Do you watch Dexter?
That’s a question I’m almost afraid to ask by the way. The answer both tells me something about you, and reveals something about me.
I watch Dexter. (I’m sure there’s a support group somewhere, right?) Hi, my name is Charles, and I’ll watch anything…
If you didn’t know: Dexter is a Showtime series about a serial killer juggling a family, his job as a crime lab blood specialist with the Miami Police Dept., and his demons.
I was a little alarmed when this season started because of two things.
First, the whole season seems to have a heightened spiritual tone revolving around a major developing case. Its a case of religious fanatics that are trying to bring about the end of days by using the imagery of Revelations quite literally to kill people. …yeah. Weird. Weird + insane Christian fanatics = REALLY WEIRD. …but sort of stereotypical honestly.
Secondly, one of the characters that’s introduced on Dexter this season is “Brother Sam.” Brother Sam played by yasiin bey, formerly Mos Def, is a former killer turned Body Shop owning preacher/pastor. He’s been released from prison, and is called in to help with an investigation, but Dexter targets him for killing, assuming that his religion is just a facade. Dexter is surprised though – the guy seems to be genuine.
…and I’ve been totally surprised too!
READ THIS CAREFULLY BECAUSE ITS A DISCLAIMER – so far, Brother Sam has been nothing but sincere – but this is Dexter! Anything can happen! So if you read this sometime in the future, they may have changed the character totally…
…so why have I been surprised by Dexter and Brother Sam?
Stereotypically, ministers – pastors – are not portrayed well on TV or in movies. They are portrayed often as dunces with dark sides. Their faith is shallow. Their characters are week. They are judgmental. They are fake, and mean, and scary. …or they are total pushover patsies. …I cringe anytime a minister is portrayed. I’m sure cops and doctors do the same thing when they watch cop or doctor shows, but it seems like with ministers there is ALWAYS an angle.
Brother Sam though is sincere. He is forgiving. He is gentle in his grace, but firm in his desire for his flock to change and grow. Perhaps because he came to faith late and due to his circumstances or his past, he seems to have a profound understanding of grace and redemption. He is patient, and authentic, and inviting and …very compelling!
In fact (sorry for the spoiler) Dexter and Brother Sam develop some sort of a relationship. A healthy relationship. …the kind of relationship I think most Pastors want with their flock and community as a whole.
In one recent episode, Dexter is invited to a church picnic and actually likes what he sees… Imagine that: Now we have this serial killing, dad, cop …exploring his spiritual side!
Wow. …that’s just nuts.
So (again sorry for any spoiler) on last weeks episode, when Dexter’s son is rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery – and Brother Sam learns of it – guess who shows up to offer support and to be “in Dexter’s corner?” …you guessed it! Brother Sam.
I almost cried.
Not because they got it right – but because that’s EXACTLY what being a pastor is all about. Its not so much about theology as it is about being in people’s corner.
Well done Dexter. …well done.
The kids are growing up, and so is the series. I love the progression, and the last few movies have been quite stunning.
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