Originally Posted by Jetée

About that: Harry, I mean.

I've delayed myself in re-watching past seasons up 'til now, but how and why did Dexter take on his father's ghost as a mentor again? I'm fairly sure that Harry was alive during the first season or so, but then again, I could be mistaken, and he was only alive so long as Dexter recalled the memories of them together. Now that I think about it deeper, I have the image of Dex and Deb as 'awkward teens' when Harry was interned at the hospital, critically, and when he ultimately died.

So, why is that we don't think of Dexter as even more deranged when he regularly converses between himself in the guise of his dear ol' deceased dad?

Maybe it's just a writing ploy to more explore the inner thoughts and struggles of Dexter, but it does get to be ridiculous at times.