Just Let Go

Lore & Background

The episode explores Dexter's internal struggle after Brother Sam is shot. Dexter initially believes he is to blame, thinking the gang he confronted took action after their leader disappeared. He tracks Leo, a gangmember, but Leo is killed during a police raid. Dexter then realizes the shooter might be Nick, as Brother Sam's dog does not bark at him. Sam confirms Nick shot him but asks Dexter to forgive Nick and not let the darkness consume him. After Sam dies from his wounds, Dexter confronts Nick on a beach. Nick confesses and, when he reacts with joy to Sam's death, Dexter drowns him. After killing Nick, Dexter sees a vision of his brother Brian Moser applauding him.

In Their Own Story

Dexter discovers Brother Sam has been shot in his shop. He believes he might be to blame, thinking the gang he confronted probably took action against Sam after their leader disappeared. Travis begins having second thoughts over his mission, but Gellar insists he continue. Travis feels guilt for the woman kidnapped whom they intend to use as the Whore of Babylon, and questions Gellar's tactics. Despite Gellar ordering him to not care for her, Travis provides her with food. Angel questions Carissa over her involvement with Gellar, forcing Quinn to not get involved. However, Debra orders Quinn to join him, which results in their affair exposed. Due to this, Carissa cannot be a witness to the case, ruining it and upsetting Debra. Dexter finds that Leo might be responsible for Sam's shooting and follows him. However, Mike arrives at his house to raid it upon receiving a lead, and Leo is killed. The case is closed, but Dexter realizes the shooter might actually be Nick, as Sam's dog does not bark at him. He talks with Brother Sam, who confirms Nick shot him. Nevertheless, Sam wants Dexter to not let the darkness within to consume him, and wants him to forgive Nick. Per her therapist's suggestion, Debra hosts a house-warming party for her new house. However, the event is crashed by a drunk Quinn, who brings a girl with him. When he tries to make a pass on Jamie, Angel punches him and he walks off ashamed. Reaching his limit, Travis decides to release the woman and drops her off near a beach. Dexter is later informed that Brother Sam succumbed to his wounds, and debates over his conversation about Nick. He takes him to the beach, where he makes it clear he knows he shot him, and Nick confesses. Nevertheless, he also says he forgives him. Realizing that Sam died, Nick takes it as good news. This angers Dexter, who subsequently drowns Nick in the water. After killing him, Dexter looks back at the soil, seeing Brian Moser applauding him.

Reader's Guide

The episode begins with Dexter discovering Brother Sam has been shot. He tracks Leo, a gangmember, but Leo is killed during a police raid. Dexter then realizes the shooter might be Nick, as Sam's dog does not bark at him. Sam confirms Nick shot him but asks Dexter to forgive him. Meanwhile, Travis struggles with his mission, providing food to the kidnapped woman against Gellar's orders. Debra's house-warming party is crashed by a drunk Quinn, leading to Angel punching him. Travis releases the woman near a beach. After Sam dies, Dexter confronts Nick on the beach. Nick confesses and reacts with joy to Sam's death, causing Dexter to drown him. The episode ends with Dexter seeing a vision of his brother Brian Moser applauding him.

Did You Know?

• The episode was written by co-executive producer Jace Richdale, his first writing credit for the series.
• The episode was directed by John Dahl, his tenth directing credit for Dexter.
• According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.98 million household viewers.
• The episode gained a 1.0 ratings share among adults aged 18-49.
• This was a 10% increase in viewership from the previous episode, which was watched by an estimated 1.80 million household viewers.