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The prequel series “Dexter: Original Sin” performed a lot better than a lot of fans expected. Not only was it a prequel series in a TV landscape that seems choked with the things, but – save for Michael C. Hall’s narration throughout the series and brief appearance in the opening scene – it didn’t include any of the original cast.
Still, it proved successful largely because it did something “Dexter: New Blood” couldn’t do and “Dexter: Resurrection” won’t be able to do: it brought us back to the old status quo of Dexter Morgan, in secret, stalking other killers while working for Miamo Metro Homicide.
Dexter’s Greatest Villain Returns In ‘Resurrection’
Part of the appeal of “Dexter: Original Sin” was pure nostalgia. The old music returned, the old setting of the Miami Metro bullpen was back, and new actors played old favorites like Angel Batista, Vince Masuka, and Maria LaGuerta.
But it also returned us to the old formula; Dexter Morgan as one thing in the daylight, and as a completely different, predatory thing once we hear that phrase, “Tonight’s the night.”
In other words, while he may not be a superhero, like Superman and Batman, Dexter needs his alter-ego. He needs the normal, straight-laced life that he’s trying to maintain while at the same time indulging in his murderous urges. For that, Dexter needs stability, and that’s one thing he can never have again.
Since the end of the original series, Dexter has been either in hiding or on the run. Too many cats have come screaming out of too many bags. To recapture the series appeal, Dexter needs to appear to settle down somewhere – somewhere no one is hunting him – to resume his deadly work. He needs friends, a day job, a love interest, and a major city where he can believably run into killers every now and then for his table.
How does he do that in a ten-episode season, especially when you consider at least an episode or two will have to be taken up explaining why he’s not dead or in prison after the events of “Dexter: New Blood?” There isn’t enough time to establish a stable new status quo, much less let fans get to know the new people in his life.
“Resurrection” premieres on Paramount+ sometime this year, and as invested “Dexter” fans we would really love it if the series blows us away and completely proves us wrong.
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