Dexter is confronted with a sobering glimpse of his own potential future when a serial killer from his past makes a startling reappearance. Travis struggles to keep his mentor happy, as he and Gellar prepare their next twisted tableau, ensuring Debra's next task will be a daunting one.
When the FBI's hands are tied with red tape, Brad helps Denise go undercover as a rogue agent in order to find a missing boy who is close to her heart. But when legal and ethical roadblocks appear, they must make some difficult decisions. Meanwhile, Denny's nonchalance regarding the use of firearms becomes a real concern for the other senior partners when he shoots a homeless man in the head with a paintball gun.
After kidnapping a witness and physically assaulting a priest, Brad is put on trial and enlists the help of Denny and Shirley to bail him out. Meanwhile, Alan's hands are full with his secretary's financial troubles when her credit card company charges ridiculous interest rates putting her $50,000 in debt.
When a young Army vet dies of Gulf War Syndrome, his brother opts for a cremation and disposal of the body; Ruth has Hiram over to cook dinner and then takes a job with Nikolai; David's church involvement results in his casting a very important vote; and Billy interferes with Nate and Brenda's vacation plans.
In Mazatlán, Mexico, Mike, Bud's brother, becomes involved in a barroom fight with a local, who later dies. Harm and Bud, with help from Bud Sr., eventually discover the cause. Mac successfully defends a Marine bulldog in a paternity suit.