Dexter: Resurrection Season 1 Episode 3, “Backseat Driver,” is ironically titled, as this is the first episode of the new series that truly gives viewers an indication of how it will drive viewers through the story.
However, it wouldn’t be a Dexter show without a few twists, turns, and bumps in the road.
The star of the episode is without a doubt Harrison Morgan (Jack Alcott) as he navigates the potential consequences of his first kill. When he was first introduced to us in Dexter: Original Sin, he was met with some criticism — hopefully, this latest episode eases suspicious minds.
“Just what Harrison needs, a good cop,” Dexter says during Episode 2.
That “good cop” Dexter is referring to is Detective Claudette Wallace (Kadia Saraf). Claudette’s method of investigation consists of putting on headphones and blasting ‘Stayin’ Alive’ by the Bee Gees. Reminiscent of Detective LaGuerta in the original series, Claudette will stop at nothing in pursuit of solving the crime. She even says herself on this latest episode that she has a hard time showing empathy.
The reminiscing continues when Harrison is faced with interrogation by Claudette and her partner, Detective Melvin Oliva (Dominic Fumusa).
The audience is compelled to root for Harrison in this scene, as the tension thickens when Claudette theorizes about how the murder happened, down to the use of the porcelain tank lid as a weapon.
It’s the first time in the show that we feel invested and almost protective of Harrison. It reminds us of Dexter’s early killing days. Here, Harrison is a Padawan of sorts, and since he is Dexter’s kin, it’s easy to root for him, too.
Claudette is annoyingly good at her job. Funny how only a show like Dexter can make you hope she doesn’t figure out the truth. Harrison seems like he’s going to crack under pressure, but after all, he is his father’s son. He doesn’t technically lie; he withholds a truth.
Elements of the original show are sprinkled throughout the episode in true fan service, starting with referencing the “new” Dark Passenger on the loose and Blessing Kamara’s (Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine) family asking Dexter about his time in Miami.
Speaking of Miami, the episode cuts to what Angel Battista (David Zayas) is up to in Dexter’s homeland. The big news is that he’s retiring — but only from happenings in Miami. He isn’t letting up on his notion that Dexter may be the Bay Harbor Butcher.
What’s a celebration if it’s alone?
If small nods and cherry-picking elements from the original show weren’t enough to pay homage, then surely a cameo from two of Miami’s Finest will be. Enter Vince Masuka (C.S. Lee) and Joey Quinn (Desmond Harrington) to join Battista in celebration.
It feels like a warm hug seeing this trio back together in modern day, and it’s like no time has passed at all since we last saw them on screen. Happy, a bit older, but still carrying the same charm that made us appreciate them then as we do now.
It feels like the show’s way of continuing to warm us up to Dexter’s new journey in New York City — hunting the newest killer on the loose and also helping Harrison with his first kill.
The scene with Dexter and Kamara’s family gently reminds us that this is the same Dexter Morgan we know and love.
Another way the show nods to the original is when Dexter is hunting Ronald “Red” Schmidt (Marc Menchaca), he dons a jacket in a familiar dark green, again, reminiscent of his old killing uniform.
The show feels more complete with these older, familiar elements, like Dexter’s subconscious in the form of his father, Harry Morgan (James Remar). With prior criticism of Dexter: New Blood in mind, it’s obvious that this new show wants to redeem — or, resurrect — itself from that, in the form of both old and new ways to love the show.
Dexter’s even a little more humorous, quipping jokes, and being endearingly petty towards Schmidt.
With fan-service and reminiscing on old times, the show truly starts to feel like Dexter when he finally makes his first kill. With Schmidt on his table and dead, another subplot is revealed, or at least explains how Dexter ends up attending the super-secret society of serial killers’ dinner that was teased in the trailer.
When we first saw Dexter in the trailer cozying up with the very people he seeks to kill, it should have been obvious that it wasn’t what it seemed. One can only imagine how he will play this game of chess, of course, by following Harry’s code.
“Backseat Driver” promises us that we are in store for a thrilling season by introducing us to new characters and humor while also reminding us that this is still the same Dexter, just in our modern day.
Harrison’s story intrigue, Battista’s pursuit of Dexter, and Dexter finding a new way to have his fun — the show certainly feels more alive than ever.
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New episodes of Dexter: Resurrection air Fridays on Paramount+ and Sundays on SHOWTIME at 8/7c.
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Samantha Barker
Samantha Barker is a writer and fangirl from New Jersey. When she's not rewatching Daredevil or listening to the Beatles, she's cosplaying and attending comic-cons with her friends. Sam also co-hosts a podcast called Fangirl Confessions and writes for her Substack, Samantha, etc. Connect with her on X: @0nyourleftsam and IG: @onyourleftsam.