There's a compelling reason the writers are bringing back Dexter's adoptive father.
Ever since Dexter Season 3 premiered in 2008, showrunner Clyde Phillips and his writing team made a pivotal creative decision: to incorporate James Remar—who plays Harry Morgan—into the show’s main cast. While the first two seasons had already fleshed out Harry’s story through flashbacks, Phillips brought him back in a unique and compelling way.
Rather than relegating Harry to Dexter’s past, the writers cleverly reimagined him as a physical embodiment of Dexter’s subconscious—a guiding voice of reason in Dexter’s darkest moments. This narrative device allowed Remar’s presence to persist in the show even after his character’s death, giving Dexter someone to debate with, rationalize through, and often challenge. It's a choice that deepened the emotional and psychological complexity of the show.
In hindsight, Harry’s guidance would have also added emotional weight to Dexter’s early dilemmas—like the internal conflict surrounding his brother Brian in Season 1 or the moral chaos of the Bay Harbor Butcher case in Season 2. But as they say, it’s never too late to make the right creative choice.
Harry’s ghostly presence remained until the penultimate episode of the original series, after which he was entirely absent from Dexter: New Blood. In the revival, Harry was replaced by Debra Morgan (played by Jennifer Carpenter), now portrayed as a manifestation of Dexter’s guilt rather than guidance. While the formula stayed the same—an internalized figure representing Dexter’s psyche—the emotional tone shifted dramatically. Deb’s fiery, tormented presence was a stark contrast to Harry’s composed moral compass.
Now, with Dexter: Resurrection on the horizon, the series appears to be returning to its roots. Harry Morgan is back—this time with a full-time presence, just like in the golden days of the original series.
Why Is Harry Morgan Returning to the Dexter Universe?
Many fans have speculated that Harry Morgan’s return in Dexter: Resurrection is due to Jennifer Carpenter declining to reprise her role as Debra Morgan in the upcoming series. While that’s partially true, the real reason runs deeper. During the Dexter panel at CCXP Mexico last Saturday, Michael C. Hall shed new light on why James Remar—and Harry—are making a comeback.
When asked about Harry's Code in the sequel series, Hall explained:
“I think Dexter’s troubles could arguably stem from him playing fast and loose with the Code and not respecting it. I think he’s in a place now where he’s ready to recommit to it more rigidly, more reverently.Part of the reason James Remar is back—Harry is back in his head—is because Dexter’s back in Harry’s good graces. He’s recommitted to the Code. He’s come to appreciate how it keeps him safe, how it makes him singular, and how it allows him to do what he does without being in immediate danger.”
Hall’s passionate words underline a major theme of Dexter: Resurrection—a return not just to the original characters, but to the psychological and ethical foundations that defined Dexter’s identity.
Interestingly, the official trailer offers a hint of conflict: in one scene, Harry warns Dexter to be careful, to which Dexter replies, “I’m tired of being careful.” This exchange suggests that while Harry may be back, their relationship will likely go through its own arc—marked by tension, introspection, and perhaps a rediscovery of the true meaning of the Code.
With Harry Morgan’s return, Dexter: Resurrection promises to dive deep into the psyche of America’s favorite avenging serial killer. For longtime fans, it’s a nostalgic and meaningful move—one that brings the series full circle and sets the stage for what could be a truly redemptive chapter in Dexter Morgan’s story.