Season 1 or Season 4? Which is the best/definitive season of the show?

For me, it’s very close but Season 1 slightly takes the edge. The show was just so pure in season 1 and the mystery of it all was so engaging. After I rewatched season 1, I took a little break because I felt so completed with the story that was told. I adore The Ice Truck Killer and thought his kills was far more disturbing in terms of our characters reactions and how ongoing it was to them. Like with the hooker being filmed upside down. Insane. Born Free is MAYBE still my favorite episode of the show. And this is doesn’t really matter but I enjoy how the side characters like Angel don’t have too much drama going on with their subplots. Aside from Doakes who’s obviously one of the best characters.

Season 4 though. I always think Season 1 is an easy first place until I actually watch season 4. Dawg, especially after the relatively tame Season 3, What a breathe of fresh air. Those first two episodes are so solid. Dexter and weird rape-kink cop was so iconic. The horror and plot twist was on fire this season. Christie, breaks my heart and then seeing just how fucked up and tormented Arthur’s family is from Dexter’s POV is crazy. The scene where the daughter wants to use Dexter as an escape and then the mom DOESNT CARE just so he doesn’t tell Arthur. Oh my lawd it makes cringe in horror. I think season 4 had a slight edge over season 1 in terms of character development though. Like genuinely it’s this season was meant to be the sequel to season 1 because you have a true new serial killer, debra learning about laura moser, dexter accepting family or killing. To be honest, I see myself just rewatching these two seasons on a future rewatch to see where it takes me. Oh man, and I will say season 4 has an INSANE final four episodes. I start shaking every time the thanksgiving stuff onward comes up.

Overall, I SLIGHTLY give it to season 1 for being more “pure” not having as much focus on side characters like Quinn or Angel/Marie. I do love Rita and Dexter’s dynamic in season 4 a lot but I do like them slowly warming up to each other in season 1 a lot. shit, this is a hard debate lmao. both are 10/10’s