Dexter Episode 18: Dex, Lies, and Videotape

Dexter learns disturbing new details about Harry and Laura’s relationship, helps investigate a copycat-style murder, discovers that he has been caught on camera at the marina, and ends the episode by blowing up his relationship with Rita after telling her the truth in a way that she hears as a confession. The episode also pushes Doakes closer to suspecting him and brings Dexter and Lila closer together.

Dexter spends time listening to Harry’s taped conversations with Laura and is shaken by what he hears, because the recordings reveal that Harry was keeping major secrets about his personal life and about Dexter’s origins.

At Miami Metro, Dexter and the others investigate a new murder connected to the Bay Harbor Butcher investigation, involving a man who appears to be copying the Butcher’s methods. Frank Lundy and the FBI are also involved, and the possibility that the FBI could take over the case becomes a serious threat if the police cannot stop the copycat killer quickly.

Dexter learns that security cameras at the marina recorded him cleaning his boat, and he panics when he realizes the footage could expose him. He rushes to delete the video before the upgraded system can make it available to his coworkers.

Doakes continues pressing Debra about Dexter’s supposed drug problem, and Debra says Dexter was never actually using drugs, which only increases Doakes’s suspicion that Dexter is hiding something. Doakes also sneaks into Dexter’s office and listens to Harry’s tape with Laura, which leads to an argument between the two men.

At Rita’s mother’s suggestion, Dexter invites Lila to dinner with Rita, and Lila makes the evening awkward by openly talking about Dexter and acting as though she knows him well. Later, Dexter brings Rita to his apartment for sex, but they are interrupted when Lila leaves a voicemail that reveals the two of them traveled together.

Dexter confronts Lila about interfering in his relationship with Rita, but the situation keeps spiraling. That night, Dexter goes to confront the copycat killer, Ken Olson, at his house. Olson tries to justify what he has done, but Dexter sees him as selfish and deluded, then kills him.

Instead of disposing of Olson’s body in the usual way, Dexter leaves the dismembered remains where Lundy’s team will find them, apparently to send a message and stop other copycats from trying the same thing. Afterward, Dexter goes to Rita to explain what happened with Lila, but his explanation is clumsy and revealing, and Rita realizes he has been dishonest with her. Hurt and angry, she breaks up with him.