‘Dexter: Resurrection’ Review: Let the Dead Rest
Is “Dexter: Resurrection” a Desperate Attempt to Bring Back the Glory Days?
The “Dexter” franchise seems to be following in the footsteps of its parent company, Showtime, as both struggle to maintain their former prestige. Showtime, once a top-tier competitor to HBO, now plays second fiddle to a streaming service, while Paramount Global faces challenges in completing its sale. Meanwhile, “Dexter” is gearing up for its 20th year with its third spinoff, bringing the infamous antihero back from the dead for another round of bloodshed. The situation is as grimly amusing as the show used to be in its prime.
A Redundant Revival
The first sequel, “New Blood,” seemed to offer a definitive end to the story with Dexter being shot by his own son, Harrison, breaking the cycle of violence. However, the subsequent prequel, “Original Sin,” undid this by revealing Dexter survived and framing events as a flashback. Now, “Resurrection” continues Dexter’s story in New York City as he tries to protect Harrison while continuing his murderous habits. Despite setting up a potential passing of the torch to Harrison, the focus remains on Dexter as he navigates his new life.
A Familiar Cast
Michael C. Hall returns as Dexter, joined by familiar faces like David Zayas as Angel Batista. The dynamic between Dexter and his deceased father Harry is revisited once again as they debate their code of conduct. While the presence of these characters adds nostalgia, it also feels repetitive. The storyline involving a venture capitalist turned true-crime enthusiast, played by Peter Dinklage, brings a hint of the original show’s dark humor, but the rest of the plot falls short.
A Nostalgic Misstep
Despite attempts to inject freshness into the series by moving the setting to New York City, “Resurrection” struggles to break free from its past. The cat-and-mouse game between Harrison and detective Claudette fails to captivate, overshadowed by the repetitive nature of the show. While there are moments of intrigue, the overall feeling is that “Resurrection” is clinging to the past instead of moving forward.
Conclusion
“Resurrection” may be an attempt to revive the “Dexter” franchise, but it ultimately falls short of recapturing the magic of the original series. While there are elements that harken back to the show’s glory days, the overall sense is one of nostalgia rather than innovation. As the title suggests, “Resurrection” aims to bring Dexter back to life, but perhaps it’s time to let the character rest in peace.
Watch “Dexter: Resurrection” on Paramount+ with Showtime, with new episodes premiering weekly on Fridays.
