Quinn has certainly come a long way since the original Dexter series concluded.
Episode 8 of Dexter: Resurrection, titled “The Kill Room Where It Happens,” gave fans a long-awaited surprise: the return of Miami Metro’s very own Joey Quinn, played by Desmond Harrington.
While Quinn was always a memorable presence in the original Dexter series, his popularity has skyrocketed in recent years thanks to memes and renewed appreciation for Harrington’s performance. His reappearance in Resurrection wasn’t just a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo—it was a pivotal moment that left fans buzzing.
Joey Quinn Returns in Dexter: Resurrection
This marks Quinn’s second appearance in Dexter: Resurrection. His first came in Episode 3, where he shared the screen with two other beloved characters: Angel Batista (David Zayas) and Vince Masuka (C.S. Lee).
But Episode 8 was Harrington’s true time to shine, even briefly. In a crime scene set in “Miami,” Quinn made his presence known, showing audiences that he’s still very much an integral part of Miami Metro’s story.
Interestingly, the scene wasn’t filmed in Miami—or even Los Angeles. Instead, it was shot in New York City, where Harrington resides. This made his return not only convenient but also special, as the production team went to great lengths to transform a small NYC location into the streets of Miami.
Palm tree props, colorful murals, Latino extras, and Miami Metro–branded police cars gave the sequence an authentic South Florida vibe, immersing fans back into Dexter’s old stomping grounds.
Joey Quinn is Now a Lieutenant at Miami Metro
The biggest surprise wasn’t just Quinn’s return, it was his new rank.
In the scene, Quinn reveals that he is now a Lieutenant at Miami Metro Police Department, the very same position once held by Maria LaGuerta during the early seasons of Dexter before she was promoted to Captain in Season 6.
This promotion is significant, especially considering the timeline. Dexter: Resurrection takes place in 2022, a full decade after the original series finale in 2012. Within those ten years, Quinn clearly worked his way up the ladder, now earning his own office at Miami Metro—just like LaGuerta once had.
From Detective to Lieutenant: Quinn’s Long Road to Success
Fans will remember Quinn’s struggles with promotion in the original series.
Back in Dexter Season 8 (2013), Quinn took the sergeant’s exam and performed well, but Lieutenant Batista ultimately promoted Detective Angie Miller instead. The decision was heavily influenced by Deputy Chief Tom Matthews, leaving Quinn frustrated and stuck as a detective.
For years, fans speculated about whether Quinn ever climbed the ranks after Dexter disappeared. Now we have confirmation: at some point after 2013, Quinn became a Sergeant (the role once held by James Doakes) and eventually reached the rank of Lieutenant.
Some fans theorize that Batista’s retirement from Miami Metro opened the door for Quinn’s advancement, giving him the career boost he long deserved.
Quinn’s Role in Episode 8: More Than Just a Cameo
What makes this appearance especially exciting is that it wasn’t just fan service. Quinn’s scene served as an important plot device.
During the episode, Quinn receives a phone call from Detective Claudette Wallace, which informs him about Batista’s mysterious movements after his retirement. This not only ties Quinn deeper into the ongoing Bay Harbor Butcher storyline but also ensures that, if something were to happen to Batista, Quinn would know both why and who might be responsible.
This setup suggests that Joey Quinn may play a larger role later in the show, possibly stepping back into the spotlight in a way that could shake up the storyline.
Will We See More of Joey Quinn in Dexter: Resurrection?
The big question now: Is this the last we’ll see of Quinn, or is he being positioned for something bigger?
Given his promotion, his history with Batista, and his connection to Miami Metro, it’s unlikely that the writers would bring him back just for a one-off. Fans are already speculating that Quinn could play a key role in uncovering the truth behind the Bay Harbor Butcher case—and maybe even cross paths with Dexter’s legacy in shocking new ways. Don't forget the fan theories suggesting that Quinn knew about Dexter's secret from Season 5 onward but deliberately turned a blind eye.