Set in Miami, the series centers on Dexter Morgan, a forensic technician specializing in bloodstain pattern analysis for the fictional Miami Metro Police Department, who leads a secret parallel life as a vigilante serial killer, hunting down murderers who have not been adequately punished by the justice system due to corruption or legal technicalities.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.08 million household viewers and gained a 1.1 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
While inspecting a crime scene, Dexter (Michael C. Hall) notices that one of the detectives, Phil Bosso, behaves indifferently, and he wonders if he might be the Arsonist.
Eventually, Hannah truly believes her father is seeking a new life, which includes moving to Louisiana, and decides to have him sleep at her house.
Quinn (Desmond Harrington) and Angel (David Zayas) break into the Fox Hole, after learning that George (Jason Gedrick) is sending Nadia (Katia Winter) to Dubai.
LaGuerta (Lauren Vélez) has reduced her list of suspects to Dexter, and visits the Everglades cabin where Doakes died, accompanied by Matthews (Geoff Pierson).
While Debra is content that Dexter left the Arsonist with her, she decides to investigate Hannah's possible role in the counselor's death, planning to contact Arlene Schram, the only witness key to the case.
Club gave the episode a "D+" grade and wrote, "It's hard to believe there's another entire season of this thing, considering the developments of “The Dark... Whatever” seem to lend themselves to cuing up a series finale.
"[5] Kevin Fitzpatrick of ScreenCrush wrote, "As much as we've enjoyed the current season of Dexter, we're finding it more and more difficult to keep up with the rapid pace.
"[6] Richard Rys of Vulture gave the episode a 3 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "In a sense, Clint's death could be a hint about the show's endgame.
"[7] Katy Waldman of Slate wrote, "It was almost a relief, I thought, because it allowed him that moment of grace with the arsonist, Joseph Jensen.
"[8] Drusilla Moorhouse of Zap2it wrote, "Deb, who was willing to "compromise the s*** out of" herself for Dexter, refuses to do the same for his girlfriend, and orders Angel Batista to find Arlene.
Guess her brother being and dating a serial killer exceed the power of the good ol' treadmill to relieve her stress.
"[10] Billy Grifter of Den of Geek wrote, "Despite the great Jim Beaver appearance, and the progressions in both character and plots, I couldn't help feeling that Dexter was winding down and not up, as it should be with two episodes to go this season.
"[11] Matt Richenthal of TV Fanatic gave the episode a 3 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "It's always a drag when an hour is filled with this long-time serial killer engaging in some profound self-examination, especially when the surrounding plot is so contrived and transparent.