The frame for this week's episode grants Dexter the leeway to do pretty much anything that he wants. Of course, given the fact that he hasn't been able to indulge himself in all of those nasty habits, viewers should be able to guess at what's to come.

There're a few (obnoxious) heart warming scenes that seem wooden at best. But, to be fair, each is a necessity to not only further develop Dexter's character, but the relationship that he has with his wife and children. Upon the family heading out of town to visit some relatives, the good-bye levied on his van ensconced cohort doesn't find Michael C. Hall in the best of actorly pursuits. It's utilitarian and it gets done.

While Dexter prepares for a few days of relative freedom, his sister, Deb is engulfed in a lame love triangle. Her old lover (both in narrative distance and age) has returned to investigate a series of murders and while the two have been in each other's company frequently enough - nothings happened. This week, though, Deb gives in, which is kinda confusing. Of course her younger, more verile live-in boy friend presents a more enticing lover, but the weird and all too creepy bond that Deb and her former FBI man have draws her away. Of course, watching the two make out for a bit is more than disconcerting, but the relationship unquestionably sheds light onto Deb's relationship with her father.

While she's busy gettin' down on an old man, Dexter has settled upon his next vicitm. It's a cop. Twist.

Some woman, from another precinct was the victim of a supposed break in and murder resulting in the death of the officer's husband and young daughter. She puts her house up for sale and in the interest of investigation, Dexter heads down there to take a look. Oddly enough, he's accosted by the homeowner in the bedroom of her slain daughter, hits on Dex for a moment and lies about her reason for selling the house.

Finally, though, Dex snags some evidence, but makes a misstep by requesting information on the case allowing the murderer/cop to catch wind of what's going on. She pulls Dex over and basically threatens him. This entire scenario leaves Dex believing that the cop is in control and the she'll probably come to his home. And as luck would have it, he's right.

Dex's portion of the episode concludes with the main character struggling with the would be multi-murder and finally over coming her. But as to instill the viewer with further evidence of Dex attempting to maintain his cover story as devoted husband and father, he frets the destruction of some mug his kids gave him earlier in the episode.

He still gets to kill - and for some reason his victim repeatedly alludes to getting raped - and he completes the job. But in a lame plot twist, the family is headed home early necessitating Dex to clean up all quick like. “Dex Takes a Holiday” might not have been the most engaging of any Dexter episode this season, but it was a return to something that viewers must have missed: Dex killing something.