It’s time to revisit the most devastating moment of Episode 9 and perhaps the whole season.
It’s been 19 days since Episode 10 of Dexter: Resurrection dropped, and the shockwaves still haven’t faded. While the season finale delivered plenty of jaw-dropping moments, the episode leading up to it may be remembered as the most unforgettable, and according to fan ratings, the highest-ranked episode of the season. And for good reason: it was suspenseful, brilliantly written and acted, and featured the heartbreaking death of a major character that left longtime fans stunned.
That character was none other than Angel Batista, one of the most beloved and genuinely good-hearted figures in the entire Dexter franchise.
The Return of a Fan Favorite
Angel Batista, played by David Zayas, has been a cornerstone of the Dexter universe since the very beginning. First introduced in Season 1 of the original Showtime series, Batista remained a steady presence all the way through to the 2013 finale. He later made a brief but memorable appearance in two episodes of Dexter: New Blood, setting the stage for his long-awaited comeback as a series regular in Dexter: Resurrection.
But as fans quickly learned, Batista’s return was never going to be easy—or safe. His conversation with Angela Bishop in the New Blood finale planted a dangerous seed: the suspicion that Dexter Morgan was the real Bay Harbor Butcher. That knowledge set Batista on a collision course with his former colleague, and Resurrection wasted no time bringing that tension to the surface.
The Reunion Fans Waited For—And Feared
By the midpoint of Resurrection’s first episode, the dream moment finally happened: Angel Batista and Dexter Morgan reunited. Their tense exchange made it clear that Batista knew more than he was letting on.
Fueled by years of unanswered questions, Batista began a relentless quest to expose Dexter. From manipulating Harrison in an attempt to extract a confession, to quietly involving the NYPD in his investigation, Batista stopped at nothing to uncover the truth. Unfortunately, he was so blinded by that obsession which eventually led him straight into danger.
The Fatal Mistake
In Episode 10, Batista confronted Leon Prater and Charley, revealing that “Ronald Schmidt” was in fact Dexter Morgan—the real Bay Harbor Butcher. That revelation sealed his fate. Batista was abducted and strapped to Brian Moser’s infamous kill table, forced to face Dexter in a moment that was equal parts shocking and heartbreaking.
Prater demanded that Dexter kill Batista, but instead, Dexter made a fateful choice: he freed his old friend, hoping for reconciliation. Tragically, Batista attacked Dexter in a desperate attempt to stop him, only to be gunned down by Prater moments later.
Did Batista Bring This on Himself?
Social media has been flooded with reactions ranging from heartbreak to anger. Many argue that killing Batista so soon was a mistake, believing he deserved a longer arc—perhaps even the chance to be the one to finally bring Dexter down. Others feel it was cruel that Batista died harboring hatred and suspicion toward someone he once called a friend, a stark contrast to the warmth and humanity he represented throughout the series.
David Zayas Speaks Out
Despite the fan uproar, David Zayas himself has expressed peace with the decision. In interviews following the episode’s release, Zayas revealed that he knew about Batista’s death from the very beginning of production. At first, he admitted, the news was bittersweet, but he ultimately agreed that it was the right narrative choice to raise the stakes and honor the character’s legacy.
What Do You Think?
Now that more than three weeks have passed since Batista’s shocking final scene, many fans feel conflicted. Was it the right call for the writers to kill Angel Batista in the very first season of Dexter: Resurrection? Or should his story have stretched into future seasons, giving him the justice (and longevity) he deserved?
Cast your vote in our poll below and share your thoughts in the comments! Was this the ending Batista’s character deserved, or one of the show’s biggest mistakes?