The most recent episode has only amplified this sentiment and for a good reason.
A new chapter in the Dexter saga has officially begun, and fans are buzzing with excitement. The first three episodes of Dexter: Resurrection have been met with overwhelmingly positive reactions, with many praising the fresh direction and gritty new setting in New York City.
Despite the franchise nearing its 20th anniversary, Dexter Morgan's return feels anything but dated—it's thrilling, cinematic, and full of promise.
However, amid the applause and praise, there’s one creative decision that has left long-time fans scratching their heads—a detail carried over from the previous installment, Dexter: New Blood. The issue reached new levels of frustration with the release of Episode 3, titled “Backseat Driver.”
Flash-Forwards—or Spoiler Stingers?
Let’s talk about those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it scene previews that appear right after the Dexter: Resurrection logo in the episode's intro. These short, rapid-fire glimpses—often referred to as “stingers”—tease upcoming moments from the very same episode. First introduced in Dexter: New Blood (2021–2022), they now seem to be a staple of Resurrection, likely for continuity. But fans aren’t having it.
The backlash began subtly with the premiere episodes, but Episode 3 amplified the complaints, especially because the teaser clip unintentionally spoiled the surprise return of a fan-favorite character: C.S. Lee as Vince Masuka. His comeback, alongside David Zayas’ Batista and Desmond Harrington’s Quinn in a Miami bar scene, was clearly intended as a shocking, emotional moment. Unfortunately, that impact was undercut for many viewers who had already caught a one-second glimpse of Masuka in the intro stinger.
Fan Reactions: Disappointed but Still Hopeful
Across social media platforms, fans voiced their disappointment. Many argued that these flash-forward previews rob the show of its suspense and emotional payoff. While some admit the stingers might build hype or anticipation for what's to come, others believe they act more as mini-spoilers—especially when they reveal major character appearances that the production team worked hard to keep under wraps.
Some people also noted that the stingers in Dexter: Resurrection seem slower and more revealing than those used in New Blood, making it even easier to catch key moments you’d rather experience in real time.
What’s Next?
At this point, it’s not clear whether Showtime or the show's producers plan to adjust this stylistic choice. But if there's one thing the backlash shows, it's that fans want to be surprised—especially in a show that thrives on twists, tension, and emotional reveals.
As Dexter: Resurrection continues to unfold over the next several weeks, viewers are hoping future episodes will keep these flash-forwards spoiler-free, or better yet, scrap them altogether. Until then, fans might want to try closing their eyes during those first few seconds after the logo fades in.