For those of you who watch Dexter

[theswordmaiden]

As discussed previously, Dexter's killing of the mosquito serves multiple narrative and structural purposes: it places the protagonist in danger and shows that he's capable of protecting himself; it demonstrates his efficiency in disposing of parasites; and it provides a moment of identification between Dexter and the audience. In addition, the role reversal seen in these opening moments introduces the notion of character complexity, of a wide range of motivations. Throughout the credit sequence, Dexter becomes the focal point for the representations of both violence and fragility, often in the space of the same moment. Apart from the interlude with the mosquito, this theme reappears in the shaving sequence (Dexter is seemingly in control of the blade, and then cuts himself) and while he gets dressed (seemingly struggling to breathe while putting on a t-shirt). The first time the audience sees his face properly, he looks directly at the camera, once again appearing fragile, despite the quite bloodthirsty way in which he has just dealt with his breakfast.

From Dexter: investigating cutting edge television, by Douglas L. Howard, part of a longer analysis of just the opening credits.