Showtimes Dexter

[anul]

Alright who else is completely excited for the second season of Dexter after watching the second season premiere last night.

For those who haven't heard of this show I'll just cut and paste a short paragraph from Wikipedia.

"Dexter is a television series created by Showtime starring Michael C. Hall as serial killer Dexter Morgan, who works as a forensics analyst specializing in bloodstain pattern analysis for the Miami-Dade Police Department. The series is based on the novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay."

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[HackerX]

Hell yes! They don't show over here in australia, so all my episodes are 'aquired' over the net, but since watching the first two leaked episodes for this season, I'm (as well as quite a number of people I know) dying for the rest of the season to come out.

[Capwolf]

Yes, me too. This was my favorite show last year, and the first episodes of this season were just as good. I can't wait to see how it resolves.

[vaguely dissatisfied]

Anyone else watching and enjoying the Dexter series? If so....why?

[Llen]

I am facinated by Dexter! It's probably the fact that he's a methodical vigilante who holds no illusions about his psychological disorder. Even better, he's tranformed his disorder into an advantage.

[Staralfur]

*points to av*

My new favorite show. Though this season of LOST has been great too.

I'd go out with him. rofl.

I just love the way he thinks and how hilarious he can be without even realizing it. And the moral questions the show brings about. He's such a contradiction. I also love how he is slowly becoming more human... one of my favorite aspects of the show is his relationship with Rita.

[meanlittlechimp]

Love the show. Not to many where the main character is an INTJ.

[AgentofGaming]

I watched it so long ago, I think when I was in elementary when I watched it.

Cartoons with absent-minded geniuses and naive people are always funny. It's like two conflicting worlds.

[HackerX]

Love the show. Not to many where the main character is an INTJ.

I wouldn't call him an INTJ. He's just psychologically fucked... so to speak.

That being said, I love the show.

[vaguely dissatisfied]

I'm fascinated with sociopaths. Now this show has given them a productive place in society. Do you think a sociopath could ever control their urges to that degree?

[Staralfur]

I watched it so long ago, I think when I was in elementary when I watched it.

Cartoons with absent-minded geniuses and naive people are always funny. It's like two conflicting worlds.

You've got the wrong Dexter. ;)

[AgentofGaming]

You've got the wrong Dexter. ;)
darn you're right
LOL I must have been thinking about the cartoon Dexter's Labratory

[lordrrr]

darn you're right
LOL I must have been thinking about the cartoon Dexter's Labratory

LMAO! I thought that too at first XD

[mabts]

I love the show -- clearly seems to be an INTJ to me. I can completely relate with his character except for being a serial killer and all...

[HackerX]

I love the show -- clearly seems to be an INTJ to me. I can completely relate with his character except for being a serial killer and all...

What clearly makes him an INTJ?

I can clearly relate to a lot of INTJ's and their outward personalities, but that sure as hell doesn't make me one.

As previously been mentioned, he's portrayed as a sociopath. There essentially impossible to type because they're not normal. That's the whole bloody point.

While there might be aspects of him that you recognise, it would be impossible to type him.

Here's a rant I prepared earlier:
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[mabts]

Actually, it's pretty easy to type Dexter.

Obviously he's an Introvert (don't think I need to argue for this one).

He's clearly an Ni in that he talks about how his instinct/intuition about who is guilty, who murderers are, and how to solve blood spatter crimes are almost always right (one of the constant themes of the seasons).

Obviously he is not an F. In fact, he can basically not feel anything at all. Furthermore, he was said in the second season to have been 1st in his class at medical school (I think?) which would highly suggest an NT combo.

In terms of J, he always wants things to be "settled" (hence killing the criminals and doing away with them), and he's a constant perfectionist with a clear sense of what he believes he should do and what he shouldn't.

To be honest, he is without a doubt 100% an INTJ. I can't even imagine what argument could be given for him being any other type.

[HackerX]

He's sociopathic...

He's more likely to be exhibiting shadow functions because of his childhood trauma.

I'm not going to break down certain outward aspects of his displayed personality because, as per my rant thread, I think the concept/process is ridiculous.

Typing him truly would require breaking through that childhood trauma and overcoming it to see he "true" self. This however is shown developing through the series to a small extent. You can't type a sociopath normally because they don't display there "natural" personalities.

[meanlittlechimp]

I wouldn't call him an INTJ. He's just psychologically fucked... so to speak.

That being said, I love the show.

What would you type him, if you had too?

[vaguely dissatisfied]

Here's something interesting I found about types of serial killers. this sounds like Dexter because he's eliminating 'bad' people.

"So-called missionary killers believe that their acts are justified on the basis that they are getting rid of a certain type of person (often prostitutes or members of a certain ethnicity), and thus doing society a favor. Gary Ridgway and Aileen Wuornos are often described as missionary killers. In Wuornos' case, the victims were not prostitutes, but their patrons. Dr John Bodkin Adams, meanwhile, was a British fundamentalist Christian (a member of the Plymouth Brethren). His rich, 'non-believing' victims were killed partly in order to redistribute their wealth to people Adams considered more "deserving", usually - but not always - himself[11]. Missionary killers differ from other types of serial killer in that their motive is generally non-sexual."





vaguely dissatisfied added to this post, 3 minutes and 4 seconds later...

But this sounds like Dexter too in that he enjoys the act of torture and killing.

"Hedonistic
This type kills for the sheer pleasure of it, although what aspect they enjoy varies. This is the most common type of serial killer depicted in horror, slasher and splatter movies. Yang Xinhai's post-capture statement is typical of such killers' attitudes: "When I killed people I had a desire (to kill more). This inspired me to kill more. I don't care whether they deserve to live or not. It is none of my concern" [12]. Some killers may enjoy the actual "chase" of hunting down a victim more than anything, while others may be primarily motivated by the act of torturing and abusing the victim while they are alive. Some, such as Dennis Rader, Wichita's notorious "BTK (Bind Torture Kill) Strangler" who killed 10 known victims, enjoyed both the hunt and torturing his victims after capturing and subduing them. Yet others, like Jeffrey Dahmer, may kill the victim quickly, and then indulge in necrophilia or cannibalism with the body. Usually there is a strong sexual aspect to the crimes, even if it may not be immediately obvious; some killers obtain a surge of excitement that is not necessarily sexual, such as David Berkowitz, who got a thrill out of shooting young couples in cars at random and then running away without ever physically touching the victims."

[Desiderata]

Dexter is one of my favorite shows just because he ends up questioning so many of the social norms... he's a logical observer of humanity's oddities.

The answer to his "type" is simple. He is currently exhibiting INTJ functionalities - he is using the cognitive processes in such a way that he most strongly would identify as INTJ. However, he's also really damaged - if he ever does break through that trauma, he may still act most like an INTJ... or he might not.

Most people's strongest tendencies don't change over a lifetime. His might.

[Necrosis]

Probably the best television I've ever seen. Unlike the rest, after the second season there still seems like a story that can be picked up and continued without hacking away the good parts of the show.

[Lout]

I've only seen the pilot so far and I have to say I'm in love. There's been a great lack of television shows I can really get absorbed in as of late and this show has single-handedly proven that not everything on television is drivel.

[deicruxified]

dee dee: helloooo dear brother! what have you got there?!?!
dexter: nothing... nothing!!
dee dee: oooops! i guess i shouldn't touch

the entire show reminds me of me and my sister... btw we both love the show





deicruxified added to this post, 2 minutes and 57 seconds later...

I watched it so long ago, I think when I was in elementary when I watched it.

Cartoons with absent-minded geniuses and naive people are always funny. It's like two conflicting worlds.

oh no... the same thing... hahaha my bad lolz

[SeaCzar]

In the vast , vacuous and vapid wasteland that is American television, at last there is a series that is intelligent and interesting as well as thoughtful and sexy. That it runs on Showtime without commercials makes it even more appealing. I do not think there can be much doubt that Dexter is an INTJ, although I would like to see others' thoughts on this. I particularly loved the season finale: It left almost no loose ends.

[Staralfur]

I've only seen the pilot so far and I have to say I'm in love. There's been a great lack of television shows I can really get absorbed in as of late and this show has single-handedly proven that not everything on television is drivel.

I hope you're watching it on DVD and not through CBS... it's been edited to hell on there and it's definitely not worth it. ;)

[lordrrr]

I hope you're watching it on DVD and not through CBS... it's been edited to hell on there and it's definitely not worth it. ;)

I lol'd so freaking much when I heard about the CBS version XD

[Llen]

Never trust a Major Network with a Pemium Network's original series. Case in point: TBS & Sex In the City.

[lordrrr]

It's like what my dad has always told me:


I wish every show was on HBO :undecided:

[elsdfr]

I loved the series and downloaded it as soon as I could (don't live in the US).

I like the inner dialogue and it just seemed so apt. Plus I like how he's a serial killer but he only kills bad guys... the ultimate cop out.

I've lost track of the latest development, the next season hasn't been announced from what I've seen but hopefully this year.

Does anyone who likes Dexter have new series that they like?

[anul]

I really enjoyed the first season, but the second season was fairly disappointing.

[Lei Yang]

the second season wasn't based directly on the books right? I used to like Lila, but then she became such a bore...

[Staralfur]

I loathed Lila all along. Especially at the beginning I was afraid I just wasn't going to enjoy the season because of her. But let's not spoil anything for people who haven't seen everything yet. ;)

[elsdfr]

What type do you think Lila was?

I think Dexter thought she might compliment him so I suggest ESFP (according to Socionics anyway).

[paradoxes]

I think Lila was an INxP.

[Lei Yang]

Lila has a fundamental need for Dexter, and for that alone I'd make her an E. I'm not sold on N, though. She tries so hard... but she just seems like an S trying to fake N.
ESFP actually sounds correct. Or maybe ESFJ.

[paradoxes]

Sorry but I strongly disagree with your analysis. ESFJ is the classic female type, and Lila is almost the complete opposite of that.

The fact that Lila needs Dexter does not make her an extrovert; introverts are just as prone to cases of infatuation as extroverts. In fact, being obsessed with a particular person might even be more common in introverts than extroverts, due to their inability to connect to most people.

So I think Lila is an introvert due to her inability to relate to most people (same as Dexter), her extreme narcissism, and general lack of interest in anything aside from her own mental state. Though she is certainly not anywhere near as introverted as Dexter, so she could be borderline introvert/extrovert.

The reason she is able to connect so strongly with Dexter is because of her N... they share a similar way of looking at the world. The reason she is able to bring out Dexter's emotional side is precisely because she connects with him through their intuitiveness, which is why Dexter says she's the only person who's ever really understood him. I think there's no way an S could understand Dexter in that way.

She is obviously P, since she is a huge risk taker, impulsive, spontaneous, creative, artistic.

She is borderline T/F - her selfishness, moral flexibility, and well-developed concepts of the world make her T, and her emotional instability/obsessiveness make her F.

So that's how I came up with INxP.

[Lei Yang]

Ok, by parts then:

She is borderline T/F - her selfishness, moral flexibility, and well-developed concepts of the world make her T, and her emotional instability/obsessiveness make her F.

but as you said her emotional instability and obsessiveness could just as well be attributed to the infatuation itself, so it's not necessarily a sign of F at all.

You're right about P.

The show clearly tries to sell her as N, it's just that I'm not sold about it because the descriptions she uses, and her analysis, are all so cliché as to seem scripted... and they are... :P Hence why I wrote S.
But supposing N, it's clearly her Ne that's the most devloped - that's why she would understand Dexter, and why she's so good at manipulating the people around her.
Besides, she is still leeching energy FROM Dexter.

ENTP - which I think is closer than INFP/INTP. I know an INFP, and several INTP, in addition to all those on the forum, and they aren't even remotely similar (which is why I initially went for the complete opposite).

ps. I'm actually beginning to suspect that I am an ENTP myself.

[elsdfr]

Mine was a pure guess based on Socionics and the "compliment" type.

The E I thought was obvious because she seemed to initiate interaction plus the fact that she outed him on her own to a complete stranger.

S because when talking to him in the beginning of their relationship she sensed that he was not fitting in and thats what made her talk to him.

F because she becomes incredibly emotional at minor points and Dexter is non the wiser as she doesn't communicate it in the beginning. Once she thinks he is hooked she lays it on him very thickly!

Not sure what makes her a P... perhaps a J because once things aren't going the way she wants all hell breaks loose. Plus she doesn't seem to get along with other females. But I've seen females ESFPs in the same situation.

Either way I'm glad he got away with it. After that amount of luck perhaps he will decide he should change? hehe sometimes it takes that much for an INTJ ;)

[elsdfr]

Breaking Bad is a TV series that does get a but slow sometimes although I still find it interesting.

From eztv.it
"Chemistry: the study of change. Apply heat and, boom, no going back. Meet Walter White, high school chemistry teacher. Sleepwalking through life when, boom, a terminal diagnosis changes everything. Liberates him. Empowers him to use his chemistry skills anew: to man a rolling drug lab and finance the future for his struggling family. It's an uncontrolled experiment with the American dream. And it finally wakes him up."

[meanlittlechimp]

He's sociopathic...


Exactly..... he's an INTJ.

Seriously, he seems an obvious IXTJ. He's organized, detail oriented, methodical and likes everything in their place. He's very bright in an analytical left brained way, but no so much in terms of right brained intelligence focused activities. I don't think Dexter would be a particularly good musician, actor, comedian, or other endeavors that require more natural empathy towards others. He never wants or requires affirmation and doesn't like to give it to others (and often doesn't know how).

I don't see how anyone can debate I, T or J. I don't think anyone is going to argue he's an F. The only thing that leaves is the N/S which is pretty hard to determine or even define perfectly. I would say INTJs are more likely to disregard obvious social rules/norms like serial murder than ISTJs, so I would lean more N. But, I will concede it's up for debate.

[Bluestocking]

I love Dexter. I bought the first season on DVD. It has exactly the kind of black humor that I love. I also enjoy the character's take on things. While I am certainly not a serial killer, I have occasionally felt his disconnect from the people around him. I love the show "House" for similar reasons.

[Quite Robert]

Dexter rocks!

[buddingscholar]

It's like what my dad has always told me:


I wish every show was on HBO :undecided:
Amen to that.

I have a secret crush on Dexter. I really have a thing for shy, wounded deliverers of vigilante justice.

[Capwolf]

Typing Lila should be at least as hard as typing Dexter, as she also is clearly mentally ill. If there were ever a candidate for personality disorders, she's it.

I don't see how anyone can debate I, T or J. I don't think anyone is going to argue he's an F. The only thing that leaves is the N/S which is pretty hard to determine or even define perfectly. I would say INTJs are more likely to disregard obvious social rules/norms like serial murder than ISTJs, so I would lean more N. But, I will concede it's up for debate.

Not to harp on this too much, but if my ISFJ mother were a homicidal sociopath who believed herself to be without emotion, she would look like Dexter. Dexter clearly has feelings. His ability to recognize them is shot, even when he's talking about them, but he has had them since the beginning. (That in itself means nothing T/F-wise, as Ts can be emotional wrecks and Fs can be coldly calculating.) He is almost definitely not T; his logic hinges on personal loyalty and values, and he will choose the latter over reason. His entire world view is challenged when the person who taught it to him falls off the pedestal--all the rationalizations he's built up over the years don't matter when he learns that his father had lied to him. There are other examples, but they lean on newer spoilers.

Disregarding social rules is hard to argue about Dexter, I think. The only ones he doesn't follow are the ones he can't, the ones he's compelled beyond all reason to break--and any type can be an addict. He might think some rules are silly or incomprehensible, but he follows them nonetheless. And to be sure, typical real-life ISFJs also think some social rules are dumb, even as they follow them.

[pensivemuse7]

Dexter is an INTJ.
Not to stereotype the INTJ, but he puts up a facade to fit in the real world because he would not be accepted for exactly who he is.

Introvert: he can get along with people, but that does not mean he enjoys being around them; he gets his energy from being alone (especially when working on 'projects'). He would rather do stuff alone and he does when he can.
Intuitive: The fact he can get away with what he does is because he thinks in a worldly manner. He understands and knows beyond his surroundings.
Thinker: Obviously he is a thinker. To be able to be so analytical and intelligent about what he does, how to act, etc so he doesn't get caught and he gets what he wants. Quoting from an episode of Dexter, *looking at the empty donut box* "Empty just like me". Does he honestly get his feelings hurt?
Judger: Like i said, to be so careful to not get caught requires him to be precise and careful to not leave evidence or a trail. He is obviously a great planner and he has a ritual when killing. He sticks to what he knows.

Other than that, this is an awesome show. It's really different and refreshing. Cannot wait for the third season.

[Jon]

Dexter is an unreliable narrator, and as such, you can't trust anything he says about himself or how he views life or his relationships. He makes asides throughout the series about how he doesn't have emotions, but he clearly does. It's kind of painfully obvious. If you're just going to accept everything he says and ignore the evidence, you'll be inclined to think he doesn't have them "and therefore is an INTJ". The only thing that's INTJ about that is how he pretends that he doesn't have emotions when he really does!

Yes, he's obviously an introvert. No one can really argue that he's not an J, either, because of how he likes to have everything finished and all loose ends either tied or cut up and placed in little bags, hidden in the ocean.

The other two functions, however? This is where he is not INTJ at all. I'm going to use evidence from Season 2, which will undoubtedly act as spoilers for those who are not fully caught up.

Fair warning. Spoilers, etc.

Okay, so to talk about S, I'm not really going to spoil anything, so you've got a few more sentences before you can turn back. A hallmark of sensing types is their reliance on senses, and concrete information. Yes Dexter gets "hunches" about people, but that's because he had years of training in order to do it. He still stalks people, collecting data on them and proving to himself that they are who he thinks they are. He goes as far as to make them confess as part of his ritual before killing them. The introverted Sensing function, Si, focuses his sensing internally on his powerfully strong should be scenarios. He lives using Harry's code (his personal should be) to guide his life. During the first season, anything violating Harry's code would naturally be seen as wrong, because to Dexter, it was. Harry's code was infallible. An intuitive wouldn't necessarily cling to Harry's code like Dexter does. It was arbitrary.

But in season 2, Dexter finds out that Harry wasn't everything Dexter thought he was. With his personal faith in his life-long code of how to act destroyed, his life was thrown into chaos. He didn't have any internal expectation of how the world should be and how he should act to guide him.

T or F? This one is where most people get hung up. I had a 3 hour debate with an ISFP friend at a Denny's one morning about the meaning of these functions. He was opposed to being called an ISFP instead of an ISTP, because in his mind, that automatically precluded him from thinking about things. This function is especially poorly titled because of how misleading it is. A T doesn't necessarily think more or better than an F, but so many people seem to think that's how it works because of the name alone.

Feeling is about making decisions based on values, while Thinking is about making decisions based on logic and causality. Now, explain to me. Deciding to kill people because of a code of ethics. How is that not value-driven? There's nothing logical about Dexter's decision to kill people. He knows he has to kill, so he's been told who should be killed, so he chooses serial killers based on, again, Harry's code. There's nothing anti-intelligent or anti-analytical about being an F type, as Dexter is both, but those qualities don't define the traits. At all.

Putting that all together, what do you get? ISFJ, like Capwolf said above. Okay. That's weird. Dexter's not a crazy martyr who's sympathetic to the plights of those around him! Or is he? Let's look at the evidence! In season one, I would've said "no way, you're crazy! Dexter's not an ISFJ! Although, I can't tell you what he is!" but only because they didn't give us enough reliable information. You have to infer everything you know about Dexter from what he says, as what he says isn't necessarily true. "Empty, just like me"? Please, Dexter, that's so obviously a lie. In season 2, however, his façade starts to break off when his values are challenged. He becomes more introspective and open to the possibility that he does, indeed, have emotions (even if he doesn't understand them, and frequently denies their existence, he still admits to them a few times). When he lies, he is even more transparent than before, but he still manages to become more objective about his motivations and desires as the season progresses.

Still, though, what's the biggest clue to his ISFJness? It's why he decides he can't let himself get caught. He has the choice between framing Doakes and turning himself in. He struggles with his old code of values as he slowly generates new ones to justify his actions and reconcile his feelings of betrayal by the man he idolized. He returns to the question of Doakes or himself, and ultimately chooses to save himself. Why? Because it would hurt Rita and the kids. He waffles further, trying to justify killing Doakes, and then he gets hit by the big one. He invites his sister--who he called the only person he'd love, if only he could feel love (yeah right, Dexter. Delusional. You do and have always loved her, even though you've always been an asshole to her)--to have dinner with him to break the news that he's the Butcher and he's going to turn himself in. He struggles a bit, and in their conversation he finds out that he's the only one she can count on in her times of need. Bam. It's over. Dexter cannot turn himself in because it would destroy Deb. For once he stops lying to himself about his emotions. He can't turn himself in because it would devastate his friends and family. He doesn't decide against it because he has to keep saving the world from the bad guys or anything dispassionate like that. It's because if he goes away, he would let down everyone close to him.

I don't know if you guys are close to any ISFJs, but them letting you down is their biggest fear, and avoiding it is their number one motivation. Excluding everything caused by his sociopathic tendencies, Dexter's actions are TEXTBOOK ISFJ. He martyrs himself (in his own twisted way, mind you. Breaking his now unreliable value code and not going to jail is his martyrdom) in so he doesn't hurt the feelings of his girlfriend and his sister.

I'm sorry, but if I really wanted to tell my sister that I was the Bay Harbor Butcher, I'd tell her, regardless of the emotional consequences. It's what INTJs do.

Don't be fooled by the surface qualities of sociopathy and his lying to you. Dexter is not what he seems. He really is a monster; he's an SF type.

[mind_wander]

I've just started on the first season and its rather good. I've heard it from my female intj neighbor said this is a pretty cool show. Also, saw some stuff from other forums about it, not bad 9.2/10 :), so I'm pretty convinced this is a great tv show; its on works for Season 3.

[Aressera]

Don't be fooled by the surface qualities of sociopathy and his lying to you. Dexter is not what he seems. He really is a monster; he's an SF type.

Slight Spoilers

I disagree that Dexter could be an F type. I think that you are taking a one-sided view of how INTJ's are supposed to act. INTJ's have emotions just as much as other types, they just express them less frequently and to pay them less attention.

Those emotions still influence the decision of an INTJ, despite what he or she might say. If I was the bay harbor butcher and my sister/girlfriend didn't know, I wouldn't tell them for two reasons, one logical and one emotional:

1. In case she leaked the info to someone else.
2. Because I wouldn't want her to be emotionally traumatized.

Both of these reasons make sense from a logical standpoint. The first one is obvious, and the second one is a valid logical reason because bad things happen when people get emotionally traumatized. If an INTJ were emotionally attached to that someone, it would further reinforce reason 2 with a solid emotional standpoint.

I don't think the few pieces of evidence you have quoted here are enough to make dexter an F. Think about how differently Dexter would have reacted to some situations had he been an F; he has too much self control. I agree that many of his decisions are influence by his emotions towards his family, girlfriend, etc, but that does not make him an F. Most INTJs, myself included, would do almost anything to protect those few whom they love.


Another point to note is what the results of Myers-Briggs actually mean. Myers-Briggs determines your natural PREFERENCES, rather than what you choose to be. I am an INTJ, yet sometimes I choose to act more like an INTP for various reasons. Nevertheless, I am still an INTJ at my core.

Obviously, Dexter's happy place is to be a T. He is the most "happy," calm, collected and unstressed when he is devoid of conscious emotion. The only times that Dexter begins to loose strength and becomes more stressed is when he is dealing with emotional matters. Throughout season one, he is perfectly happy solving the mystery of the Ice Truck Killer, even when that causes him to remember traumatic experiences from his past. Rarely here does he have to think about truly emotional things.

However, as you pointed out, in season two he must make more decisions based upon his emotions. This increased usage of his F side causes his brain to work overtime and negatively affects his mental health. For example, when I become emotionally involved in something, it overwhelms me and starts to control everything that I do. I become stressed and can't concentrate on day-to-day tasks. Similarly, his emotional involvement with his sister and girlfriend causes him enormous internal conflict between his F an T sides.

Thus, I believe Dexter to be a T-type. I'm still undecided on N/S.

[Capwolf]

Jon is an INTJ who doesn't claim to be emotionless. He knows how that goes. But Dexter's emotions and his values are fundamentally different from the way NTs feel and believe. Dexter kept the information from Deb not because he didn't want to traumatize her, but because she needed him to be there for her and he didn't want to ruin her mood in the short run & deprive her of the one constant in her life in the LR. Leaking the info didn't even come into it; he was going to confess as the precursor to turning himself in to the police.

Fs do not lack self control any more than Ts lack emotion. The quality of his loyalty is strikingly SF; it's natural to him to want to protect the people he loves even as he denies that he loves them, to the point that he lets their love for him be the deciding factor in the shape of his conscience and the course of his life.

When he unravels he shows more F--but he unravels because of a blow to the core of his emotional values, his ideals; and his unravelling brings a greater understanding of who he actually is and what he actually feels/believes. I'm sure there are plenty of exceptions other than you, but most people I know (almost all F, a few Ts) regress to their preferential functions when stressed or in crisis. I don't think "overwhelmed by emotion when emotionally overwhelmed" is really a good indicator, though; T and F both have that problem.

[pensivemuse7]

A lot of the responses provide plenty of well-thought out arguments for determining Dexter's type. However, one still has to take into consideration that he is obviously not like most people.

Dexter's father was able to recognize that Dexter had sociopathic tendencies. Sociopathics cannot be easily typed because they have a mental disorder. Their actions can be typed, but it is not apparent to what they are to the core.

Dexter was molded by his father, through the code, which gives Dexter his various qualities. Can one say he is truly a thinker or feeler?
-Without his father's guidance, he would have been essentially a mindless killing machine, no logic or reason behind killing. He kills because he has to satisfy that urge, like scratching an itch. He can be considered a thinker as an adult because he was shaped to think logically (Father: If this happens, do this.) so that he can function in the world.
-Dexter has as much morals as a rock does. Once again, he has the tendencies of a sociopath. He initially creates his relationships so that he can hide the person he truly is but not because he wants them. He has to blend into society. He develops his feeling side as he begins to understand the value of the relationships in his life but especially when his code was threaten. When panic ensues, emotional control becomes difficult. He does not understand his emotions because he never had to really experience them. He has had to pretend them.

Everything he does is to cover up who he is underneath. Logic was instilled, emotional tendencies resulted through further development of relationships he had to make.

After pretending for so long, some people begin to believe that is who they are. Many people put up facades everyday, but they know who they are underneath. Dexter just knew he was just a killer.

[zibber]

I was ELATED when I saw the pilot of Dexter.

[moon]

I watched 2 season of Dexter, finished all 24 episodes in two weeks. Season one i think is better than two. Plot is interesting, very complex and deep. Really liked Dexter character, never seen before. No friends, no feelings. Neat, clean, reserved, charmy, independent boyfrend, forensic expert and serial killer. I guess he is INTJ. Waiting for season 3, i hope they won't screw it up.

[mind_wander]

I watched 2 season of Dexter, finished all 24 episodes in two weeks. Season one i think is better than two. Plot is interesting, very complex and deep. Really liked Dexter character, never seen before. No friends, no feelings. Neat, clean, reserved, charmy, independent boyfrend, forensic expert and serial killer. I guess he is INTJ. Waiting for season 3, i hope they won't screw it up.

Yeah, can't wait for Season 3. I'm not so sure, what's this new storyline about?

[notoppings]

I'm confused was the second season re-premiered or are we talking about the third season. Either way I enjoy the show and look forward to the next season.

[mind_wander]

I'm confused was the second season re-premiered or are we talking about the third season. Either way I enjoy the show and look forward to the next season.

Third season, some people has just finished watching 2nd season.

[moon]

3rd season will be released at the end of september, it will have 12 episodes, don't know what is next going to be, there is trailer on youtube, i like for now that everything is starting over again.

[HackerX]

I'm confused was the second season re-premiered or are we talking about the third season. Either way I enjoy the show and look forward to the next season.

This thread was started at the begining of the US second season. Look at the time stamps

[Josh]

Awesome show, can't wait for the 3rd season

[ghettochraka]

Dexter. I can't wait!

[Colette]

Hmm I think I should eat more almonds...it took me a while to realize he was actually a serial killer...hehe. I find the sister character really annoying, but apart from that it's pretty good. Interesting idea, and good drawn-out storylines, which I like (although it means that if you miss one episode you're in the schtuck).

[IgnoranceIsKind]

One of the best series I've watched. Dexter is in everyway an INTJ. Heck, I might even vote him as the poster boy for our MBTI type. Great show!

[kansuke]

One of my best TV shows.

Season2 is not so structured, but some episode is humorous.
Especially season2 episode 2 and 9 caused me to LOL.
I like this kind of black comedy(for example Terry Gilliam's Brazil)

Both Lila and Angel look like *SFP.
Lila character is very realistic and remind me of my ex-ESFP-girlfriend.
Although she was more moral than Lila.

[Little Bo Peep]

I love it. Good writing, excellent casting.

[zibber]

3x01 is SCHWEET, as they say. They being myself.

[Jrrd]

I just finished watching Season 2 a few days ago on DVD. Amazing show. I admit that I didn't enjoy the second season as much as the first, but it was still leagues above most other shows on television.

[mind_wander]

One of my best TV shows.

Season2 is not so structured, but some episode is humorous.
Especially season2 episode 2 and 9 caused me to LOL.
I like this kind of black comedy(for example Terry Gilliam's Brazil)

Both Lila and Angel look like *SFP.
Lila character is very realistic and remind me of my ex-ESFP-girlfriend.
Although she was more moral than Lila.

I think Rita is an ISFJ. Dexter mentioned we are a pair of introverts and I am fine with that.

[Chilibean13]

Anyone else watching and enjoying the Dexter series? If so....why?

I am OBSESSED with Dexter. He is so funny and quirky. There is just something about him that completely and totally intrigues me. I've always had a fascination with the serial killer mind. Showtime does a great job of capturing his lack of empathy and his odd way of thinking about the world. I can't get enough of it. So far I've watched the first disc of Season 2, but Netflix still has the rest of the season on "Very Long Wait".





Chilibean13 added to this post, 4 minutes and 25 seconds later...

I'm fascinated with sociopaths. Now this show has given them a productive place in society. Do you think a sociopath could ever control their urges to that degree?

I read a very interesting book called "The Sociopath Next Door". Basically this book claims that 4% of the population is sociopathic, but whether they become serial killers is determined more by their "blood lust". Most sociopaths do not become killers. If you are interested in sociopathy you should read the book. It really opened my eyes up to the world of "no guilt, no empathy", and gave me insight into how to handle those few soul-less people that cross our path occasionally.





Chilibean13 added to this post, 9 minutes and 20 seconds later...



Does anyone who likes Dexter have new series that they like?

The series that I just started watching is The Tudors. I LOVE It.

[mind_wander]

3x01 is SCHWEET, as they say. They being myself.

I didn't know 3x01 is leaked already, so quickly. Great episode :)

[Josh]

Season premiere in 12 days! Sa weet!

[zibber]

Season premiere in 12 days! Sa weet!

3x01 has been online for ages! (And I mean DVD quality xvid, not Youtube quality.)

People need to get hip to torrents so we can discuss this season!

[Chilibean13]

Please no spoilers on this post! I watched Dexter through Netflix and just started Season 2, disc 1.

[Necrosis]

I just saw this thread. Dexter is the bombbb!!!!! I'm so happy ep 1 of season 3 was leaked just like last year. BTW you dont need torrents I watch them all online. I don't want to post the site on the forums bc of rules and stuff but you guys are all smart I'm sure you all have your own sources :-D

Watching dexter makes me wonder if i have secret killing urges :-X

[enfpchick]

I just saw this thread. Dexter is the bombbb!!!!! I'm so happy ep 1 of season 3 was leaked just like last year. BTW you dont need torrents I watch them all online. I don't want to post the site on the forums bc of rules and stuff but you guys are all smart I'm sure you all have your own sources :-D

Watching dexter makes me wonder if i have secret killing urges :-X

Thanks so much! I'm watchin it right now.
Ahhhhh its so good.

lol i realize everything bad always happens in Miami.

[blues]

Love Dexter. Just got into it last year. Really good character study, and I love the idea of the "dark passenger".

[Imposcillator]

One of the best series I've watched. Dexter is in everyway an INTJ. Heck, I might even vote him as the poster boy for our MBTI type. Great show!

Seconded. Michael totally pulls the cold INTJ look off. Love the show to bits.
Just watched the latest episode, in fact. :)

[HackerX]

Dexter is in everyway an INTJ.

Not even close. I'll have to see if I can find the thread that discusses this, but the extent of it was that; Dexter is a sociopath that makes it near on impossible to type him correctly.

[Anumidium]

Not even close. I'll have to see if I can find the thread that discusses this, but the extent of it was that; Dexter is a sociopath that makes it near on impossible to type him correctly.

You're just jealous. ;)

Actually, if anything the fact that he is fictional makes typing difficult and iffy, moreso than the fact that he is a "sociopath". He's a fictional sociopath who has a healthy relationship with a sister and a girlfriend and her two children. He obviously cares for these people, but has great difficulty expressing it. He has empathy, it's just very specifically directed.

I'm of the persuasion that he most closely resembles an INTJ, but that could just be because I am INTJ myself. One of the few types that has no problem accepting a serial killer as "one of us" XD

[SeaCzar]

Dexter is the best show on TV, imho.

[Wordsmith]

very well written show. I think sometimes they just throw sex and nudity into it because they can, instead of because it adds something to the story. I'm really enjoying his struggle with having a real "friend" and how that affects him.

Best quotation thus far? "My devil danced with his demon and the fiddler's tune is far from over"

[zibber]

very well written show. I think sometimes they just throw sex and nudity into it because they can, instead of because it adds something to the story. I'm really enjoying his struggle with having a real "friend" and how that affects him.


Huh? Stuff like the crazy pyro bitch definitely added something.

In any event, big stuff has been happening between Dex and Miguel lately!

[SeaCzar]

My favourite scene so far is when he take the paedophile's milk after killing him.

[zibber]

My favourite scene so far is when he take the paedophile's milk after killing him.

Wait, that was when his girlfriend had asked him to pick up some milk, right? :laugh:

[Wordsmith]

Huh? Stuff like the crazy pyro bitch definitely added something. Absolutely. I agree but I think that there are points where it's overdone in the series in general and thus loses some of its effectiveness. A minor critique, in general they use it to good effect.

[SeaCzar]

Wait, that was when his girlfriend had asked him to pick up some milk, right? :laugh:



:thumbsup:

[Webbster]

I love this show! I'm not really sure if Dexter is an INTJ since he seems to lack most emotions entirely rather then just not showing them.

[zibber]

This season is getting real good, Miguel is loco

[Claptonian]

This season is getting real good, Miguel is loco

Yeah, I love the character of Miguel. Really well done.

[SeaCzar]

OK. Season three is over. What is your take on the series that just ended. I thought it was great, but still thought season two was a bit better.

[Franklin71]

Not even close. I'll have to see if I can find the thread that discusses this, but the extent of it was that; Dexter is a sociopath that makes it near on impossible to type him correctly.

Some people do have a hard time telling the difference: Psychopath or an INTJ who's gone to the dark side (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.).

[Shadowstar]

Dexter is a INTJ, especially now that he has developed his ability to care and feel. If you watched all of season 3 you will know what I mean.

I really do think he is a poster child for INTJ as far as fictional characters go

[Night Runner]

I really do think he is a poster child for INTJ as far as fictional characters go

Eh, the jury is still out on this one. Dexter is a bit of a sociopath, so some would argue your INTJ diagnosis (as some of my friends do...). I think the poster child for INTJ is Dr. Manhattan from the Watchmen.

[Claptonian]

Eh, the jury is still out on this one. Dexter is a bit of a sociopath, so some would argue your INTJ diagnosis (as some of my friends do...). I think the poster child for INTJ is Dr. Manhattan from the Watchmen.

I've never gotten this idea that sociopaths can't be typed. They're humans and they have personalities, so they can be typed. It's like saying someone with cancer can't be given a physical. Besides, Dr. Manhattan is even less human than Dexter. If someone with a mental disorder can't be typed, then surely a scientifically created god can't be typed.

Dexter is clearly an INTJ.

[Night Runner]

Actually, this thread (To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.) has a marvelous debate on Dexter's MBTI type. I'm pretty sure they covered everything in that discussion. :)

[ambrosia]

Interesting character. A friend of mine recommended "Dexter"to me because he said i acted just like the protagonist.

Season 1 was fantastic, i really enjoyed his self reflection and the way he has a hard time understanding the social norms that "normals" take for granted.

Dalila (or w/e her name was) made the second season a bit ridiculous for me. I have yet to seen the third season.

[Inky]

Has anyone been reading the Dexter books? I have heard the TV show completely diverged after season 2 since in the books the 'dark passenger' has become a true mystical being of some kind.
I love the show, but was disappointed with the end of season 3. It was just so abrupt it's like they ran out of budget or something.

[Shadowstar]

I've never gotten this idea that sociopaths can't be typed. They're humans and they have personalities, so they can be typed. It's like saying someone with cancer can't be given a physical. Besides, Dr. Manhattan is even less human than Dexter. If someone with a mental disorder can't be typed, then surely a scientifically created god can't be typed.

Dexter is clearly an INTJ.

LOL. I was about to point out that Dr. Manhattan is not EVEN HUMAN. But a sociopath can't be typed, who is clearly a human?

In my FBI profiling course (I took two, one for criminal justice and one for counter-terrorism), I learned that sociopaths can absolutely be typed, it is one of the best ways to initially narrow down a suspect list. I'll point out it does not always work, such in the case of the DC Sniper, but with the exception of race, they had a match.

ETA2:: That link may have been the wrong one? It barely went into debate at all...
Another thing I thought I might point out, I just remembered from my classes. INTJs are actually very very similar to the sociopath profile of some serial killers. I remember even learning how to identify a INTJ, so you didn't accidentally think you had a serial killer in custody.

ETA:: In the season where Dexter was framing Dochs (or however you spell his name), the profile of that particular serial killer did not match Dochs at all, not even close. They would have been looking at someone who was methodical, likely living alone, very particular and patient. When they found the "murder" weapons just off the coast near the docks, that would have been a dead give away that someone was privy to the case details. Someone that takes so much time to dismember a body and leave no trace behind would never drop his murder weapons, and if he did, he would retrieve them.

I know its a show, but I hope you see my point.

[Oddball]

Actually I've stumbled on the conception of personality types while reading imdb discussions on this series several years ago.
The show is absolutely marvelous.