The popular Showtime crime-thriller Dexter premiered last night for its seventh season along with the announcement that the show would continue for two more. The Dexter season 7 premiere has also been posted on YouTube, courtesy of Showtime. With only 24 more episodes left on its lifeline, many feel that last night’s premiere gave the drama a rejuvenating shot of life. Keep reading for more on last night’s episode, which you can also watch online below.

For those of you who aren’t disciples of the show, allow me to give you a quick synopsis. The protagonist (or antagonist?) is Dexter Morgan, a blood splatter pattern expert for the Miami Metro Police who also moonlights as a meticulous serial killer. He’s not your typical murderer, though, as he takes the lives of only those he feel don’t live up to the precise moral code instilled in him by his father.

Mashable notes that “leading up to the Sept. 30 premiere, Showtime had teased fans with a 120-second trailer in August and the first two minutes of the premiere episode at Comic-Con in July.”

After reading many reviews and recounts of the show and of last night’s episode, it’s safe to say that Dexter had lost that shock-and-awe factor that had made it so unique for about five seasons. This season looks to be different. The writers seem to have abandoned the usual and tired plot devices to try and make the last few seasons a little more exciting. According to the review blog TV.com, “This is the episode that the show needed. There was still a lot of fluff, but the only people who really matter right now are Dexter and Deb, and ‘Are You…?’ suggested that finally, the show is willing to play the one card it has left. We might be in for great final run.”

Here is the full season premiere from YouTube:

What do you all think about Dexter? Is it a much-watched series? Has it gone down hill as of late? Does the season 7 premiere bode well for the rest of the season? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.