S2: Bautista = idiot, Lila = not evil, sick, & Debra’s relationship w/ Lundy = cringy and gross… thoughts?

Although seasons 1&2 of the original series are probably my favorite—mostly because those early seasons seemed more committed to emphasizing Dexter’s low EQ and difficulty with not only romantic relationships but with human connection, generally (which made Sgt. Doakes such a great character, being the only one who seemed able to see through Dexters whole facade as a “normal” guy, and taking every opportunity to articulate his perception/suspicions of Dexter so hilariously)—these three aspects of the show could’ve been done better.

Bautista seems way too dim to be a great detective, worthy of Dexter’s and others’ admiration. I know that part of that admiration was for his character as a person—being a “good guy”—but he was also seen by many characters, and depicted on the show, as a good detective, but that just doesn’t add up.

Lila’s arc on the show was great! I understand why it ended the way it did, but I thought it was excessive. I don’t necessarily have an issue with it, but I just think she got a raw deal. She was clearly unstable mentally and emotionally, but I think she loved Dexter as much as she was capable—which, in many ways, was a more meaningful, albeit intense, sort of love. I understand she was selfish and possessive, dangerously so, but I just think this went unacknowledged by Dexter—as did his attempted betrayal of her, and the likely level of impact it would have on her.

Debra’s attraction to Lundy, and his attraction to her, was just plain weird. It’s not really even just about the age difference either. It was just not believable. She says, “he’s like my dad”, even though they barely know each other, not to mention her inexplicable sexual attraction to him. And even their first hug, after he explains he wasn’t favoring her brother, but avoiding Masuka. She was like a little girl finding out her parents are taking her to Disneyland or something. I’m sure there’re plenty of better examples, but, from start to finish, their whole arc as a couple was just hella cringy.

Thoughts?

(PS, should I watch Original Sin? lol)