Patrick Bateman was referenced in every Dexter series, except New Blood.
While Dexter has never been a show overly reliant on pop culture references, one particular literary and cinematic nod has carved out a subtle but powerful presence throughout the series — Bret Easton Ellis’s American Psycho. The twisted tale of Patrick Bateman isn’t just a background reference, but a layered, ongoing influence that threads through Dexter, Dexter: Original Sin, and even Dexter: Resurrection.
Ellis’s infamous novel was first published on March 6, 1991 — a perfectly timed release given that Dexter: Original Sin kicks off just two months later, in May of the same year. In the prequel series, a young Dexter Morgan, portrayed by Patrick Gibson, stumbles upon American Psycho and becomes instantly intrigued. In fact, his fascination is so intense that he tears through the book at lightning speed. It's not just the brutal content that captivates him, it’s the title itself. Something about “Patrick Bateman” resonates with Dexter on a disturbingly personal level.
A Name Worth Borrowing
That resonance goes beyond admiration. In Dexter: Original Sin, Dexter doesn’t just read the book — he adopts the name for some of his dark activities. Thanks to a fake ID created by an unsuspecting Vince Masuka (under the guise of letting Dexter go clubbing), our future vigilante uses “Patrick Bateman” as an alias while stalking his second target, Tony Ferrer. It’s the first sign that this reference isn't just a throwaway Easter egg.
This isn’t a one-time nod, either. Fast-forward to Dexter: Resurrection, and the alias lives on. As Dexter arrives in New York City and begins laying down roots with the help of Blessing Kamara, he once again uses the name "Patrick Bateman" to obtain M99, the powerful animal tranquilizer he famously uses on his victims. In Episode 2, we see him place the order under the alias. By Episode 3, it arrives — just in time for Dexter to put it to use on his first victim in the revival: Ronald Schmidt, aka The Dark Passenger Killer.
Michael C. Hall Weighs In
But what does Michael C. Hall — the man behind Dexter Morgan — think about this connection to American Psycho?
In a recent interview with ComicBook.com, Hall opened up about the parallels. Interestingly, he doesn’t view American Psycho as a direct influence on Dexter’s character. Instead, he sees it more as a dark mirror — a warning of what Dexter might have become without Harry’s Code.
“The die was cast,” Hall notes, suggesting that Dexter’s path was already laid out for him long before Bateman entered the picture. But even so, Bateman serves as a kind of anti-role model, a cautionary tale. Where Dexter kills with purpose and restraint (at least in his own mind), Bateman represents the chaos and narcissism of unchecked violence. In fact, Bateman might have been a perfect target for Dexter, someone who murders indiscriminately, without guilt or moral code.
There’s also a twisted sense of humor at play. Hall appreciates the irony of Dexter using Bateman’s name as an alias — a subtle nod to fans, and a moment that encapsulates the series' signature blend of darkness and wit.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Reference
The ongoing American Psycho reference is a testament to the writers’ attention to detail and long-term storytelling. By weaving in a cultural touchstone like Patrick Bateman across multiple timelines and iteratons of the show, they create a richer, more connected universe.
And for longtime fans, these moments are gold, little geeky gifts that deepen the lore and make rewatching even more rewarding.