SERIES REVIEW – Honestly, after the conclusion of Season 8, I would not have bet a single penny on Dexter ever coming back. The idea that more sequels and prequels would be made seemed even more unlikely to me. And if someone had told me that in 2025 Dexter would be just as brutal a series as it was at its peak, I would have laughed in their face. Yet this is exactly what happened. Dexter has returned.

For me, Dexter was one of those few series that laid down the foundations of what we know today as modern television. Over the years, even after multiple rewatches, I always felt this was a unique, era-defining show, flaws and all. Even with the conclusion of the original series (apologies to everyone), I was more than satisfied. What bothered me was not the ending itself, but that I didn’t know what happened afterwards. New Blood turned out to be a surprisingly strong continuation, one that finally answered the questions I had been carrying for years. I found it a worthy successor in every sense. And now comes Resurrection, which I’d like to hold up as an example to anyone involved in film and television production of how it should be done.

Dark Passenger in the Metropolis

The story picks up right where New Blood left off. After weeks in a coma, Dexter wakes to find his son Harrison missing, while his old friend Angel is hunting him like a bloodhound, demanding justice for the deaths of those he loved. Our serial killer leaves behind the snowy refuge where he hid for years and heads toward New York, chasing after his son with Angel in pursuit.

Frankly, even the conflict between Dexter and Angel alone was enough to pique my interest, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With the Dark Passenger roaring back to life, Dexter finds himself in what (though it may sound absurd at first) is a club for serial killers. And we, grinning knowingly, already anticipate that a savage massacre is about to unfold. This narrative perfectly weaves in Dexter’s inner struggle, his attempts to repair his relationship with Harrison, Harrison’s own development, and Angel’s relentless quest for vengeance.

Performances at Their Peak

The casting and performances are almost unsettlingly spot-on. Michael C. Hall still looks as though he was born for this role, and I can’t remember the last time I saw an actor so visibly enjoying every moment of becoming one with his character. He brings forth a wide range of emotions—remorse, fear, rage, the Dark Passenger itself—and it all recalls the very best seasons of the series.

Jack Alcott, playing his son, also makes full use of the opportunities in his role. Harrison is compelling enough that we’re eager to see what the future holds for him—even possibly without Dexter. David Zayas as Angel has never been better. Though he has been part of the story from the very beginning, now we can truly feel the unresolved pain of his losses. I’ve always liked this character, but I think this is the finest I’ve seen him. And what truly surprised me was the supporting cast, packed with names usually reserved for feature films. James Remar also returns as Harry Morgan, Dexter’s father, once again serving as his moral compass in moments of inner turmoil. I loved the depth and weight these scenes added.

Peter Dinklage and the Serial Killer Club

Peter Dinklage, leading the killer’s club, is someone I never truly warmed to, but he surprised me here. His character is fascinating—childlike in his glee at welcoming his little killer friends, yet capable of instilling fear with just a look. Uma Thurman (yes, you read that right) appears as his partner, and she does not disappoint. It’s been a long time since I saw her so thoroughly enjoy a role. Among the killers themselves we find none other than Krysten Ritter (Jessica Jones, Breaking Bad), Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family) in an especially chilling turn, David Dastmalchian (Oppenheimer, Dune), and everyone’s favorite Barney Stinson—Neil Patrick Harris. Honestly, I can’t recall the last time I saw such a strong ensemble cast in either a film or series. What’s even more remarkable is how consistently excellent they all are. Every one of them is so engaging that we can easily imagine watching entire spin-off miniseries about these killers alone.

In Summary

This season is pure, relentless momentum: exciting, shocking, and packed with twists. I can’t remember the last time I saw a Dexter (or any series) season cranked up to such intensity. The script, casting, and acting are all well above average, while loaded with fan-service moments for longtime viewers. Boldly, it reclaims the franchise as one of today’s best shows. I’m one of those who followed Dexter week to week from the very first season, nervously awaiting each new episode. And now, I’m happy to say with all my heart: Dexter has returned.

– Sonny Cavalera –