“Touched by an Ángel” places Dexter in a unique setting that was first introduced earlier this season.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for Dexter: Resurrection Season 1, Episode 9.
Dexter Morgan is back on our screens, and with Episode 9 just around the corner—the penultimate chapter of this thrilling first season—fans are bracing for jaw-dropping twists. If there’s one thing Dexter: Resurrection has proven so far, it’s that the series isn’t afraid to take big risks. That’s both exciting and dangerous: it keeps us on the edge of our seats but also risks shocking fans in ways we don’t always expect. Eight episodes in, though, one thing is clear—we’re on a wild ride to the finale.
As usual, Showtime has released the official promo for the upcoming episode, and this time a single shot has already sent the fandom into overdrive. The quick scene in question doesn’t just tease another kill—it takes place in one of the most important locations we’ve seen this season: Leon Prater’s infamous vault.
Dexter in Leon Prater’s Vault – About to Stab or Just Showing Off?
In the promo, Dexter is seen wearing Red’s signature black hoodie, standing inside Leon Prater’s vault—the chilling museum of serial killer trophies and memorabilia. This vault has been central to Prater’s dark fascination with killers, a private collection he only shares with his inner circle of murderers.
The shot shows Dexter holding a knife, seemingly poised to stab someone lying on a table. Given that the only table in that vault is the one where Brian Moser (the Ice Truck Killer) was found dead, fans are naturally assuming this could be the stage for another iconic kill.
But is Dexter really killing someone here—or is something else going on?
Fan Theory #1: Dexter Reveals Himself to Leon Prater
One of the strongest fan theories suggests that Dexter isn’t stabbing a real victim at all. Instead, he’s demonstrating his ritual to Leon Prater—revealing not only his methods, but his true identity as the Bay Harbor Butcher.
This would be a massive moment in Episode 9, one that could completely shift the dynamic between Dexter and Prater. Imagine Prater’s reaction: the man he trusted and admired isn’t Ronald Schmidt, but a notorious serial killer who targets serial killers. Would Prater be horrified, or even more enthralled?
Fan Theory #2: A Real Kill Inside the Vault
Of course, there’s still the chance this scene shows an actual kill. Could Leon Prater himself—or even his right-hand woman Charley—be the one on Dexter’s table?
There are a few details that lean against this theory, though. For one, Dexter doesn’t have his usual setup: no plastic sheets, no apron, no kill clothes. Instead, his face looks calm, almost as if he’s saying, “This is how I do it.” That expression feels more like a demonstration than a real ritualistic murder.
Fan Theory #3: A Dream or Imagination Sequence
Finally, there’s the possibility that this entire vault sequence is a dream or figment of Dexter’s imagination. The promo also teases him inside Prater’s elevator, which raises questions about how much of what we’re seeing is real or not. Showtime’s promos for Dexter: Resurrection have been intentionally misleading all season, and Episode 9 might be no exception.
What Does This Mean for the Penultimate Episode?
Whether it’s a real kill, a reveal, or just a dream, one thing is certain: Episode 9 of Dexter: Resurrection is setting up an explosive season finale. If Dexter does expose himself to Leon Prater, it could lead to one of the most dramatic confrontations in the show’s history. On the other hand, if a man as powerful as Prater becomes a victim, it would mean Dexter is once again crossing dangerous lines just before the finale.
What do you think? Is Dexter revealing himself as the Bay Harbor Butcher, or are we being misled again by a clever promo? Share your theories in the comments below and let’s get ready for one of the most intense episodes of the season.