Easy As Pie
Updated 2008-11-10 10:10:36
Previously: Camilla is in the hospital with terminal cancer -- and incredible pain. Rita starts working for Syl as her assistant at her real estate office. Angel asks Barbara, the cop who almost busted him for soliciting her as a prostitute, on a date. She says no, but eventually asks him out. Deb thinks that The Skinner is targeting people who she has questioned. She feels responsible for the death of Wendell, who trusted her enough to cooperate with questioning. She and Anton had a little moment of sexual tension. Ellen Wolf has targeted Miguel for disbarment with the help of Maria's information about the Chicky Hines case. Miguel, in turn, feels that Ellen pisses all over justice. Deb and Quinn arrested Ramon Prado for kidnapping and torturing a guy he thought knew Freebo's whereabouts. Turns out he's not The Skinner though. Deb told Quinn that Yuki from Internal Affairs was investigating him. He says that they have a "history." Hmm. Dexter decides that Miguel is his first good friend in a long time.
We begin in what appears to be a dream sequence. Either that or I need my bifocals cleaned. The camera is askew and shaky, the lights super sharp yet unfocused, and the perverted calliope music is playing. Dexter is performing his post-kill procedure on what appears to be a dead Clemson Galt. Suddenly a door opens. Dexter thinks that it's Harry and offers him a paper bag, in case he needs to vomit. Those are for hyperventilating. Paper bags are probably way too absorbent for vomit. But, no, it's not Harry. Its Miguel decked out in golf-wear. He tells Dexter that he's feeling great -- then he asks him how long it will be until he is finished. Dexter looks stunned that someone is seeing him work, but isn't freaking out. Dexter says he won't be long and Miguel tells him that he'll wait -- he wants to play some golf so they can work on Dexter's "slice." Killing humor.
Dexter wakes with a start. Rita is reading beside him. She asks him if he had a bad dream and he says he isn't sure. I felt the same way. He asks her if she ever had one of those dreams where she was exposed. She does have them -- she says that sometimes she dreams of being in school bottomless. "Body parts out in the open. Exactly." I realize that it's a tonal choice for the show and, for the most part I really enjoy Dexter's little lyricisms, but sometimes his moody double entendres confuse me a little bit. Why is he doing it? Again, I realize that it may just be a tone choice for the show, but it begs questions about Dexter' s motivation. Does he get off on the idea of maybe getting caught? I don't really feel like that's part of his pathology most of the time, but he insists on saying a really thinly veiled version of the truth on a pretty regular basis. Makes me just wonder sometimes if he wants to get caught. Which almost makes him seem sympathetic -- like he knows he's wrong and feels bad about it and wants someone to stop him. And, I really don't feel comfortable with Dexter being all that sympathetic. He's fascinating, but he's a monster. Rita tells Dexter that his dream was due to anxiety, most likely connected to the wedding. He agrees. She reminds him that they have each other and she kisses him.
Then, he gets out of bed. It's daylight out. Hmm, I guess Rita reads in bed in the morning? OK, Michael C. Hall's body is ridiculous. What is he doing in his spare time? Not reading. That's for sure. He starts getting dressed, as he VO's that he's not stressed -- at least not about Miguel. "He hasn't turned away from my truth." Ew -- that sounds like a promo for Britney & Kevin: Chaotic . Rita says that she has so much planning to do for the wedding before the baby starts showing. Dex says that he's good at taking directions and Rita takes his cue and tells him that she needs his guest list for the wedding. This is going to be good. "Well, there's Deb, and, uh... Deb. That's it. That's my list." Rita asks, "What about your friends?" She mentions Angel and Vince and he adds Miguel. "See? You're on a roll." On those days when you feel like you should meet more people, think of Dexter. You're most likely Elton John next to him. Not that you should let Dexter rule your social life. Go meet some people. Rita asks him to get the addresses and plus ones of the people that he decides to invite.
He's really rushing to get dressed and says that Camilla is being moved to hospice care today. He wants to visit her before he goes to work. Rita mentions that he has been visiting her a lot lately and asks him if he's holding up all right. He's fine. She tells him to give Camilla her best then walks out of the room. He VO's that the people closest to him have "always resided in a box of slides." JeeeZus, that his some heavy-handed shiz. Now is different, since Miguel is his friend.
Later, Dexter leads the bed as Camilla's is being moved to her new (and last) room. She cracks that the orderlies should "pop some wheelies." After all, it's the last ride of her life. Dexter assures her that she's going to be around for a long time and she replies, "I sure as hell better not be." I kind of understand her sentiment. The health care professionals leave Dexter and Camilla alone. She says to Dexter that this is the room she's going to die in. "The sooner the better." With positive influences like this, you really wonder why Dexter turned out the way he did. Kidding -- the circumstances are certainly extraordinary now. Dexter says that it's a nice room, it has wallpaper. Imagine, if you will, that Dexter was your only comfort during your last hours. That's all. Camilla points out a shoebox that she brought with her and tells Dexter to hand it to her. She says that she thought Dexter might want to have it. It's full of snapshots. Gene loved taking pictures -- he documented everything. She was annoyed that he always had a camera, but now it's nice to look back. Dexter picks one and names it, "Dexter: The Awkward Years." But, look at him now, Camilla says. He's engaged, with a baby on the way. She says that she would love to meet Rita and he says he'll make it happen. She points to an envelope -- it contains her funeral plans. Dexter remarks that he thought he was organized. She wants just a simple Catholic service. Since all of her surviving family is Yankee, she'll need him to call the funeral director when she passes. They'll take care of everything else. Dexter starts, "Isn't this a bit...?" "What?" she asks, "morbid? Death will be mercy." There will be no more pain, no more chemo, and she'll get to see Gene. Dexter has to go, but says he will see her later. She reminds him that he promised to find her the perfect key lime pie. You'd think that since she loves it so much, she'd know where he should go to find one. Maybe she just makes it herself. In which case, she should just tell him how to make the damn pie. It'd be a lot easier than her having to eat pies that she hates. Unless she feels about bad key lime pies the way that many feel about bad sex. She tells him that he'd better work fast, then he leaves.
At the station, Dexter asks Deb if she knows where to find a good key lime pie. She says that you can't, because they all taste like sour dog shit. Touché. OK, this is going to sound nitpicky and I don't really intend it to be that, but... if I watched this only once I probably wouldn't notice, however, I spend like 75 hours with every episode. Dexter jumped out of bed, put on pants that were on a chair and a shirt that he presumably keeps in Rita's closet. No anti-perspirant or anything, which would be fine if he dropped by his own place to shower or something after visiting Camilla. But, he's wearing the same shirt now that he put on at Rita's place. So, he just jumped out of bed all sweaty from his maybe nightmare, put on clothes, and the day begins? As meticulous and tidy as Dexter is, this doesn't really seem like something he'd do. I know, most annoyingly tiny point ever, but I can't help myself. I totally give it up to the writers that the tone and pace of this show are of paramount importance and incredibly intricate and they do a really fine job. Dexter explains that he's looking for a pie for Camilla and Deb, who is making copies, asks how she's doing. She doesn't have much time and Dexter suggests that she visit her, but Deb doesn't "do sick people." Huh? It reminds her too much of when her mother died. Have fun when your friends and loved ones start getting older.
Dexter sees Miguel in Maria's office and asks what he's doing there. Deb says that he's bailing Ramon out of some "deep doodie." She busted him for kidnapping and torture and he's going to walk away free. Deb says that Ramon is lucky he has an Assistant District Attorney in the family. Doesn't everyone?
In Maria's office, Ramon defends his actions by saying it was an "off-the-grid investigation." So, you tortured that guy on your own time? Let's replace that shovel with a bulldozer -- to help out with that hole you're digging for yourself. Maria reminds him that false imprisonment doesn't fall into the acceptable behavior column for "off-the-grid investigations." He sings his same ole' song about doing her department's job in investigating the murder of Oscar. They've apparently made Ramon an offer and Miguel says that if he doesn't take it, he is looking at spending some time in jail. Ramon says that the guy he kidnapped and tortured isn't even pressing charges! But, Maria says that her detectives will press charges. She's mad now -- no more kid gloves for the Prado family. Ramon asks what he's supposed to do without his badge and shield (and gun) and Maria suggests that he get some help. They're offering him early retirement. Ramon thinks that Miguel is just interested in keeping the Prado name out of the newspaper, but Miguel reminds him that his wife and children also share that name. He's sold. Ramon silently puts his gun and badge on Maria's desk and walks out of her office. His union rep says that he's going to start on Ramon's retirement paperwork and thanks Maria for her consideration in the matter.
With the rep gone, there is an uncomfortable silence between Maria and Miguel. He whimpers that this could have been really bad for him on top of Ellen Wolf's accusations and the Chicky Hines case. Maria reminds him that the Chicky Hines case was not personal. Are we ever EVER going to meet Chicky Hines? Miguel says that helping Ramon was personal and he thanks her as he leaves her office.
Miguel walks up to Dexter and Dex remarks that it seemed really tense in Maria's office, from what he could see. Miguel starts twitching and says that there is a lot of tension inside of him as well. He needs to blow off steam. They're going to go out that afternoon and hit something HARD. Dexter thinks he means people, but he's talking about golf balls. Dexter says that he will meet him at the range and Miguel leaves. Vince sees this exchange and asks Dex if he and the ADA are pals now. Dexter confirms this and Vince smirks and calls him a kiss-ass, leaving Dexter to VO that if Vince makes one more remark like that, he won't be invited to his wedding. When I first heard it though, I thought Dex was saying he'd kill Vince. Considering the sluggishness with which the plot points in this season have been revealed, I'm praying for that sort of relief.
Angel is leading a meeting and Dexter looks around at Deb and Vince and the others and VO's that these are his family and friends, but, if they knew him, they wouldn't consider him that. Except Miguel. Angel tells everyone that The Skinner is a priority and he expects progress. Yeah, so does the audience of this show, Angel. SO DO WE. For the love of God, we'd better see some progress. Quinn reports that the national database came back with nothing re: The Skinner and they have a call into Interpol. Dex VO's that he wonders if he should invite Quinn to the wedding -- he's so tan. Not sure if that's a plus or minus. Then, we see a list that Dexter is making with fairly winsome cursive handwriting. We see Deb, Angel, Vince, and "Maria Laguerta" listed. And Quinn's name has a question mark beside it.
Angel is explaining what they consider the known circumstances of The Skinner at this juncture. Apparently, The Skinner was owed money by Freebo and is willing to skin people to get it back. Deb adds that The Skinner is also drafting off of their investigation -- they're being watched. Then, Angel announces that they want to use their CI, Anton, more aggressively. They're going to put the word out that he knows where Freebo is. This is clearly news to Deb. She doesn't like that they will be using Anton as bait. Because THEY'RE IN LOVE!! Angel asks two of the officers (Ramos and Soderquist) to put Anton under surveillance immediately. This is the first time that Dexter has paid attention to what Soderquist's name was. Nice.
With the meeting over, Deb approaches Angel and asks if they'll be telling Anton what they are doing (it's a rhetorical question, she wants to tell him). Quinn gently says that Anton will bolt if he knows that he's being used as bait. Deb reminds him that two of her witnesses have turned up dead and they don't want that to happen to a third (because she LOVES HIM). Quinn replies that there is already a target on Anton's back and this new approach will actually protect him. I guess he wouldn't have surveillance otherwise, so maybe he's right. Deb's not buying it. Just as I'm not buying Desmond Harrington's performance. Did he confuse his B-12 with Melatonin? He's so DULL sometimes. I can't stand it. Angel says that they're keeping Anton in the dark, but he wants him to be supervised all of the time.
Deb stands still, ostensibly not sure what to think, and Dexter walks up and asks her if she will be inviting a date to his wedding. Um, sensitive, Dex. Deb feels the same way that I do and explains that she might be too busy picking up pieces of Anton's skin to even be at his wedding. Dexter replies, "You're a maybe?" It's amazing that he's gotten away with killing as may people as he has. Suddenly, Quinn walks in and tells Deb that Wendell's mother called and has something she'd like to talk about with the police. Her reply is to tell Dex not to invite Quinn, which he notes on his pad. Before Deb leaves, Vince pops in and tells Dexter that they have a new crime scene to visit.
Next we have Deb and Quinn arriving somewhere in a car. Deb opens her door to trimmed palm tree fronds lying on the ground. She mentions that the trimming of the trees is paid for by the city, but not the clean up. She really knows a lot about the city. Quinn admonishes Deb, saying, "We can't all live in high class neighborhoods." Uh, OK. She says she's sure he lives in a real slum and calls him "Mr. Cadillac." Because he drives a Dodge. But, I kid. They approach a home and are greeted by Wendell's mother. Quinn asks her for the information that she sad she had about the case and she responds by flicking a business card at them. It's Deb's. Ms. Owens says that the card was found in Wendell's shorts the night he got killed. Then, she does her best slide-down-the-shower-wall. Deb says she's sorry for her loss and she pushes Deb and says, "You stay the HELL away from me!" Quinn holds her back and she says that Deb came to her house and talked to Wendell, even though she told her not to. She led the killer to her home. He killed her only baby. AND. NOW. HE'S. GONE. This lady is really giving it all she's got. Deb seems appropriately disturbed.
Dexter is looking at a photo of a lovely young 20-something girl flanked by what we are to assume are her parents. He VO's -- "Marriage, children -- you never expect it to end in tragedy." Dex is moves the photo and we see the young woman lying dead on the floor of her home -- there's a baseball bat lying beside her. She's the new crime scene. Dex continues his VO -- he is actually a person who does believe those things will end in tragedy. Angel comes in and tells Dex that the victim is Lisa Morton. She was college valedictorian and was about to matriculate in Harvard Business School. How did he learn all that stuff so quickly? Vince pops in and says he found the murder weapon. It's a screwdriver that was under the sofa and Dexter confirms that it matches the wound. Angel says that he has deduced that the perp used the screwdriver to break into the home, Lisa came downstairs to check out the noise, she took a swing at the perp with the baseball bat, he stabbed her with the screwdriver, and then he ran out. Dexter says the perp wasn't wearing shoes. He sees sock prints, which apparently strikes a nerve with Vince who is all, "Socks?" Dexter also notes that the perp seems to have cut his foot during the hullabaloo. Angel offers that he may have just stepped in the victim's blood, but Dexter says that the bloody sock prints would have become less saturated if he'd stepped in blood, but instead they're more saturated lending credence to the theory that the perp was cut.
Vince is still stunned. "Fucking socks." Angel tells Dex to run the blood through the national database, but Vince says that he will bet them a night of lap dances he already knows who did it. I'm assuming he wouldn't be doing the dancing. He thinks it's Albert Chung, a guy who was arrested 6 months earlier for a breaking and entering charge. He also knocked an elderly woman down some stairs during the break-in -- while in his socked feet. She picked out the wrong guy in a line-up, so Chung got to walk. Angel asks the question all of us are wondering -- how does Vince even remember that case when it wasn't a homicide? Albert Chung is Asian and Vince says he makes them all look bad. He adds that taking off his shoes was very cliché. Dexter says that he probably did it to make less noise or to prevent leaving shoe prints. "So he leaves sock prints," replies Vince. "Freaking moron. And Asians are supposed to be smart. (meathead chuckle) Fucking Albert Chung." That was pretty excellent right there. Dexter repeats to himself, "Fucking Albert Chung."
At the driving range, Miguel says... you guessed it, "Fucking Albert Chung." Looks like Albert is Dexter's pick for the next project for him and Miguel to take on. Miguel says, "First an old lady and now a college valedictorian?" Jesus, people, your fucking G.P.A. doesn't make you a person more deserving of life. Dexter says that Albert's DNA has been matched to that found at the crime scene- it's just a matter of someone turning him in. Miguel lists his problems -- Ramon is drinking himself to death, Syl is nagging him for attention, and scumbags like Albert Chung are on the loose. Poor Miguel. He also doesn't have any faith that Chung will see justice if he's caught, for his attorney got him released before. He thinks that he and Dex should take care of Chung. Wait, not Chung, his lawyer. And, lo and behold, his attorney was Ellen Wolf. Dexter points out that she got her client off, which is her job; but Miguel says that her job is to uphold the law. Dude, you were on LA Law , you should know that's not how it really works. He rants further and says that Ellen twists the law. Dexter asks if she actually ever killed anyone and Miguel doesn't answer -- just says that Chung wasn't the first killer Ellen put on the streets. Dexter says again that Ellen hasn't actually killed anyone and Miguel says that Dexter is being too literal. He wants Dexter to keep an "open mind" about Ellen, then he corrects Dexter's golf stance, which proves effective. Dexter VO's that Ellen doesn't fit the Code, but he agreed to keep an open mind (in the interest of friendship).
At the hospice, he continues his VO, saying that fulfilling Camilla's request for the perfect key lime pie is much less complicated. Then, we see a tray of food hitting the floor. Camilla curses and says that she's not eating it. Her nurse is very sweet to her and tells Dexter that she has had a hard day. Dexter has a pie in hand. Camilla tells him that her tumors have slowed in growth and her doctors are giving her another month. She's not happy. She's already lived through this "end stage" with Gene. All she wants is to be on the other side of it. At least Gene had her, she says. Dexter says that she has him and he'll bring her as many key lime pies as she can stand. She gets kind of still and says that Gene wanted her to end his life when he was near the end. She would have done it were it not for the fact that she's Catholic and it would have been a mortal sin. She can't kill herself either. But, Dexter is a serial killer, I mean, non-Catholic. He could do it for her. He tells her that he lives by a certain "code" and she agrees that Harry taught him well. She knows it's a horrible thing to ask, but she begs him to help her. Martindale is so powerful right here -- it's seriously uncomfortable to watch. She tells Dexter that he is strong and a good friend -- he doesn't have to answer her now, but she would like for him to consider killing her. Somebody's dance card is full these days! Dexter VO's as he opens the box with the key lime pie in it that Camilla couldn't have asked a better person to off her, but he has never killed neither an innocent person nor a friend. I wonder if that would be his Pandora's Box or something?
Deb is sitting in her car, watching (from afar) Anton standing on a suburban street. She looks troubled as she slowly eases up to where he is. He sees her and walks up to the passenger's side window, where she sternly tells him to get it. He asks her what's so important she has to see him at the "ass crack of dawn." She asks him if he has any out of town relatives. He jokingly asks her if she wants to take a vacation with him. She's not in a kidding mood, so he asks her what the issue is. She tells him that she heard a "rumor" that he knew where Freebo is. He tells her that she knows that isn't true. Well, she heard this "rumor" and the other cops heard the same "rumor." He's annoyed -- this means that The Skinner will be looking for him and the only connection he has to Freebo is helping Deb (which no one but the police knows about). Deb just kind of stares at him and he gets it -- he's being set up. She tearfully says that she wants him to survive... because she doesn't want to lose a good CI. He says that it won't help her case if he leaves, but she thinks he should go anyway. He agrees to take off. He leans in and tells her to watch her mouth and she tells him to fuck off. This, people, is love. He gets out of the car and she watches him walk away.
As Dexter is in his office looking at the pictures that Camilla gave him, he VO's that breaking his Code could be very dangerous. He says he can't just change the rules for a friend, and he might not even want to change the rules. Also, he has a file on Ellen Wolf. He is researching her and keeping an "open mind" per Miguel's request. He's looking at a newspaper article with the headline "Ellen Wolf Accused Of Official Misconduct." He considers that his Code might include someone who unleashed murderers and the like on the world. He gets a phone call from Rita. She asks him if he got her messages and says that she needs his list for the wedding ASAP. She seems a little on edge. We see Dexter look at his list from before -- it hasn't grown. He tells her that he's working on it right then and she thanks him and hangs up.
Rita is with Syl. She seems annoyed and tells Syl that they don't have a head count, so she can't look for a venue yet. Rita, he's not going to have that many guests. We're talking a margin of error of like 7 people for whatever modest guess you could have about the number of people he'll invite. Just book a fucking venue. You don't have to wait for him. Syl tells her everything will be fine. I find their friendship really annoying. They always seem really satisfied with how nurturing and capable they are. It just annoys me. I usually really enjoy Julie Benz and I don't mind Syl either, but together they grate. Syl tells her that everything will be fine; in fact, she's just made an appointment at "the" florist. Rita says she would have a meltdown without Syl.
Syl says that she's happy for the distraction. Rita can't imagine what Syl would want to be distracted from. "You have such a charmed life." Gross. She says, that yes, on the outside, in front of company, she looks like she has it all. I don't think this is good. But, alone, with Miguel.... "What Syl?" She says that Miguel "goes to this dark place." She considers that his brother was just killed and his other brother is in trouble, but he's being secretive. He says he's with Dexter all of the time, but she's not sure if she believes him. Rita says that it maybe be fine -- she went through the same thing with Dexter. Syl asked her what the outcome was. Well -- Dexter was doing drugs and having an affair. Is that really supposed to make her feel better? Nice job there, Rita Jesse Raphael. Syl is worried if a guy like Dexter could do something like that, but Rita says their relationship was undefined at that time. The important part was that she confronted him -- now they're even closer. "You just confronted him?" asks Rita. She's still stunned that Dexter would do blow and ho. Rita agrees.
Angel and Barbara getting into an elevator at the station. He says that there is no way that her childhood nickname was worse that "Fatista." Heh. She corrects him. Gianna was morphed into "VAGianna." You know, kids, while cruel, can also be pretty brilliant sometimes. Angel concedes that she may have just won the worst nickname contest. He tries to kiss her and she pulls away. "Too soon," he says. Actually, it seems that "ever" would be too soon. She tells him that she just wants to be friends. He handles it pretty well. She asks him if he's going to make her feel bad about wanting to just be friends and he says that he won't, though he can't help wanting more. Is she going to make him feel bad about that? She just walks away at that.
Ellen pops her head into Maria's office. Maria called her, but didn't expect her to show up at her office. Ellen, for her part, didn't expect Maria to call in the first place. Maria tells Ellen that she's afraid that she's getting too close to the Prado family and she is ready to consider that they aren't perfect. Ellen says that Miguel tampered with juries, intimidated witnesses, and "lost" evidence. Maria asks her if she has proof and Ellen says that Miguel is bad but not stupid. Maria feels like it's impossible that Miguel has changed this much since she knew him before. Ellen says that maybe he didn't change -- her ex-husband was always a prick, she just didn't see it until the end. Maria says that it's hard to take in and Ellen replies that it's about to get harder. Miguel is on his way to negotiate the terms of Albert Chung's surrender. Maria is stunned that she's representing Albert, but Ellen explains that he saw himself on TV and called her. Maria says that she's stunned that Ellen could call Miguel a bad guy while defending someone like Chung, but Ellen says that it's not her job to judge. Maria points out that she's still comfortable judging Miguel, and Ellen replies that if Miguel ever gets arrested, she'll defend him too.
Vince is watching a TV with a picture of Albert Chung on it. Vince is pissed off. He says that Chung has gotten more TV time than any Asian face in years. Angel says that they've gotten 600 tips regarding the case as well -- the public is really upset about it. Suddenly, Dexter approaches them and asks if they will be bringing a "plus 1" to his wedding. Angel asks if "just friends" are eligible for his plus 1. That's funny. Vince says that he never brings dates to weddings because the best man always hooks up with the maid of honor. Hmm. Dex points out that the maid of honor will be Astor, a 10-year old. Angel (as well as Dexter) is surprised to hear that Vince will be best man. He says that he's not having a best man and walks away. Vince calls out, "Well, what about ushers?"
Deb follows Dexter into his office and tells him that she needs copies of all of his reports on The Skinner. He asks her what she's looking for and she says she just wants a lead. Anything. She'll be there all night if she can't find it. She stammers a bit and asks Dex if he ever compromised an investigation for personal reasons. He says that he never did. She sees the pictures that Camilla gave him and starts looking through them. He says that she's in a lot of pain and she offers hope that Camilla will die quickly. When Dexter replies that it isn't likely, she says that Dex should shoot her if she's ever in that situation. "Really?" he asks. She says that she would do the same thing for him -- she would never let him suffer. "You wouldn't, would you?" Maria pops in and asks Dexter to bring the blood report on Lisa Morton to the briefing room, because Miguel is here.
Dexter enters the briefing room to Miguel telling Ellen that there will be no "terms," Albert Chung just needs to surrender. Ellen replies that, if they want Chung, they'd better get ready to negotiate. Miguel asks Dexter to stay for the discussion, saying that Ellen may need a forensics expert to explain to her how hopeless her case is. Ellen says that Chung wants to make a statement to the media, he wants the charges against him reduced to manslaughter, and he wants conjugal visitation rights in the big house. Miguel blusters, "Jesus! You have no shame!" Dexter, prompted by Miguel, explains to Ellen that Chung's blood was found at the crime scene and the chances are 170 million to 1 that the blood belonged to anyone but Chung. Ellen says that she will be able to convince a jury that evidence was planted and Dexter "looks the type" to do the planting. He VO's -- "Do I see sheets of plastic in your future?" His face is PERFECT right there. He's stunned at how rude she's acting but also a little excited that he might get to kill her. Maria says that Dexter's work is solid, but Ellen points out that the prosecutor isn't. She says that it won't be hard to discredit Miguel and he says that they'll be adding slander to aiding and abetting charges. She reminds him that she's not on trial and he says she should be. "YOU should be!" she responds. She brings up getting Ramon off with a slap on the wrist, plus the Chicky Hines case. Where are you, Chicky? Maria tries to calm them down, but Miguel says that, if Albert Chung kills again while he is free, the blood will be on Ellen's hands. She points out that he doesn't honor the constitution's guarantee that everyone gets a free trial. He says that she helps the scum of the earth for a fast buck. This is nasty. She says that she does more pro bono work than him and tries to protect people from fascists like him. He says that she might as well be working the streets, with the way she makes her living. She just laughs at that part. Maria stops the argument and asks Dexter to step outside.
As Dexter walks away, we hear Maria scream to Miguel that he was completely out of line. He VO's that Ellen seems like a jerk, but she's only doing her job. She may do it too well, but he can't kill her for that. That's why I always try to be just a little bit of a slacker in my jobs, so no one kills me. He knows he's going to be telling Miguel something that he doesn't want to hear.
That night, as Angel is leaving, Deb is walking into the station. She tells him that she's got some work to do on The Skinner case. He asks what she's heard from Anton and she nervously says that he's not answering his calls. He suddenly brushes her off and rushes to speak to Barbara, who is getting into her car. He invites her to Dexter's wedding and she says that he maybe doesn't get the concept of "just friends." He says it's not a date -- he just wants to spend time with her. If that means they're just friends, he's fine with that. She asks if this is some sort of ploy to make him look more sensitive and he says that he's not really that sensitive anyway. "Yeah you are," she says as she grabs him and kisses him. He says he's confused and she just keeps kissing him.
Dexter is holding Camilla's hand at the hospice. He VO's that handholding is simple, intimate, and uncomfortable. She doesn't like the new pie that he brought it. She tells him not to worry about it -- waiting for the perfect pie gives her something to live for. She apologizes for asking him to kill her. He says that he wants to help her. She says that she should have thought about his past before asking him. He's confused. She says that she knows his secret. He's still confused. She says Dexter is worried that he'll be like "him" if he helps her. "Him" being his brother , the Ice Truck Killer. He tries to say that he doesn't have a brother, but she says that she read his file before she destroyed it. She says that she will take it to her grave and that Dexter could never be like Brian.
Deb is burning the midnight oil at the station and Yuki enters. She says that she had a high opinion of Deb, but she guesses she was wrong. Deb says that she told Yuki to stay out of her business, but she wouldn't listen. Yuki says that, because Deb told Quinn that she was investigating him, he "did what he does" and now the case is closed. Deb replies that it's not her fault that Yuki fucked Quinn and he didn't want an encore. Yuki's all, "HUH?" She's been married seven years and they're working on their second child. Quinn cut corners and was responsible for the death of another cop. Now that the case is closed, the next dead cop is Deb's responsibility. Actually, if Yuki hadn't acted like complete Looney Toons every time she talked to Deb and told her that stuff to begin with, the blanks that Quinn filled in wouldn't have been so damn blank.
That night, Miguel and Dexter are washing dishes after dinner, while Syl and Rita are at the table. Dex VO's that washing dishes is calming and mundane -- like belonging? Miguel says he's going to get dishpan shoes. Rita says that she's adding rubber gloves to their registry. Dexter is surprised that you can do that, but Syl says you can put anything on a registry, such as motorcycles or power tools. Miguel and Dexter both say in worshipful unison, "Power tools," because they are MEN. Syl drops a glass with wine in it and Miguel snaps, "Jesus, Sylvia, come on, use your brain. We just got this thing restained!" Uh oh, he's going to his dark place. Well, if Syl weren't such a stupid, stupid WOMAN, maybe he wouldn't have to go there. Gah. She says that she's got it. Rita suggests that Miguel and Dex watch a movie with the kids (Ramon's kids are with them too) while she and Syl finish the dishes. Alone, Syl apologizes. She says that Miguel probably invited them over so that he wouldn't have to be alone with her. She says that things have gotten worse since she confronted him. Thanks for the advice there, Rita. Syl says it's not Rita's fault and jokes that maybe Dexter is a bad influence on Miguel. That, she says, would be a problem that she could fix.<./p>
Miguel leads Dexter to another room and Dex VO's that he's going to be asked about Ellen Wolf and Miguel is not going to like his answer. As soon as they've stopped walking, Miguel asks, "So, what about Ellen Wolf?" Dexter is really nervous. He VO's that he needs to be gentle and tactful, but he just blurts out, "We can't kill her." He says that she's just doing her job. Miguel says that he should tell that to the families of the victims of people she got off for their crimes. Dex says he also read about the people wrongfully convicted that she helped. Miguel retorts that she's attacking the system -- now she wants to open cases of his, undermining years of his work. Dexter asks if this is personal and Miguel replies that fuck yes, it is. And, as his friend, it should be personal to Dexter too. Dexter says that he's not doing this and Miguel stands and screams, "Well, then, FUCK YOU!" Um, I don't see Miguel making it out of this season alive. Dexter just stares at him and says that he's going to go.
Dex VO's that he's never been great at conflict resolution -- at least, not without a blade and several rolls of plastic wrap. Nice. When they get to Rita's house, Cody asks if Miguel and Dexter got in a fight. She says that they didn't, but asks Dexter to make sure. He shakes his head. The kids go to get ready for bed and Rita asks him what happened -- because they left very quickly and he was grinding his teeth the whole way home. He says he disagreed with him. Rita asks if they disagreed about "the affair." Syl thinks he's cheating. Dex says that he isn't cheating (though he is obsessed with someone) and there isn't going to be any cheating. He says that life was good before Miguel and it will be good after. Uh oh. Is Miguel going to make it out of this episode alive? Rita says that it's OK for him to be upset and with a really really upset look on his face, he says, "I'm not upset."
The next morning, Angel tells Dexter that he will have a plus 1 at his wedding. Quinn stops Angel and tells him that Deb needs an intervention; she has been working all night. Angel asks if she found anything and he says that she was waiting for him for the "big reveal." Dexter VO's that he's "minus Miguel" after last night. And, Camilla is also on her way out. He tells himself that he's better on his own. Vince is reading about Albert Chung in the paper and says that he can't believe he's still on the run. Dexter tells him that they sort of resemble each other and Vince starts to call him a racist, but stops. He actually does resemble him.
Deb has an entire floor of a room covered in paperwork. When Angel and Quinn enter, she says that she found a lead. In the trees. She says that they've been looking down at the bodies, but no one has been looking up. Angel asks her how much caffeine she's had and she stutters, "A metric fuck ton." He advises that she stop, as it's giving her Tourette's. She says that she remembers, at the crime scene for Javier Garza's murder, talking to a tree trimmer . And, there was the mess outside of Lorna Owens' house. She thinks there might be a connection. The victims all have trimmed trees. Angel pauses then tells her to check city maintenance schedules. Get all sub-contractor names. Deb seems pleased. She says she still can't get in touch with Anton. Angel leaves and Quinn says it's convenient that she found a new lead after Anton skipped town. She points at all of the work that she did and says "nothing convenient about it. Not all of us cut corners, Detective." Way to hold those cards close, Deb.
Ellen is at her office when Maria comes in. She says that Ellen hasn't been answering her phone calls. She has been busy and she's troubled. Her conscience is bothering her. She wants to bring in Albert Chung. Maria wants to help and she's got booze. Maria says that "sometimes" she sets up surveillance outside of a fugitive's attorney's office. Ellen says that "only an idiot" would take a meeting there and Maria agrees (Albert Chung is an idiot too). Ellen says that she is not good at letting people help her.
At the hospice, Rita is going over Dexter's list. He invited "donut guy" but Rita says that, if he doesn't know his name, he's not invited. They enter to Camilla hacking. Rita meets her and helps wipe blood off of her mouth.
Deb knocks on Anton's door. He opens and says, "You came." She wants to know what he's doing there. She's furious. He doesn't have any security detail, because they thought he left. He says that he has two deadbolts and a nosey neighbor. He'll be fine. He says that he didn't want to leave without talking to her. He thanks her for warning him. She replies that he could have thanked her from Chicago. He didn't want to. He calls her Debra. Oh my God, it's quiet and he gets close to her. "I know what you did for me, and I know what it could cost you. And, I know how badly you want your shield." She's kind of shaky right now and says, "Not if it means using you for bait." Then, he grabs the side of her face and says, "I would do it, for you. I will be your bait." Then, seriously, I've got a little chill bump, he kisses her. That shit's hot. Sorry.
Dexter meets Miguel at a bar. Albert Chung was caught at Ellen's office. He knows that Ellen helped out and says that Dexter was right about her. He reminds Dexter that he doesn't like hearing "no." But, a good friend does the hard thing, and Dexter did that. He apologizes to Dexter -- very sincerely. Dexter orders beer for them. He VO's that he's not sure he's a good friend but Miguel, Rita, and Camilla think so. Miguel toasts Ellen Wolf. Then, Dex asks Miguel if he'll be his best man. Miguel looks thrilled.
Dexter visits Camilla at the hospice and has a new pie. She's asleep. He takes the pie out and cuts a slice. He closes the curtains then injects something into the pie. He VO's that Miguel said friends do the hard thing and that's what he's doing for Camilla, with sodium pentothal. She'll be gone shortly after eating it. She wakes and he tells her that he has a gift for her that will make her feel better. She seems to know what's going on. She thanks him. Before putting a bite in her mouth, he asks her if she's sure. She's sure. So, he slowly starts feeding her. "You finally brought me the perfect pie." He proceeds with feeding her the pie. She says that she'll tell Gene he said "Hello." He VO's that he's doing a good thing, but it feels bad. He leans in to her and tells her that she was right about his brother, but what she doesn't know... is that he killed him. "It's good you did," she replies with a smile on her face. And, she's gone. He VO's that all of the lives that he has taken have been for mercy and he only realize that now.
Jeff Long will be closely watching his desserts, thank you. He can be reached at jeff.long75@gmail.com
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