Dexter’s Back from the Dead and It’s Actually Good

by

A star rating of 3 out of 5.

It’s only fair to say that, according to its conclusion, Dexter and his captivating tale should have ended long ago. The original series finale in 2013, where he staged his own death and took up lumberjacking, was a letdown for many who followed the intricate and cherished narrative.

In 2021, the follow-up series, New Blood, made an effort to resolve that matter, and it mostly achieved its goal. Dexter Morgan appeared to depart from life, meeting a symbolic demise as portrayed in scripture, at the hands of his son, Harrison.

It appears that the creative team was reluctant to part ways with this character, leading to the creation of Original Sin, a mediocre prequel story set in Dexter’s earlier life under the guidance of his adoptive father, Harry, which was released not long ago.

It’s likely that many people, including myself, reacted with a sigh of dismay upon hearing about Dexter: Resurrection being announced at around the same time. This feeling may have been intensified by the fact that showrunner Clyde Phillips had earlier stated that New Blood was indeed the final chapter in the story.

The character had “died” twice, what more of a story could there possibly be?

In the realm of television revivals, Dexter: Resurrection truly managed to rekindle the same exhilaration that initially drew me in during the series’ peak years – all within the opening 20 minutes of the premiere episode!

In the continuation of the story, Dexter (Michael C Hall) remarkably manages to live after being shot in the chest, but it’s crucial to understand that his survival was extremely close.

In the meantime, Jack Alcott’s character, Harrison, successfully escaped any accusations and made a hasty exit from Iron Lake in upstate New York, aiming for the bustling city life of Manhattan. He was cautious, trying to suppress his innate aggressive tendencies and maintain a low profile as a hotel bellboy.

I find it’s remarkably successful, just as I anticipated, given that he’s had only a handful of sessions learning under his esteemed father, crafting a system they can both rely on.

Upon waking up, Dexter yearns to lay eyes on Harrison, his cherished son. However, it’s Angel Batista (David Zayas), an old detective buddy from Miami Metro of the original series, who greets him instead. And Angel isn’t just catching up; he’s got some intriguing inquiries. For starters: How in the world is his supposedly deceased companion back among the living, and what’s the story behind his new life in a quaint fishing town?

With an increasingly persistent feeling that Dexter was indeed the Bay Harbour Butcher, Angel’s gut feelings were on edge – a suspicion that Dexter was well aware of. Consequently, he managed to evade Angel, and headed off to New York.

In the city that never slumbers, I find an ideal hideout – not as a criminal, but as a humble cab driver. Eager for a clean slate and a fresh beginning, I’m Dexter, a man with one goal: to reconnect with my son and embark on a life untainted by bloodshed. If fortune smiles upon me, it might just be a life free of both killings and regrets.

Living isn’t always straightforward for a conscious killer, particularly when a murderer known as the “Dark Passenger” begins targeting taxi drivers. Instead of experiencing discomfort about this, he finds himself irritated that his inner voice has been given the same label. Clearly, priorities are in question here.

However, in his pursuit of the Dark Passenger, Dexter unintentionally intertwines himself with a wealthy do-gooder (Peter Dinklage), who has an unusual fondness for grotesque artifacts, and his trusted assistant, Charley (Uma Thurman).

In Dexter: Resurrection, the show effectively revitalizes a once-defunct character by injecting fresh energy. However, it relies heavily on popular fan service tactics to achieve this goal. Expect appearances from unexpected actors, shocking cameos, and numerous callbacks, which while entertaining, can sometimes veer towards distraction.

Some strategies are clearer than others, and not all end successfully, but they’re entertaining regardless. Neil Patrick Harris, Krysten Ritter, Eric Stonestreet, and David Dastmalchian all play significant roles in Dex’s life, though their allegiances remain unclear – you’ll need to watch the show to discover if they’re friends or adversaries.

However, all these elements wouldn’t make an impact without Michael C. Hall masterfully portraying the series, delivering powerful performances in each scene as a ruthless killer who gradually understands that his actions could lead to repercussions beyond just being a cold-hearted murderer.

Struggling with his once unwavering set of values, he finds himself caught between adhering to the traditional morals instilled by his father, Harry, and straying from them. His newfound compassion for others, a surprising development even to himself, adds to the confusion.

The human touch, self-awareness, and humor that Hall consistently infuses into his characters, making them less cold, heartless, and unbearable, remains the soul of this series. If this essence were absent, the foundation upon which this franchise stands might crumble like a house of cards.

Instead, let’s offer more recognition to Jack Alcott, who portrayed Harrison in New Blood. Unlike Dexter, Harrison lacks the swagger and charm, and he doesn’t yearn for his father’s murderous instincts nor find satisfaction in them. However, there’s an innate drive within him that he struggles to suppress.

Alcott skillfully portrays Harrison’s struggle to control his instincts with profound empathy, offering a compelling contrast to the established main character. This alternate perspective adds depth to the narrative, making Harrison equally intriguing as the long-standing lead.

In my opinion, Dexter: Resurrection isn’t a tale I would have chosen to revisit, but the creators have crafted an engaging narrative nonetheless. The show manages to keep the suspense alive and deliver a watchable experience for fans of the original series.

As a passionate cinephile, I must say that the initial four episodes have set an impressive tone for what promises to be an outstanding series. However, should it fail to control its excesses, I fear it might meet an untimely end on the cutting room floor.

On Friday, 11th July 2025, the new season of Dexter, titled “Dexter: Resurrection,” will debut on Paramount+. Enjoy a week-long free trial of Paramount+ by signing up through Amazon Prime Video.

“Include ‘Dexter: Resurrection’ in your list of shows to watch on the TopMob: What to Watch application – get it today for personalized daily TV suggestions, highlights, and additional content.

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2025-07-10 12:38