That’s because the “Dexter” franchise has always been a delicate balance between riveting drama and frequently gruesome, if not disturbing, elements. "Dexter: New Blood," the sequel series to the original, reignited the debate about the morality of vigilante justice and the cyclical nature of violence. Dexter Morgan came to a conclusion in the last episode. Today, everyone is abuzz over his legacy, particularly in regards to his son Harrison. Was Dexter’s choice always going to lead to Harrison doing the same and becoming a killer himself? This article dissects Harrison's journey in "New Blood," examining the parallels between his struggles and Dexter's past, and analyzing the impact of Dexter's parenting, or lack thereof, on Harrison's choices. The facts suggest that Harrison is headed the way of most descent into darkness. This investigation is informed by the series’ ending as well as earlier seasons.

The series purposefully spent at least three episodes exploring the possibilities of Harrison inheriting his father’s “Dark Passenger.” This investigation gave weight and mystery to the plot. This idea, at the heart of the “Dexter” pitch, defines the so-called “Nobel killer” as having some sort of inherent, irresistible murderous impulse. As writers, they did a masterful job of creating suspense around Harrison. This prompted TV watchers to wonder if he was doomed to follow in Dexter’s murderous footsteps. That made this exploration pivotal to setting the stakes for the season. It cements the hush that surrounds the truly spectacular gunfight that pits father against son.

"Dexter: New Blood" masterfully utilized its new setting, the small town of Iron Lake, to amplify the challenges Dexter faced in returning to his old habits. This close-knit community as well as the constant scrutiny of small-town life made it much harder for Dexter to keep up his massive, lavishly built facade. The series showed the explosive difficulty of keeping any secret inside such a dangerous setting. Suddenly, disposing of a body becomes a dangerous undertaking. This new layer of challenge stacked on the stress. Most importantly, it pushed Dexter to face the impact of his decisions sooner and in a more profound way.

Introduction to Counter Culture

To fully understand Harrison's arc, we must consider the broader context of rebellion against established norms, as mirroring Dexter's own counter-cultural stance. By studying artistic expression, we learn more about how people resist dominant structures of power and oppression and forge new movements and futures.

Overview of the Counter Culture Movement

The counterculture movement is an expression of resistance to hegemonic socio-cultural values. It’s long been known for its counter-cultural lifestyles, outsider art, and rejecting of the status quo authority. This uprising is usually triggered by a real or imagined injustice, inequality, or just a feeling of discontentment with the current way of life. Counterculture wants to upend and replace the status quo with a new social order, using art, activism, and other forms of defiance to create real upheaval.

The counterculture movement encompasses a wide array of ideologies and practices, including but not limited to: political activism, artistic innovation, and communal living. It creates space for marginalized voices to be heard and pushes us to think critically about the systems that are currently in place. By challenging prevailing assumptions, counterculture at once protects the space needed for creativity and dissent, and it clears the way for social and cultural development.

Because, figuratively, throughout history, that’s how counterculture has moved culture – intensely and beautifully and, often, violently. From the Beat Generation to the punk rock scene, each movement has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. These movements not only challenge existing power structures but offer alternative visions for the future, promoting values such as equality, freedom, and self-expression.

Importance of Artistic Expression

Artistic expression, as we have seen historically, is of incalculable importance in counterculture. It can be an extraordinary force for good to inspire action and disrupt the status quo. Through music, literature, visual arts, and performance, artists articulate their dissent and imagine new futures. Thank you to their work, which continues to inspire others to be bold enough to challenge the status quo. Artistic expression offers a crucial space for marginalized voices and invites audiences to engage in conversations about pressing social issues.

Art is an incredibly important tool in beginning to change public perception and building the culture that makes social change possible. By presenting alternative perspectives and challenging conventional wisdom, artists can provoke thought and encourage critical analysis of the prevailing systems. Artistic expression, therefore, is frequently both a reflection of — and a driver towards — impacted social and cultural change.

Artistic expression helps weave a broader community and movement together and build capacity among people who share interconnected values and beliefs. Through collective creativity, people can come together to celebrate their identity, express their dissent, and work towards a more just and equitable society.

Upcoming Events at Culture Vulture

Here’s a schedule of upcoming events:

Schedule for 19-25 July 2025

Saturday, 19th July

  • Event: Live Music: Punk Rock Night
  • Description: A night dedicated to punk rock music, featuring local bands and high-energy performances.
  • Time: 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Sunday, 20th July

  • Event: Art Exhibition: "Rebellion Through Canvas"
  • Description: An exhibition showcasing visual art that challenges societal norms and expresses counter-cultural themes.
  • Time: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Monday, 21st July

  • Event: Film Screening: "Subversive Cinema"
  • Description: A screening of independent films that explore themes of dissent, rebellion, and social change.
  • Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday, 22nd July

  • Event: Poetry Slam: "Voices of Dissent"
  • Description: A poetry slam featuring spoken word artists who address social and political issues through their verses.
  • Time: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday, 23rd July

  • Event: Workshop: "DIY Activism"
  • Description: A workshop focused on practical skills for engaging in grassroots activism and community organizing.
  • Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Thursday, 24th July

  • Event: Panel Discussion: "Counterculture in the Digital Age"
  • Description: A panel discussion exploring the role of digital media in promoting and shaping counterculture movements.
  • Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Friday, 25th July

  • Event: Performance Art: "Challenging the Status Quo"
  • Description: A night of performance art that pushes boundaries and challenges conventional notions of art and society.
  • Time: 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Schedule for 12-18 July 2025

Saturday, 12th July

  • Event: Opening Night: "Underground Art Showcase"
  • Description: A showcase of emerging artists from various underground art scenes, featuring paintings, sculptures, and mixed media installations.
  • Time: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Sunday, 13th July

  • Event: Live Music: "Experimental Sounds"
  • Description: An evening of experimental music featuring avant-garde artists pushing the boundaries of sound and rhythm.
  • Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Monday, 14th July

  • Event: Film Screening: "Independent Filmmakers' Night"
  • Description: A selection of short films by independent filmmakers exploring diverse themes and perspectives.
  • Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Tuesday, 15th July

  • Event: Spoken Word: "Poetry and Protest"
  • Description: A night of spoken word performances focusing on themes of social justice, resistance, and personal expression.
  • Time: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday, 16th July

  • Event: Workshop: "Screen Printing for Activists"
  • Description: A hands-on workshop teaching participants how to create their own screen-printed posters and banners for activism and protest.
  • Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Thursday, 17th July

  • Event: Panel Discussion: "The Future of Counterculture"
  • Description: A discussion with leading thinkers and artists on the evolving landscape of counterculture and its role in shaping society.
  • Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Friday, 18th July

  • Event: Performance Art: "Provocative Expressions"
  • Description: A night of performance art designed to challenge, provoke, and inspire audiences to question the status quo.
  • Time: 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Featured Performances at Edinburgh Fringe 2025

Here are some featured shows:

Top Welsh Comedians to Watch

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the largest cornucopia of artistic culinary delights in the world. Welsh comedians are having quite a year! Here are some top Welsh comedians to watch at the Fringe:

  • Rhys James: Known for his sharp wit and clever observations, Rhys James delivers intelligent and engaging stand-up performances.
  • Kiri Pritchard-McLean: With her dark humor and relatable anecdotes, Kiri Pritchard-McLean offers a unique and hilarious perspective on life.
  • Lloyd Langford: Lloyd Langford's deadpan delivery and quirky jokes have earned him a dedicated following in the comedy scene.

‘Bad Fatty’: Humor, Identity, and Acceptance

Bad Fatty is a body positive and fat activism focused comedy show. It explores issues of identity, body positivity, and self-love, using humor and personal narrative to connect. The talented stage performer blends humor with important social commentary to confront society’s biased behavior and attitudes while advocating for body positivity. The show aims to create a safe and inclusive space for audiences to laugh, reflect, and embrace their true selves.

‘Bad Fatty’ is an hour long stand-up comedy -story telling performance full of overlapping relatable parts that’s pretty damn fun and awesome. Through movement, sound, and storytelling, the artist reveals their personal journey with self-love and understanding, encouraging audiences to unpack their own ideas surrounding identity and inclusion. By discussing taboo subjects through humor and vulnerability, ‘Bad Fatty’ opens the door for discussion while helping to spread the message of self-love.

So far the stage show is being hailed as ground-breaking and brilliant with its originality, humor and heartfelt message. Audiences are wowed by the performer’s ability to make a personal connection to each member of their audience. They dig the way the artist encourages such a tight-knit community. ‘Bad Fatty’ is essential viewing for anyone looking for a comedy hour that will make you laugh as well as reconsider society’s bullshit.

Spotlight on Notable Shows

David Corenswet's portrayal of Superman is highly anticipated, with fans eager to see how he balances the character's immense power with his inherent humanity. Corenswet’s performance should explore the struggles Superman goes through while serving as the protector of the world. Along the way, he will face his own inner demons. We’re especially excited to see the show explore themes of responsibility, sacrifice, and of course the burden of extraordinary abilities.

David Corenswet’s Superman: Balancing Power and Humanity

Corenswet’s Superman will be the first live-action iteration of the character that hails from a world beyond our own. By focusing on Superman’s humanity and emotional complexity, the series seeks to provide a more humanized and engaging story. The premise Superman: Legacy’s story will probably focus on Superman’s bonds with Lois Lane and Lex Luthor. These associations will introduce additional layers of complication to his character.

We can’t wait to see the amazing visuals that await! The series promises to feature amazing special effects and spectacular action scenes, showcasing Superman’s extraordinary powers. The show is all about character first, story second. This kind of thinking makes sure every action you take has a meaning to it and deepens the emotional weight of your story.

"28 Years Later" revisits the post-apocalyptic world of the original "28 Days Later," exploring themes of survival, societal breakdown, and the resilience of the human spirit. The film is expected to explore the challenges faced by survivors as they navigate a world overrun by infected individuals. I bet the narrative will examine the ethical quandaries and hard decisions that must be made in problematically severe conditions like these.

Exploring Themes in "28 Years Later": Survival and Society

The theme of the film will focus on how communities start to recover and adjust after a worst-case disaster scenario. By exploring the dynamics of human interaction and the formation of new communities, "28 Years Later" offers insights into the nature of humanity and the importance of social connection. The plot will inevitably include all types of characters from various cultural backgrounds and communities, giving a fuller picture of the world while enriching the story itself.

It promises to be a thrilling and provocative cinematic experience that pushes audiences to reflect on the tenuousness of our civilization and the resilience of the human spirit. The film's exploration of survival and society will resonate with audiences, sparking conversations about the challenges and opportunities that arise in times of crisis.

Mia Pelosi & Supermarket 86 share their words of wisdom in preparation for their production debuting at Fringe 2025. From creation to inspiration, themes and stories to tell, and navigating the world as early-career artists, hear their experiences and how they created Together/Apart. The interview is a fascinating look at their creative process and the unusual viewpoints they’ll be bringing to Fringe Festival.

Interviews and Insights

Pelosi and Supermarket 86 speak on the importance of artistic expression through performance art. They show just how crucial art has been in pushing back against the status quo. They talk about their time spent as members of the counterculture movement and how it has influenced their work. The interview demonstrates the important role platforms, such as the Fringe Festival, play in supporting underrepresented voices and supporting change.

Fringe 2025 Interview with Mia Pelosi and Supermarket 86

The interview further explores the nuts and bolts of preparing for a Fringe show, such as fundraising, marketing, and logistics. Pelosi and Supermarket 86 offer advice to other artists who are considering participating in the festival, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, resilience, and a clear vision.

A review of "Carlos: The Jackal Speaks" highlights the film's compelling portrayal of the infamous terrorist. The reviewer praises the film's attention to detail and its ability to capture the complexity of Carlos's character. The review discusses the film's exploration of political and historical events, providing context for Carlos's actions.

The review notes that "Carlos: The Jackal Speaks" is a thought-provoking and controversial film that challenges viewers to consider the motivations and consequences of terrorism. The critic praises the director’s effort to portray a layered, conflicted portrait of an extremely complicated and divisive person. The review equally focuses on the film’s technical merits, praising its cinematography, editing and soundtrack choices.

Carlos: The Jackal Speaks Reviewed

The review concludes that "Carlos: The Jackal Speaks" is a must-see for those interested in political thrillers and historical dramas. The film's exploration of Carlos's life and legacy is both informative and engaging, offering a unique perspective on a significant chapter in modern history.

"The Carole King & James Taylor Story" celebrates the music and friendship of two iconic singer-songwriters. The show includes full-on, high-energy performances of their biggest hits mixed with hilarious stories and behind-the-scenes anecdotes about their extraordinary lives and careers. The creative team hopes this production will honor the magic of their sound and witness the spell they cast over popular culture.

The show includes songs such as "You've Got a Friend," "Fire and Rain," and "Natural Woman," performed by talented musicians and vocalists. The night’s artists pay tribute to King and Taylor’s distinctive legacies. As a result, they powerfully reach audiences by blending inspiring lyrics with beautiful melodies. The production further engages the audience with artistic visual elements including photos and video, deepening the storytelling experience.

Must-See Music Shows at the Fringe

For fans of the artists’ music, as well as all who understand what goes into the craft of songwriting and their collective artistry, this is required viewing. The live performance transports you to the sights, sounds, and culture of the 1970s. It’s a celebration of the imaginative legacy left by two of their generation’s most influential artists.

The Carole King & James Taylor Story

A high-energy, star-studded musical tribute to the life and career of the legendary Elton John. The onstage experience includes live performances of his signature songs and more. It includes interviews and personal stories that portray his evolution from a child piano prodigy to an international music icon. Through stunning visuals and choreography, this production attempts to illustrate and encompass the energy, flamboyance and musical genius of Elton John.

The score includes such classic songs as “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer” and “Your Song.” Gifted musicians and vocalists recreate Elton John’s unforgettable sound and high-energy theatricality in this spectacular show. The performers not only celebrate his artistry through dance, but bring many of his fabulous costumes and colorful eyewear to life, making for a dazzling visual experience. The production makes active use of multimedia elements including projections and lighting effects, resulting in an immersive, exhilarating experience.

The Elton John Story Also Probably Best Biopic You’ve Ever Seen If you love his music or just want to see the artistry and showmanship of a true rock icon, this film is unmissable. The show offers a celebratory journey through his remarkable career, highlighting his contributions to music and his enduring legacy.

The Elton John Story

And we’re pretty damn excited to bring you that journey, because… “The Fleetwood Mac Story” is the moving tale of one of rock’s most legendary bands. The show features electrifying live performances that bring Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits to life. Plus you’ll get to listen to amazing tales and stories about their rocky partnership and artistic adventure. Through multimedia storytelling, dynamic choreography, and evocative staging, this theater production transports you into the magic and drama of Fleetwood Mac’s music and their lasting legacy.

The gorgeous, heartfelt production embraces Fleetwood Mac classics such as “Dreams,” “Go Your Own Way,” and “Landslide.” Incredible musicians and amazing vocalists recreate Fleetwood Mac’s diverse sound and vocal harmonies! The actors equally embody the fashion and showmanship that the band made famous, bringing even more authentic magic to this production. The multimedia production weaves in striking visual components, including photos and videos, to provide a more immersive storytelling experience.

The Fleetwood Mac Story is required viewing not just for their legions of fans, but for everyone who understands the power of rock and roll. The experience transports you back to the 1970s. It’s a fitting tribute, perhaps even a love letter to the lasting influence and legacy of the most important musical force of the past 50 years.

The Fleetwood Mac Story

The Legend of Queen is an exhilarating, intimate tribute to the iconic rock band Queen, and their legendary frontman, Freddie Mercury. The spectacular show recreates Queen’s unmatched catalogue of masterpieces with jaw-dropping performances. Audience members will learn about the band’s inspiring story and evolution to fame, tales and anecdotes from their groundbreaking music. This journey through Queen’s extraordinary career has the production values to match the energy, passion — and musical genius — of Queen.

The show includes classic hits such as “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Don’t Stop Me Now.” An exciting cast of talented musicians and vocalists re-create Queen’s one-of-a-kind sound and flamboyant on-stage energy. The performers further pay homage to Freddie Mercury’s major stage presence and all of his legendary costumes, contributing to the great visual aspect of the show. The production takes advantage of multimedia elements, including projections and color lighting effects, to complement the story and make it a more immersive and entertaining experience.

With its triumphant tale of artistic and personal freedom, The Legend of Queen is a can’t miss for anyone with a deep love for this band—and the transformative power of rock and roll. From early days in London to the iconic performance at Live Aid, THE SHOW brings you an amazing musical journey of Queen’s extraordinary career.

The Legend of Queen

As a musical journey through time, “Women of Rock” is the ultimate tribute to the female artists that define today’s ever-changing landscape of rock music. The live rockumentary features dynamic performances of hits and deep tracks by trailblazing female rockers. It’s interspersed with wonderful, humanizing stories and anecdotes of their lives and careers. “Our production is an opportunity to celebrate the talent, creativity and resilience of women in rock.

The show includes songs such as "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Will Rock You," and "Don't Stop Me Now," performed by talented musicians and vocalists who recreate Queen's distinctive sound and stage presence. The performers also showcase Freddie Mercury's iconic costumes and stage antics, adding to the visual spectacle of the show. The production incorporates multimedia elements, such as projections and lighting effects, to create an immersive and engaging experience.

"The Legend of Queen" is a must-see for fans of the band and anyone who appreciates the power of rock and roll. The show offers a celebratory journey through Queen's remarkable career, highlighting their contributions to music and their enduring legacy.

Women of Rock

"Women of Rock" is a musical tribute to the female artists who have shaped the landscape of rock music. The show features live performances of songs by iconic female rockers, along with stories and anecdotes about their lives and careers. The production aims to celebrate the talent, creativity, and resilience of women in rock.

The show includes songs by artists