It appears that Dexter Morgan just cannot meet his end. Fans of the iconic show will remember the gripping finale of the original Dexter series 12 years ago, where Dexter sailed his boat into an unforgiving storm, signaling what seemed to be the conclusion of our beloved serial-killing blood spatter analyst's journey. However, the series took a surprising turn, and Dexter resurfaced with a new identity as a lumberjack, complete with an unconvincing beard.
Fast forward to 2021, when the revival Dexter: New Blood was introduced. This series was intended as a definitive conclusion for the character, culminating in a shocking event where Dexter was shot dead by his son, Harrison. Yet, in a twist of fate, Dexter finds himself alive once more in the latest installment, Dexter: Resurrection. It quickly becomes evident that the supposedly fatal injury was merely a flesh wound. As actor Michael C. Hall, who portrays Dexter, explains, “Well, you know, he didn’t get shot in the head.”
During a recent Zoom interview, Hall shared that the idea to bring Dexter back was his own. He casually posed the question, “What if he didn’t die?” This simple notion sparked a series of discussions among the creative team. Hall elaborated, “I can’t take credit for the whole scope of what we’re up to, but it was a notion that I casually floated.” He emphasized that the narrative of Dexter: Resurrection offers Dexter a chance to release burdens he has carried for so long, making this revival more meaningful.
As the production of Dexter: Resurrection unfolds, only the first episode is available for viewers. Early scenes may feel a bit clunky, especially given the challenge of resurrecting a character from the dead. However, the magic of the original series still lingers, filled with familiar callbacks, cameo appearances, and the gruesome dismemberment scenes fans adore. This season promises to explore the complex relationship between Dexter and his son, Harrison, who has faced his own turbulent journey.
“Harrison has been through a lot, and has a sense of maturity that he didn’t have when we first met him in New Blood,” Hall notes. Dexter’s initial desire to reconnect with his son is overshadowed by his fear of rejection. Yet, the aftermath of their shared trauma is set to facilitate growth for both characters. This exploration of their relationship adds depth to the storyline, promising an engaging watch for fans.
The upcoming season also introduces a fresh lineup of characters, including Peter Dinklage and Uma Thurman, who portray a billionaire venture capitalist and his head of security, respectively. Additionally, well-known actors like Neil Patrick Harris, Eric Stonestreet, Krysten Ritter, and David Dastmalchian are set to feature as villains at what appears to be an international murder convention. Hall teases, “Dexter sort of trips into a literal and figurative invitation to a gathering of unsavoury …”
Another noteworthy addition to the Dexter universe is Dexter: Original Sin, which serves as a prequel exploring Dexter’s life post-shooting. While Hall provided the voiceover, Patrick Gibson took on the role of a younger Dexter. Hall admits it was strange to see someone else embody the character, but he found it fascinating to view the character's evolution from a different perspective.
With a second season of Original Sin already greenlit, the Dexter universe appears to be expanding. Rumors of a spin-off focused on John Lithgow’s Trinity Killer also circulate, highlighting how the series continues to captivate audiences. Hall reflects on the original show’s premiere in 2006, a time when television was experiencing a golden age with its complex antiheroes.
Given the intense nature of playing a character like Dexter, one might wonder if the darkness ever affected Hall. He reassures us that Dexter's world is somewhat detached from reality, making it easier to navigate the role's challenges. “It’s maybe therapeutic,” he suggests, allowing him to channel personal frustrations into the character's narrative.
As the conversation shifts to the fan reactions regarding the series, Hall admits he does not keep up with the internet's opinions. This decision helps him focus on his craft without being bogged down by criticism. Interestingly, some fans found Dexter's survival more plausible than his demise, indicating a strong attachment to the character.
Looking ahead, Dexter: Resurrection is designed to be a long-running series, with its creative team eager to explore various plotlines over several years. Hall humorously notes, “Well, I guess it’s hard for Dexter to happen if I’m not there.” While he acknowledges the potential for the series to rival the original, he emphasizes that they have crafted the season with the expectation of more to come.
As filming continues, one thing is clear: Dexter Morgan is not going anywhere, and for fans, that’s certainly something to celebrate.
