It appears Dexter will find love in the most unexpected way, leading to a relationship unlike anything before.
Throughout every Dexter series, everyone's favorite serial killer has crossed paths with many women. Some were completely innocent, like Sofia in Dexter: Original Sin and Rita in the original series. Others were unstable, like Lila. There were wounded souls with a dark urge for revenge like Lumen, dangerous women with a good side like Hannah, and even a member of law enforcement like Angela.
Each of these women was completely different, actually proving that Dexter Morgan somehow has a way of attracting every type of woman.
After a season of Dexter: Resurrection that featured no serious romantic relationship (aside from a brief flirtation with Mia Lapierre) all signs now point to Dexter finding love once again. This time, however, it looks like it will be unlike anything we've seen before.
Enter Charley Brown, played by Uma Thurman.
It appears that Dexter and the former special ops operative who once worked for Leon Prater are about to leave their rivalry behind. In the upcoming season, the two seem destined to become romantically involved. If you've been following our coverage here at Dexter Daily, you've probably already seen the evidence, including photos of the pair holding hands during what appeared to be a relaxing romantic dinner.
For some fans, this development really seems unexpected, but for others, weirdly enough, it was only a matter of time.
Why Charley and Dexter's Relationship Is Unlike Anything We've Seen Before
What actually makes Charley different from any of Dexter Morgan's previous love interests is that she knows exactly who he is from the very beginning.
Charley knows that Dexter is the real Bay Harbor Butcher. She knows he framed James Doakes, a former Special Ops soldier just like her, and escaped justice. Choosing to be with him despite knowing all of that, means she fully accepts the truth about him.
The two also share something important in common: they both despise serial killers.
Yes, we know what you're thinking... Dexter is a serial killer himself, but in Charley's eyes, there is a big difference. Dexter targets other serial killers, while in Season 1 she worked for Leon Prater, a man who idolized serial killers and turned them into a business. That contrast could actually make all the difference when it comes to how she views Dexter.
Another interesting thing about this relationship is how it evolved. In the early episodes of Season 1, Dexter and Charley had a... basic dynamic. By the season finale, they had become enemies, and now, that conflict appears to be behind them. Of course, the time jump between seasons may play a huge role in allowing old wounds to heal and making this new beginning possible enough.
What makes the pairing even more intriguing is the possibility that Dexter and Charley will also work together in Season 2. Uma Thurman was recently spotted filming what appeared to be an undercover operation potentially targeting a criminal. Given Charley's background in special operations and her experience working alongside Leon Prater, she may still have some valuable information about other killers who remain at large.
How Charley Differs From Dexter's Previous Love Interests
Some of you might point out that Dexter has already had girlfriends who knew his dark secret and accepted him. But... while that is partially true, the situation with Charley is different.
Take Lumen Pierce in Season 5. She definitely knew Dexter was a serial killer, but the series never confirmed that she knew he was the actual Bay Harbor Butcher.
The same applies to Hannah McKay. On the surface, her relationship with Dexter may seem similar to what we're about to see with Charley, but there is one key difference. Hannah knew Dexter was a killer, yet he never actually told her that he was the Bay Harbor Butcher, despite the fact that this was a hot topic during Season 7, when Maria LaGuerta reopened the investigation and brought the case back into the spotlight.
That's what makes Charley unique.
At this point she knows the complete story. There are no missing pieces, or secrets left to uncover, and not a... false version of Dexter for her to fall in love with.
A Love Story Built on the Truth
Dexter and Charley may have more in common than many fans realized, and Season 2 might be ready to explore that connection.
In the middle of what could be described as a midlife crisis based on the first official Season 2 synopsis, Dexter Morgan may finally find himself romantically involved with someone his own age who actually shares his hatred for the very people he hunts.
All of this points to the conclusion that Charley will likely accept Dexter for exactly who he is, flaws and all. That is something Dexter has searched for throughout much of his life. He came close with Lumen and with Hannah, but this is definitely different.
Charley Brown actually sees the full picture. She knows the real Dexter Morgan, including the darkest parts of him, and chooses to stay. That is enough to make her a love interest unlike any other Dexter has had in nearly 20 years.