Editor’s note: The recap below includes major plot details for the premiere of Dexter: Resurrection.

The journey of Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) on television has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. The original series, which revolved around a serial killer who targets criminals while serving as a blood spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department, ended in 2013 after eight thrilling seasons with a finale that sparked widespread controversy among fans. It made a comeback in 2021 with Dexter: New Blood, only to again leave viewers divided regarding its conclusion.

Despite the mixed reception, the character of Dexter was revived in a new prequel series, Dexter: Original Sin, featuring Patrick Gibson as the lead. This latest iteration exceeded expectations, paving the way for Dexter: Resurrection in 2023. This time, New York City serves as the backdrop for Dexter’s dark pursuits, featuring a star-studded cast including Peter Dinklage and Uma Thurman, alongside returning actors David Zayas, Jack Alcott, and James Remar. The burning question remains: what lies ahead for Dexter following his unexpected revival?

Dexter Confronts the Haunting Figures from His Past

Ten weeks have passed since Harrison shot Dexter at the conclusion of Dexter: New Blood, leaving him in a coma where he experiences vivid dreams centered around the Trinity Killer, Arthur Mitchell (John Lithgow). In these surreal encounters, they discuss the past, particularly how the brutal murder of Harrison’s mother by Arthur has influenced his character, drawing parallels to Dexter’s own darkness. Arthur ominously tells Dexter, “Sometimes we have to go through hell to achieve resurrection. You already know who you really are,” emphasizing the struggle of identity. Following this, Dexter dreams about Miguel Prado (Jimmy Smits), whom he meets in a graveyard, where Miguel expresses admiration for Dexter’s actions while warning that his attempts to live a normal life lead to death and chaos, reminding Dexter of the thin line between vigilante justice and tragedy.

Next, Dexter encounters his father, Harry (James Remar), in his dreamscape. Dexter grapples with the question of whether his life would have been better had Harry never saved him from his troubled past. He reflects on his mistakes, particularly regarding his son Harrison, but Harry reassures him that Harrison needs his father. The parade of haunting figures continues with Sgt. Doakes (Erik King), who dramatically enters, delivering his iconic line, “Surprise, motherfucker.” Despite Dexter’s frustration with these ghostly visits, Doakes urges him to embrace the goodness within himself, motivating Dexter to awaken from his coma. Upon regaining consciousness, Dexter learns from his doctor that he narrowly escaped death, with the cold and snow acting as a life-saving factor. However, Dexter’s immediate concern revolves around Harrison, only to discover that his son has fled and is currently missing.

Harrison Embraces His Dark Inheritance by Taking a Life

Now residing in the vibrant metropolis of New York City, Harrison has taken on a new role as a concierge at the luxurious Empire Hotel. While he is well-liked by guests, there is a lingering question: has he truly transformed into a better person or is he merely emulating the facade of normalcy that his father once portrayed? During an elevator ride with two hotel guests, Harrison’s mind is jolted as the walls frost over, revealing bloodstains, accompanied by the ominous sound of a gunshot. This unsettling vision suggests that he is far from okay. Shortly thereafter, he assists a lost guest named Shauna (McKaley Miller), who expresses envy towards him for living in New York, a place where one can be whoever they wish. The apprehensive look on his face indicates he intimately understands the darker side of that freedom.

Later, Harrison encounters a drunken Shauna, whom he helps along with her husband (Bryan Lillis) toward the elevator. However, something feels off to him, as Shauna’s demeanor contradicts the notion of her being married. When her husband orders him to press the button for their floor, Harrison complies, albeit reluctantly. He helps carry Shauna to their room, only to discover that the couple just met at the bar and are looking to have a good time. As he hears Shauna protest, “no,” Harrison’s protective instincts kick in, and he bursts into the room, confronting her assailant. After a fierce struggle, he overpowers the man, but the threat lingers as the attacker dismisses Harrison, reminding him that there are always more women to exploit. Haunted by memories of Kurt Caldwell (Clancy Brown) and his morbid collection of female victims, Harrison resolves to prevent this from happening again. He brutally kills the man with a toilet tank lid and meticulously cleans the scene before carrying the body to the basement kitchen, where he dismembers it while reminiscing about his father’s lessons. He disposes of the remnants in garbage bags, leaving behind only a solitary drop of blood on a ceiling tile. Will this trace come back to haunt him?

Angel Batista Becomes Suspicious and Confronts Dexter

As Dexter begins to regain his mobility, a nurse assists him in learning to walk again. He poses a crucial question: where is Angela (Julia Jones), and how is he not imprisoned? Just then, the new Sheriff of Iron Lake enters, delivering surprising news that both Angela and her daughter have relocated. The murders previously attributed to Dexter have now been pinned on Kurt Caldwell, effectively exonerating Dexter and allowing him to walk free.

Meanwhile, in New York, a garbage collector stumbles upon the remains of Harrison’s victim. If only he had a boat to dispose of the evidence in the ocean. Homicide detectives Claudette Wallace (Kadia Saraf) and Melvin Olivia (Dominic Fumusa) arrive on the scene, looking for the dismembered remains. Wallace, known for her keen eye, meticulously examines the bags and quickly deduces the rest of the body’s location by comparing the drawstrings, indicating her exceptional investigative skills.

Back in rehabilitation, Dexter walks on a treadmill, but it feels like a futile effort, both physically and metaphorically. In his room, he confronts another ghost from his past, this time in the flesh: Angel Batista (David Zayas). Batista embraces him, expressing concern over Dexter’s long absence. Dexter struggles to explain his disappearance, revealing that Deb (Jennifer Carpenter)’s disappearance shattered him. However, Angel counters by presenting video evidence showing Dexter wheeling Deb out of a hospital, prompting Dexter to confess that he took her after their boat capsized during a storm, leading him to fake his own death for a fresh start.

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