While patiently waiting "on hold" for my local Internet provider's support desk to help me with an Internet problem, I was listening to their sales pitch to promote their various cable TV packages. One of their advertisements floored me! I don't recall the exact words, but basically they were suggesting that I purchase a package that would allow me to "Watch the program, Dexter- a program about America's favorite serial killer. He makes killing fun."
I had heard of the Dexter show from other sources but had no idea what the show was about. A quick search led me to find out that "Dexter is a likable Miami Police Department forensic expert who moonlights as a serial killer of criminals, who he believes have escaped justice.” I am deeply comforted that the killer is likable!
I do not consider myself prudish nor a religious zealot by any means, but it blows my mind that a television show based upon glamorizing the exploits of a serial killer is now entering its third season. I understand that the show is billed as black humor with a very dark operational premise, but is it necessary that it exist at all? When a vigilante, psychopath is the “hero” of a popular television show I begin to question the intelligence of our species. We like to think and believe that we are intelligent, responsible, educated and caring people with some honorable and lofty values and ideals. How would you explain to a questioning twelve year old how or why this man, who kills people out of some self-righteous conviction that he, must punish evil, isn’t a bad person?
I am sure that many will consider that I am making much ado about nothing. After all, it is only a TV show and we all know that it is just designed for entertainment. They may be right, but I can assure you that those who view and enjoy this kind of show as harmless entertainment need to seriously question some of their own personal values and beliefs.
And by the way, I won’t be subscribing to the cable company’s invitation to buy any of their entertainment packages!
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I don't know. While I agree that a show, especially a comedy, about serial killers as heroes is inappropriate. I will not be tuning in. On the other hand....
ReplyDeleteIn real life I'm not sure I would be as convinced. If it were a real person who was taking vigilante action against truly evil people I might not be able to convict him if I sat on the jury. I'm sure there are countless law enforcement people who have watched evil men/women get off with little if any punishment. If one of them took action? I hate to say it but I'm not completely opposed. Having said this, I would never promote it as entertainment. And that's as philisophical as I will ever get.