In the latest series titled “Dexter: Resurrection“, we find Dexter Morgan has returned to life. So far, in the first four episodes, it’s hard to deny that he seems to be in top form, a testament to his character development over the past 15 years. This new sequel series follows both the original “Dexter” series and “Dexter: New Blood”, which ended with Dexter being shot by his son, Harrison, leading many to believe he was dead. However, ten weeks later, we see Dexter emerging from a coma, full of renewed vigor.
In his true identity as Dexter Morgan, he has abandoned the pseudonym Jim Lindsay. He ventures to New York City, seeking reconciliation with his distant son, who’s found himself in legal issues, all while being scrutinized by old acquaintance Angel Batista over allegations of being the Bay Harbor Butcher. Meanwhile, Dexter grapples with ghosts from his past and encounters a horde of other serial killers that ignite his murderous instincts once more.
Resetting the Kill Table
Resurrection,” starts a bit awkwardly with direct symbolism through dream sequences. However, it soon catches viewers up on Dexter’s current situation and sets the tone for the rest of the show. Some plot points from the previous series, “New Blood,” are glossed over, which seems incongruous as Dexter shouldn’t be free when he wakes up. The writers attempt to explain this, but it feels like a stretch to keep the show going. Despite this, the return of Batista means that there are still repercussions for Dexter and he isn’t completely off the hook.
From a passionate film aficionado’s perspective, it’s evident that the revival of “Dexter: Resurrection” isn’t just another swan song, but rather a strategic move to set the stage for numerous seasons ahead. It’s as much of a soft reboot as it is a continuation, offering a fresh start while maintaining familiar elements from the original series.
Classic Dexter trademarks make their comeback: the blood slides, the M99 tranquilizer, the lingering presence of his adoptive father Harry, and Dexter’s innate desire to be a vengeful serial killer. Unlike before, he’s not trying to suppress or deny who he is. He embraces his identity as Dexter Morgan, a self-proclaimed “moral” serial killer, once again juggling his vigilante activities with fatherhood. But this time, there are no half measures – he’s all in, ready to walk the tightrope of justice and vengeance.
The entire ‘Dexter’ series delves into the psychological exploration of a character who, despite his belief in his lack of feelings, gradually learns to feel. It also portrays the turmoil that ensues when he attempts to maintain his dark side while enjoying the benefits of normal life. ‘Resurrection’ further unfolds these themes as Dexter grapples with the implications of being a father to a child he had ordered to be shot. Every event in Dexter’s past culminates at this juncture, compelling him to confront the consequences of his actions. In essence, ‘Resurrection’ showcases the struggle of a character who is metaphorically and physically reborn, questioning whether he can use this second chance at life for good instead of evil.
Despite continuing to engage in dangerous activities that threaten his own safety and taking actions to avenge others, Dexter is also performing good deeds. He’s not just seeking vengeance; he’s also rescuing those in peril and preventing harm, which implies a more proactive approach to his actions. Additionally, it appears that he’s viewing life as an experience rather than a means to hide behind something. A kind-hearted immigrant ride-share driver named Blessing takes Dexter under his wing, introducing him to family values and the joy of belonging to a content and healthy community.
Two Decades of Dexter
The reason Dexter: Resurrection is so captivating is because it’s a narrative that benefits significantly from nearly 20 years of development. Unlike many TV shows that revive after a long hiatus, this one doesn’t give the impression that nothing has changed. Instead, it seems as though life for the characters has continued to evolve, and their growth is palpable when the cameras return. Dexter: Resurrection takes note of the passage of time and employs it as a challenge for Dexter to navigate. We’re watching a man whose life undergoes dramatic transformations and witnessing the impact these changes have over the years, even if he continues to kill. However, the context and lifestyle in which he operates are starkly different from those at the show’s onset.
Ten years ago, Dexter pretended to die, but he couldn’t stop killing people serially. His teenage son has troubles due to being left by his father and witnessing his mother’s death. These events add depth to the story and characters. Also, Dexter used to be close with Batista, who even helped raise Dexter’s son. Now, they have issues, causing viewers to worry about what will happen if Batista discovers Dexter’s secret.
Absolutely, Dexter has grown older now, which means he’s no longer the top predator he was in Miami. He’s in his 50s and is recuperating from a severe injury, making it challenging for him to match the pace of those he wishes to apprehend. Throughout the story, we witness that Dexter faces significant disadvantages due to his age and health condition, adding an element of tension and vulnerability to his abilities. However, there are still numerous intriguing situations for Dexter to cleverly navigate using his wit.
Like Father, Like Son
I’ve come to rely on Michael C. Hall and the writers for their skillful portrayal of Dexter, so I rarely worry about how they handle the character. On the other hand, I was wary when it came to Harrison, Dexter’s son, because he’s a complex character with a lot of potential. Over years of storytelling, we’ve seen him grow from a baby to a troubled individual who raises questions about whether he inherited his father’s murderous traits.
Instead of New Blood, the series made Harrison seem excessively emotional. Frequently, interactions between Harrison and Dexter escalated into heated disputes that ended abruptly without resolution. While this helped to create tension between them, it became rather monotonous and left Harrison appearing more like a plot device than a fully-fleshed character. However, in Resurrection, Harrison appears much more complex. Alone in New York City, he supports himself by working at an upscale hotel. He seems generally happier, yet continues to grapple with PTSD stemming from his father’s actions, such as assisting Dexter in murder and ultimately shooting his dad himself.
Absolutely, the current season of ‘Dexter’ focuses on a dilemma concerning Harrison, with his father not being around to offer much assistance. This situation pushes Harrison into a role where he must act quickly, allowing the writers to build him up as a self-reliant and significant character. The show ‘Resurrection’ invests a lot of effort in making Harrison a captivating figure, one who rivals Dexter in interest. This is quite an achievement for the series. Jack Alcott delivers a more mature performance in this spin-off, proving his worth in the sequel.
This program boasts an impressive ensemble of renowned TV stars, such as Uma Thurman, Peter Dinklage, Krysten Ritter, among others, gracing it with their presence. It’s delightful to witness so much talent creating a rich acting environment for Michael C. Hall to thrive in. In “Resurrection,” Michael C. Hall delivers one of his finest Dexter performances, owing not only to the dramatic challenges he faces but also to the enjoyment he derives from scenes set within kill rooms and action sequences.
The revival series, titled Dexter: Resurrection, seems to address the issues that New Blood faced and offers a refreshing return to Dexter’s classic form. It skillfully combines the original Dexter’s essence with the more elaborate and dramatic narrative style of the New Blood period. This is the Dexter we’ve been eagerly waiting for since the original series concluded in 2013, while still progressing the storyline. It’s packed with excitement, dark wit, a gripping and dramatic plot, and another exceptional portrayal by Michael C. Hall. Dexter is back, and this time he returns with more depth, making me even more thrilled than before.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Dexter: Resurrection premieres on July 11th on Paramount+ with a special two-episode premiere.
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2025-07-10 10:10