I am not quite sure how to take Miguel's acceptance of Dexter's refusal to kill Ellen--it seems to me not unlikely that he himself might go after Ellen now that Dex won't do it. I, too, love Ellen's character so far and her friendship with Maria.

I wasn't disturbed by his considering killing Ellen because I was quite sure he wouldn't do it: he actually did come at it with an "open mind," and the evidence clearly showed she wasn't anywhere remotely near the level of Dexter's usual prey. I thought the subplot was fascinating because it's yet another example of Dexter becoming less moral when he becomes more human: his human friendship with Miguel leads him to actually consider killing Ellen, his human love for Astor and Cody leads him to kill the kid-stalker (as many sane, normal people vow should be done and wish they could do).

This is a very solid season so far, IMO. Dexter's falling prey to Miguel's manipulation was totally believable for me and so have been all the developments up to this point.

I really hope Deb doesn't get screwed out of her shield.