Dexter Morgan | Mental Health & Personality | Is Dexter a Psychopath?

[@jansmith3613]

I always felt that Harry's "training" of Dexter was a combination of trying to do right by Dexter's mom and, more importantly, fulfilling his own urge to go vigilante when he was frustrated by due process. Dexter became his tool and was sort of the submissive partner of the duo carrying out the wishes of the dominant Harry.

[@Stigmatix666]

Harry's "training" was gaslighting Dexter into believeing he was a soulless monster. It's very clear from the get go that Dexter has emotions, even though he supresses them. Even dr Vogel was shocked to learn that and started second guessing everything they did to him. In short, I believe Dexter was severely manipulated since his childhood. Yes, he's antisocial due to childhood trauma. But that could have been fixed since he was extremely young when Harry took him in. You can actually fix antisocial tendencies at that age and teach the kid empathy before they're teens! However, Harry and Vogel *encouraged and embraced* it..

[@50sand]

Was just thinking the same thing. Him having a predisposition for violence or certain tendencies might be likely. However, this may lay dormant. For me it’s basically nature and nurture. He might have certain genetics that are more commonly seen with certain behavior (lot of research around the time Dexter came out were focused on MAOA and other genes. People with these genes are said to be more prone to certain -violent- tendencies). Considering he had a brother my theory is they used this as bases (if only seen season one). The trigger is his environment traumatic experience which led Harry to believe he is a serial and thus trainend him like that. In season one it’s showed how much weight Harry’s words had.

[@Emma-zm7zb]

100% agree. Some people ignore this because they simply 'want to see' Dexter as a psychopath, but that's too simple minded

[@idontusepunctuationsodontc4425]

@@Stigmatix666 omg I love this because it always threw me off because it was so clear that dexter had has emotions and Harry very much used him he was very selfish

[@lazygenie5616]

I was always under the impression that Harry created Dexter just as much as the man who murdered his mom. After all it’s showed multiple times that his father constantly reaffirmed his inner darkness

[@nu-metalfan2654]

As someone who was diagnosed with Autism, I could relate a lot to the character of Dexter. I could relate to Dexter’s struggle with being social and lack of connection to other people. I could relate to Dexter wanting to live in his fantasy world, though nothing like my fantasy world but a fantasy world none the less. And I could relate a lot to Dexter’s wanting of connecting with others and to be normal, I just wish I was normal sometimes and be able to connect with others.

[@odefranc]

Exactly!! Very good observation! Dexter seems to be on the spectrum with high fixations on blood and very strongly attached (fixated) on the so coled Harry's code!!!! Seems, Dr Grande isn't as good as he thinks

[@nu-metalfan2654]

@@odefranc I don’t think the character of Dexter Morgan is Autistic, instead I think the character of Dexter fits Schizoid Personality Disorder pretty well. Schizoid Personality Disorder is a little similar to Autism (which Is why I could relate to the character), however the 2 biggest differences is Schizoid Personality Disorder isn’t a developmental disorder like Autism is, and people with Schizoid Personality Disorder aren’t interested in sex and some are even disgusted by the idea of sex. If you watch the first few season of Dexter he’s not that interested in sex.

[@chuckh4077]

Just pretend. That's how dexter did it.

[@DaveTexas]

As an adult, I became aware of how my lack of emotional connection to others was different from everyone else. I spent my life trying to pretend like I had these emotions and acting like I understood the emotions of others, but I really didn’t. I finally sought counseling, wondering if I had antisocial personality disorder. Turns out I was just undiagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. It’s quite amazing that I made it into my 50s before being diagnosed. I remember feeling like I was just like Dexter, just without the urge to kill people. I wished for my own apartment where I could go just to be alone. Pretending to be happy and "normal’ in my marriage is exhausting. It’s gotten much easier as I’ve started peeling away the layers upon layers of masks, since I no longer feel the need to pretend as much. For as much as I wanted to connect with others and understand their emotions, it’s kind of a relief to stop worrying about that so much anymore.

[@chuckh4077]

@@nu-metalfan2654 loved that season. He always tried to avoid intimate relations.

[@skyofthelivingdead]

“I guess ‘The Ted Bundy School for the Homicidally Inclined’ was not taking new applications.” So when does your Netflix standup special drop, Doc? 😂

[@Lionesse-z41553]

Seriously. He's on fire tonight.

[@jamiehoover9348]

Hahaha that slayed ! 😝😂😂

[@mikeystevenson6982]

Dr. Grande is Legendary

[@LuciaInman]

😂😂

[@sparklycrone]

Cause if you're gonna take the time to write it, might as well get paid!

[@JeffTheHokie]

Dexter was a victim of severe PTSD from what happened to him as a child. He (and his father) were gaslighted into believing that he was a psychopath by Dr. Vogel. She should have been the main villain of the final season. Dexter discovers that he and Brian were not born psychopaths, but were guinea pigs in an experiment to knowingly turn two children, suffering only from PTSD, into serial killers- one with a code and one without. In making Vogel a straightforward what-you-see-is-what-you-get character the writers really dropped the ball.

[@arnavrawat9864]

Vogel as the main villain wouldv'e been cringe imo. It's way too grandiose. And although i do agree that it seemed like vogel pushed the agenda, but i believe it's what she truly believed. Exceptions like Dexter are so rare that it would've been impossible to predict he will become a mixed existence, and ultimately vogel is right in her own way. He is unable to become good, and still remains a killer even at the end.

[@clintonshort2602]

I agree that Vogel should of been the big series villain. But I think it should of been made with the plight of doing what is right and full of regret and guilt. Instead of the son being another experiment, it should of been that she does this as a vigilante trainer to avenge the death of her son. In the end, we find out that the twist is the son is alive and faked his death as the opposite of Dexter.

[@LuisSierra42]

This makes sense for me

[@nameunknown007]

So Harry didn’t train Dexter’s brother. How did he become a killer then

[@JeffTheHokie]

@@nameunknown007 He was sent to mental hospital after mental hospital with Vogel convincing Harry that it was too late for Brian. It should have been revealed that Brian was the second guinea pig in Vogel's experiment. Manipulated differently but with Vogel pulling the strings. I think it would have been better than the way the abysmal last season was written.

[@danielwiltshire8131]

Dexter is well written because one ends up liking him, rooting for him., and not recoiling at his crimes

[@cindyrhodes]

Yes!!!!!

[@danielwiltshire8131]

@@cindyrhodes Really enjoyed the series, even the intro...which was just him making eggs and coffee. With tomatoe sauce. 🤔

[@cindyrhodes]

@@danielwiltshire8131 oh my goodness yesssss! I had forgotten about that! The little splash of red was really important!!! Lol You have an excellent memory!

[@danielwiltshire8131]

@@cindyrhodes Every Friday night 10pm UK time I was watching that splatter of tomatoe sauce.. gutted when the series ended. 🤣🤣🤣

[@judywright4241]

---I did try to watch, but I gave up, way too gruesome to get past.

[@lakeside1168]

When he stopped having flashbacks of when he was being raised by Harry and started to actually see Harry in the world he was in, I always thought he was developing schizophrenia

[@lukeswasey7451]

He was, read the books

[@suzannahland2391]

Video idea: Jesse Pinkman (breaking bad) analysis! Thanks for all you do Dr. Grande

[@jamessimon3433]

I second the Jesse idea thanks Dr Grande!

[@Kaigirl27]

Omg yes yes yes!!!!

[@abdulrahmanwalid9533]

And walter white !

[@TracvM320]

I love Jesse!!❤️

[@TracvM320]

Abdulrahman Walid I think he did Walter white 🙂 not positive

[@MissSyrinxie]

I've been watching this show and have been very frustrated throughout the whole series. One of the main points they bring up as evidence for Dexter's psychopathy is his lack of empathy. However, as the viewer you very clearly see him exhibiting empathy throughout the show towards Rita, towards Hannah, towards his step-children and Harrison, towards Deb. I think that Dexter was severely traumatized and that had he been given proper therapeutic treatment this whole business of being a serial killer could have been entirely avoided. Of course then we wouldn't have had a TV show to watch at all. I also wonder as to diagnosis of possible autism and OCD due to his fixation with blood and ritual and exquisite attention to detail in crime scenes. And although Dexter technically fits the criteria for anti-social personality disorder, I believe there are other diagnoses that could better explain Dexter's behavior than the show's continued insistence on him being a psychopath. Thanks for the video! It articulated a lot of what I have been thinking.

[@iurigrang]

Idk if you can say the show kept insisting he is a psychopath. The conflict of the genuine empathy he feels for people vs how psychopaths usually act is taken into consideration explicitly in season 8 and his psychopathy is put into question. Ultimately Dr Vogel goes with him being an "imperfect psychopath", but I don't think the show is shot in a way to endorse neither that nor him not being a psychopath. I'd say it's one of the things the show leaves kind of open.

[@BuckerydogSchmuckeryDog]

Yes, yeah what it seems like is that Dexter being an unreliable Narrator believes he's psychopath and we see some of the show or at least his thoughts through that lense. I think, however, that it's fairly obvious that he isn't. It's more like he's numb from the trauma except for anger and he wants to lash out. As the show progresses and he gets closure in some ways and grows in others his emotions break through the surface. Most notably when Rita dies. If he was a true psychopath that simply wouldn't be possible. So in short he isn't, but he is damaged af either way. I think the show was pushing that Dexter isn't a psychopath through the events of the narrative, while simultaneously having Dexter push that he is. Which is part of the draw of this show.

[@jenm1]

Psychopathic traits aren’t that simple. No one “is” a psychopath. They can have selective traits and different variations and degrees of those traits. People with psychopathy do often feel something towards loved ones. Edit spelling

[@vermili0n]

Dexter has no emotions at all. What you see on the show is all an act, he is merely “blending in” I believe he learned love when his son finally found him / later in the season.

[@BuckerydogSchmuckeryDog]

@@vermili0n Yeah, that's totally why he's grieved multiple people including Rita who he did love. He's numb or emotionally constipated sure, but he has the capacity for emotion and there are several scenes where he isn't around other people where he shows this. (And then he's confused about it and dismisses it because he's been told his whole life that he doesn't have emotion). Don't take anything he says at face value, because it's pretty obvious he's an unreliable narrator. (I'd put in a side note that he slowly opens up more and more over the series and by New Blood he's just full on emotioning).

[@cindyrhodes]

Omg thank you so much for bringing out that a TRUE depiction of a serial killer would be difficult to watch!!!!! Dark entertainment is entertaining because of an amount of unreality in it.

[@SpiralCee]

I agree. TVs and movies glamorize psychopaths and murder in general. It's not pretty.

[@carnuatus]

Dexter vs Patrick Bateman.

[@cindyrhodes]

@@carnuatus OMG YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROFL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I adore Patrick Bateman!

[@insertblankhere1566]

@@LuciaInman yea I disliked him from the beginning. As soon as he watched Jesse's gf choke to death bc she was in the way I noped tf out.

[@anthonyf616]

@@LuciaInman His character development was that he never truly was a psychopath

[@FrothLyfeSailingNandji]

Dr Grande, being a psychologist do you ever find yourself questioning yourself or being critical of your own behavior and thought patterns? Obviously nobody is perfect, I just want to know what it’s like having so much insight into human behavior whilst being a human yourself.

[@DwyaneWadeCounty]

He's a killer himself but under control ;)

[@redditman3701]

@@DwyaneWadeCounty who isnt.

[@zackthegates3070]

You don’t try and psychoanalyze a psychoanalyst my dude..

[@odefranc]

FYI He isn't a Psychologist nor nor Psychotherapist nor Psychiatrist!!!

[@odefranc]

Quoting from Quora .."Dr. Grande is not a Licensed Psychologist, not a Licensed Psychiatrist, and not a Licensed Medical doctor. Dr. Grande received his Ph.D. in Philosophy, and not in medicine. Dr. Grande is Licensed by the state of Delaware as a Mental Health Counselor . Licensed Mental Health Counselors do not have the same scope of practice as a Licensed Psychologist, a Licensed Psychiatrist, or a Licensed Medical doctor. Licensed Mental Health Counselors have their own Licensing Regulation Board which is separate from the Licensed Psychology Board. Dr. Grande posts sensationalized videos on his KZbin channel that often gives diagnosis to people which is acting outside his scope of practice, in my opinion. In April of 2019, a Journalist wrote a news article entitled something like, “Armchair Psychologists Who Ticked Off KZbin,” where Dr. Grande is mentioned as being one of the armchair psychologists that gossips. The news story pointed out that, “Even Psychiatrists don’t comment on the mental health of anyone they haven’t examined.” If you feel that you would like to file a complaint against Dr. Grande, then you can file your complaint with the Delaware Licensing Board for Mental Health and Chemical Dependency, or you might try filing a complaint with the Delaware Licensing Board for Psychology because the Delaware Psychology Board has a checkbox for people that are operating without a License in Psychology. "

[@everwhat013]

i think that with harry, it was less about being understanding and accepting of dexter, and more harry molding and creating what dexter would eventually become

[@pineapplehead5123]

Especially with how he was really forcing his own ideals on to Dexter and had it become a set of rules for him to follow. I would have thought if Dexter was truly and purely sick Inside, that he would have completely enjoyed killing people. but instead he calls it some kind of addiction and he doesn't really seem to enjoy it until he remembers Harry's "lessons" and feels as if he's doing some sort of good. Outside of just killing people, he does question himself and just how exactly he feels about it. But it's as if he feels as though he has no other option. (But I do get a part of him does actually want to kill 😅)

[@KittenBones]

I think he knew Dexter would have trouble controlling his urges. Harry was a cop, so it was beneficial for him to have a serial killer that only kills the bad guys that slip through the cracks.

[@sierracallihan969]

YES!! I completely agree. Throughout the show, a part of me also questioned whether or not Harry's persistence when "training" Dexter ended up exacerbating his demons... We know that Harry's "ghost" is merely a projection of Dexter's memory of his father; being that their conversations are mostly arguments throughout the show, it seems clear that Dexter was never truly aligned with Harry's views of his dark passenger. This was really confirmed for me when Dexter met Lumen, who he believed was the first person to truly 'see' him. Even if Harry helped Dexter to find a release for his urges, how much did he also influence Dexter's internalized guilt and belief that he'd never find true connections/love...

[@LaNoturna]

I think the show implies there’s a chance Vogel and Harry were too quick to teach Dexter to be a trained killer, and that he had a chance at not living that life. The fact that he has a “human” side is unheard of, so I think the writers leave us wondering if the right choice was made for him, and if he could have been “saved,” so to speak, which is why he eventually makes the decision not to be a serial killer anymore. But then Deb died, so he went back to his feelings of emptiness and low self worth, and decided disappearing was the best thing for his loved ones. Dexter’s story is truly depressing 😞 It took me two months to be able to talk about that finale without crying.

[@seanceknowles2911]

I feel like people forget that even though all those things maybe true we are shown someone like Roody ( Brain ) who was not taken in my a loving father and helped to make a set of rules and values as to be able to fit in and to not do “senseless killings”. Also if Harry had this other motive to use Dexter for for killing those who he failed to put away. He wouldn’t have had the effect he did when Dexter found and dismembered the man who was let go on the Ep where he has the flashback in Debs birthday. He committed suicide, because it was too much for him wether seem Dexter actually killing or because he knew it was too much and there was no way to truly help Dexter and he had a huge part into what happened to him, his brother and mom.

[@Morticia1313]

I found your analysis to be very interesting . Dexter is one of my favorite shows & Michael C Hall a favorite actor. I always thought when Dexter said " if I could feel" in different situations ironic since he had stronger feelings towards those he cared about than some "normal" people did. This is one of the most complex, interesting characters that has ever been on TV.

[@cindyrhodes]

Anosognosia: the lack of insight. Thank you for this new word today!!!!! I think I had this until I was in my mid-30s..... Some of us are unable to learn vicariously.

[@time2livelife]

I agree that Dexter doesn’t fit into what we know about psychopaths and serial killers. That said, it’s still a fun fantasy that there could be a serial killer who only hunts serial killers.

[@words007]

Reality is often disappointing. It always irked me that psychopaths are born they are truly blind to emotion they can't see it or feel it. But dexter wasn't psychopath. He was truly a perfect sociopath imo. And vogal and Harry helped him control his sociopathy, we've all seen Dexter making mistakes getting angry stupidly if he went on months without killing. I still can't believe they gave Dexter ep 1 s1 dialogue - 'not children, I could never do that to children " and he never did. No psychopath can even speak those words when they are embracing themselves while killing anybody. No psychopath would agree to it. Psychopath truly knows truly knows with reasoning alone they don't give 2 shites about anybody. They understand attraction but not sentiments. By simply having this small sentiments in Dexter's character he becomes a hero in his mind to save children (we all regular humans do it on multiple levels) which we see again and again later in the seasons occasionally his extra effort to make world better for the 2 step children he had and for his own. His comic launch episode named dark defender in S2 he related to it a lot. Discipline and friendship given by Harry to Dexter made him perfect sociopath. I know I was jealous my own father didn't talked to me like that growing up the way Harry did 🤣

[@Vampyr_000]

​@@words007patrick Bateman is the idol of incels

[@kojj]

@@Vampyr_000I would say Elliot Rodger is if your talking about real life

[@Vampyr_000]

@@kojj ok tru

[@samppakoivula9977]

Yeah, same. Definately NOT a pure psychopath, because Dex has some capability to feel remorse and empathy. So fits more of the definition of sociopath: Manipulative, aggressive (somewhat) etc. although not purely that either...

[@RinoO-4]

OMG Dexter my fave tv show + prison break ... couldn’t believe it when I saw the notification I was like “ What Dexter😮!!!!!” Thanx Dr. Grande we really enjoy ur amazing videos💕

[@cindyrhodes]

Yessssss!!!

[@user-vb6ky1mo9e]

I clicked on that notification so fast...

[@Lindsey0007]

Yes a Prison Break analysis would be awesome too!

[@susanbennett9062]

Awesome

[@RinoO-4]

A. M. Ya i mean c’mon who wouldn’t it’s dexter lol

[@templar8864]

I think the intent of the series is to reveal to the audience their own thought patterns. Dexter embodies the antihero character and as he asks himself philosophical questions, the audience answers them in their own context. It's a brilliant means to engage the audience in the storytelling.

[@KingFloch88]

Best TV show for those monologues by a mile

[@aladyofrageedits8173]

Dexter is my favorite tv show of all time. Seasons 4 with the Trinity Killer and Season 5 with The barrel girls case were absolutely brilliant. Very interesting break down.

[@greckle]

I didn't like the Lumen character in season 5. It's probably because I was so salty after Rita died and it was literally last season and dexter is already fornicating with some other blonde chick.

[@katrinetroelsen]

@@greckle Fornicating :D LOL

[@tumppuman]

Mine too until they completely ruined the whole show in the last season.

[@christopherpoblete8562]

Season 4 is a work of art.

[@aladyofrageedits8173]

@@greckle I wasn't a huge fan of Lumen either, but I came to appreciate S5 when I realized how much Jordan Chase played by Jonny Lee Miller reminds of all the men's empowerment speakers (especially manosphere/21 Convention) that now have a claim to fame. It's eerie. Dexter was ahead of its time.

[@thecrew5682]

I'm writing a feature on a psychopath and this is very helpful for character development. Thank you Dr. Grande for sharing your insight. I never bought into Dexter as being a true psychopath. Mainly because he was married and he cared about what happened to his sister, wife, son and wife's kids. He was written to connect to the audience, but he's not a real example.

[@cindyrhodes]

Thank you for bringing out the fact that Dr. V's direction was instrumental in Dexter's extreme murderer conscientiousness.

[@cherietillapaughhott1012]

Oh, the quips! The dry quips! All of them, excellent. I try so hard to describe to my husband why I'm laughing when I'm watching your videos. It's hard to get the cadence and tone of the delivery that make your humor so, well, humorous!

[@ZombieMiezz]

As a big fan of you Dr. Grande & the show Dexter this video is the perfect match. Thank you Dr. Grande for always surprising us with your in depth analysis & choice of content. Even if this sounds cheesy you are such a huge addition to YT & you make it a better place, content & personality wise + you keep up so quickly with your uploads. It's stunning. As always it's a pleasure Dr. Grande - thank you! Stay safe & well everybody. P.S.: I miss the old intro a bit but I love the new added "outtakes" on the end.

[@cindyrhodes]

I agree, Zombie!!!!!

[@ZombieMiezz]

@@cindyrhodes Stay safe Mermaid & have a nice start in the week (:

[@cindyrhodes]

@@ZombieMiezz Thank you so much, my friend, and the same to you!!!!! 💘 😻 💜 💛 💚 🧡 💘 😻 💜 🧜‍♀️ 🧜‍♀️ 🧜‍♀️ 🧜‍♀️ 🧜‍♀️

[@annpulbrook9033]

Hi Dr Grande, I‘ve just been watching “Mindhunter”, & I was wondering about the psychology (profile, -ironically) of Agent Holden Ford. It’s certainly an interesting show, & he is a driven & perplexing character (he just wants to know “why?”). I love how you offer insight into fictional (but rich) characters (although Holden is based on a real man). Thank you -& it’s impressive how quickly you cover characters & situations so current in the news!

[@staceye2851]

I was very disappointed when the showrunner decided he didn't have time for a third season of Mindhunter and Netflix took that as a great opportunity to trim its fat. I really love both actors in the series, and the female doctor who joined them looked promising if for no other reason than she was opening up to working a bit more loosely like one of the agents but not like the other. She was starting to thaw. I wanted to see where they took her. Oh, well.

[@stephm.3407]

@@staceye2851 - I agree, it was a great show, it sucks they didn't renew it. I understand it was expensive to produce because they had to have new characters and locations all the time, but it was one they should have kept. Another amazing show that Netflix axed (after 1 season with a complete cliffhanger) was I Am Not Okay With This; that show had such potential!

[@JBatesProductions]

Hey, I would LOVE to see an analysis of some of the former world leaders in the world that we learn about in History class. Stalin, for instance. Or even someone like Otto Von Bismarck who seemed to be a really interesting character. It'd be interesting to see what traits they had possibly influenced them to obtain their positions of power, and also also what drove them to do some of the deeds they did once they got there.

[@leedaniels2741]

Oooo yeah , I’d love that too 👍🏼

[@ZombieMiezz]

This is such a good suggestion Jimmy! I'm here for it.

[@cindyrhodes]

Yesss!!

[@anonymousstrangeness7348]

I agree, that would be truly fascinating, to think back on historical figures with the insightful analysis provided by Doctor Grande; -- I believe that, by listening to his videos, we ourselves are all actually learning to become more insightful in our own everyday thinking.

[@green2498]

This can be difficult because it's more or less impossible to ascertain what an "unbiased" presentation of controversial political figures (especially someone like Stalin) is. Many of Stalin's most famous quotes (one death a tragedy a million a statistic, why would we let our enemies have ideas, and so on) aren't even real.

[@Nicallica11]

Love the style of presentation of these videos. Straight to the point and stating the facts. I'm so tired of all these "wacky" youtube personalities trying to take a topics like this and exaggerate them to make them more creepy or spooky purely for the views. Well done.

[@cindyrhodes]

"A journey of both murder and exploration....!!!" And LOL yes, he'd do well to go live his life as a lumberjack! ( "I'm a lumberjack and I'm ok: I kill all night and I sleep all day.....")

[@alifmuhammadchicago]

Nooice

[@Christopher28fair]

Python was great, and that skit was funny, but it’s regrettable they allowed such a homophobic attitude to be part of their art - especially with Graham Chapman being gay.

[@2manybooks2littletime25]

And now for something completely different: A psychologist with funnier jokes than a stand-up comedian!

[@2manybooks2littletime25]

@@Christopher28fair then you don't know much about Graham Chapman and/or the British people. Graham Chapman often wrote those "homophobic" skits. The British men have been perceived as mostly homosexual due to their "stiff upper lips" and polite etiquette. Regardless, they made fun of everything and everyone and did so, mostly, without offending anyone. It was, however, a different time.

[@cindyrhodes]

@@Christopher28fair I know what you mean; I think they were making an ironic statement in the vest way. ❤ 🤍 💙 🧡

[@nigethejedimaster]

I liked listening to this video, in particular to your analogy and drawing compressions between Dexter's traits and the shared traits of Sherlock Holmes, Hannibal Lector, Darth Vader and The Terminator. Dexter is the sum of the traits audiences find most entertaining, enticing of these established characters.

[@Messy_Mermaid]

Dexter is one of my favorite shows of all time. I appreciate that you brought up the fact that’s he was more than likely made into a killer. I feel as though if he had had treatment as a young boy he wouldn’t have ended up the way he did. The ending of this video gave me life btw.

[@asmr_nostalgia]

I often go back to your older videos, I can almost always type in “Dr Grande _ (literally almost any topic or case that I’m wondering about)” and there it is! Sometimes I REALLY need that grounded, logical analysis. It really is always appreciated.

[@zwangie1]

Being both a true crime and Dexter fan the ending just KILLED ME 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@g0ne_dark]

Me too!!! I was devastated.

[@captainron4924]

:OOOO!

[@kukalakana]

He's not a strictly realistic character, but yes he *is* interesting. (Although the last few series were a bit... they let themselves go.)

[@zwangie1]

@Saul, wow. U so funny, that had me rolfing. 😒 What a funny funny MAN U must be so popular with the ladies Gtfo

[@KarmaLeto]

It's not over yet, a 2021 miniseries is coming.

[@thewetwill4890]

You should definitely do a deep analysis on the show You from Netflix, he’s similar to dexter in that he truly believes the murders he commits are justified. His reasoning is just so much more sociopathic and in a way makes me appreciate dexters character so much more. Loved the video keep up the great work!

[@e22ddie46]

Ugh lol. You makes me so uncomfortable haha.

[@raymondsims7042]

@@e22ddie46 and I don’t think Joe Goldberg thinks he’s justified either 😂he’s more just evil🤷‍♂️very complexed but evil. Dexter is a bit more debatable (but still evil)

[@cindyrhodes]

ROFL TED BUNDY SCHOOL FOR THE HOMICIDE INCLINED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LAUGHING MY HEAD OFF!!!!!!

[@cuppycakey5013]

So hilarious 😂 😂

[@cindyrhodes]

@Maya Castañeda IKR!!!!!! 😃 🙂 😺 😻 😍

[@wildchild1542]

Highly admire the fact that you actually read your comments and respond to interesting requests!

[@anainmazatlan]

“Ted Bundy School for the Homicidially Inclined” had me on the floor laughing! You have such a great sense of humor and awesome delivery.

[@jamiehoward6906]

Hilarious ending! I always suspected him as being aspergers with anger issues ptsd/severe trauma. Never did I think he was a sociopath/psychopath. Maybe Shizoid with trauma?

[@lyndawood7937]

Dexter was a great series. People who liked it always say they wish there was a real Dexter to get rid of really bad people. Thanks.

[@momof1576]

I can’t wait for it to start again tonight

[@tyyneviljakainen5108]

I would love to be that but don't know any pig farmers and don't have a driver's license 😁 first on my list would be pedophiles then animal abusers and on 3 d human trafficking scumbags

[@JDdr86]

@@tyyneviljakainen5108 Pederasts, not pedophiles. The latter would be a thought crime, wich is insane. Remember, this people are moms, dads, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins. And most *pederasts/child rapists* , are NOT pedophiles, they're generally just abusive predators, looking for an easy target. Pedophilia is a neurodevelopmental ailment that causes tremendous distress to most of it's victims, driving them to anxiety, depression and often suicide, due to most of them being decent and kind people, with a conscience, who don't want to hurt anyone. Pederasty on the other hand, is a practice, generally perpetrated by coward psychopaths, or people who delude themselves into believing it's harmless.

[@thecatatemyhomework]

I agree. He did a wonderful thing, getting rid of real evil people.

[@rainyday4972]

@@JDdr86 In this day and age where they are getting released from prison for "good behavior", and those walking around picking out their next victim, yes, we need a few Dexter's out there.

[@guitarded2524]

I always felt like the show was trying to show that dexter really wasnt a psychopath, especially as it went on. In the first season they make you think he really is, but then his emotions develop and we learn that he probably was just a traumatized kid that was manipulated into becoming a serial killer and thinking hes not normal. I never had the impression he was portrayed as a real psychopath

[@user-vb6ky1mo9e]

Already excited for this!!!!

[@iulia.bianca.b]

I've never seen a video of yours that I didn't love, dr. Grande. This one was so thorough and interesting. I always knew that Dexter wasn't a realistic depiction of a psychopath, or else no one would like the character or feel empathy and care for it. But your analysis was extremely clarifying. Keep up the great work ♥️

[@michaelmahon3162]

I wasn't expecting this one. Ain't gonna complain 😂

[@susanbennett9062]

Yessss

[@melindac3368]

I'm binge-watching Dexter now and am impressed with how little sleep he needs and how he's rarely at work or at home.

[@doubledoorsd4]

Really intereresting, when you mentioned that if a television series ever did come out with a realistic depiction of a serial killer that it would be hard to watch, that immediately made me think of American Psycho. While I thought the book was fantastically written I found it unbearable but I loved the movie. I wonder what your thoughts on the character of Patrick Bateman would be!

[@warriorwaitress7690]

Interestingly enough, "Patrick Bateman" is the alias that Dexter Morgan uses to obtain his seemingly limitless supply of M99, a very restricted animal tranquilizer which requires a DEA license to purchase. We learn this in the season 1 episode "Return to Sender", when Dexter gets into Masuka's email to delete his alias from the list of names Masuka had been sent of people with a DEA license, because Masuka had noticed M99 in the toxicology report from Valerie Castillo's body.

[@laszlobencebari8677]

@@warriorwaitress7690 Glad someone else also spotted this. Although one might argue that Bateman is more likely psychotic than psychopathic, since his murders are implied to happen only in his imagination. (However, I think another interpretation is also viable, where he is a serial killer, but lives in a completely alienated society, where even such things do not have significance.)

[@warriorwaitress7690]

@@laszlobencebari8677 Hey, it's possible. And the title American Psycho ***could*** mean either psychotic or psychopath, leaving it up to the imagination? Interesting theory.

[@OneFinalAutumn]

I think the show was trying to create a perfect hunter and monster, as you pointed out with all the various characters that influenced his creation.

[@nicolecarnevale1071]

Dr Grande. I needed a moment before posting because I was laughing so hard at your analysis of socially aware, and philosophical, child protecting, family loving serial killing psychopaths. Thanks for the giggle. I like the show Dexter, although it’s sometimes too dark for me. I haven’t really reflected on why until now. I believe one of the reasons this series is appealing to myself and maybe others is Dexter seems to target cold callous morally bankrupt killers engaging in repulsive crimes on other persons most of whom have slipped through the justice system while other families are left destroyed or close to it. In the show these people move along with wreckage in the past and a personality structure and behavior that seems to assure future wreckage at someone else’s expense. Dexter”s desire to join life and leave his dark passenger behind is probably something all can relate to although hopefully not anywhere near Dexter”s extreme extent. This serial killer wants to love and be loved, and that I think is a very human quality. Dexter also loved his sister, father, son and wife also making him relatable. There is a dramatic but weird sense of justice in Dexters actions, however unrealistic. I’m jumping off the preverbal soapbox!! 😂 It will be interesting to see what other people think about the reasons they enjoy or paradoxically dislike this series.

[@punkhazzzard]

I'm loving all of these character analyses! Do you think you could take a look at Will Graham from the Hannibal television series? I think he's a pretty interesting character with his high levels of empathy and would love to know your thoughts about him.

[@JeanieD]

punkhazard, agreed; I also requested this after the Hannibal analysis a few days ago.

[@meowyimeow]

I would love to see this too

[@sixlacroix6014]

I'd love to see an analysis of House. Love your dry humor. I enjoyed this one 😄

[@cindyrhodes]

I love the reference to animals' not caring for Dexter. There is a saying, " If my dog doesn't like you, I'm not going to."

[@cindyrhodes]

@therandom3591 lol Thats cool. It is more difficult to get a CAT to like someone!!! 😃 🙂 🐈 😻 😺 😸 🐱

[@rooseveltbrentwood9654]

I had the worlds most friendly cat. The only person he hissed at when they tried to pet him turned out to be running a ponzi scheme in the neighborhood.

[@cindyrhodes]

@@rooseveltbrentwood9654 that kitty 😺 was a good judge of character!!!

[@KibatheMalinois]

Definitely, animals not only have a keen sixth sense but their other senses like smell detect hormone changes and their hearing can detect heartbeat changes. If your dog or cat really doesn't like somebody then that means you should stay away from them as well. I prefer being around my dogs most of the time and having two 150 pound Rotties(they are just big puppies with me though lol) plus a Belgian Malinois generally keep most people away. The real crazies will stay the hell away from you by default because most of the time they don't like animals just the same as the animals that don't like them, probably a lesson learnt from experience.

[@cindyrhodes]

​@KibatheMalinois oh I just love visualizing you and those dogs together. Every time I meet someone new who has a dog, the dog ends up sitting next to me, and I feel ssssoooooooooo honored!!!!!!! I bet your pups are just wonderful!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@jennlenon8954]

I absolutely LOVE the end takes!!! Seriously, you need a stand up special!!!

[@ricardoveiga007]

As a Dexter's fan, I just found your analysis of him really brilliant!

[@spamfilter32]

It might have been interesting if you talked more about the hallucinations that Dexter experiences, and how accurate they are. that he regularly hallucinates his dead father and has conversations with him. How realistic is that portrayal of someone who has regularly audio/visual hallucinations, and how might that factor into his diagnosis. There are times when Dexter acts impulsively, usually under times of great stress. It might have been interesting to review the episode where he meet's his childhood idol the Tooth Fairy killer, and how accurate a portrayal that was to what a real serial killer is/would be. While you mention that Dexter doesn't have a sex drive, while it is true that his killings are not sexual in nature, he can and does have sex, but he doesn't seek it out. This might have to do with his aversion to messy fluids, and in sex there is quite a bit of messy fluids. Also, he seemed to fear sex because of the intimacy involved and the fact that he can't produce the intimacy that his partners would expect since he doesn't view himself as human (or at least fully human).

[@rolandog5424]

Finally Dr Grande! You are the best Sir!👍🏽🙏🏽

[@Andrea.1292]

This video couldn't have come out at a better time! I literally just finished rewatching this show and was thinking about nature vs nurture. Did Dr. Vogel and Harry come up with twisted ideas about who Dexter should be or was he always destined to become a serial killer due to his nature? Dexter saw his mother brutally massacred when he was two and even though he didn't remember it until his brother reminded him, that memory was still there hidden in his subconscious. I would imagine that taking a huge toll on a child's psyche even if it was suppressed for such a long time. I am not really an expert on child psychology but would it be possible that he was suffering from that trauma and acting out because of it? Could this have been helped in a different way? What if he got an appropriate Dr. and worked through the trauma, would he have still been a "psychopath"? I have a huge problem with Harry, Dexter uses his memory of him as his moral compass without much contemplation. People, including Harry, are not perfect and I believe that Harry might have done more harm than good raising Dex. He always set Dexter apart from everyone else and say "you can't do this, do that instead" which caused Dexter to see himself as an alien around other people. He drilled a code into young Dexter's mind that maybe he didn't even have to be done. I think all of this could be a result of all of the remorse Harry felt when his informant (dexter's mother) was sawed into pieces while she was supposed to be safe and under his watch. I think Harry could have experienced PTSD among other psychological issues after witnessing something as brutal as that. In order to compensate for the situation, I think he got overly involved in "saving Dexter" and molded him into a serial killer. Harry had good intentions but I think that was a form of child abuse instead of love for his son. Dexter never learned anything apart from the code, I think if anybody was raised that way they also would be isolated, socially awkward, and believe that the code was their only way of surviving in the world. I can discuss this topic forever but I think it's pointless to write anything on here since no one will read it. So in conclusion, I think Dexter suffered from a shit show of mental disorders but they were made worse while he was being raised in Harry's home. A serial killer was created through his exposure to extreme violence as a child and could have possibly been avoided with a more appropriate treatment plan. PS. I think Dr. Vogel was super sketchy and Harry should have never gotten involved with her.

[@nathansvensson1683]

Oh Dr Grande, you are the best. I loved this TV show (and Michael C. Hall in general). Maybe you could analyze Adrian Monk soon?

[@Lionesse-z41553]

That would be a fun one!

[@kukalakana]

And Holmes, and Poirot...

[@macforme]

Nathan Svensson: Funny thing about Monk... I had to stop watch it cuz his OCD drove me nuts. I kept yelling at the TV: "FIND ANOTHER PROFESSION!!!"

[@sherilynnf8886]

Hey Doc! I just started Dexter. The end of your commentary was hilarious since I have watched Documentaries on the serial killers you mentioned. Thanks, your humor is always appreciated!

[@stacin821]

Oh I had to click this one! I'm rewatching Dexter now on Netflix. Love me some Michael C Hall.

[@cindyrhodes]

Yesss!

[@user-vb6ky1mo9e]

Forever one of my top favorite shows

[@JeanieD]

I wonder if the show would have been as good with anyone else playing Dexter. I think it was Hall’s portrayal, more than the character as written, that I enjoyed.

[@stacin821]

@@JeanieD it's hard to imagine it that way but I really don't think it would have been nearly as good. I'm trying to think of someone who might be able to do it but I'm coming up blank.

[@Lionesse-z41553]

Me, too!

[@maryanneborders9602]

Love the dead pan delivery of the " I guess. . . " reasons for Harry Morgan's homeschooling of Dexter ! Reminds me of CT's "I'll be back " KZbin videos

[@keojy]

"Therefore he decides to fake his own death and go live as a... lumberjack." 🤣 that cracked me up, but it's true.

[@MrBenbaruch]

I love how you were deadpanned and funny as hell at the end. I enjoyed watching this.

[@CharlotEYUT]

Dr Grande even so smoothly told us your birthday!! 🎉 Thanks for bringing a much needed dose of humor, knowledge and elegance in pretty much every video! Love it!

[@BartRos1980]

Nice analysis. Dexter is one of my favorite tv characters. It is true that Dexter exists in kind of parallel universe that follows a logic that only serves Dexter. I wonder however: how unrealistic is it to have a analytical, clean serial killer like this? Its possible some of those do exist. While Serial killers tend to take more and more risks and get caught, maybe there are some out there that never do get caught and therefore never discovered. I do wonder.

[@brittany2900]

Love the outtakes at the end!!! 😂 Great analysis, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@jalasword]

I think deep down, there's a little "Dexter" in us all. We just don't act on it. Ooooorrrr, I am just a little "off".

[@DreamingInTechnicolor]

*”kind of surprising for a police officer not to be judgmental of somebody...”* OUCH!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@LuciaInman]

😂😂

[@hairbeauty8083]

well its very true, I mean its a huge part of their job

[@rhobot75]

Hi, Dr. Grande!! And everyone, anyone! I'm watching this analysis again in anticipation of this weekend's Dexter: New Blood finale. I wonder if Dr. Grande will devote a few moments to that show. IDEA: Might be fun to have a 1 million follower "follow up" on prior videos, you know, as new events have occured, and or new shows based on prior analyzed characters, or celebrites already analyzed. 15 mins to follow up on 3 to 5 cases.

[@Arizona-ex5yt]

"Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer" is probably the most unwavering depiction of a serial killer, although he changes his methods and victims as a way to stay off of law enforcement's radar-- something established as atypical. Might be worth checking out.

[@millsykooksy4863]

Arizona 4891 yes!

[@kimberlygabaldon3260]

Henry who? The 8th?

[@Auriflamme]

@@kimberlygabaldon3260 Loosely based on Henry Lee Lucas.

[@camuscat123]

People have such difficulty distinguishing shows with a “What if” premise from an “ I’m suggesting this is real” premise. I enjoyed the show... it was pretty entertaining, and I get attached to “Dexter” as an idea and person while watching. I really liked your expert analysis. I would be interested in your analysis of “Judy” from Dead To Me. She’s pretty interesting. Thanks! Love this!

[@ISlayForFun]

I’ve been waiting for this one!! One of my favorite characters of all time

[@saltycwgrl77]

Dr Grande you are the best. And although I've been watching you for awhile, I hadn't caught all your dry often sarcastic comments that you sneak in. When I caught the first one I had a great burst of laughter. What makes your humor so very good, is that it is, for me anyway, unexpected. Love your authenticy, and passion. And always enjoy your take on things... even the few times I didn't agree, you helped me see a different perspective which is when I believe we can learn the most. I have much respect for the work you do and appreciate all the hard work you put into your content. I hear other creators such as Logan from Observe, recommend your channel to his followers as a excellent place to learn more. And I think that says a lot. Kudos to you for having such high esteem from other creators. Keep up the great work! Thanks again for all the work you do. 😁

[@marjieremole3004]

I've been excited for this one!! Thank you for this amazing content!

[@Jim-pq9pm]

You missed Dexter's schizophrenia. Lucid memories and dreams in the first couple seasons, to his dad becoming a voice in his head

[@reyrusso7624]

The ending of Dexter was worse than Game of Thrones. I believe Dexter's killing would have slowed down but he would never hang up the plastic wrap for good and ever. Thank you Dr. Grande!

[@beckimiller5721]

Love the multiple comedy takes at the end 🤣 you have a great sense of humor!

[@DreamingInTechnicolor]

YAS...I’ve been waiting for this!

[@juleswinnfield8823]

It would be an absolute honor to have myself analyzed by the good Dr. Grande.

[@christa7773]

Great topic! I I absolutely loved the t.v. series; working on the books next.

[@ZombieMiezz]

The books are soooooooo good. Hope you can read them all. I've started reading them years ago but they were hard to find in my country. Enjoy the books. I bet you have a really good time with them. Stay safe & well Christa (:

[@christa7773]

@@ZombieMiezz thank you!

[@jt6759]

Happy belated birthday to Mrs. Grande!

[@marytheresel795]

Fascinating analysis! I love Dexter, but couldn’t bring myself to watch the last season. I was always rooting for the “good side” of Dexter to win, but that was an unrealistic hope. Thanks for the hilarious outtakes!

[@KeilyShhh]

Oh my gosh your monotone makes me not recognize the jokes at first... but when my brain catches up it's amazing! Don't change a thing!!

[@PropunKla]

I find myself so wrapped up in these analyses.

[@cindyrhodes]

You are not alone!

[@pideruss]

i see what you did there lol

[@KathySong1]

Brilliant! Thank you, Dr Grande. Vogel to me, seemed like an enabler. In the series especially, I caught a sense of her delight and enjoyment and it appeared a little too eager just to be diverting potential psychopaths into using ‘The Code’ and trying to make the best of a bad situation. Vogel seemed too proud, too involved and experimental to be a ‘good’ character in this. Just my own observation.

[@keithm5378]

Do you think you could cover Anton Chigurh? (No country for old men). I've heard his character referred to as "the most realistic psychopath in cinema history" and I'd love to hear your take on him! Realistic or not he's one of the most terrifying characters I've ever seen. He's devoid of any morality, kills efficiently and without remorse, plays mind games with his victims before he kills them, has extremely poor social skills, and it appears being a hitman isn't the only thing he knows (evidenced by his ability to patch up his wounds after getting into a gunfight with Moss).

[@mireilleblacke6567]

Your correct use and pronunciation of anosognosia, as well as your assessment of one of my favorite television characters, just vaulted you to the pinnacle of my "Best Evidence-Based YT Content Provider" list.

[@wyattetzel926]

Hey Doc you should do a video on Tony Soprano from The Sopranos. His crazy criminal lifestyle and the fact that he sees a psychiatrist should be right up your alley!

[@robe.2424]

This was really fun to watch. I've always wondered how a psychologist might view Dexter's strange personality, motives, and behavior. Well.. More strange than serial killers already are I mean. Lol

[@InvaderPlays]

You should do a mental health analysis on all the killers Dexter killed that were the main focus for a season. Also the jokes you tell are really funny!

[@dawnlovescouture2644]

Good analysis. One of the elements of Dexter’s personality I find interesting is that he seems to try to convince himself that he doesn’t have emotions and doesn’t have feelings, when in fact he does to some extent, especially with the people he is close to. He parented Harrison and was always concerned for his well being. He loved Rita and was devastated when she was killed. I think in his mind, surprising human emotions made him a better killer, but it doesn’t seem as though he had a lack of emotions or a lack of a moral compass. The end of the series was terrible, but just the idea that he faked his death to prevent himself from causing more harm shows that he does have human feelings. I can’t wait to see the series reboot and see how he is now.

[@heafnerme]

The humor! Soo dry and awesome! I would like to hear your thoughts on the character Lars In Lars and the Real Girl

[@gwenjackson8583]

One of my favorite movies of all time!

[@lambrospappas578]

This is a very interesting take. I'd be curious to see a follow up on this in light of Dexter's more "evolved" or rusty version of Dexter in the mini series Dexter New Blood.

[@lisatitirangi]

I love your analogy to Data from Star Trek. It is perfect for Dexter's struggles to understand the nature of his existence and emotions that don't come naturally to him. I actually think Data is a more convincing real life character than Dexter. We would never think of Data as a psychopath though!

[@SjofnBM1989]

Data is an android his has no mental health or personality he's not a person

[@lisatitirangi]

@@SjofnBM1989 I believe that Dexter is also not a real person 😊. Star Trek nerds will know that Data was deemed to be person by the Federation in Measure of a Man

[@SuperDrLisa]

@@lisatitirangi oh yes, it was determined at that hearing that Data was a person. So much for doing experiments on "it", I hated that science.

[@sporogymno]

data was closer to schizoid pd but a lite version as he was deeply interested in changing

[@jeremywvarietyofviewpoints3104]

I don't get how Data wants to be human but has no emotions. Isn't wanting an emotion? Or is there a distinction between feelings and emotions?

[@fernandoarraes8601]

Wow, I wasn't expecting such a great and precise video also loved the jokes with the straight face by the end of the video

[@Lospaghetto]

I would love to see an analysis of Lucy Ricardo. I looked everywhere online for one, but nada

[@NS-fz1im]

I just watched Dexter and was SO HAPPY when I saw this video suggestion! Thank you for your thoughts on this, I always appreciate your insight 🙌👏❤️

[@sandydee8003]

Dr. Grande, I appreciate your selection of Personalities! I’ve never seen Dexter, but gotta watch it NOW! Mostly because, how he went from Serial Killer to Lumberjack? 😂

[@user-vb6ky1mo9e]

It was a terribly unjust ending to a remarkable TV show

[@JeanieD]

A. M. , yes, the whole last season really jumped the shark.

[@susanbennett9062]

Ealier in the series they talked about the north west is for serial killers. My take is that he didn't stop killing at all. Thats all he has left.

[@uptown3636]

There are many enjoyable aspects to this show. Dexter’s 15 second transformation into a lumberjack is not one of them. Definitely a show worth watching, but one should not expect to enjoy the finale.

[@jeremywvarietyofviewpoints3104]

He's a lumberjack and he's not okay.

[@mclarencroft]

Yo that blooper reel at the end killed me. That was fucking hysterical. I was gonna rewind to record your the first dead pan line but then the ending had me on the floor.

[@bridgetdorian6126]

Yeeeeeeees! I just thought about Dexter today! I loved first 5 seasons of this show! Thank you for sharing your proffesional opinion!

[@miaward7668]

THANK. YOU. The glamorization of mental illness bothers me to no end, and Dexter is one of those shows.

[@doricashu4984]

yessss so happy about this video :D

[@kazkk_87]

I appreciate Harry and his open mindedness . I wish I had a father like that who was understanding like this.

[@susanblair8701]

That last "I guess the...." string was hilarious! I kept replaying it lol

[@mrssmith1691]

The riff at the end is priceless! You just get better and better Doctor G.

[@gmjsimmons]

Great point, portraying a real serial killer would be more disgusting than entertaining. You are becoming Quipelicious, keep it up.

[@cappycapcappycap9955]

I love that you couldn't choose a single joke to say at the end so you just rattled off the best of the best.