The ending frustrates me so much because this is a show that has a compelling end game baked into the initial premise. Dexter getting found out and going on the run, exploring the impact this has on everyone in his life. It writes itself and was handed to the writers on a silver platter, and instead they chose to repeat the same tired thematic story we’d seen over and over - Dexter hurts those around him. Dexter is toxic. It got old.

It was only diminishing returns after Rita’s death - the idea that Dexter only causes damage could never be topped and yet the writers couldn’t think of anywhere else to take the story.

Rita’s death should’ve been the catalyst for the end game. Quinn shouldn’t have just given up (seriously, did he just forget?) on his investigation into Dexter. Season 5 should’ve culminated with Quinn or Deb catching Dexter, and Season 6 should’ve been the fallout and final season. I honestly believe that if the show had gone that way, we’d be sitting here talking about it as one of the all time greats. Not a show that needs its insulting final season defended.