Even if you don't subscribe to Showtime, didn't watch when CBS rebroadcast season one of Dexter this summer, and haven't seen seasons one or two on DVD, either sign up for Showtime before Sunday, or wangle an invitation to a friend's house who has it. The lengthy "previously on Dexter" summary at the start of Sunday's episode will bring you up to speed. Bring some wine or dessert, sit back, and enjoy.

Except you won't be sitting back for long. You'll be leaning forward, riveted by how Dexter's unusually serene and uneventful life is ripped apart by a single unexpected event. At that point, guest star Jimmy Smits shows up, the gloves come off, and Dexter shoots into the stratosphere. Again.

I could go on and on about how much I love this show, and why, but I already have. I reviewed the new season premiere of Dexter on Wednesday's Fresh Air with Terry Gross, which you can hear by clicking here. You can READ it by clicking there, too, because NPR has begun printing transcripts of reviews.

Of course, by reading it, you don't get to HEAR the clip from Dexter -- or my mellifluous tones. Hmm. Come to think of it, tough call...