The actor hints that the storyline will grow increasingly complex after Episode 3.
One of the most beloved characters from the original Dexter series is back — and not just for a cameo. Angel Batista, the compassionate and loyal detective from Miami Metro, returns in Dexter: Resurrection as a series regular, marking a dramatic shift in his relationship with Dexter Morgan.
Batista was always seen as the heart of the department — a man who led with empathy rather than ego, standing out in a world often jaded by crime and corruption. Throughout the original series, his unwavering loyalty to Dexter created one of the show's most genuine bonds. But following the explosive events in the finale of Dexter: New Blood, everything Batista thought he knew about his old friend was shattered.
After receiving a life-altering call from Angela Bishop — Dexter’s former partner — Batista learns that Dexter, believed to have died in Hurricane Laura in 2012, had faked his death. Even more shocking, Angela claimed she had evidence that he was the infamous Bay Harbor Butcher.
The revelation left Batista reeling. The man he once trusted, the friend he mourned, was not only alive but possibly a serial killer hiding in plain sight. However, as revealed in the season premiere of Dexter: Resurrection, Angela has since walked back her accusations. She admits to Batista that she made a mistake — a confession he struggles to accept. The damage had already been done, and doubt had taken root.
This sets the stage for one of the most highly anticipated reunions in the new season. When Batista and Dexter come face to face again, the warmth that once defined their friendship is gone. Batista's demeanor is visibly altered — tense, guarded, and suspicious. His face tells the story of a man trying to reconcile betrayal with duty.
After Dexter flees the Seneca Clinic in upstate New York, Batista wastes no time. He returns briefly to Miami, only to discover Dexter has vanished into the heart of New York City. Left with no other choice, Batista follows the trail determined to confront the truth wherever it leads, starting from this week's Episode 4 "Call Me Red".
Zayas on How Batista Is Processing Dexter's Betrayal
In a recent interview with Tania Hussain from Collider, David Zayas revealed that Batista's worldview has been shaken to its core. Knowing what he now knows about Dexter changes the entire dynamic between the two. Batista, once open-hearted and loyal, now has to move with caution. He's fully aware of the weight that comes with this knowledge — and of the danger in who he might share it with.
According to Zayas, Batista carries the emotional burden quietly but persistently. He’s not the kind of man who can simply let go of unanswered questions or unresolved justice. The suspicions of what Dexter really is have turned their friendship into something that can no longer be trusted. Batista feels compelled to see this through, even if it distracts him from everything else in his life.
Why Batista Must Face Dexter Alone
Zayas also touched on Batista’s sense of responsibility. Even though Dexter’s return could have serious consequences for everyone who once knew him, Batista has chosen to face it alone. Zayas noted that Batista isn’t trying to involve his colleagues (Masuka and Quinn) or bring others into this mess — this is his burden to carry.
The actor explained that Batista feels a moral obligation to deal with the situation himself, seeking closure and justice not just for the victims, but also for the part of himself that once believed Dexter was a good man. It’s not just about catching someone — it’s about reclaiming truth.
Zayas Reflects on the 'Mind Games' Between Batista and Dexter
Zayas described the long-standing connection between Batista and Dexter as complex — forged over years of shared experiences, cases, and quiet camaraderie. Despite everything that’s happened, Batista still has an intuitive sense of how Dexter thinks. That makes their dynamic in Resurrection even more intense.
Even with the layers of suspicion and betrayal, there’s still a kind of mental chess being played between them. Batista knows Dexter too well to be easily misled — and Dexter, in turn, knows how to manipulate those around him. Their relationship is no longer built on friendship — it’s built on history, tension, and unfinished business.
On Reuniting with Michael C. Hall After 12 Years
Shifting to a more heartfelt note, Zayas shared how rewarding it’s been to work with Michael C. Hall again after more than a decade apart. He praised Hall’s dedication, describing him as a leader on set who leads by example. Hall's commitment, work ethic, and collaborative spirit set the tone for everyone else involved in the production.
Zayas explained that every time they step on set together, there’s a strong sense of trust. They know their characters inside and out, and they know how to communicate effortlessly in their scenes. Working together again felt natural, familiar — like coming home to something that still fits perfectly after all these years.
As Dexter: Resurrection continues to unravel the next chapter in Dexter Morgan’s legacy, Angel Batista’s return adds a crucial emotional layer to the story. No longer the optimistic detective (now Captain) who once believed in his friend, Batista now finds himself chasing truth through a haze of betrayal. And with the streets of New York as his new hunting ground, the chase has only just begun.