Marriage Therapist

Marriage Therapist is a character in Season Four of the Showtime series DEXTER.

She helps Rita and Dexter Morgan resolve their relationship difficulties.

Summary

 * “If I Had a Hammer”

Rita has recently discovered that Dexter kept his apartment after they were married, about six months ago. At home, she gives Dexter the cold shoulder, and accuses him of deliberately taking too long to move out of his place. She informs him that she made an appointment with a counselor, stating that it’s an emergency.

First Session
Rita and Dexter sit together on a sofa across from the therapist. Rita is teary-eyed, while Dexter fails to grasp what is upsetting her. ''I’m perfectly comfortable, Dexter thought, with bodily fluids: blood, snot, tears. But the emotions that go along with them, not so much.''

"Therapist: “Dexter, are you hearing what Rita is saying?” Dexter: “She’s upset. About the apartment.” Therapist: “The apartment isn’t really the issue right now.” Dexter: “It’s not?” Rita: (to therapist) “You see, it’s like he doesn’t even listen. He’s always in his head, and when he does talk to me, it’s all lies, all the time.” Dexter: “Not... all the time.” Rita: “I thought we were past this. With the drugs and Lila.” Therapist: “Who’s Lila?” Dexter: “My sponsor.” Rita: “Homicidal bitch he slept with.” Therapist: “Okay.” Rita: “Now we’re married. You know, we have a child together. And you’re still keeping secrets.” Therapist: “Rita, I can see that you’re upset. But, as you describe it, this isn’t new behavior for Dexter.” Rita: “What do you mean?” Therapist: “It sounds like you knew about him when you married him.” Rita: “What? I hoped he would change.” Therapist: “When you married your ex-husband, did you think he would change too?” Rita: “Okay. Okay, so I have some responsibility here too.” (This comment pleases Dexter.) 'Rita: (looking at Dexter) “I don’t want to keep making the same mistakes.” Dexter: “Me neither. We’ll work it out. We always work it out.” Rita: “I need a partner, Dexter. Someone I can trust. Unless you can be completely honest with me...I don’t want to do this anymore.”"

Although they attempt to reconcile their differences, Dexter finds it difficult to communicate, so they again visit the counselor.

Second Session
"Dexter: (repeating Arthur Mitchell’s words) “I want to be a part of this family. And I know I need to jump in with both feet.” Rita: “I’m glad, but...” Dexter: “I want to let you in. Honestly, I don’t know...how. I never learned.” Rita: “No, of course you didn’t. God, I...I mean, with your mother and --” Therapist: “What about his mother?” Rita: “She was murdered right in front of him.” Therapist: “Wow, that’s...that’s quite a history.” Dexter: “And it shaped who I am. But I want to change.” 'Therapist: “Let me ask you a question, Dexter. And I’d like you to be honest.” Dexter: “I’ll try.” Therapist: “Would you say that you’re afraid to let Rita get close to you?” Dexter: “Yes.” Therapist: “Why?” Dexter: “Because of my past.” Therapist: “Are you afraid she’ll abandon you?” Dexter: “Yes.” Therapist: “But Rita is not your mother.” Dexter: “No, definitely not, but if she...ever sees me for who I really am...” Rita: “Then what? You think I would leave?” Dexter: “Yes, absolutely.” Rita: “Oh. Well, than you’ve got something to learn about me. I married you because I want to get to know the real you. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.” Therapist: “Dexter. Tell Rita the truth. Why did you keep your apartment?” Dexter: “Because...I need space...to keep my stuff.” Rita: “We have a house. There’s plenty of room.” Therapist: “I think what Dexter is trying to say is that he needs space for himself in the marriage.” Dexter: “Okay, yeah, but I really do need a place to put my stuff.” Rita: “Of course. Of course. I’ll -- I’ll give you space.” Dexter: “You will?” Rita: “Yes.” Therapist: “See what happens when you’re honest? You get what you need.”"

Rita helps Dexter move his trunk (that holds kill tools) into a shed in their backyard. It has an air conditioner, with his blood slides hidden inside. Rita trustingly gives him a padlock and key for the shed’s door. “We have three young children,” she says, “There’s dangerous stuff in there.” For a split second, Dexter looks at the camera with a devilish grin.

Mentions

 * In "Slack Tide," Dexter asks Rita if they are doing better. She says they are, and is glad they are still seeing the therapist.
 * In "Hello, Dexter Morgan," as Rita and Dexter are about to see the therapist, he is called to a crime scene. This frustrates Rita and she blurts out that Elliot Larson kissed her.

Related Page

 * Dexter's Apartment