The cast enjoys Thanksgiving this week on Dexter (as best they can). DexterDexter reviews (Michael C. Hall) pulls double duty on Turkey Day, eating dinner at both his home and with the Trinity Killer (John Lithgow). However, the facade of Trinity’sTrinity reviews perfect family crumbles before Dexter’s eyes, ending with an epidsode of domestic violence and a blunder by Dex himself. Meanwhile, Deb (Jennifer Carpenter) continues to make headway on the Trinity investigation, even during Thanksgiving dinner. Rita shares an awkward kiss with the creepy next-door neighbor, accidentally witnessed by Vince Masuka (C.S. Lee). Laguerta (Maria Velez) and Batista (David Zayas) risk their careers for their relationship. And finally, we learn Quinn’s (Desmond Harrington) reporter girlfriend (Christine Hill, played by Courtney Ford), has a big secret. As usual – BEWARE OF SPOILERS!!

Some interesting new directions taken this week. For all of those screaming, “the reporter shot Deb,” it would seem as though you have been vindicated. However, the revelation that ChristineChristine reviews is Trinity’s daughter seems like a bit of a cheap trick by a team of writers who are generally better than that. I very much like the tactic of making you presume many things about Trinity and then peeling them back one by one. But this Trinity/Reporter connection is a little too sly if you ask me.

I love how this show maintains its side characters. A friend complained to me about having to sit through the romance of Batista and Laguerta. However, the coverage of these characters has always been worthwhile. The question is – how will this romance between Batista and Laguerta play out and what will it mean for Dexter? Let’s not forget that Lt. Laguerta harbors some deep (albeit slight) reservations about how The Bay Harbor Butcher mess from season two played out. Not to mention, the end of season three left Laguerta with suspicions about the circumstances surrounding Miguel Prado’s death as well.

As with Batista and Laguerta, Masuka has been brought a little closer to the action by accidentally witnessing Rita kiss the next door neighbor (or rather, vice versa). One interesting thought is – can this information one day be used to help Dexter break free of his marriage on grounds of divorce? Or, does Dexter actually love Rita and wouldn’t dream of such a thing? One thing is for certain – something’s gotta give. Being a serial killer and a loving husband/father still seems to be too much for Dexter to handle.

After the Trinity Killer family meltdown and subsequent attack on Trinity by Kyle Butler (Dex’s alter ego), it would seem that Kyle will have to disappear, perhaps never to be seen again until he is staring down at Trinity on his kill table. I love this notion of Trinity forcing his family to hold up his mask for him. The terror that family must feel on a daily basis is astounding. Did Trinity’s son know what he was talking about when he called his dad a killer? And what sort of relationship does Trinity share with his older daughter, Christine? Questions, questions, QUESTIONS!!!

This episode felt very transitional, as if it were simply setting up the final three or four episodes. This is perhaps why it felt, at times, weaker than the rest of this season so far.

But if you’re like me then you can’t wait, whatever the case may be. The ride continues next SundaySunday reviews at 9 p.m. ET on Showtime. Be there or be square.

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