The actor also shared his experience filming the Miami Metro reunion scene in Episode 3.
One episode before the Dexter: Resurrection Season 1 finale, fans were left heartbroken as Ángel Batista — one of the kindest and most beloved figures in the Dexter universe — met a tragic end. His death unfolded right in front of his former friend and longtime colleague, Dexter Morgan.
Although Dexter himself did not kill Batista (a relief, since Batista never aligned with Harry’s Code), the scene carried enormous emotional weight. Batista’s downfall came not from Dexter’s blade, but from his own relentless pursuit of justice. His determination to expose Dexter ultimately blinded him to the danger closing in, sealing his fate.
Batista’s journey in Resurrection began in Iron Lake, where he saw Dexter for the first time in over a decade. Just two episodes later came the Miami reunion alongside Masuka and Quinn. It was meant to be the last time we saw these three together on screen, and for some viewers, it foreshadowed Batista's demise that came later in the season.
In an interview with Vulture that followed the release of Episode 9 "Touched by an Ángel," Zayas talked about that scene, and of course the crucial ones from the penultimate episode.
Reuniting with Miami Metro: “It felt like a family reunion”
Filming the Miami Metro reunion (though shot in Manhattan) was deeply meaningful to Zayas. He described the experience as stepping back into a family-like dynamic, working with people he had grown close to over the years. It was a scene he had been looking forward to from the very start of production.
Playing a Miami Character in New York: “I had to make Batista uncomfortable”
While New York is Zayas’ real-life hometown, Batista belongs to Miami. He consciously distanced himself from his own comfort to ensure Batista felt out of place, on edge, and consumed by his mission. Unlike the warmth of Miami Metro, Batista in New York was isolated, stripped of authority, and forced to face danger alone.
Batista as a Secondary Antagonist: “I wasn’t adversarial, I was seeking the truth”
Zayas explained that Batista’s actions weren’t driven by malice but by a desire to uncover the truth. He approached the character’s journey as one of curiosity and duty, aware of the danger but compelled to seek justice for friends and loved ones.
Dexter and Batista’s Tension: “The cards were on the table”
Early interactions between Dexter and Batista were like a subtle cat-and-mouse game, each hiding intentions while probing for weaknesses. By their final car scene, however, the masks were off. Batista knew he only needed to catch Dexter red-handed to settle the score.
Filming the Fight Scene: “We made it look real without anyone getting hurt”
The intense fight between Dexter and Batista was carefully staged for safety. Zayas shared that years of experience allowed them to make the struggle feel authentic while ensuring no one was injured.
Batista’s Death: “It was the right choice that someone else did it”
Although Batista’s life ended at the hands of Leon Prater, Zayas fully supported the decision. He highlighted that Batista, like LaGuerta and Doakes before him, never fit within Harry’s Code. Having someone else take his life honored Dexter’s principles while giving Batista a tragic, fitting conclusion.
As we head into the season finale, fans are left wondering what comes next. Will Batista’s body be discovered and given the respect of a proper funeral? Or will he be left to vanish, another ghost in Dexter’s long trail of destruction?