Did you catch this hidden character reveal?
Earlier today, Showtime released a brand-new extended featurette titled Inside Dexter: Resurrection, offering fans an exciting deep dive into the upcoming first season of the much-anticipated continuation.
Packed with fresh, never-before-seen footage, the video teases intriguing storylines and returning characters — but there's one blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment that only the sharpest fans noticed.
A Hidden Gem in Plain Sight
If you watched the teaser exclusively through Showtime's official Dexter social media channels, there's a good chance you missed it. Those versions are cropped and formatted for smartphones, cutting out important details from the cinematic frame. However, if you viewed the full version on YouTube in its original 21:9 aspect ratio — and you’ve got a keen eye — you might’ve spotted a jaw-dropping Easter egg.
What Happens in This Scene?
At exactly the 0:12 mark, we see Dexter Morgan at the Seneca Nation Clinic. He’s wearing a hospital gown, seemingly mid-examination. But here’s where it gets interesting — in the wide-shot version of the frame, just for a split second, you can see two fingers pointed directly at Dexter’s face. It’s not a casual gesture. It’s that iconic two-finger “I’m watching you” V-sign — a reference loaded with history for long-time fans of the series.
Who Does This Hand Belong To?
Yes, it’s exactly who you think it is. We can now confirm that the hand belongs to Erik King, reprising his unforgettable role as Sergeant James Doakes. At CCXP Mexico, Clyde Phillips had recently announced his return in Dexter: Resurrection, and this teaser marks his stealthy on-screen reappearance.
While it’s been confirmed that the scene is part of one of Dexter’s hallucinations — possibly while sedated or under examination at the Iron Lake hospital — it’s a brilliant, creative way for the writers to reintroduce Doakes. Not only does it honor a fan-favorite character, but it also injects some darkly comic nostalgia, reminding us of Doakes' intense, meme-worthy confrontations with Dexter throughout the original series.
Why Doakes' Return Matters
Some might dismiss this as simple fan service — and yes, it does cater to long-time viewers — but Doakes' return carries real narrative weight. In Dexter: New Blood, the Bay Harbor Butcher case is reignited thanks to Angela Bishop’s investigation. With Angel Batista now suspecting that Dexter faked his death and may, in fact, be the real Bay Harbor Butcher, clearing James Doakes’ name becomes more important than ever. For over 15 years (within the show’s timeline), Doakes has been wrongly remembered as one of Miami’s most infamous serial killers.
This return isn't just nostalgia — it's redemption.
Final Thoughts
As the premiere of Dexter: Resurrection draws closer, it’s clear the showrunners are pulling out all the stops — blending clever callbacks, psychological depth, and long-overdue justice for wrongly accused characters. The inclusion of Doakes, even in a hallucination, is both a powerful nod to the past and a meaningful step toward resolving unfinished business.