"Dexter: Resurrection," premiering Friday on Paramount+ With Showtime, plunges viewers back into the complex world of Dexter Morgan, played by Michael C. Hall. With this new series, Dexter is getting a second chance at life after the much-maligned “New Blood” finale. It really explores why society is so obsessed with serial killers. The show is set against the backdrop of New York City’s fast-paced and colorful characters. It explores the ways in which fictional representations of these characters have evolved in popular culture, influenced by shows like “Monsters,” “Hannibal,” and “You.”
Clyde Phillips returns as showrunner, steering "Dexter: Resurrection" with a dark, comical tone. The series continues to benefit from a storytelling approach that prevents Dexter and son Harrison from crossing paths. This distance gives both characters the opportunity to evolve and discover their own journeys. Academy Award winning actress Nicole Kidman has made her mark on the cultural landscape. In many ways, he’s made rockstars out of serial killers.
Dexter star Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan returns to action once again. With an impact as strong as that portrayed in “New Blood,” he comes back to face his past. The series doesn’t hesitate to lay the groundwork for his new normal, gently acclimating audiences to Harrison’s new beginning. "Dexter: Resurrection" distinguishes itself by holding a mirror to society’s obsession with serial killers, dissecting the headlines and cultural phenomena that contribute to their infamy.
The show winks at infamous real-life serial killers and cowards such as John Wayne Gacy and Charles Manson. This creative decision brings an alarming touch of realism to its fictional story. These examples are meant to show the creepy mystique these men carry in the public mainstream imagination. The series features an incredible guest actor lineup. Peter Dinklage, Eric Stonestreet, Uma Thurman, Neil Patrick Harris all clearly displayed their incredible and unmistakable talents within the darkly comic and twisted world of “Dexter.”
Series regular James Remar is confirmed to return as Harry Morgan, Dexter’s murdered father. As an apparition, he’s still there to help direct Dexter on his journey. Harry's presence provides a familiar anchor to the original series, offering moral guidance and a glimpse into Dexter's psyche as he navigates his resurrected life.
"Dexter: Resurrection" adopts a slow-burn approach, dedicating its initial episodes to carefully establishing Dexter's return and Harrison's new circumstances. That deliberate tempo allows the story to take its time. It allows the audience some time to adjust to the characters’ new lives and all the new relationship dynamics developing.
Despite its make-believe premise, Phillips has woven a tale that seldom ventures past the boundaries of plausibility. This commitment to complex, nuanced, and community-based storytelling gives the show its power. In that context, it just makes the journey through serial killer culture more disturbing. By keeping the storylines of Dexter and Harrison largely separate, the showrunners create space for each character to develop independently, enriching the overall narrative tapestry. This distinction is useful for a deeper examination of their respective challenges and victories.
The series takes an incredibly ambitious approach in changing the formula of serialized fiction killers. It acknowledges the troubling effects of serial dramas such as “Monsters,” “Hannibal,” and “You.” By engaging with these contemporary touchstones, "Dexter: Resurrection" positions itself as a relevant commentary on the current media landscape. The inclusion of high-profile guest stars adds another layer of intrigue to the series, attracting a wider audience and generating buzz around its premiere.
