A serial killer who kills serial killers

It’s probably fitting that I’m now obsessing on Dexter, this new crime show (new, at least in the Philippines), right after the heartbreak that was The Amazing Race Asia Season 2. It has the same numbing, distracting effect as watching one horror film after another after a bad break-up—and when the heartbreak’s a thing of the past, it deals you that deliciously guilty pleasure of a naughty hook-up.

Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall, from Six Feet Under) is a blood pattern analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department by day and serial killer by night. Think any of your favorite CSIs committing gruesome crimes while hunting down equally gruesome killers. If that’s not a chillingly intriguing thought already, there’s more to discover about Dexter’s personal history.

The first episode reveals Dexter to be an adopted child of the now-dead Harry Morgan (James Remar), a cop. The subsequent episodes show, in flashback, how Harry, with his cop instincts, notice his son’s sociopathic behavior and, throughout life, coach Dexter on how to do the best he can with his murderous tendencies (this is why he kills only serial killers) and how to blend in with the “normal crowd.”

Murder after murder, Dexter refers to what he calls “The Code of Harry.” So he is not only a serial killer who goes after serial killers, he is a serial killer who goes after serial killers trained by a cop. His murders scenes are pristine—he covers every area with plastic wrap, he wears a special suit, he uses special knives, he kills quick, he disposes of the body cleanly, and, he even goes as far as using luminol on himself.

But there’s more to this mystery and drama. As early as the first episode, Dexter finds himself in a pot-boiler—his pretty step-sister, also a cop, is asking him for help to make it to homicide; another detective in the department is getting his “creepy vibes” and is constantly watching his every move; he is being toyed with by the Ice Truck Killer, the serial killer he is stalking; and his girlfriend wants to take their relationship to the next level.

What’s a nice, likeable serial killer to do? Well, that’s what keeps me watching.

Dexter is a very refreshing take on the forensics wave that has been taking prime time TV by storm. Not only do you get the thrill of crime solving on a forensic level, you also get insight on the criminal mind (Dexter has nice little voice-overs that make his struggle very human, despite his acceptance that he is a monster).

Already awarded two Emmies and currently on its third season, Dexter is currently being shown on Fox Crime. Catch him if you can.

Cozy Reads Publication Valentine Promo

It’s still the month of hearts for you and my friends at Cozy Reads Publishing: “Love is still in the air! We have recently launched our nationwide Cozy Twosomes Valentine Promotion in selected stores. We are giving away an elegant keepsake pouch for every purchase of two books from Cozy Reads. You can get two of the same titles or one of each and punch up the oomph with our classy pouch. What a perfect gift combo for someone special or as a sweet treat to keep all to yourself! Start choosing your twosomes from February 1 – March 15, 2008. Redemption period is only until May 14, 2008.”

The books are available at the following National Bookstore branches: SM Baguio, SM Cebu, Ayala Cebu, and Mango Cebu. Cozy Reads has two titles, both edited by Palanca Award-winners and both containing love stories that will surely touch your hearts: Heartbreak (Stories That Will Stay With You Longer Than Your Ex Did) and First Love (Unforgettable Stories Of Getting Weak In The Knees And Falling).

For bloggers out there, they also have a blog promo where you can get a free copy of their third, yet-to-be-launched book, Match Made. You can log on to their website for details: www.cozyreads.com.