I’m still slightly stunned at the fact that, after watching Rock Rivals, there’s a programme on ITV really worth shouting about. Last night, I watched Dexter (ITV1, Wednesday, 10.35pm) and it was brilliant. There’s no punchline coming. No snide remarks. Dexter, quite simply, is one of the best things on the box. Period.

The show focuses on a forensics type, who specialises in blood patterns… and he just happens to be a serial killer himself. There’s loving your work and there’s Dexter. The shows stars Michael C. Hall in the main role, you may know him from Six Feet Under, who is a magnetic screen presence. His delivery is superbly detached and mischievous and makes for incredibly addictive telly.

Like all good shows, Dexter doesn’t lean too heavily on one thing. This show contains a supporting cast to match any other. Now, I don’t mean that this is a show filled with big names, but rather, this programme has a talented cast that backs up the main character with great aplomb. Think of the first series of 24. Jack Bauer would be nothing without those behind him. Well, this show is like that… and dare I say it… as good as the first series of 24.

The twist that a serial killer could be working for the police could have easily been clunky and forced. However, in Dexter, it really makes the show. Michael C. Hall’s character is complex and intelligent and requires a bit of work on your part if you are going to even try and unravel it. Get that! An intelligent and engrossing show in ITV1!

Dexter goes about his day job with incredible insight and weird ideas that work to discovery and the uncovering of leads. It’s completely believable too. However, what really makes this show tick is the fact that the serial killer they want is playing cat-and-mouse with Dexter. Through his thoughts, we hear his envy at each devilish clue. This is a show that has the tension of Morse, mixed with the thrill of Heroes. It’s a slowly unraveling plot that knows when to give a cheeky wink to camera. As the show isn’t devoid of humour, it makes it all the more watchable.

Seriously. This show is absolutely superb and is easily one of the shows of the year already. In a week that’s been particularly tough for me, this has been a resounding success and a show that I will watch again and again. It’s slick, smart, engrossing and intriguing… in short, it’s fantastic.