In 2006, the world was introduced to Daniel Craig's interpretation of James Bond 007, as well as serial killer Dexter Morgan. After the original series of Dexter concluded, Ray Donovan was introduced in 2013. Now that all three characters have recently ended their respective runs, this may mark the end of an era for anti-heroes. These characters are radically different, but they can all be viewed as conflicted heroes and dangerous killers that deserve to die or get caught in the end because of their sins and flaws.
Unlike the previous versions of 007, Craig brought more grittiness, vulnerability, and raw emotion to the role of the British spy, introducing the character in a younger capacity, as well as displaying his reckless behavior when eliminating enemies, and his tendency to be with various women. Dexter Morgan is a methodical serial killer who goes after murderers responsible for preying on innocent people, but Dex also has to deal with others who find his actions suspicious. Ray Donovan is a fixer who helps solve complex problems for famous people, such as cleaning up evidence of drug use or disposing of dead bodies, while also trying to balance his time with family. All three men live very different lives but have dangerous occupations that affect their relationships and their behaviors over time.
Each Character Goes Through A Transformative Journey
When these characters begin their respective journeys, each man has his own goals and agenda. For Bond, his work as a field agent motivates him to take down global nemesis to serve England, but he is still learning how to be the best spy because whenever he takes on a mission, he occasionally ends up killing bad guys first before asking questions. Dexter works as a blood-spatter forensics specialist by day and takes down serial killers at night, living his life with a series of routines, while also keeping his killer dark side a secret from his coworkers and the people closest to him. Ray Donovan is a man of few words who dislikes his job as a fixer but is committed to doing what he does best in order to provide for his family (even though he has a hard time being truthful to his wife and children concerning his alcoholism and hatred towards his greedy father Mickey).
During the early stages of each character's story, there is a sense of excitement and wildness in their lives. Bond goes to fancy and exotic locations (such as the poker game at Montenegro in Casino Royale or the Chinese casino at Macau in Skyfall) where he meets beautiful women, investigates megalomaniacal villains who intend to finance weapons for terrorist activities, and displays his suave sense of humor with catchy one-liners. Dexter lives in beautiful and sunny Miami, where he enjoys fishing on his boat and eating at outdoor restaurants (having meaty meals with beer), as well as spending quality time with his girlfriend Rita and sister Debra. Ray lives in Los Angeles (the city of stars), where he has his home with his wife Abby and two kids, and an expensive apartment that he keeps to himself for drinking and having affairs with other women.
For all three men, no matter how much love they have for the women and/or children in their lives, their work always comes first and gets in the way of their personal relationships. Bond has slept with numerous women who generally end up dead (including Vesper) because of the enemies they are involved with. Rita and Debra are murdered by serial killers Dexter was pursuing, and Ray loses Abby to suicide due to her breast cancer diagnosis. These losses emotionally affect each man as they continue their respective journeys.
Why All Three Men Accept Their Fate
These characters easily could've ended their runs by surviving in the end. Craig's Bond appeared to have driven off into the sunset at the end of Spectre, while Dexter survived after the hurricane in Miami. Ray Donovan was also unscathed in his abrupt series finale. However, No Time to Die, Dexter: New Blood, and Ray Donovan: The Movie successfully (and controversially) bring closure for each character because they had to come to terms with their own identity, as well as deal with family bonds.
Each man has suffered from childhood trauma. While not explicitly shown, Bond is an orphan who lost his parents at an early age, but his rage is unleashed when he fights villains, including towards his own half-brother Blofeld (who is always jealous of Bond). No Time to Die not only ended Bond and Blofeld's rivalry but also displayed Bond's love for Madeleine and their baby girl. Craig's closure as the seemingly unstoppable spy is intriguing because it reflects on Bond's maturity over time, from a ruthless secret agent to a vulnerable human being who finds peace as a first-time father and sacrifices himself to ensure that the loves of his life move forward without his burdens.
Dexter also lost his birth parents when he was a boy (successfully tracking down their killer in season two), and fought his long-lost brother (who is revealed as the Ice Truck Killer in the first season). However, in New Blood, Dexter's brief time with his son (an older Harrison) made him realize that while he's taken down several evil serial killers over the years, Dex himself is a killer who has always placed the lives of everyone around him at great risk and that there's no freedom for him if he continues to kill. Dex also acknowledges that his boy deserves to live a better life than his, without fear and being on the run, which is why Dexter allows Harrison to end his life so that they can both be free.
Ray and his brothers were molested by a priest when they were younger (who Ray eventually kills), and Ray always unleashed his anger towards Mickey because he was a terrible father who couldn't care for the boys and their mother diagnosed with cancer. While Mickey has his share of problems, it's Ray's guilt for framing his father years ago for a murder he didn't commit, as well as his overwhelming aggression and state of depression that has brought Ray down in life. Ray had happiness with Abby and his kids, but after his wife's death, Ray's dysfunctional family continued on a downward spiral, especially due to Mickey's criminal activities. While Ray's daughter, Bridget, is the one who kills Mickey in the film, Ray takes the fall in order to protect his child and finally takes responsibility for his actions.
Sure, there will be a new actor who will helm the role of James Bond 007. Dexter's son Harrison could potentially have his own series in the future, and Ray Donovan could break out of prison. However, these three tough anti-heroes have entertained spectators for several years, and end their successful runs in an ever-changing world in which characters can't simply get away with murder and mayhem anymore without facing consequences.