This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dexter_Logo.svg
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
"I was drawn to forensics too, but I chose to focus on neuroscience. Psychopaths. We both chose murder. Maybe we're both a little crazy." -- Dr. Vogel in Dexter
Last night I finally had the chance to watch the first episode of Dexter's 8th and final season. The series has been a bit uneven, in my opinion: a spectacular first season (The Ice Truck Killer) and a fourth season (The Trinity Killer) that was almost as good have been exceptions among more mundane seasons (I've managed to watch them all, nevertheless). So I wasn't holding my breath for this season's premiere, but I did find it quite enjoyable, and especially so because the writers have gone for a neuroscience bent this time. Dexter's swan song will involve chasing down a serial killer that puts a melon baller to the unique use of scooping the anterior insula out of the brains of his victims.
The Neurocriticblog reviews the neuroscience of Dexter's season 's premier very nicely.
Subscribe to Support Independent Journalism
Great science journalism requires human expertise, time, effort and creativity. And it costs money. That’s why I and the journalists here at Scientific American hope you’ll join our community.
When you subscribe, you are supporting staff and freelance journalists who are passionate about telling science stories that are true, important and compelling. Our editors and reporters are often experts in their fields, which means they understand the nuances of big discoveries and can untangle the breakthroughs from the hype. With a subscription, you are also supporting rigorous fact-checking to ensure the words we publish are precise and accurate. And you’re supporting original illustrations, graphics and photos that bring you closer to an advanced laboratory, an ice sheet in Antarctica or a space mission in orbit. You’re helping us craft other types of high-quality journalism as well: Our newsletters are carefully written, edited and curated by staffers you have or will come to know and love. Our Science Quickly podcast is based on original reporting, collaboration with editors and scientists and exacting production.
Subscriptions keep this engine running so we can continue to deliver thoughtful, rigorous and independent science journalism to you. In an era of viral misinformation, this work is crucial. If you value what we do, I hope you’ll consider joining us as a subscriber