Trinity Killer (Dexter)

“I thought God sent you so that I could save you. But God has another plan.” (Dexter, “Road Kill”)

Arthur Mitchell, known as the “Trinity Killer,” played by John Lithgow, is the main villain of season 4 of Dexter. Trinity is a lifelong serial killer, who murders in carefully planned sets of three (however it is later revealed that he murders in sets of four.) He is hunted by both Dexter and the FBI throughout the season.

Trinity is widely considered the most complex villain within Dexter. While FBI agent Lundy initially believes that the Trinity Killer would be a loner without compassion or a personal life, Trinity is shown to be a family man heavily involved in his local church. While Dexter initially believes this to be a cover for his crimes, it is shown throughout the season that Trinity is sincerely invested in these aspects of his life. As the season unfolds, more depth is added to his character, as more facets of his twisted personality are revealed. He is developed, revealing a horrific past and giving reason to his horrific methods, simultaneously showing a strange yet distinctly abusive connection to his family. Trinity is a horrifically damaged person, who is beyond saving, yet as Dexter undergoes the facade of growing closer to him, he uncovers more depth. This depth, while in other characters would offer a more sympathetic side, simply makes the character of Trinity more unsettling and deeply threatening, allowing for a genuinely villainous presence throughout the season.