The star of Dexter: Resurrection acknowledges that the two finales failed to resonate with fans.
It's no secret among longtime fans of Dexter that the original series finale, titled "Remember the Monsters?", which aired on September 22, 2013, remains one of the most polarizing TV endings of all time. Set against the haunting backdrop of Dexter Morgan faking his death and isolating himself as a lumberjack, the conclusion sparked immediate backlash and quickly landed on countless "worst series finales" lists throughout the 2010s.
Fast-forward to January 9, 2022—nearly a decade later—Showtime released Dexter: New Blood, a limited series promising to give the iconic antihero a more satisfying send-off. Touted by returning showrunner Clyde Phillips as the “true ending,” the finale, titled "Sins of the Father", aimed to close the chapter for good. Instead, it ignited another wave of division in the fandom. Some viewers found closure, while others felt more frustrated than ever, with many saying it rivaled—or even surpassed—the original finale in terms of disappointment.
The biggest points of contention? Dexter’s sudden death at the hands of his son Harrison, the absence of a long-anticipated confrontation with Batista, and an ending that felt rushed. In subsequent interviews, Phillips noted he only had Michael C. Hall signed on for one season, which limited the narrative’s direction.
However, that limitation no longer exists with Dexter: Resurrection—a new series that, for the first time in years, gives fans hope for a deeper, multi-season exploration of the character. And this time, it was Michael C. Hall himself who helped revive the conversation.
In a recent interview with Parade.com, Hall opened up about returning to the role of Dexter Morgan and gave rare candid insight into both controversial finales. He acknowledged the disappointment fans have expressed and shared his personal thoughts:
“I think it made narrative sense that he went into a self-imposed exile,” he said of the 2013 ending, “but it didn’t sit well with people.” About the 2022 finale he said: “Watching him get taken out by his son also made narrative sense, but it was frustrating in a different way.” He explained that it felt “more decisive as a potential end — but just as unsatisfying.”
"People don’t want to see Dexter get taken out or take himself out," Hall added.
Reflecting on the origins of Dexter: Resurrection, Hall revealed that he was instrumental in initiating the idea of bringing Dexter back.
“I was definitely part of the genesis of this notion,” Hall said, describing early discussions around what might happen if Dexter had actually survived the final moments of New Blood. “What if he got another chance?” That second chance, Hall says, isn’t just for Dexter—but for the audience as well. In Resurrection, Dexter is back—older, weathered, and emotionally scarred, but also reinvigorated.
As Hall continued, he emphasized Dexter’s internal journey as just as important as the external one, especially now that the series is set in the vibrant chaos of New York City, and also shared his excitement about reuniting with key cast members from Dexter’s early seasons, including John Lithgow (Arthur Mitchell/The Trinity Killer), Jimmy Smits (Miguel Prado), Erik King (Doakes), James Remar (Harry Morgan), and David Zayas (Angel Batista).
Reflecting on his return to Dexter, the actor described the experience as a gift, an opportunity to share scenes once again with the people who had been instrumental in shaping the show's early mythology.
Reuniting with actors he had formed real memories with nearly two decades ago brought an authentic depth to the performance. “I didn’t have to imagine the connection,” he explained. “It was already there.” That genuine history, he noted, enriched the experience and provided fertile ground for the new story to grow from.
As Dexter: Resurrection continues its first season—now three episodes in—it’s becoming clear that this is more than a second chance for Dexter Morgan. It’s a second chance for the fans, the creators, and Michael C. Hall himself to finally give this beloved character the closure he deserves.