This golden age of 21st-century television has brought with it a plethora of unforgettable anti-heroes, and Dexter Morgan ranks amongst its most memorable. Michael C. Hall starred as the title character in Showtime’s dark drama series Dexter from 2006-13, and the show’s premise could only exist in today’s modern TV landscape. A blood-spatter analyst by day for Miami Metro Police’s forensics department, Dexter indulged his homicidal urges by moonlighting as a serial killer of guilty persons who go unpunished. Among the debatable highs and lows of its eight seasons, many of the series’ fans were left disappointed with how the show’s original run ended. Fortunately, the network, creators, and stars have all reunited for Dexter: New Blood, a brand-new miniseries that acts as a continuation of where things left off. And for devotees of the franchise like yours truly, it’s a familiar yet fresh slice of life.
Nearly 10 years after faking his own death, Dexter (Hall) is now living a quiet life with a new identity in the fictional small town of Iron Lake in upstate New York. Under the name Jim Lindsay, he spends his days working for a local gaming and hunting supply store and being a semi-social butterfly who’s well-liked around town. Dexter is even in a fun yet serious relationship with single mom Angela (Julia Jones, Goliath), who also happens to be the local chief of police. However, his time spent alone at his isolated cabin/farmhouse sees him constantly wrestling with the murderous impulses of his “Dark Passenger.” Like his adopted father Harry had been in the original series, the imaginary presence of his deceased sister Debra (Jennifer Carpenter, The Exorcism of Emily Rose) now acts as Dex’s spirit guide to help keep him on the straight and narrow path.
Of course, that proves to be increasingly difficult for our favorite psychopath, especially in the seemingly squeaky-clean town of Iron Lake. Dexter has always lived by the “Code” taught and nurtured to him from a young age: only satisfy your bloodlust by killing the wrongdoers who truly deserve their comeuppance. It’s hard to find targets when your daily routine consists of sharing breakfast pastries with your sweet, cherubic boss (Michael Cyril Creighton, Only Murders in the Building) and going line dancing at the local tavern. But Dexter’s tendencies and suspicions grow when encountering an obnoxious and entitled young customer (Steve M. Robertson, Channel Zero) at his store. Combine this with the arrival of a mysterious stranger from Dex’s past (no spoilers!) who shows up at his door, and our protagonist’s placid and mundane life goes into major upheaval, to say the least.
Former showrunner Clyde Phillips (Seasons 1-4) returns here for New Blood. His stretch of overseeing Dexter was often considered the “glory days” of the series’ run. A lot of former elements from that heyday are incorporated into this miniseries’ debut episode, appropriately titled “Cold Snap.” Like his time in sunny Florida, Dex establishes a kind of good-natured yet pacifistic, almost dorky, façade in his new wintry surroundings. Veteran Dexter director Marcos Siega is also back to helm New Blood’s entire duration, and he has a great feel for capturing the snow-covered rural setting as well as the character. Fans will also appreciate the little Easter Egg of Dexter’s alias here, referring to author Jeff Lindsay who wrote the Darkly Dreaming Dexter book series on which the show is based. The creators are clearly aiming to recapture that must-see TV feel that made the show so addictive, even for casual viewers. “Cold Snap” is of course merely the setup for what’s to come, but it still does a fantastic job laying the groundwork.
And yet, if some superfans like yours truly have any gripes, there are a few things to slightly nitpick. The dark nature of Dexter often had those bits of comic relief blended in to offset it, and there is barely any to be had in this first episode. So far, none of the residents of Iron Lake appear to provide as many laughs as former lovable franchise characters Angel Batista and Vince Masuka, Dex’s buddies and fellow members of Miami Metro PD. And this writer was also a little bummed that New Blood’s debut was missing composer Rolfe Kent’s hauntingly catchy opening theme music, as well as Dexter’s internal narration. But again, these are minor quibbles, and this is still simply the opening for what looks to be a worthy addition to the Dexter canon. Not to mention that everything is carried by leading man Hall, and he’s as incredible as he’s ever been in his trademark role.
After eight long years, Showtime has finally unveiled Dexter: New Blood and is ready to continue (and possibly conclude?) the story of its beloved protagonist. A new setting and a new array of characters make up this present world for “reformed” serial killer Dexter Morgan. But despite some minuscule changes that hardcore fans may not take that well, the premiere installment of this miniseries has put us viewers on a ride that promises to be awesome regardless. Will Dexter ever find peace? Who, or perhaps how many people, will end up on his plastic table? And do both of these questions pretty much go hand in hand? Can’t wait to find out.
Dexter: New Blood airs Sundays on Showtime and is streaming on Showtime Anytime.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9H1uSS_zkk
