What was the "real gift" Dex gave to his son that proves useful in Dexter: Resurrection?
Harrison Morgan was undoubtedly one of the most talked-about characters in Dexter: New Blood. The creative choices made regarding his storyline sparked intense debate among fans—many of whom were left dissatisfied with the way his character was portrayed. His emotional instability and unpredictable behavior drew criticism across social media and fan forums, making him one of the most polarizing figures in the franchise’s history.
This backlash lingered throughout most of New Blood, quieting slightly in the episodes leading up to the finale. But just when audiences began to adjust to Harrison’s arc, the show delivered a jarring climax: the son killing his own father, Dexter Morgan, after discovering that Dexter had murdered Sergeant Logan. That final moment sent shockwaves through the fandom and ignited further controversy.
Fast forward to Dexter: Resurrection, and it’s clear the show is steering into a fresh narrative direction. As revealed in the series premiere, Dexter survived the gunshot and has spent the past 10 weeks in a coma. With Angela Bishop’s help—a morally complex decision meant to balance the scales for what Dexter did to Kurt Caldwell—he escapes justice and relocates to New York City in search of a new beginning.
New York is also where Harrison has built a new life. Dexter, haunted by the past but driven by paternal love, is now desperate to reconnect with his son. One of the biggest questions looming over this new season is: how will Harrison react when he discovers that he didn’t actually kill his father? The next few episodes promise to explore the emotional and psychological weight of this revelation.
Turning our attention to the Dexter: Resurrection premiere, it’s clear that Harrison has undergone a major transformation. He’s more mature, emotionally grounded, and far more confident than the impulsive teen we met in New Blood. However, his tendency to act on emotion hasn’t entirely disappeared. That impulsiveness takes center stage in Episode 1, titled “A Beating Heart…”, where Harrison commits his first kill—an act that occurs in the very hotel where he works.
In a recent interview with TVLine, Jack Alcott, who reprises his role as Harrison, reflected on that pivotal scene. He explained that Harrison is an emotional and highly reactive individual. While Dexter himself was guided by powerful urges, he balanced them with intense discipline. Alcott noted, that this is something Harrison has inherited from his father. It’s that inherited meticulousness, rather than pure instinct, that ultimately helps him survive the violent ordeal in the hotel.
In a separate conversation with Forbes, Alcott opened up about working alongside Michael C. Hall during New Blood—a time when he was still finding his footing as an actor. He recalled entering the project with a mix of excitement and anxiety, aware that he was suddenly being asked to carry significant narrative weight. But what kept him grounded, he said, was Hall’s presence on set. Hall’s ability to elevate everyone around him and his deeply collaborative approach gave Alcott the confidence he needed. Any time nerves threatened to take over, he found stability simply by focusing on Hall, listening to him, and trusting the connection they built as scene partners.
As Dexter: Resurrection kicks off with a compelling new direction, it’s evident that both Harrison and Dexter are on parallel paths of redemption, reckoning, and reunion. The father-son dynamic is poised to be at the emotional core of this season—one shaped not just by past trauma, but by the hope for a second chance.