The acclaimed actress earned praise from both critics and fans for her standout portrayal, revealing a more humanized side of Charley.
It’s no secret that Dexter: Resurrection is proving to be one of the most exciting television events of the year. From its gripping storylines to its impeccable writing, direction, and casting, the revival has exceeded fan expectations at every turn. But if there’s one element that continues to stand out above the rest, it’s the acting.
When Showtime announced the casting for Dexter: Resurrection earlier this year, fans were stunned to see household names like Peter Dinklage and Uma Thurman join the series. Thurman’s addition in particular made waves—after all, she’s a Hollywood icon who rarely takes on television roles. For long-time Dexter fans, her casting felt like a dream come true.
In a recent interview, Thurman revealed she has been a dedicated fan of Dexter for years. When the role of Charley Brown came across her desk, she immediately connected with the character. Accepting the role was “a no-brainer,” she explained, especially after reading the scripts and seeing the complex, layered story being crafted for this season.
Uma Thurman’s Journey as Charley Brown
At first, Thurman’s screen time was limited to brief, intriguing appearances in the early episodes. Fans only got small glimpses of Charley, who was revealed to be tied to Leon Prater’s dark world. But as the season progressed, her presence grew more powerful. By Episode 9, Thurman took center stage, delivering a raw, emotional performance that has become one of the highlights of the season.
In the penultimate episode, Dexter Morgan confronts Charley in a terrifying encounter. Disguised as “Red,” also known as the Dark Passenger Killer, Dexter stages a ritual meant to intimidate rather than kill. This moment strips away Charley’s fearless façade and reveals her humanity. Fearing not only for her own life but also for the safety of her mother, Thurman portrays a chilling blend of terror, vulnerability, and love.
Her performance brought an unexpected depth to Charley Brown, a character who until then had been seen as unshakable. Thurman’s emotional range—from cold and commanding to broken and desperate—reminded viewers why she has been considered one of Hollywood’s most talented actresses for decades.
TVLine Honors Uma Thurman’s Episode 9 Performance
Entertainment site TVLine has a long-running weekly tradition of highlighting standout television performances. For Episode 9 of Dexter: Resurrection, Thurman earned an Honorable Mention for her portrayal of Charley Brown.
Critic Nick Caruso praised the actress for the way her “eyes watered and her fear filled the frame” as Dexter unearthed painful truths about her past. He noted that Thurman’s ability to convey her character’s love for her mother and fear of Leon Prater added immense emotional weight to the episode. While Caruso wished she had more material throughout the season, he acknowledged that Episode 9 finally allowed Thurman to showcase the full range of her abilities.
Not the First Time Dexter: Resurrection Has Earned TVLine Recognition
Uma Thurman isn’t the only Dexter: Resurrection actor to be singled out this season. Earlier, Jack Alcott was named Performer of the Week for Episode 5, which featured a powerful and emotional reunion with his father, Dexter Morgan. Just last week, David Zayas received an Honorable Mention for his heartbreaking performance as Angel Batista in “The Kill Room Where It Happens.”
While Uma Thurman’s chilling and vulnerable performance deserves every bit of praise, many fans argue that Zayas’s turn in his final episode as Batista represents the most powerful performance of his career. We'll be writing a story about it in the next few days, so stay tuned.
A Season Overflowing with Talent
From Michael C. Hall’s return as Dexter Morgan to the surprising additions of Uma Thurman, Peter Dinklage, and other new faces, Dexter: Resurrection has delivered some of the finest performances in the franchise’s history. Episode after episode, the acting continues to elevate the already gripping story, making this revival one of the most beloved and memorable television events in years.