I kind of love to hate Doakes. I find that whole Doakes and Dexter relationship fascinating. Doakes might be the only guy Dexter respects, yet Doakes hates him and does nothing but complicate his life. Then there's the thing about Doakes has a conscience, Dexter doesn't, yet are they really that different after that as far as the things they're prepared to do?
Oh and speaking of characters you love to hate, that giant Mexican in 1 and 2 is freaky.
I was really impressed with Julie Benz in those first 2 eps. Her character is getting so textured, and she just eats up every scene she's in.