What happens between Dexter and Miguel in Dexter Season 3: how their alliance takes a dark turn

Dexter, originally aired on Showtime in 2006, revolves around Dexter Morgan, who lives a double life—a forensic analyst for Miami Metro Police and a serial killer who targets notorious criminals who escape the law. In Season 3, we see an unexpected bond between Dexter Morgan and Assistant District Attorney Miguel Prado, who joins Dexter in his killings.

Miguel Prado, played by Jimmy Smits, is introduced in the series as an ADA who wants justice for his brother Oscar Prado's murder. He meets Dexter in this scenario, and they bond over their interest in killing criminals who escape the law. However, in no time, Dexter realizes that Miguel is targeting innocent people for his own selfish needs. When Dexter realizes that his moral code is in trouble, he kills Miguel.

The series Dexter is based on the novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay. Over its eight-season run, the show not only won several awards and gained a dedicated fan base but also resulted in spin-offs such as the prequel Dexter: Original Sin and the sequel Dexter: New Blood. Interestingly, in Dexter: Original Sin Season 1, Miguel Prado appears in a cameo. He plays a young lawyer from Miami who is the boyfriend of Maria LaGuerta.

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How did Dexter meet Miguel in Dexter Season 3?

In Dexter Season 3, Episode 1, "Our Father," Dexter is after a drug dealer called Fred Bowman, aka Freebo, who is responsible for the deaths of two college girls. However, Dexter mistakenly kills an unknown man who was engaged in a fight with Freebo in his house, and in the process, Freebo escapes.

When Dexter comes to investigate the crime scene, he realizes the unknown man is Oscar Prado, ADA Miguel Prado's brother. However, Dexter pins the blame on Freebo, and thus a manhunt begins for Freebo across the city. Dexter and Miguel grow closer while investigating Oscar Prado’s death.

In Episode 2, "Finding Freebo," Dexter kills Freebo by stabbing him with Oscar Prado's bayonet. Miguel thanks Dexter for killing Freebo, whom he believes killed Oscar. In the following episodes, Dexter starts trusting Miguel, and the two develop an unlikely friendship. Dexter even chooses Miguel to be the best man at his wedding.

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Why did Dexter kill Miguel in Dexter Season 3?

Dexter kills Miguel Prado in Dexter Season 3 because Miguel becomes unpredictable in his methods of killing criminals. In the process, he also puts Dexter’s undercover identity as a serial killer in danger. Miguel grows so dangerous that he uses his power as an ADA to help a serial killer called The Skinner get out of prison after The Skinner promises to kill Dexter.

Miguel kills Ellen Wolf, a fellow defense attorney, to serve his vendetta. For Dexter, this move is a clear violation of the code he follows before killing anyone. Dexter likes to operate with a set of rules, while Miguel acts impulsively, motivated by personal agendas. As the season progresses, Dexter understands Miguel’s true motives.

Dexter finally kills Miguel in Dexter Season 3, Episode 11, "I Had A Dream." Dexter goes to Maria's home, knowing that Miguel is on his way to kill her. He injects Miguel with M99 and kidnaps him. Dexter confronts Miguel about his wrongdoings. Even though Miguel tries to manipulate Dexter by claiming him as his little brother, Dexter strangles Miguel with a wire, killing him. Before dying, Miguel issues a warning to Dexter, saying, "You think I'm done with you? Do you think it ends here? It doesn't." Meanwhile, Dexter frames The Skinner for Miguel's death and leaves his body in a public park.

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