Is Dexter: Resurrection Focusing on the Wrong Character?

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CAUTION: SPOILERS AHEAD! Before proceeding with this article, make sure you’re all caught up with the revival of the series “Dexter” or any of its earlier versions to avoid accidentally encountering spoilers. Proceed at your own risk!

One show that has always held my fascination in the crime genre is Dexter, so when I learned Michael C. Hall’s compassionate serial killer was returning for another installment titled Dexter: Resurrection, set this time in New York City, I couldn’t help but be captivated by the news.

New Blood, I must admit a certain openness to the notion of resurrecting Dexter Morgan for another chance. Having watched the initial few episodes of Resurrection with my Paramount+ membership, I’d say it’s an enjoyable watch, but I question whether bringing back the main character is the best decision. Let me elaborate…

Dexter’s Storyline So Far Feels Repetitive And Uninspired

The plot resumes several months following the events of “New Blood”, where it’s revealed that the main character, Harrison (played by Jack Alcott), apparently killed his father but miraculously survived due to the cold weather, a somewhat implausible scenario. However, this is just one of the problems I encountered. The storyline takes an odd turn when the comatose serial killer experiences hallucinations involving some of his famous adversaries (such as John Lithgow’s Trinity Killer, who could potentially star in a separate spinoff series). These hallucinations serve to reemphasize various psychological and legacy themes that fans should already be familiar with.

In another turn of events, the narrative grows monotonous as James Remar, portraying Dexter’s deceased adoptive father Harry Morgan, frequently reappears, with many of their discussions centering around whether or not Dexter should seek reconciliation with Harrison. This prompts suspicions that Dexter might have been involved in a recent murder in New York City, causing him to travel there. There, he befriends a ride-share driver named Blessing (Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine), who seems excessively trusting of this newcomer, given the ongoing threat of a serial killer specifically targeting ride-share drivers. Eventually, Dexter feels compelled to pursue and eliminate this murderer known as “The Dark Passenger,” primarily because he believes he unjustly claimed the name for his inner demon.

As a film aficionado, let me express my frustration with the elements of “Dexter: Resurrection” that have left me feeling disgruntled so far, and it’s quite unsettling that this list seems to be growing at an alarming pace even after just two episodes. The storyline’s overreliance on familiar themes, repetitive dialogues, and plot conveniences has left me questioning the creative direction of showrunner Clyde Phillips. It feels as though he’s grasping for ideas to keep the character of Dexter alive within this franchise without knowing where to take him next. In my opinion, the answer to his dilemma was always right in front of him.

Harrison’s Plot Is Far More Interesting To Me

As a movie enthusiast, I find myself deeply engrossed in Dexter’s captivating narrative. Yet, parallel to this main thread, there’s a subplot that revolves around Harrison. He’s now thriving at a luxurious hotel, admired by both staff and guests for his skills. However, beneath the surface of his success, he carries the burden of guilt from the abrupt end of his complex relationship with his father, a gunshot echoing in his mind. The what-ifs about their potential future haunt him, wondering if things could have been different under other circumstances.

The situation deteriorates significantly for Harrison when, on impulse, he ends up killing a man who was preparing to sexually assault a hotel guest. He’s quite skilled at concealing his actions, using techniques his father taught him. However, even the smoothest escape has minor imperfections that Detective Claudette Wallace (played by Kadia Saraf) notices; her ability to observe details is as sharp as Sherlock Holmes. To add to his troubles, he’s plagued by haunting visions of his recent victim, leading him to engage in risky actions as a means of escape.

The narrative of Harrison’s character leaves me pondering various questions, like how deep his efforts to suppress guilt may go, how his aggressive nature could impact the connections he’s built in New York, and whether he can evade detection by Detective Wallace. Interestingly, it is this very intrigue that has kept me hooked on Resurrection. Regrettably, I had anticipated a similar level of engagement with our central figure’s storyline, but unfortunately, it does not seem to be the case.

I’ve often found myself at odds with some widespread criticisms of the franchise. For example, although Season 4 of Dexter is undeniably exceptional, I don’t believe the decline in overall quality diminishes its value as a series to watch. Moreover, I was far from disappointed by the conclusion of New Blood, and I dare say it was an ideal way to wrap up the character’s narrative. Frankly, after glimpsing his activities in Resurrection, I’m inclined to think it would have been better if he had remained deceased.

A few years back, as TVLine reported, there was a plan to carry on this story after Dexter’s demise, centering solely around Harrison. Given how intriguing and captivating his narrative in Dexter: Resurrection has proven to be, it leaves me puzzled as to why that concept was abandoned. I am optimistically waiting for the end of this revival to potentially shift my perspective on the matter.

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2025-07-17 22:12