TV Recap: Dexter, Season 8 Episode 9: Make Your Own Kind of Music

Episode 9 of the final season of Dexter is titled Make Your Own Kind of Music. Josh provides this week’s episode recap of Dexter. Both Violet and Josh will provide their thoughts on Make Your Own Kind of Music. Who is the Brain Surgeon? Will Debra rejoin Miami Metro Homicide? Will Hannah make it to wherever she is planning? Get a refresher on the episode after the jump, along with our take on the episode!

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Full Episode Recap: Dexter episode 9, Make Your Own Kind of Music

Vogel’s Revelation, Elway’s Persistence

This week’s episode of Dexter begins with Dexter and Hannah picking up where they left off at the end of the last episode: in bed naked still.  Dexter kisses Hannah and says, “I just want to stay here with you”.  They talk about Zach’s death, and Dexter determines he has to visit Vogel to figure out what to do next.  Dexter tells Hannah she should stay hidden in his house, but Hannah says she has to visit Arlene for some money that she keeps safe for Hannah.  Dexter tells her he loves her, to which Hannah returns.

Vogel tells Dexter he will find a way to tell the family about Zach’s death.  Dexter asks Vogel to give him some time before getting the police involved.  He then asks her about the song that was playing at his house, titled, “Make Your Own Kind of Music”, and the significance of it to Vogel.  She tell Dexter that she isn’t sure, but she used to play it a lot, and still does.  At Zach’s apartment, Dexter finds evidence of a struggle.  Vogel is trying to figure out the killer’s “message”.  In Dexter’s forensic search, there is blood and hair found under a table, with a fingerprint.  Dexter thinks it was put there deliberately by Zach, who left evidence for Dexter to find the killer.

Vogel then reveals to Dexter that she feels he is not as “perfect” as she once thought, and that he does have emotions.  She tells him how dangerous his straddling both of his worlds is.  Dexter also revealsthat after the Brain Surgeon is dealt with, he and Hannah will make a life together.  Vogel is skeptical, but Dexter seems determined.

Meanwhile, Elway is meeting with a US Marshall regarding Hannah McKay.  They discuss where she or her husband could be.  Elway asks to be a part of the “team” to search for Hannah.  The Marshall declines his offer, but assures Elway that he will get the reward money due.

Debra: To Rejoin or not rejoin–That is the question

Outside of Miami Metro, Batista spots Deb at a food truck grabbing some coffee.  Batista tells her she should come back to the force.  Deb reveals she is there to talk with Quinn, and tells Batista of her skepticism in joining the force, and that Matthews would not go for it.  Batista pushes a little more, but then leaves her as Quinn approaches.

Quinn asks Debra to look into Zach for the murder of Cassie, since Matthews told him to back off.  She agrees, and takes Zach’s file.  Deb recognizes the picture, and decides to say, “hello” to Dexter. In his lab, Dexter is trying to figure out the killer.  Debra approaches the lab door, however Niki (Masuka’s daughter) is playing door guard, and stops Debra.    Masuka calls off Niki, as Debra asks, “Who the F— are you?”  Niki and Debra are then formally introduced. Masuka ushers her off quickly.

Debra asks what Dexter was doing with Zach, and tells Dexter of Quinn’s suspicions.  Dexter tells Debra that he found out that Zach is innocent.  Debra then pushes further, asking what Zach and he were doing in the Keys.  Dexter leaves it vague, saying that he was helping Vogel.  Debra is dismissive, saying, “I don’t even know why I ask you these questions.”  Dexter finally opens up a little bit, telling Debra that Zach is dead.  Debra reveals that she does want to come back to the force, but she says, “it will just lead me into another f—ed up situation wont it?”  Debra leaves, and as she does, a match comes up for the DNA Zach left for Dexter.  The test determined that the killer is related to Vogel.

Vogel and Dexter:  Family Reunion? Dexter Thinks Not

Back at Vogel’s house, Dexter reveals this news about the DNA.  Vogel says she has no family–anymore.  She then tells the story that was “long and boring” from last episode, that she didn’t want to tell.  She tells Dexter of her two children–Daniel and Richard.  Daniel, the older brother, drowned the younger son.  Vogel reveals that Daniel was a psychopath, and Vogel locked Daniel in a mental institution.  She further explains that there was a fire at mental institution, where he supposedly died.  She also gives Dexter a photo of Daniel when he was a child.  Dexter questions if she saw the body.  She says no but her husband did, although it was badly burned.  Dexter then asks the significance of the brain cores. Vogel says perhaps it is because Daniel knew he was devoid of empathy.

Back at his lab, Dexter uses some aging software on the photo he received from Vogel.  Dexter then realizes he looks similar to Oliver Saxon, the boyfriend of Cassie.  As we thought, the facial recognition software does match them, providing a lot of evidence for Dexter.  Dexter then determines he needs DNA from Daniel/Oliver to confirm his lead.

U.S. Marshals: This Ain’t no Tommy Lee Jones, But a Problem for Hannah and Dexter

Dexter is then paid a visit from a U.S. Marshal.  Batista lets him in, and tells Dexter that he told the US Marshal that he and Hannah dated before Dexter turned her in for her murders.  The Marshal thinks Dexter could be a target of Hannah McKay, and Batista puts a uniform detail at Dexter’s house and Harrison’s school.  While normally a nuisance for Dexter, he is concerned for Harrison, and seems okay with it.  Meanwhile, the Marshal tells Dexter to give him a call if there is any contact from Hannah.  The Marshal and Batista leave, and Harry tells Dexter that this situation is what Vogel is trying to warn him about.   Dexter blows him off however, and calls Hannah.  He warns her about the Marshall, and that he is putting her photo on the news.  Hannah tell Dexter she needs the money, so Dexter says that he will take her.  On their drive to Arlene’s, Hannah realizes they can’t be together in Miami.  Dexter tells her to worry about the money, and the rest they will deal with later.

Quinn and Debra: “Just Like Old Times”

Quinn and Debra are getting a little closer, sitting at lunch.  Debra has told Quinn that Zach was in the Keys when the murder of Cassie went down.  Quinn asks who her source is, and would like them for himself.  She leaves this as “her sources”, not elaborating.  Quinn then tells Debra about his feeling to have to do better after the sergeant debacle.  Quinn then opens up, about his emotional trouble with Jamie.  Debra says she can’t be much help on their relationship issues due to their past.  Debra tries to get the subject back onto Cassie’s murder, and thinks Jamie might be the best person to talk to.  Quinn is reluctant though, as being a cop to his girlfriend doesn’t seem like it will work he thinks.  Deb offers to talk in exchange for the cost of her lunch and two desserts.

Debra pays Jamie a visit at Dexter’s house.  Debra says she is there to visit Harrison, but immediately begins to talk to Jamie about Cassie.  She begins her “interrogation”, and the conversation turns to talking about Oliver.  Jamie reveals it was a one-side love, with Oliver being “clingy” to Cassie, and that they had a trip planned to the Bahamas this week.  After the conversation, Debra leaves, and calls Quinn, telling him they need to revisit Oliver Saxon.

Debra and Quinn pay Oliver another visit.  They ask Oliver about Cassie, to which Oliver says how hard he is taking her death.  Oliver says he needs to head to an appointment for work, inspecting a property.  Oliver says he is really busy with work, and is booked for work for the next couple weeks.  This opens up a question for Debra, who asks about when the Bahamas trip would be if he is working so much.  Oliver tries to play it off at being a “crazy” idea, and that Cassie was the one pushing for it.  Debra pushes his buttons more, and Oliver says that he has to get to his appointment.  Outside, Debra tells Quinn of the lie he told regarding the trip.  Quinn says it’s “nice” working with Debra again. Debra agrees, and Quinn decides to give her a kiss.  Debra is dumbfounded, and Quinn says, “I am not sure why I did that”, to which Debra responds, “Let’s just pretend you didn’t.”  They then awkwardly get in the car, and drive away.

Hannah and Dexter get the Goods–With Minor Complications

Dexter and Hannah arrive at Arlene’s.  Hannah tells Dexter about the, “Bank of Arlene”, as Arlene takes a cut of Hannah’s money to store it.  Arlene seems to be doing well with the house she is in.  Arlene answers the door , and immediately recognizes Dexter as the “a–hole who turned her [Hannah] in”.  Hannah tells her, “it’s a long story”, and leaves it at that.  Arlene realizes they are back together, and Arlene gets the money from the closet.

The Marshal then pulls up, and Dexter spots him through the window.  Dexter tells Arlene to act as if she has, “nothing to hide”.  Arlene answers the door, and the Marshal identifies himself.  He sees Dexter sitting in the house, and asks what he is doing there.  The Marshall then questions Arlene about her house and financial situation, not seeing it all add up considering how nice her living quarters are.  He begins to make accusations, but Dexter jumps in, awkwardly “revealing” that he and Arlene are a couple, and that he is helping Arlene out with her rent.  The marshal tells them to give him a call if they hear from Hannah, and leaves, seemingly buying the story.

Hannah and Dexter leave a little while after the marshal has left. Hannah asks Dexter if the marshal bought the story.  Dexter isn’t sure, but tells Hannah she needs a safe place to go–which he reveals to be Debra’s house.

Debra and Hannah Co-habitating–“HUH?!”

Debra comes home, and sees that Dexter and Hannah have let themselves into her house.  Dexter and Debra head outside to talk.  He tells Debra of his need for Hannah to stay at her place.  He tells Debra about the US Marshal.  He pleads, and Debra finally caves.  Debra then tells Dexter that Quinn is focusing on Oliver for Cassie’s murder.  Dexter warns Debra that Oliver can be dangerous. Debra asks how, but Dexter says he “can’t get into it”.  Back inside, Hannah says she and Debra, “will just hang”.

Dexter decides to pay Oliver a visit.  He finds that he has already moved out of his apartment however.  He is able to find an empty beer can in his trash though, and wants to run a DNA test on it.

Back home, Dexter makes Harrison some breakfast.  Harrison asks Dexter if they will see Hannah again.  Harrison has seen Hannah on TV, and wants to her again, and even tells Dexter that he wishes Hannah could be his mom.

Dexter’s Confirmation and Realization

Dexter receives an email, which is the DNA test confirming the match to the blood and hairs Zack left behind.    Dexter revisits Vogel, providing her a photo of Oliver as an adult.  Dexter tells Vogel that he has cleared out of his apartment.  Vogel asks his plans for Oliver, and Vogel pleads for his life. Since she is his son, she tells Dexter she wants a second chance.  Dexter thinks to himself he has to play along if he wants to find Oliver.  Dexter asks how to reach out to Vogel, and Vogel tells Dexter of a cafe–King’s Bay Cafe, that Vogel and Daniel would go to for breakfast when Daniel was a kid.  Daniel would always play the song on the jukebox there as well.

Dexter then tries to figure out how Oliver has been so far ahead of them the whole time. Dexter realizes Vogel must have some spyware on her laptop, and that they can use that to their advantage.  Dexter tells Vogel  to leave a message on her journal about going to the cafe in the morning.  Dexter thinking is that Oliver will see the message and want to meet her there.

Dexter pays Hannah a visit at Deb’s.  Hannah comforts Dexter, telling him he didn’t really have another choice with regards to lying to Vogel.  Hannah also sees Vogel’s side however, as family bonds are strong.  Hannah tells Dexter that he “will figure it out”.  Hannah then tells Dexter that she can’t have a life in Miami, but she could head somewhere else–Argentina.  Hannah then says they could all move there to have a life together.  Dexter is reluctant at first, but then seems resolved to going once everything in Miami is resolved.  He tells Hannah that he will quit his job, and tell everyone that he and Harrison are traveling for a while.  He does make a point to say that, “only Deb will know the truth” though.

Debra’s (In)Decisions and Heart to Heart with Hannah

At  Miami Metro, Matthews approaches Batista about the whereabouts of Zach.  Batista seems confused, since he was told to back off of Zach.  Matthews tells Batista that  Zach has been missing a few days.  Matthews says he wants to be the first to know if he does show up.  Batista heads back to his office, and Debra is waiting there.  He gives her a badge, and tells her to “earn her way back up”.  Debra still seems skeptical about coming back though.  She tells Batista that, “she needs some time”.  He tells her to take the badge with her, as a way to convince her to come back.  On her way out, she bumps into Quinn. Quinn reveals that Oliver has cleared out and they can’t find him.  Debra tells him, “good luck”, and leaves.

Back home, Debra has found that Hannah has cleaned the house and cooked dinner.  Debra is distrustful of her food for obvious reasons.  Hannah sees Debra’s badge, and asks if she is going back to the force.  She says, “how can I go back?” with her serial killer relations.  Hannah serves some salad, and Debra opts to switch plates with Hannah, to hopefully avoid any poison.  Debra takes a bite, and is shocked she is consuming anything Hannah has made.

Dexter, Harrison, a US Marshal and “Mom”

Dexter at home tells Harrison to get ready for some swim lessons.  Harrison is on the floor drawing a picture.  Dexter then apologizes to Jamie for the protective detail on the house, but Jamie is welcoming of it considering recent events.  Dexter receives a knock at his door, and the marshal is there to pay him another visit.  The marshal says he is checking in to see how everything is.  He reveals that the Hannah threat is probably over, and the protective detail can be pulled.  The marshal sees Harrison’s picture, which seems to be of Dexter, Harrison, and a blond woman.  The marshal asks who the “pretty lady” is, and Harrison’s reply is, “that’s my mom”.   In the background, Dexter breathes a sign of relief, and tells Harrison to get ready for swim lessons.  Harrison leaves, and Dexter tells the marshal that its therapeutic for Harrison to draw his mom after her death.   Dexter ushers the marshal out, saying they really need to get going.

Back at Elway’s, Elway pays Debra a visit in her office.  He asks why Debra had not told her about Hannah and Dexter dating. Elway then accuses her of seeing Hannah in the Keys. He really wants the reward money, and tells Debra to “get the f– out” if she doesn’t like being there.  Debra kind of smirks, but says nothing, and continues with her work.

Dexter’s Betrayal–Repaid in Kind By Vogel

Dexter visits Vogel again, and puts a sedative in Vogel’s drink while it is unattended.  Vogel rehashes the “plan” of sedating Daniel and that they will be taking him to a facility.  Vogel is excited to see her son again.  The drug begins to take effect though, and she passes out.

Dexter arrives at the cafe, and sees Daniel go to the bar, to get a coffee.  He predictably turns on the jukebox, and listens to his song.  He listens to it 3 times.  Eventually about 45 minutes go by and he finally gives up on waiting.    He heads outside, and Dexter tells himself that he will follow Daniel until he finds a good spot for sedating him.  He follows Daniel, but seems to lose him for a second.  He spots him getting into his truck, and Dexter heads to his own vehicle–only to see that one of his tires are slashed.  Harry tells Dexter that Daniel might think that Vogel sent Dexter for him.  Dexter tries to call Vogel, but it goes to voicemail.

Dexter heads to Vogel’s house, and frantically bangs on the door.  Vogel answers, immediately accusing Dexter of drugging her.  He apologizes, but warns her about Daniel.  Vogel tells him to leave the situation alone, as it is a “family matter”.  Dexter then asks what happened with her being his “spiritual mother”.  Vogel says she doesn’t trust him anymore, to which Dexter responds that he will get Daniel, and then leave Miami with Vogel.

In the final scene, Dexter has left, and Vogel is standing next to her son Daniel.  Vogel tells Daniel that she didn’t send him.  They then sit down for a family meal, with Daniel calling Vogel, “mom”.

Scenes from next week’s episode of Dexter: Goodbye Miami

Here are scenes from Dexter, Episode 10, titled Goodbye Miami:

Scenes from Dexter Season 8 episode 10: Goodbye Miami