Harrison shows a distinct change in Dexter: Resurrection, and fans clearly recognize this shift.
Ever since Dexter: Resurrection premiered its first two episodes on July 11, something significant has shifted — not just in the storyline, but in how fans perceive one of the franchise’s most controversial characters: Harrison Morgan. The change became even more evident with the release of Episode 3, and it all comes down to the writers’ fresh and deliberate approach to his character.
Following the divisive ending of Dexter: New Blood, where Harrison killed his father, Dexter, many fans were left disillusioned. Online discussions often painted Harrison in a negative light, with criticism ranging from his perceived immaturity to a lack of emotional depth. The internet, as it often does, amplified those reactions.
But now, the tide is turning, and fast.
In Dexter: Resurrection, Harrison emerges as more grounded, more serious, and far less irritating than his earlier portrayal. Despite only a 10-week time jump between the two series in the timeline, the transformation is notable. Credit goes to showrunner Clyde Phillips and executive producer Scott Reynolds, who seem to have taken past missteps to heart and reshaped Harrison into a character audiences can finally connect with.
This shift in perception was crystal clear during the series premiere screening, where Jack Alcott, who reprises his role as Harrison, received a standing ovation from the audience — specifically for a powerful scene in which his character takes down Ryan Foster, a predator.
During a visit to Entertainment Weekly’s Comic-Con video studio in San Diego earlier today, Alcott's co-stars — including Michael C. Hall, James Remar, David Zayas, David Dastmalchian, and Krysten Ritter — fondly recalled that moment. The applause wasn’t just for the scene itself, but for what it symbolized: Harrison’s redemption in the eyes of fans.
Alcott reflected on that moment with visible pride. After feeling the brunt of the fandom’s disappointment post-New Blood, he said the response to Resurrection has been nothing short of “fantastic.” It felt like a wave of support had finally reached him. The actor described it as a turning point, noting that it was “nice to feel the tide shift in that direction,” especially after so many fans had been critical before. Now, he said, “everyone liked that.”
Importantly, Alcott also clarified that, unlike his father Dexter, Harrison is not a sociopath. According to the actor, Harrison deeply feels empathy and is driven by a strong sense of justice — even if that drive sometimes spirals into confusion and emotional chaos. “He cares very deeply about what he believes is right and wrong,” Alcott shared. “But I don't think Harrison knows much more than that.” He added that this is because “he has a very strong reaction to what he thinks is wrong. He’s a mess.”
This vulnerability, complexity, and emotional honesty are exactly what fans seem to be responding to this time around. Harrison isn’t perfect — but he’s real. And that makes all the difference.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Dexter: Resurrection panel at San Diego Comic-Con!