The Endless Resurrection of Dexter: A Review
As the “Dexter” franchise continues to churn out spinoffs, the morbid symmetry of its longevity mirrors the decline of its parent company, Showtime. Once a premium cable powerhouse, Showtime now exists as a sub-brand of a streaming service, while Paramount Global faces its own challenges. Yet here we are, approaching the 20th year of “Dexter” with its third spinoff, “Resurrection,” bringing back the infamous antihero for another go-round. The darkly amusing irony is not lost on fans of the series.
After the events of the previous sequel, “New Blood,” where Dexter is shot by his son Harrison, “Original Sin” arrived to undo any semblance of closure by revealing Dexter’s survival. Now, “Resurrection” takes us to New York City, where Dexter tries to keep an eye on Harrison while returning to his old ways of hunting down psychopaths. The series initially hints at a passing of the torch to Harrison, but the focus remains on Dexter as he navigates his new life in the city. Showrunner Clyde Phillips spearheads this latest iteration, but the feeling of watching an elaborate fanfiction persists.
Despite the change in setting, familiar faces like David Zayas’s Angel Batista and James Remar’s Harry continue to make appearances. The dynamic between Dexter and Harry, debating their code of conduct, feels repetitive. The show could have taken a more innovative approach by having Dexter’s ghost guide Harrison instead. However, “Resurrection” opts for a return to old habits, with Dexter back on the hunt for killers, earning the moniker “Dark Passenger” once again.
The standout storyline involves Peter Dinklage as a wealthy true-crime enthusiast and Uma Thurman as his lethal enforcer, injecting some much-needed energy into the series. While these moments evoke the original “Dexter’s” dark humor, the rest of “Resurrection” struggles to find its footing in the bustling city backdrop. The clash between Harrison and a detective adds some intrigue, but the overall sense of nostalgia overshadows any potential for innovation. The attempt to revive Dexter and the franchise falls short, emphasizing that perhaps it’s best to let the character rest in peace.
The first two episodes of “Dexter: Resurrection” are now streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime, with remaining episodes debuting weekly on Fridays.
