The following contains spoilers for Dexter: Resurrection's penultimate episode
As Dexter: Resurrection fans are still reeling from the heartbreaking death of Angel Batista — a character audiences have loved and connected with for nearly two decades — Showtime has released its latest post-mortem featurette, the weekly behind-the-scenes video that drops every Monday following a new episode.
Episode 9, “Touched by an Ángel,” delivered some of the most unforgettable moments of the season, but the featurette zeroes in on just one: the shocking and emotional scene where Batista, also known as “La Pasión,” meets his end. Filmed two months before Episode 9 itself, the video features Michael C. Hall (Dexter), David Zayas (Batista), showrunner Clyde Phillips, and co-showrunner Scott Reynolds reflecting on the impact of Batista’s demise.
Reynolds admitted that killing Batista was one of the hardest creative decisions the team has ever faced:
“Even though we love Batista — everybody loves Batista — it felt right, and it felt heartbreaking,” Reynolds explained. “Part of Dexter’s story is that he’s a wrecking ball. To truly honor Batista’s character, he either had to catch Dexter or he had to die. You can’t keep that cat-and-mouse game going with a homicide cop like him.”
He went on to emphasize how tough the decision was in the writers’ room:
“I remember us going back and forth: Can we even do that? It wasn’t an easy choice. But ultimately, it was the story we needed to tell.”
Michael C. Hall shared his own perspective on Batista’s final confrontation with Dexter:
“Prater, without realizing it, tests Dexter’s conviction not to kill anyone innocent — and Batista’s fate shows he can’t quite hold to that. Losing him feels like a genuine loss. It reveals that Dexter’s fantasy of keeping things neat and tidy is just that — a fantasy. Batista’s determination to pursue him was always going to end badly. In that moment, we see Dexter in true regret and remorse.”
Of course, no reflection on Batista’s death would be complete without hearing from David Zayas himself. The actor, who brought Angel Batista to life for 19 years, recalled his character’s unforgettable final words:
“I’m still thinking about that last reaction — that final ‘f*ck you.’ It’s powerful.”
Zayas admitted he had a sense from the beginning that Batista’s journey might end here:
“As soon as I heard there would be a Dexter Resurrection, I had a strong impulse Batista would meet his demise. Because let’s be real — Angel Batista would never let Dexter slide. To the fans who are devastated, I’m devastated too. This fanbase has always understood Batista’s heart and loyalty. At least he went out with a bang,” he added with a laugh.
For longtime fans of Dexter, Batista’s death marks the end of an era — and his legacy as one of the most beloved characters in the franchise will be deeply felt.
Watch Showtime’s full Dexter: Resurrection post-mortem featurette for Episode 9, “Touched by an Ángel,” below: