
‘Dexter: Resurrection’ is a Gloomy Farewell to a Once-Great Series
2025-07-11
Author: Jia
A Shadow of Its Former Self
The “Dexter” franchise mirrors the decline of its parent network Showtime, which has fallen from a premium contender to little more than a sidekick to a streaming service. As “Dexter” nears its 20th anniversary, we find ourselves grappling with yet another spinoff that resurrects its infamous antihero from the dead. The irony could be savagely amusing if it weren’t so sad.
The Mixed Legacy of Previous Spinoffs
The initial sequel, "New Blood," seemed to provide closure, culminating in a shocking encounter where Dexter is shot by his own son, Harrison. It was an intriguing commentary on the cycle of violence between father and son. Yet just three years later, "Original Sin" emerged—a redundant prequel that undermined the progress of "New Blood" by revealing Dexter had survived. Now we have “Resurrection,” which shifts the narrative to New York City, where Dexter watches over Harrison while slipping back into his old murderous habits.
A New Generation or Just Old Tricks?
Initially, "Resurrection" appears poised to hand off the baton to Harrison, who now works at a hotel. Though he violently renounces his father's legacy, he finds himself drawn back into Dexter’s world when a wealthy hotel guest turns out to be a predator. Still, the show ultimately shifts focus back to Dexter, who gets a second chance at life as a rideshare driver in a plot that feels more like fanfiction than a fresh narrative.
Familiar Faces in a Familiar Game
Old faces return, including David Zayas as Angel Batista, now more somber and suspicious about Dexter’s past. And although Dexter still grapples with the influence of his father, Harry, there’s a missed opportunity to explore Harrison’s journey. Wouldn’t it have been fascinating to witness Dexter guiding Harrison through the afterlife? Instead, we watch Dexter fall back into his old ways, hunting yet another killer.
Star-Studded Yet Stale
One of the redeeming features of "Resurrection" is its ensemble cast. Peter Dinklage shines as a wealthy true-crime fanatic, while Uma Thurman’s return as a lethal enforcer is a nostalgic nod to her "Kill Bill" days. However, these bright spots can't lift the overall heaviness of the narrative, which drags under the weight of nostalgia.
A Lackluster Return to Dexter's World
The transition from the somber upstate setting to the vibrant city feels like a hollow attempt at revitalization. The dynamic between Harrison and his detective pursuer, Claudette, lacks the edge needed to breathe new life into the series. Ultimately, "Resurrection" may claim to resurrect Dexter, but it makes a stronger case that some characters are better left in their graves.