The BEST episodes of Dexter season 5

Every episode of Dexter season 5, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Dexter season 5!

Dexter Morgan is a Miami-based blood spatter expert who doesn’t just solve murders; he commits them too. In fact, he’s a serial killer — but he only murders the guilty, so he feels justified with his lifestyle choices. His policewoman sister and his cop co-workers have no idea Dexter lives a double life; however, adoptive father Harry knows his secret, and does, in fact, help Dexter hone his “skills.” It’s a unique brand of justice for which charming Dexter feels a psychological hunger.

Last Updated: 12/14/2024Network: Paramount+ with ShowtimeStatus: Ended
The Big One
star
8.31
8757 votes

#1 - The Big One

Season 5 - Episode 12 - Aired 12/12/2010

Dexter's situation grows desperate when he discovers that Lumen's been set up. Despite knowing he's being baited into a trap, Dexter risks everything to make sure he doesn't fall into the same mistake again. In the Barrel Girls case, Debra lets her personal feelings lead her instincts once she concludes that vigilantes are more than just a theory. Quinn finds himself in a troublesome situation, which only Dexter can help him out of.

Directors: Steve Shill
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Hop a Freighter
star
8.22
9764 votes

#2 - Hop a Freighter

Season 5 - Episode 11 - Aired 12/5/2010

Dexter must do damage control; Debra's speculation begins to take shape; Quinn becomes involved in a homicide.

Directors: John Dahl
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Teenage Wasteland
star
8.13
9597 votes

#3 - Teenage Wasteland

Season 5 - Episode 9 - Aired 11/21/2010

Dexter and Lumen hunt for their next victim; Debra uncovers new evidence in the Barrel Girl case

Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
In the Beginning
star
8.13
9431 votes

#4 - In the Beginning

Season 5 - Episode 10 - Aired 11/28/2010

Homicide uncovers some key evidence linked to one of Dexter's and Lumen's prior victims; Debra identifies two more suspects in the case.

Directors: Keith Gordon
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Take It!
star
8.11
9409 votes

#5 - Take It!

Season 5 - Episode 8 - Aired 11/14/2010

Dexter and Lumen vet and stalk a violent killer; Debra gets into some unexpected trouble from the fallout of the Santa Muerte case

Directors: Romeo Tirone
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Everything Is Illumenated
star
8.01
9627 votes

#6 - Everything Is Illumenated

Season 5 - Episode 6 - Aired 10/31/2010

Dexter is drawn into a precarious situation; Batista discovers an interesting lead; Quinn gets information about Dexter from a questionable source.

Directors: Steve Shill
Writer: Wendy West
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Beauty and the Beast
star
7.92
9089 votes

#7 - Beauty and the Beast

Season 5 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/17/2010

Dexter must save a life; Deb has a confrontation with a key suspect; Quinn follows up on the similarities between Dexter and Kyle Butler.

Directors: Milan Cheylov
Writer: Jim Leonard
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Circle Us
star
7.91
9180 votes

#8 - Circle Us

Season 5 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/7/2010

Dexter is called to investigate a horrifying crime scene; the Santa Muerte case leads to a violent standoff between Debra and the Santa Muerte killers.

Directors: John Dahl
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Practically Perfect
star
7.82
8976 votes

#9 - Practically Perfect

Season 5 - Episode 3 - Aired 10/10/2010

Dexter hires a nanny; Debra is annoyed with her new partner; Quinn continues to investigate Rita's murder.

Writer: Manny Coto
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
My Bad
star
7.75
10711 votes

#10 - My Bad

Season 5 - Episode 1 - Aired 9/26/2010

Dexter must make a choice; Quinn stirs up trouble for Dexter but supports Deb.

Directors: Steve Shill
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Hello, Bandit
star
7.73
9463 votes

#11 - Hello, Bandit

Season 5 - Episode 2 - Aired 10/3/2010

Dexter tries to focus on the children and fight his dark urges; Debra ends up on Quinn's doorstep.

Directors: John Dahl
Writer: Scott Buck
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
First Blood
star
7.63
9145 votes

#12 - First Blood

Season 5 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/24/2010

Dexter is saddled with an unwanted conspirator; Dexter worries about how Rita's death will affect Harrison; Deb works alone; Quinn enlists an old friend's help.

Directors: Romeo Tirone
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV