James Doakes dies in the series Dexter during the Season 2 finale, titled "The British Invasion," which aired in December 2007. He is killed by Lila Tournay, who sets the cabin where he is imprisoned on fire, leading to his death by the explosion.

Context of his death

• Doakes was captured by Dexter and placed in a cabin in the Everglades after discovering Dexter's secret as the Bay Harbor Butcher.

• Lila, Dexter's ex-girlfriend, finds the cabin and, upon discovering Doakes and his knowledge of Dexter's true identity, decides to eliminate him by setting the house on fire.

How he dies

• Doakes's body is so badly disfigured by the fire that he could only be identified by his teeth.

• His death was planned from the show's pilot episode, as the writers believed the character had a limited shelf life and should be killed off early in the series.

Summary

Doakes's death occurs in the Season 2 finale of Dexter when Lila burns down the cabin, leading to his death by fire, and his remains are only identified by dental records.