Why the upcoming sequel should embrace a vibrant new look—and leave the gray behind.
The world of Dexter has always been defined not just by its characters and storylines, but by its unmistakable visual identity. When the original series premiered in 2006, it captivated audiences with more than just the chilling charm of Dexter Morgan—it dazzled with a sun-drenched, Miami-soaked aesthetic that stood in stark contrast to its dark narrative. Bright palm trees, turquoise oceans, fiery orange sunsets, and the ever-present Florida heat gave Dexter a unique irony: a show about death that looked absolutely alive.
That visual tone became iconic. It wasn’t just background—it was part of the show’s DNA.
But when Dexter: New Blood arrived in 2021, the series took a hard left turn. Gone were the warm tones and saturated hues. Set in the fictional, snow-covered town of Iron Lake, New York, New Blood embraced a muted, desaturated palette—icy blues, frosty whites, and endless shades of gray. It mirrored the series’ colder, more introspective tone, but also left many longtime fans feeling… emotionally cold. While the story had high stakes and strong performances, visually, it lacked the contrast and vibrancy that once made Dexter so visually striking.
Unedited screenshot from Dexter: New Blood:
Enter Dexter: Resurrection—A Chance to Reignite the Series' Signature Style
The upcoming revival, Dexter: Resurrection, offers a golden opportunity to bring the series full circle—honoring the past while pushing the visual boundaries forward. Set in a wintry New York City, this new chapter picks up shortly after the events of New Blood, but early signs suggest it’s carving its own path. And the most exciting hint? A potential return to a more stylized, colorful aesthetic.
Unlike the isolated wilderness of Iron Lake, New York City is alive—even in winter. Neon lights, bustling streets, colorful boroughs, and the grit-meets-glamour backdrop of the Big Apple provide a vibrant playground for storytelling. And recently released first-look images hint that Resurrection may be leaning into this energy. It’s not just a new setting—it’s a chance for a visual rebirth.
The Return of the 21:9 Cinematic Aspect Ratio
One stylistic element that is confirmed to return is the 21:9 cinematic aspect ratio, first introduced in Dexter: New Blood. Originally chosen to give the miniseries a distinct, standalone feel separate from the original show, this wider frame added a cinematic weight that fans came to associate with the revival.
Some fans have expressed concern about this aspect ratio returning in Resurrection, feeling it may signal a continuation of New Blood’s somber tone. But the decision makes sense from a production standpoint—it maintains continuity without taking a technical step backward. The key now lies in how that wide frame is used. A vibrant, kinetic New York could thrive in 21:9—if paired with a richer color palette.
Why the Color Palette Matters
Color isn't just visual decoration—it’s emotional storytelling. The original Dexter understood that. Miami’s saturated tones made viewers feel the heat, the tension, the double life Dexter was living.
New York offers a different kind of visual potential. It doesn’t have to be tropical to be alive. From the bright chaos of Times Square to the deep reds of a Brooklyn diner at night, the city pulses with color—even under a layer of snow. Embracing that palette could reconnect Dexter with the visual flair that made it stand out in the first place.
There’s even precedent. Netflix’s You Season 5, which shares Dexter: Resurrection’s director Marcos Siega, recently adopted a vivid and stylish aesthetic for its own NYC-set final season. If it worked there—why not here?
A Visual Identity That Matches the Character’s Complexity
Dexter Morgan has always been a man of contrasts: killer and caretaker, calm and chaotic, monster and man. The original series reflected that duality with light and shadow, blood and sun. Resurrection has a chance to bring that duality back—not just through story, but through visual storytelling.
We’ve already seen how Dexter: Original Sin, despite being set in Miami, opted for a toned-down visual style to reflect its '90s setting—except, notably, during flashbacks, where a saturated 1970s look briefly recaptured the magic of the original series. That proves the creative team knows the power of color. Now they just need to fully embrace it.
Final Thoughts: Let New York Shine
As fans eagerly await the first official trailer for Dexter: Resurrection, one of the biggest questions remains: What will it look like? Will it continue New Blood’s cold, muted visuals? Or will it take a bold step forward and reintroduce the vibrancy that made the original Dexter so unforgettable? We'll find out very soon!
This is more than just a creative decision—it’s a chance to rekindle the visual soul of the series.