Dexter: New Blood – Series Review

DEXTER: NEW BLOOD on Showtime is the continuation of the story about the “serial killer with a code” Dexter Morgan. He now lives in a new place and under a new name, but that doesn’t change who he is. Also, his sister Debra Morgan is very much a part of his world still. Read our Dexter: New Blood review here!

DEXTER: NEW BLOOD is a new limited series on Showtime. Of course, while this series is new, the main character is one we know and love. Lovingly dubbed “everyone’s favorite serial killer”, Dexter Morgan never killed anyone at random. He had a code and only killed bad guys.

In this new series, we’re ten years after the original series ended. Dexter lives in the freezing cold northern part of the US, which is a stark contrast to sunny Miami. However, when you need to hide from your many bloody deeds, it makes sense to get as far away as possible.

Dexter Morgan now uses the name Jim Lindsay, but we all know that his “dark passenger” is still there. More importantly (to me anyway), is the fact that his sister is also still very much present in this story.

Continue reading our Dexter: New Blood review below. We’ve watched the first four (out of ten) episodes in the limited series.

Debra Morgan is present from the very beginning!

There was one very wonderful surprise from the very beginning, which was that this new Dexter story also included Debra Morgan (Jennifer Carpenter). In fact, she speaks the very first line in the limited series. And no, it’s not because elements of the original show have been erased, forgotten, or changed for Dexter: New Blood.

Instead, it’s because Debra Morgan has taken over the job as Dexter’s dark passenger. Or actually, she’s more of a subconscience for him. Anything else really wouldn’t be true to Debra’s character. She does whatever it takes to keep him in line. Usually, that means cursing him out when he starts having “good ideas”.

When this limited series begins, Dexter Morgan hasn’t killed anyone in 10 years. However, he is itching to change that and when someone shows up, who does fit his old code, he struggles. A lot. This, in turn, means you’ll see Debra Morgan screaming at him to stay in his lane!

Oh yes, I have missed Debra “Fucking” Morgan, and Jennifer Carpenter is perfect (still!) in this role.

Dexter’s son will play a key role

Aside from the very familiar faces of Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter as Dexter and Debra Morgan, respectively, we also get several new characters and actors. Most importantly is actor Jack Alcott as the teenage son of Dexter, Harrison.

Fans of the original Dexter series will remember that Dexter had a son with his wife Rita (Julie Benz). In a brutal turn of events, Rita was murdered by the Trinity killer (Pet Sematary) and Dexter found the young Harrison sitting in a pool of his mother’s blood. Just as Dexter was found sitting in the blood of his slain mother.

Now, it’s 10 years later and Harrison is a teenager looking for his father. The big question is: How much does Harrison take after his father? Especially after their similar experiences related to the murder of their mothers.

Jack Alcott is really good as Dexter’s son. He obviously studied Dexter’s mannerisms and facial expressions. Since we still also hear Dexter’s thoughts, we get to hear him notice these similarities as well.

Start watching Dexter: New Blood on SHOWTIME now!

The original showrunner Clyde Phillips is back to running this new series which is definitely a key to recreating that well-known Dexter vibe. Other than the three Morgan family members mentioned already, we also get a lot of brand-new characters in this new chapter of Dexter Morgan’s life (a life led under the name Jim Lindsay).

When it comes to the new cast members, I want to highlight Julia Jones (Westworld). She plays the police chief in the small town of Iron Lake. Also, she’s dating Dexter. He did always like staying close to police work. An old favorite of mine, Clancy Brown (The Mortuary Collection), is also part of this story in quite a big way!

After watching the first four (out of ten) episodes in this limited series, we are really enjoying the reunion with two wonderful characters: Dexter and Debra Morgan. The one thing lacking is a bit more edge and some big twists. I think they’re coming soon though, and I am really looking forward to that!

DEXTER: NEW BLOOD premieres Sunday, November 7 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME. Weekly episodes will be released with the final episode airing on January 9, 2022.

Details

Creator: Clyde Phillips
Stars: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, Jack Alcott, Julia Jones, Alano Miller, Johnny Sequoyah, Clancy Brown