"Ah but Dan and I only have one kid too, not through lack of trying or want of another, sometimes it just happens that way.

"

"The way they've set it up, and if you watch Deb's scenes carefully, I believe that in the end, Deb will kill Doakes before he has a chance to tell anyone anything.

People keep reiterating to her about "if you had a loved one, wouldnt you do anything for them? To protect them?" When Dexter has his FBI detail removed, she was upset and convinced that Doakes is a killer who hates him. I have a feeling after all she's been through, and she has yet to take a life that we've seen, Doakes will be the first person she has to shoot in the line of duty.

I think before Doakes has any chance of getting out the truth, Deb will shoot him, still believing that he's out to kill or harm Dexter. The Butcher will fall on him, and Lundy and crew will have to close the case as all other leads will dry up.

In this way, Dexter will not be directly responsible for Doakes' death, and it sets up the next season for Dexter to deal with his new emotions, while Deb takes a darker path, trying to deal with the fact that she killed someone, not just in the line of duty, because deep down she wanted to kill him, she convinced herself that she would HAVE to kill Doakes because he was a threat, because she wants to save Dexter, because she wants to be the cop her father never let her be, and to resolve her feelings of fear and helplessness she felt with the Ice Truck Killer.

It also sets dexter up to get back to business, further explore the mystery of his past and his father, and to analyze his 'code'.

at least thats what i think. I also think Lila will be Dexter's first kill to protect his loved ones, but that doesnt fit his code, a sign that everything he once new and held dear is breaking down. Without the code, once it's broken, Dexter will walk a precipice, between being a Dark Avenger.. and becoming a Monster.

at least thats what i think :)"