Somehow Dexter returned. Not only is our beloved killer of killers back for more blood, he’s now a franchise. With a middling sequel, a baffling prequel, and now, a new series that brings him back from seeming death, Dexter has officially become a horror icon. He might not be killing teenagers at camp or stalking folks in their dreams, but he’s proven to be just as resilient. All that’s left now is a visit to space.
Dexter: Resurrection reunites Michael C. Hall and original showrunner Clyde Phillips for a new adventure. Dexter has survived certain death and after a quick recovery, heads to New York City in search of his son, Harrison (Jack Alcott). In the Big Apple, Dexter finds a lot more than he bargained for, including new friends, new killers to hunt, and one old ally who won’t stop until he gets some answers.
Those who have already seen the trailer or dived right into the first episode will know that Angel Batista (David Zayas) is back. The show gets a lot of mileage out of the interactions between Batista and Dexter. Two old friends who are trying to suss out each other’s true motives. That’s just the tip of the iceberg with the callbacks. For a show primarily focused on revival and second chances, Resurrection is full of fan service. The numerous references and ghostly guest appearances can make it hard for new viewers to understand.
So what does Resurrection offer to returning viewers after years of disappointment? I’m happy to report that Dexter, both the show and the character, is having fun again! After the latter seasons and a sequel series that devolved into self-seriousness, it’s nice to see the franchise lean into the silliness. The writers wisely abandon any sense of realism in favor of getting viewers to the fireworks factory as quickly as possible. At the end of the first episode, Dexter is out of the hospital and in New York. In the next episode, he’s finds his latest prey. By the time Peter Dinklage shows up as a billionaire with an interest in serial killers, you’re already along for the entire ride. The plot doesn’t always add up, but the pace helps keep the vibes in check.
As usual, Michael C. Hall remains the best part of the whole thing. His ability to get you to understand and occasionally root for Dexter remains a delight. This time around, he’s surrounded by a cast more than willing to match his energy. Uma Thurman, Krysten Ritter, and the aforementioned Dinklage all bring the proper amount of scenery chewing. Add in returning faces like Alcott, Zayas, and James Remar, as the specter of Dexter’s long-deceased father, and you have a solid base for the show’s sometimes winding plotline.
Resurrection learns from the mistakes of the previous series by adding as many plot threads as the writers can think of. The gamble pays off. While not everything lands, particularly the story involving Harrison and some ridiculously skilled NYPD detectives. Enough of it works to make this the best Dexter has been in ages. Like a great horror sequel, Resurrection knows exactly what you’re here for and wastes little time getting there. Similar to a lot of later horror franchise entries, you’ll likely find yourself rooting for the killer. This time around, it at least feels like the creators agree with that sentiment.
Dexter: Resurrection is currently streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime. New episodes release on Fridays.