McDreamyluva First of all, I was definitely shocked but someone kinda ruined it for me (grr) before I could watch it, so I knew that Rita was going to die. But watching the scene was still very surreal =( But I gotta say- that was the BEST SEASON FINALE on TV I've ever seen! they did a brilliant job! Rita died because Julie Benz was leaving in real life. I thought the way they did was clever, especially when Trinity said "it's already over" and the whole "you can't have everything" thing. it just shows how much Dexter had sacrificed (his family, the one thing he was so sure that he could protect) to keep his identity safe. also, it shows how much resemblance there is between Dexter and Harrison, in terms of their childhood (born in blood) experiences. Rita's death is definitely a big turning point for the show. I don't know if Dexter's going to be able to find a balance ever again. I just can't wait to see how Dexter changes in season 5, it's gonna be epic =D

Pikapop It shocked me. But somebody spoiled it for me too. D: I really don't know what to expect in season 5. But I think after that BIG twist - I'm not sure how long the series can go on. I don't want it to end! I liked it - I think. I want to see what Dexter will do next. I think it'll probably end up with Deborah looking after the kids and Dexter will go further into a state of mental disorder - spurring off more fantastic murder moments. I wonder what Harry has to say about all this...I feel really sorry for him but being the sadistic person I am - cute guys in pain are my cup of tea. ;] Hehe. I just hope there isn't too much "normal single father moments". >w< I don't want the amount of blood in the series to decrease. It seems like the perfect amount for a show that's not just about the average serial killer - if that makes any sense.

kilasol In a way i was kinda thinking it was bond to happen. I mean it was battle of 2 types of animals. And im sure there will be some challeges ahead but i think dexter will just cut throught the red tape of it all. Also i think the killings will rise and maybe a new monster will surface. R.I.P. Rita.

ashen God, FINALLY! I couldn't stand Rita. Total manipulator and controlling bitch. She got what she deserved for leaving her ex-husband to die in prison.

LovingLucy I hit a spoiler on here and knew about it already. Thank god. If I had seen if for the first time... I would have had a shit fit.

Lorelen I agree with ashen -- I hated Rita, too. But when I saw her dripping blood in that bathtub with her baby watching, I felt so guilty. It was like, yes! get rid of her, the whiny, self-centered, over-precious bitch!!! But NO! I didn't mean it, not like that! Personal issues aaide, though, I was both shocked to stunned breathlessness, as if it had happened to me or someone I knew, and yet thought it was one of the best season finales I'd ever seen. Who would have thought they would have the nerve to do that? And poor Dexter. His guilt and shock and loss added to what he's already coping with. I am not a big TV watcher, but this show has really grabbed me. I think it's the combination of such realistic-style acting (GREAT acting -- the kind that truly lets you forget it's acting at all), with such a surreally unlikely situation. And the writing is fantastic, or the acting couldn't be so good. And though I'm not much of an expert, since I don't watch much TV, I'm really blown away by the way the show breaks taboos, with the season 4 finale the biggest "normalcy"-wall smasher it has dared yet. I truly have no idea how Dexter is going to respond or continue being himself with all those added responsibilities and am totally on edge waiting to see. I, too, hope this is not the beginning of the end for the show. I am a complete addict. I must have watched the first season 6 times now on Netflix Watch Instantly. I turn it on to go to bed to now. I love just listening to it with my eyes closed and seeing if I can conjure up the scenes just from the sounds -- and that has given me such an increased appreciation for the soundtrack -- the way that wild and life-affirming Cuban music sings out in the midst of the carefully controlled compulsion to kill. It's just great. I think this is truly one of the best TV series ever. Up there with MASH (yes, I'm an anti-war baby boomer), and I hope it lasts as long.

Pammov889 I did not see that coming! I watched online on iwatchdexteronline.com it was late at night, and i was ready for a ride into the sunset like season one. When i saw the blood and the baby i just sat in front of my computer with my mouth open stunned. That people is great writing.

hateritadeath I just watched it and was not happy. It was bad writing in my opinion. He sent her away so how is it that she ended up home anyway? I actually thought he was dreaming it when it happened.