Everyone tuned into Dexter to see the titular character dish out his version of justice by killing criminals but that wasn't always the highlight of the show. A major reason for the success of the Showtime series was that it featured several memorable characters alongside Dexter, who often stole every scene they were in.
In fact, many of the show's seasons, including the recent spin-off, didn't even see Dexter Morgan as the standout. Sometimes it was the overarching antagonist, sometimes it was a romantic interest, and other times it was simply a ing character who audiences couldn't get enough of.
Season 1
Dexter Morgan
As is typically the case with a show's debut season, the protagonist of Dexter was the star. The one constant of the show was the tremendous performance of Michael C. Hall in the role and it all began with the very first episode. Audiences were introduced to this world through Dexter's eyes and that worked well.
Everything from the flashbacks involving Harry to learning about the code to the storyline involving his long-lost biological brother was intriguing. If this season didn't get the character off to a good start, nobody would've stuck around for the rest.
Season 2
James Doakes
The premise of the series meant that at some point, any good detective working at Miami PD with Dexter would start to suspect him. The first to do so was Sgt. James Doakes, who always felt that something was "off" about Dexter even though everyone else liked him.
Doakes targeted Dexter throughout this season and while that made him someone to root against, he proved himself to be smarter than everyone around him. His scenes with Dexter after learning that he was the Bay Harbor Butcher were some of the best and he nearly convinced Dexter to turn himself in. Doakes's impact was still felt in season 7 even if he was killed off too soon.
Season 3
Rita Bennett
A lot of fans would agree that season 3 was a step down after the great first two sets of episodes. Miguel Prado was an addition that audiences didn't love and "The Skinner" was a pretty unremarkable villain. So, Rita Morgan stepped into the spotlight.
Often cited as Dexter's most likable love interest, Rita really had some great moments in season 3. After taking Dexter back, they became more of a family, got married, and Rita became pregnant. She was a great system for Dexter and basically the show's sweetest person.
Season 4
Arthur Mitchell
It felt like Dexter season 4 was a huge improvement and the biggest reason why was the addition of Arthur Mitchell to the story. The man otherwise known as the Trinity Killer, Mitchell was the most successful serial killer in history, even ahead of Dexter.
Every scene that featured him was breathtaking as he could go from Dexter's buddy Arthur to the terrifying Trinity Killer in mere seconds and captivate you each time. He also had a lasting impact as before his death, he murdered Rita in a truly heartbreaking moment.
Season 5
Lumen Pierce
It was difficult to keep up the momentum after the Trinity Killer and Rita's death. The show opted to go a different route, introducing Lumen Pierce as a sexual assault victim who ends up working alongside Dexter. Lumen also gets romantically involved with Dexter.
Although some overlook this season, there's no denying how good Lumen was as a character. She had a legitimate reason to be okay with Dexter's actions and their chemistry felt natural. Julia Stiles delivered one of her best performances in this role and it's a shame she never returned after this season.
Season 6
Dexter Morgan
For many, season 6 was the low point of Dexter up until the final season. There was no Lumen around to recapture interest and it felt like things were just in a holding pattern until the big season finale twist. Even new characters like Brother Sam and Travis Marshall didn't stand out.
So, the character who gets to go down as the best of the season is Dexter Morgan once again. This was a lonely man who had to struggle with the loss of Rita and Lumen, while also not finding it easy being a single father. He certainly beats out season 6 Deb, who was apparently in love with her brother in a maligned storyline.
Season 7
Debra Morgan
The most underrated Dexter season is likely the seventh. Although it came in the back half of the series (which was widely panned), it changed the game going forward. Deb ended season 6 by seeing Dexter kill someone and started this season by discovering all of the truths about him.
That made for incredibly engaging TV as Deb struggled with either being loyal to her brother or doing the right thing and putting him behind bars. This was Jennifer Carpenter at her very best as Deb and the ending where she killed Laguerta to protect her brother was a perfect way to send her into darkness.
Season 8
Hannah McKay
The trailers for season 8 depicted a Deb who fell into drug abuse and was emotionally wrecked by her actions in season 7. That would've made her the best and most engaging character of the final season but the show kind of shoved that idea to the side in just a few episodes.
With this season being such a massive disappointment, it's difficult to find a standout. In that way, Hannah McKay came out on top. Dexter's love interest returned and didn't do anything to make fans go against her character and in fact, she gained likability points for taking care of Harrison in the end.
New Blood
Angela Bishop
In Dexter: New Blood, the titular character frustrated viewers with his continued need to keep secrets from his son. Meanwhile, Harrison was also an irritating character at times and many weren't happy with Deb being more of a nag than a guide in Dexter's visions.
Thankfully, characters like Angela Bishop were around to steal the show. Angela was introduced as the chief of police and Dexter's girlfriend but she proved herself to be so much more. She was caring and determined to find out the truth about the missing girls and she was smart enough to figure out who the real Dexter was.