I just spent the last 2 weeks binge-watching every episode (seasons 1-4) of the Showtime series, "Dexter". I have to wonder if the dark, unrelenting tone of deception in this series has managed to get under my skin. Don't get me wrong: I enjoyed it. I loved the writing. And, as people had promised, Season 4 was the best, I think.

But it also depresses me. It's so very dark that I think I need a break from darkness for a while. I need to indulge in something bright and happy. When subsequent seasons become available on Netflix, I may not watch them. Not only have I heard that the series goes downhill from here but, really: expose myself to further dismay all in the pursuit of good writing and compelling characters?

Why do it to myself in the first place?

I write this, now, because it's fresh in my mind. The fourth season just ended and John Lithgow's portrayal of the Trinity Killer is still bobbing in my mind's eye. What an amazing actor!

But while I enjoy darkness, while I enjoy these elements of a story, there is such a thing as too much in a short period of time. While I generally find stories to be better without commercial interruptions, without week-long or month-long breaks between episodes, there is another side-effect: concentration. Everything gets concentrated.

Right now, as great as it has been, I think I'm done for now.

I think I need to finish my one, outstanding writing commission, focus on writing something happy, and enjoy the coming New Year.

Sound good?

Yeah: to me, too.

Yours,
Sylvan