Why Does Dexter: New Blood's Finale Receive Such a Low Rating?

With all the episodes of Dexter: New Blood 2021 rated more than 8 on IMDB, it's rather surprising that the final episode, despite its promising start, ends with a disappointing 4.4 rating. This review explores the reasons behind the finale's subpar ratings, including the unexpected and controversial ending, and how it impacted the overall reception of the series.

The Promise and Disappointment of Dexter: New Blood

The first nine episodes of Dexter: New Blood were hailed for their gripping narrative and compelling characters, earning high ratings on platforms like IMDB. However, the finale episode, which has a significantly lower score, left many viewers and critics feeling let down. The disparity in ratings suggests that viewers had high expectations that the final chapter would match the quality of the earlier episodes.

Unexpected Turn of Events in the Finale

One of the main reasons for the low rating of the finale is the sudden and unexplained turn of events. In the penultimate minutes of the episode, Dexter, who is portrayed as a cold and calculated killer, behaves in a very strange way. This deviation from his established character arc is jarring and unintuitive, leading to critical and fan disappointment.

Key Moments:

Dexter goes berserk and kills a local cop despite his portrayal as a friendly and seemingly compliant character. This is based on rumors that Angel Batista is about to present a thick annotated file containing earlier investigations into the Bay Harbor Butcher, potentially exonerating him. However, no actual crimes have been proven. Harrison, who is on the brink of accepting his father's creed, goes berserk and shoots his father after learning that a man he met recently was murdered by his father. This also raises questions about the reliability of the revealed information. The sheriff's ambiguous decision to ask Harrison to flee, despite him having committed no crime, adds to the overall confusion and dissatisfaction.

Analysis of the Controversial Finale

The handling of the finale's resolution is another factor contributing to its low rating. The final 15 minutes of the show were not well-received due to their abrupt and confusing nature. The abruptness of these events, coupled with the lack of clear explanation for Dexter's behavior and the sheriff's decision, left many viewers feeling unsatisfied with the show's conclusion.

Dexter's breaking of his code, a significant and consistent part of his character, is a departure from what fans and critics have come to expect. This dramatic departure from the established character and storyline is another reason for the negative reception of the finale.

Conclusion: A Mixed Conclusion

While the first nine episodes of Dexter: New Blood were highly rated and well-received, the finale's low rating indicates that the unexpected and controversial ending did not meet audience expectations. The depiction of Dexter, the sheriff's ambiguous actions, and the overall unresolved nature of the episode collectively contributed to its disappointing reception.

It is important for future adaptations or sequels to consider the importance of consistent character development and satisfying conclusions to maintain the high ratings and positive reception garnered by earlier episodes.