Dexter: The 5 Best Couples (& The 4 Worst), According To Reddit

Content Warning: This article contains discussions/references to violence, sexual assault, and murder.

Despite its many darker moments in the Showtime series, Dexter featured a number of notable couples, many of whom brought lighter moments to the otherwise tragic elements of this bloody crime drama show. Some came together over a traumatic bond to heal as Lumen did with Dexter, while others like the toxic Lila who pursued Dexter to no end left fans with nothing to root for but a quick break-up.

Still, not every couple on Dexter portrayed a healthy take on romance. Many relationships were even downright destructive, (like Deb unknowingly dating a serial killer), and fans were certainly ready to voice their opinions about it online. Here are some of the series best and worst couples according to Reddit throughout the eight seasons of Dexter.

9 Best: Dexter Morgan/Rita Bennett

Even though the kind-hearted Rita was completely naive to the reality of Dexter’s dark side, her good nature managed to grow on Dexter who eventually realized he actually had feelings for her and her children. However, despite their good moments, Rita was completely unaware that she initially was used as a cover to help Dexter appear more normal, and his secret life as a serial killer eventually gets her killed.

Still, there was something about Rita and her goodness that helped balance out Dexter’s dark passenger, and being with her actually seemed to make Dexter a better person. Although some fans believe they wouldn’t have lasted in the long run, there were a few that did agree they loved and cared for each other.

8 Worst: Dexter Morgan/Lila West

Despite Lila’s insistence that she was Dexter’s soulmate, there was no way this couple was ever going to work. While Lila initially presented herself as friendly and caring Dexter eventually realized that she was actually manipulative, controlling, and completely obsessed with him.

Even after he tried to end things Lila refused to accept a future without Dexter and went after Astor and Cody as revenge for his betrayal. Many fans of the series couldn’t take to the pairing, with one user commentating that it “made no sense, giving Dexter’s misgivings about romantic relationships.”

7 Best: Debra Morgan/Joey Quinn

Both had plenty of baggage, but Debra Morgan and Joey Quinn both worked significantly better together than they did their previous significant others. Quinn actually understood Deb and even helped her through some terrible moments. Of course, the two had plenty of ups and downs, first starting as partners before getting together, breaking up, and eventually getting back together again.

Many fans felt that the two “belonged together” and it did seem like the show was actually going to give one of its couples a happy ending. Unfortunately, the series finale shattered that hope as Deb was killed by Oliver Saxon.

6 Worst: Debra Morgan/Rudy Cooper

Poor Deb had the worst luck with relationships, and Rudy Cooper, (aka Brian Moser) was definitely the worst boyfriend she had. Though Deb clearly had actual feelings for Rudy and thought she was finally in a meaningful relationship, the manipulative Brian was only using her to get closer to his brother Dexter.

After revealing to her that he was the Ice Truck Killer, Brian kidnapped Deb and attempted to kill her numerous times. One Reddit user couldn’t help but feel sympathy for her, especially since she was “sweet, loyal” and didn’t deserve any of it.

5 Best: Dexter Morgan/Lumen Pierce

Dexter Morgan and Lumen Pierce’s relationship may have been short-lived but many fans felt like she was a “natural fit for Dexter.” Lumen was only one of a few of Dexter’s love interest that was aware of his dark passenger and due to her own experience as a victim of the Barrel Girl Gang, she not only understood Dexter’s murderous side but shared some of his impulses.

Dexter helped Lumen get revenge on those who tortured and raped her, and in the end, helped Lumen rid herself of the darkness inside of her. Still, some fans were disappointed when Julia Stiles departed the show not long after.

4 Worst: Debra Morgan/Dexter Morgan

While seeing a therapist, Deb comes to the realization that she in love with Dexter. Despite the fact that they are only adopted siblings and not blood-related, that doesn’t make the concept seem any less weird as the two grew up together as brother and sister for the majority of their lives.

Deb’s feelings for Dexter are rejected after she confesses that she’s in love with him, but the storyline is still viewed as one of the worst ideas that the show came up with. It’s probably for the best that their sibling relationship never got romantic as even fans seemed to find the idea absolutely cringeworthy, with many deeming it “weird and awkward.”

3 Best: Debra Morgan/Frank Lundy

For many fans, Special Agent Frank Lundy actually made a better romantic partner for Deb than many of her previous boyfriends (though to be fair, her previous partner turned out to be a cold-blooded serial killer, so the bar wasn’t set high).

Still, fans seem to agree that Lundy was good for Deb, with many noting how he ‘admired her work on the Ice Truck Killer case and complimenting her intelligence.’ Even if their relationship wasn’t going last, it was a shame that Debra had to go through yet another traumatic experience, having to watch someone she loved get shot and killed.

2 Worst: María LaGuerta/Angel Batista

Though they were great as friends, fans seem to agree that María LaGuerta and Angel Batista made a horrible couple, with one user feeling the relationship was “forced.” While they seemed to have a good start to their relationship, it soon became filled with demands, selfishness, and jealousy.

Batista and LaGuerta ultimately wanted very different things for themselves and Batista’s extreme jealously and distrust made it clear things between the two would never work romantically.  The best decision LaGuerta made was to get a divorce and focus on her career prospects, which was always the most important thing to her.

1 Best: Dexter Morgan/Hannah McKay

Love or hate them, Dexter and Hannah made sense together. Both were serial killers with a code and their shared connection allowed the two to be more open and honest with each other than either would have been able, had they been forced to hide their secret identity in a normal relationship.

Serial killers in love may not sound like the ultimate healthy relationship, but plenty of fans absolutely loved Hannah and thought the two seem pretty perfect for each other. Dexter even chose to leave his son Harrison in her care, trusting that Hannah would take care of him after he made the choice to fake his death and go live in isolation as a lumberjack.

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