On back-to-back Fridays, both versions of this fan-favorite character made their exit.
Even though Dexter: Resurrection is delivering brand-new episodes that have fans on the edge of their seats, the past few days have been unusually emotional for the Dexter fandom. On August 22, what should have been a day of excitement for the release of episode 8 quickly turned into heartbreak when Dexter: Original Sin was suddenly cancelled.
And we say “suddenly” because the prequel series, which follows a 20-year-old Dexter Morgan on his journey from student to avenging serial killer, had originally been renewed. The decision was shockingly reversed by Paramount’s new leadership after the company merged with Skydance.
This abrupt cancellation, combined with a major plot twist in Dexter: Resurrection, meant that within the span of just one week, fans were forced to say goodbye to Angel Batista twice.
Dexter: Original Sin’s Cancellation Ends Young Batista’s Storyline
The end of Dexter: Original Sin is a crushing blow, not only for fans of young Dexter Morgan (brilliantly played by Patrick Gibson), but also for those eager to see the rise of young Angel Batista. Portrayed by James Martinez, Batista’s role in season 1 was relatively small, but the writers clearly had long-term plans for him in future seasons.
Now, with Paramount+ pulling the plug, the 1990s Miami Metro storyline has been cut short. That means fans may never get to explore Batista’s early days on the force, his bond with Dexter, or the evolution of his trademark “La Pasión” attitude.
Dexter: Resurrection Episode 9 Brings Batista’s Shocking Fate
Just a week after the prequel’s cancellation, fans were hit with another gut punch. In the penultimate episode of Dexter: Resurrection, the present-day version of Batista (played by David Zayas) met his end at the hands of Leon Prater.
Batista’s relentless determination to prove Dexter was the Bay Harbor Butcher ultimately sealed his fate, placing him in the same tragic company as Doakes and LaGuerta. For longtime viewers, this was a devastating moment — a final goodbye to a character who has been a cornerstone of the franchise since the very beginning.
The Stark Contrast Between Young and Old Batista
What makes this double loss so painful is the stark contrast between the two Batistas we just lost.
In Dexter: Original Sin, we meet a naive, fresh-faced Batista, just starting out at Miami Metro and building new relationships, including with a young Dexter Morgan.
In Dexter: Resurrection, Batista is seasoned, freshly retired, no longer naive about Dexter’s darkness and fully prepared to expose him, no matter the cost.
Experiencing both versions of Batista in such close succession, only to lose them both, has left fans reeling.
Can We Still Save 'Young Batista'?
While David Zayas’ Batista might still return in flashbacks, hallucinations, or dream sequences in future seasons — something the actor himself has hinted at — James Martinez’s young Batista from the prequel faces a much bleaker fate.
But it doesn’t have to end this way. Fans have already launched a massive petition to save Dexter: Original Sin from cancellation, with 66,000+ signatures and counting. The more support the movement gathers, the higher the chances Paramount could reconsider and give the prequel at least one more season.
Sign the petition now and join thousands of fans fighting to bring back Dexter: Original Sin. Let’s make sure young Batista’s story — and the untold chapters of 1990s Miami Metro — get the continuation they deserve!