As a long-time fan of Dexter, I must say that the prospect of yet another series about everyone’s favorite serial killer feels a bit like being served a second helping of dessert when you’ve already had your fill. The original series was a masterpiece, and while New Blood did have its moments, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
At some stage, the crime thriller “Dexter” on Showtime was among the top shows on television. Similar to numerous series that followed “The Sopranos”, “Dexter” revolves around an antihero whom viewers can’t help but support. The character of Dexter, brilliantly portrayed by Michael C. Hall, is a blood splatter analysis expert for the Miami Metro Police Department who secretly leads a double life as a serial killer. However, there’s a twist: Dexter only eliminates murderers who evade justice, making him a dark form of vigilante.
Initially, the first four instalments of “Dexter” received widespread acclaim from both critics and viewers, earning a place among television’s finest seasons. However, starting with Season 5, the show began to lose its luster, gradually deteriorating up until its underwhelming and unsatisfying conclusion. The antagonists became less captivating, while dull storylines and character developments were introduced instead.
As a die-hard fan of cinematic masterpieces, I can’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and apprehension as Showtime announces the revival of America’s most intriguing serial killer in a new series titled “Dexter: Resurrection.” However, I find myself recalling previous attempts at rekindling this captivating saga. Frankly, I can’t shake off the belief that another round might not be the smartest move.
Dexter Was Already Brought Back in Dexter: New Blood
Originally, the show Dexter concluded in 2013 with many fans expecting either the main character’s death or arrest. However, it ended unexpectedly with Dexter becoming a lumberjack in isolation, which left most viewers disliking this finale. In an attempt to rectify things and rejuvenate the character, Showtime revived Dexter in 2021 by introducing a follow-up series.
Approximately a decade following the initial conclusion, “Dexter: New Blood” resumes Dexter’s tale in a secluded rural area of upstate New York. Here, he encounters his long-lost son, Harrison (Jack Alcott), who seems to inherit Dexter’s dark impulses regarding murder. The return of Michael C. Hall as Dexter and the original showrunner from seasons one through four, Clyde Phillips, marks this continuation.
The revival of Dexter: New Blood largely erased the bitter aftertaste that lingered from the original series for many viewers. Throughout its 10-episode span, it garnered favorable reviews, with a 77% rating from critics and 74% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. While Dexter: New Blood was not without its problems and occasional letdowns, it fell short of the brilliance displayed in seasons one through four. However, it ultimately provided a more satisfying resolution to Dexter’s story – or so it seemed.
Fan Interest in Dexter Has Waned
The revelation of the upcoming show titled “Dexter: Resurrection ” back in July caught many viewers off guard. Given that we’ve seen two conclusions for this character, with the most recent being “Dexter: New Blood“, it leaves us wondering why they would resurrect Dexter once more. More crucially, we need to understand how this character will be revived, as the serial killer met his long-awaited demise in “Dexter: New Blood“. Is this a reboot that plans to reverse everything that transpired in “Dexter: New Blood“?
The original plan for a second series of “Dexter: New Blood,” announced in 2023 and focusing on Harrison, has been replaced. Instead, a new sequel series called “Dexter: Resurrection” is now in development.
Given the plethora of TV shows available today, one might wonder if there’s truly a demand for another Dexter series. Judging by fan reactions and viewing numbers, it seems unlikely. For instance, while Dexter: New Blood was generally well-received, its ratings were significantly lower than those of the original series. The series finale of Dexter: New Blood attracted approximately 800,000 viewers, a stark contrast to the 2.8 million who watched the final episode of the original show.
Even considering streaming views, the facts are evident: the enthusiasm among Dexter fans has diminished. Unless Dexter: Resurrection receives exceptional critical acclaim, it seems doubtful that viewers will return for another sequel series. While Showtime could potentially revive Dexter, rekindling fan interest may not be so straightforward.
Let’s Wait and See How Dexter: Original Sin Performs
Dexter: Resurrection isn’t the only Dexter series that Showtime has cooking. The network also announced a Dexter prequel series that will take place fifteen years before the original show. Dexter: Original Sin will follow the years after Dexter’s college graduation, establishing how he develops his code while introducing younger characters from the original series. It will star Patrick Gibson as Dexter, Molly Brown as his step-sister Deb, and Christian Slater as Harry Morgan, the adoptive father who helped Dexter develop his code. Dexter: Original Sin is scheduled to premiere on December 15, 2024 on Showtime.
Is Michael C. Hall expected to appear physically? Not exactly. Instead, he will voice Dexter’s internal narration, similar to his role in the initial series. Considering declining fan interest in this character and the abundance of TV shows currently airing, it could have been a strategic move for Showtime to gauge the reception of Dexter: Original Sin before greenlighting another show.
Currently, it seems as though Showtime is making a concerted effort to transform one of their series into a franchise similar to “Game of Thrones.” However, with regards to “Dexter,” it appears they are merely prolonging the life of something that has already run its course.
Dexter: Original Sin
premieres December 15 on Showtime.
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2024-09-30 03:01