Angel Batista, Vince Masuka, and Joey Quinn appeared together on screen after over a decade!
Episode 3 of Dexter: Resurrection, titled “Backseat Driver,” is now streaming, and it’s safe to say: we are so back. The latest installment brought with it not only major plot developments and a strong return to the show's roots, but also a moment that fans have been dreaming of for over a decade — the reunion of Angel Batista, Joey Quinn, and Vince Masuka on screen for the first time in 12 years.
A Long-Awaited Reunion in Miami
After months of fan speculation, Dexter: Resurrection made the exciting decision to bring back Desmond Harrington as Joey Quinn and C.S. Lee as Vince Masuka, alongside series regular David Zayas as Angel Batista. This emotional reunion took place approximately 35 minutes into the episode, marking a powerful transition from New York City back to the sun-soaked streets of Miami.
The scene opens with a drone shot over a vibrant Miami bar at night, setting the tone with Latin music. Inside, a reflective Batista sits alone at the bar, gazing at an old photo of himself, Dexter Morgan, Masuka, and another Miami Metro colleague from their 2007 bowling team days. His eyes carry the weight of memories — and the unanswered questions about Dexter's shocking return and potentially as the Bay Harbor Butcher.
Suddenly, two familiar voices interrupt his solitude: Quinn and Masuka arrive, surprised by Batista’s revelation that he's retiring as Captain of Miami Metro. "I've had enough of Homicide," he tells them, hinting that his departure is about more than just work fatigue. Though he doesn’t explicitly say it, viewers understand — he’s leaving Miami because of Dexter.
Masuka, in classic form, cracks a few inappropriate but hilarious assumptions about Batista’s future plans, offering some much-needed comic relief. Batista replies cryptically: "When it all goes down, believe me, you'll understand. But for now, the less you know, the better." He then embraces both men in a heartfelt group hug, ending the scene by kissing Masuka’s bald head — a moment that perfectly blends nostalgia, humor, and raw emotion.
What’s Left Unsaid — and Why It Matters
Interestingly, Dexter’s name is never directly mentioned in this scene. Not because Quinn and Masuka don’t know he’s alive — Batista made that known publicly — but perhaps because they haven’t connected Batista’s sudden retirement to Dexter’s reappearance. The writers clearly chose subtlety over exposition, allowing fans to read between the lines.
Not Just Fan Service
What makes this Miami bar scene so special is that it wasn’t just nostalgia or fan service — it carried real narrative weight. Batista needed to inform two of his closest friends, Masuka and Quinn, about his decision to retire and temporarily leave Miami. This wasn’t a throwaway cameo. It was a meaningful reunion rooted in character development and emotional closure.
How It All Started: Hints from a February Casting Call
Fans of Dexter Daily may recall that hints of this Miami bar scene first surfaced back in mid-February, when Waldron Casting released a call for Latino and Latina background actors to portray patrons at a Miami lounge. We were among the first to report on it — and the theories started flying.
At the time, we speculated that Desmond Harrington, a New York resident, could be making a return since the shoot was taking place in Manhattan. But we didn’t expect the bonus and brief appearance of C.S. Lee, who lives in Los Angeles. The dedication to authenticity paid off — and fans noticed.
Fun Fact: The Scene Was Filmed in Freezing New York
Despite appearing sunny and tropical, this “Miami” scene was actually filmed in Manhattan on February 27, during a particularly cold spell in New York. The production team went to great lengths to recreate the Miami vibe — from the decor and costumes to the music and lighting — and they pulled it off seamlessly. You’d never guess it wasn’t shot in South Florida.
The Clues Were There All Along
As for C.S. Lee, the actor behind Vince Masuka — he also teased a possible return. Here at Dexter Daily, we didn’t want to jump to conclusions about whether it was for Dexter: Resurrection — but as it turns out, it was. And the surprise was absolutely worth the wait.
Will Masuka and Quinn Return Later This Season?
While David Zayas is confirmed as a series regular, Desmond Harrington and C.S. Lee are credited as guest stars for this season — but that doesn’t necessarily mean this is their only appearance. In fact, the “This Season On” trailer confirmed that Harrington’s Quinn will be back in at least one more episode.
As for C.S. Lee? Given the cross-country flight and the effort it would take to appear for just one short scene, it’s highly possible we haven’t seen the last of Masuka either. Fingers crossed.
Final Thoughts: A Scene Straight from Classic Dexter
Seeing Batista, Quinn, and Masuka together again in a setting so reminiscent of classic Dexter was a heartfelt moment that deeply resonated with longtime fans. Since the episode dropped, our Dexter Daily Instagram has been flooded with posts and stories from viewers tagging us, capturing screenshots of the trio’s reunion — proof of just how impactful this scene was.
Whether this was a one-time nostalgia trip or the start of a longer arc, one thing’s for sure: this Miami bar scene brought back the spirit of old-school Dexter in the best possible way.