The original Harry Morgan actor talks Dexter’s generational code in this new featurette.
Another week brings another episode of Resurrection Rewind, and this time, it’s all about the legendary James Remar. The beloved actor—who was among the first cast members officially confirmed for the new Dexter revival back in January—returns to the franchise after being noticeably absent from Dexter: New Blood.
In this powerful behind-the-scenes featurette, Remar reflects on his iconic role as Harry Morgan and takes fans all the way back to the very origins of Dexter's dark journey. We’re transported to 1973, the year when both Dexter and his brother Brian were "born in blood."
“He took the most broken child you could find and raised him to manhood and to serial killer hood,” Remar laughs, capturing Harry’s chilling but strangely compassionate duality.
Harry’s Code: A Father's Promise in a World Without Justice
James Remar dives into what made Harry Morgan such a compelling and complicated character. At the heart of it all was Harry’s code—a twisted moral compass developed not out of malice, but out of love, fear, and a deep sense of justice.
“Harry was a cop in Miami, and he pulled young Dexter out of a shipping container where his mom had been murdered brutally. Harry promised him that he would be safe. And to me, that is Harry's primary purpose,” Remar shares.
He continues:
“Harry recognizes Dexter as probably a potential serial killer. So Harry, with his love and desire to protect Dexter and also seeing so many killers get off, he develops a code of vigilante justice.”
This philosophy would go on to shape Dexter’s life, laying the foundation for the code he lives—and kills—by.
Remar on Returning to Dexter: A Role That Still Resonates
After more than a decade of playing Harry Morgan, Remar’s return to Dexter: Resurrection feels like a homecoming—for both the actor and longtime fans.
“It's a great compliment to be brought back into something that's so successful and so wonderful and so iconic,” he says with heartfelt appreciation.
The Legacy of Harry Morgan: Generations of Darkness and Discipline
As Dexter: Resurrection explores new emotional depths, Remar teases the complex dynamics between Harry, Dexter, and Dexter’s son, Harrison. The psychological legacy of Harry’s teachings continues to ripple through the generations.
“The character of Harry Morgan is very complex because for the majority of the show, he lives inside of Dexter's imagination—or more accurately, his memory. Dexter recognizes that he was his father's primary focus."
And that psychological imprint remains potent.
“And so that's what echoes in Dexter's mind when he's struggling with forming a relationship with Harrison. Dexter watching Harrison, and Harry watching Dexter watching Harrison—it becomes a generational code, if you will.”
Watch the featurette below, and beware of spoilers as it includes footage from Dexter: Resurrection!