| "This Is the Way the World Ends" | |
|---|---|
| Dexter episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 6 Episode 12 |
| Directed by | John Dahl |
| Written by | |
| Cinematography by | Romeo Tirone |
| Editing by | Michael Ruscio |
| Original release date | December 18, 2011 |
| Running time | 51 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"This Is the Way the World Ends" is the twelfth episode and season finale of the sixth season of the American crime drama television series Dexter. It is the 72nd overall episode of the series and was written by Scott Buck and Wendy West, and directed by John Dahl. It originally aired on Showtime on December 18, 2011.
Set in Miami, the series centers on Dexter Morgan, a forensic technician specializing in bloodstain pattern analysis for the fictional Miami Metro Police Department, who leads a secret parallel life as a vigilante serial killer, hunting down murderers who have not been adequately punished by the justice system due to corruption or legal technicalities. In the episode, Dexter tries to locate Travis before he completes the last tableau.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 2.23 million household viewers and gained a 1.0 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received mixed reviews from critics, with many expressing disappointment with the closure to the main season's storylines. However, critics expressed intrigue with the final scene.