After Episode 8 aired, the actor shared insights on what fans can expect next.
Dexter: Resurrection has given fans something they’ve been waiting nearly two decades for: the full-fledged return of Angel Batista. Played by David Zayas, Batista has always been one of the most beloved and kindhearted characters in Dexter’s 20-year history.
His absence in Dexter: New Blood was felt strongly, even though he appeared briefly in just two episodes. But now, in Resurrection, Batista is back as a series regular — and in every episode, he continues to surprise us with his sharp instincts and unshakable pursuit of justice.
A More Decisive, Hardened Angel Batista
This isn’t the same Batista we knew back in the original run. Time has changed him. After the events of 2012, Angel worked his way up the ranks to Captain at Miami Metro — and it shows. He’s more assertive, more confident, and far more accurate in his detective work. From piecing together Dexter’s connection to the Bay Harbor Butcher, to questioning Dexter’s framing of Mia, Batista’s theories this season have been chillingly on-point.
For the first time, Angel isn’t blinded by Dexter’s lies. He sees the truth clearly, no matter how painful it is. His pursuit of justice is relentless, and fans are witnessing a side of Batista that has never been explored so deeply before.
David Zayas on Batista’s Evolution
In a new interview with Collider’s Tania Hussain, David Zayas opened up about the game-changing events of Episodes 7 and 8 — and what’s still to come in the explosive season finale.
Is Batista obsessed with bringing Dexter down, or is he simply the last man standing who cares about the truth? According to Zayas, it’s a little bit of both. “At this point, Angel knows the truth about Dexter,” he says, and the weight of the evidence has completely shifted his perspective. There’s no turning back — Batista is all in. The only problem? He doesn’t have authority in New York, and that limitation makes his pursuit even more frustrating.
Relentless but Human
Zayas notes that when Batista commits to something, he gives it his all. That commitment is what has made the character resonate with fans for two decades. Playing Angel for so long gives Zayas a rich well of history and nuance to draw from — every choice Batista makes now is informed by years of trust, betrayal, and personal loss.
A More Emotional, Combative Batista
Early in the season, Batista was still unsure. But as the truth unraveled, his innocence was chipped away. By Episode 8, he’s a man consumed by guilt: How did I miss this? How did Dexter fool me? That guilt has hardened into determination. He trusted Dexter, celebrated milestones with him, and even went to his wedding — only to realize the man he stood beside was the Bay Harbor Butcher all along.
Still, Zayas insists Batista isn’t motivated by vengeance. This is about justice — for Deb, LaGuerta, Doakes, and everyone else whose lives were destroyed by Dexter’s double life.
Batista and Harrison: A Warning Sign
When it comes to Dexter’s son, Harrison, Batista’s concern runs deep. He doesn’t know about Dexter’s so-called “code” — all he sees is a dangerous legacy. In Batista’s eyes, someone with Dexter’s blood becoming a cop is a recipe for disaster. His mission is clear: stop Dexter before history repeats itself.
The Showdown with Dexter
Of course, the heart of Dexter: Resurrection lies in Batista’s confrontation with Dexter himself. Zayas says working with Michael C. Hall is always “inspiring,” with their decades-long trust allowing their scenes to carry real emotional weight. Whether it’s a tense hospital exchange or a dramatic standoff, the chemistry between the two actors ensures that these moments feel raw, authentic, and unforgettable.
What Comes Next
As the season heads into its final episodes, Zayas promises even more shocking revelations. Batista’s lack of authority in New York will become a central obstacle, but his determination isn’t going anywhere. With the walls closing in around Dexter, fans should brace themselves for a finale that will leave them breathless.
Angel Batista’s return is the emotional backbone of Dexter: Resurrection. His pursuit of the truth, no matter the cost, is what makes this season so compelling. And as David Zayas teases, the endgame is only just beginning.