HOUSTON—
Controversy is heating up surrounding cable TV's favorite serial killer - Dexter.Now parents are speaking out about the Dexter action figure being released at Toys "R" Us. Parents know Dexter is one of the most-watched shows on Showtime, but those 39 News spoke to said they would never buy their kids one of those action figures.
Meet Dexter Morgan: America's favorite serial killer from the hit Showtime original series Dexter. Dexter is a serial killer who only murders the bad guys. The action figure is creating a buzz not only in Houston but also across the country.
"I can't imagine with small children playing with or idolizing a serial killer," said Lance Schaper, who was shopping with his wife and children at Toys "R" Us. "That doesn't seem right."
Not only is the Dexter doll one of the hottest items at Toys "R" Us stores, but it's also causing a huge concern for parents who shop at the national chain with their children.
"I'm trying to raise my boys, and for it to be in a toy store is ridiculous," Myesha Reece said.
"To play with toys in regards to somebody that's on the show that's killing people and it's accepting? No. There's a cut off right there as far as children are concerned," Toyya Sigur said.
While many say it is not right for kids to play with the Dexter action figure, Toys "R" Us said its purpose in releasing them was to accommodate the adult collectors who watch the show.
"The figures are merchandised on a high shelf in the collector aisle and are clearly marked ages 18 and up - not intended for children," Toys "R" Us wrote in a statement.
"An action figure like that that sends out that type of message should be a collectible for an adult," Sigur said.
"I don't ever want to send that message that guns are OK or that violence is OK," Jennifer Schaper said.
"The children wanting the toys and marketing it towards the children, and I think that's where the line maybe have been crossed is on the toy maker," Lance Schaper said. "Thank goodness we have three little girls. I don't think it's gonna be a big issue for us."
Trying to find the action figure could be a big issue for those serious Dexter collectors. They are selling fast.
