers know he's not as upset as he seems, it's a sweet gesture to show Rita he sticks up for his own and cares.
2 Season 4, Episode 12: The Getaway
As fans know, the last episode in season four is a shocking and incredibly sad one. Prior to Dexter finally going on that promised honeymoon to The Keys with Rita, plans change, and Arthur Mitchell, "The Trinity Killer," strikes again, although this time, it's too close to home. Rita is killed off, and finally, Dexter realizes that he loved her all along and that Rita was good for him.
Rita's last words to him were, "We love you, bye," which is a good way to say farewell to her journey on the show. Fans can probably agree that her character was taken out of the show too soon, and for once, Dexter's emotions are authentic and real.
1 Season 5, Episode 1: My Bad
To round out the Dexter and Rita love story, the final interaction viewers see is a flashback in the season 5 premiere. Even though Rita is already gone, Dexter is struggling with it and reminisces back to their first date. Both unsure and awkward, the moments are precious, and at a time where things seemed much more simple.
Even though Dexter had other intentions for bringing Rita to the date spot, the spark is there, and it packs a punch at how wholesome and good Rita was for Dexter's world.
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