People are calling John Lithgow the most ‘underrated’ TV villain ever as ‘Dexter’ hits Netflix

Earlier this month, Dexter once again hit Netflix in countries all over world.

As a result, people have either been binge-watching the show for the first time or rewatching the hit series for the first time in years.

The critically acclaimed crime series originally aired from 2006 to 2013, and captivating audiences with its unique blend of crime drama, suspense, humor, and psychological exploration. Created by James Manos Jr., the series is based on the novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay.

The show follows the socially stunted anti-hero Dexter Morgan – portrayed by Michael C. Hall – a forensic blood spatter analyst working for the Miami Metro Police Department. However, beneath his seemingly mundane exterior lies a dark secret: Dexter is a vigilante serial killer with a strict code of ethics.

Credit: Showtime

Since he was a child, Dexter has had an urge to kill – and so, his adoptive father taught him a strict set of rules to ensure his son could carry out his murders, while also remaining safe from the police and as morally justified as possible.

With viewers in the UK, Canada, Brazil, and Europe, fans have been relishing in Dexter and his “Dark Passenger” – but one other character is also on everybody’s minds.

John Lithgow and Michael C. Hall. Credit: Eric Charbonneau / Getty

The Trinity Killer – portrayed by John Lithgow – is one of the show’s most iconic and chilling antagonists. Introduced in the fourth season, the Trinity Killer, whose real name is Arthur Mitchell, is a deeply disturbed serial killer who operates under the guise of a family man and respected member of the community.

However, much like Dexter himself, Mitchell adheres to a strict cycle of murder known as the “Trinity cycle,” which involves killing three victims in succession: a young woman, a middle-aged mother, and an older man. (And, as it is later discovered, a young boy.)

Lithgow may be much older than Hall, but his size, strength, and dominating on-screen presence make him one of the most terrifying villains in TV history.

And – no spoilers here – but the end of season four continues to play on the minds of fans everywhere, with Trinity’s heinous actions leaving viewers devastated.

Taking to X, one fan wrote: “Trinity Killer is a crazy underrated tv bad guy.. Lithgow is awesome.”

A second agreed, writing: “Trinity Killer from Dexter. Underrated role.”

“The Trinity Killer season (season 4, I think) was the best. John Lithgow is an underrated TV villain,” another added.

John Lithgow poses with his Emmy award for ‘Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series’. Credit: Gregg DeGuire / Getty

Although Lithgow’s portrayal of the Trinity Killer earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, it is fair to say that his name isn’t mentioned enough when it comes to discussions of the greatest TV villains ever.

Hopefully, that will all change now that Dexter is back on Netflix.