Harrison returned to our screens—and to Dexter’s life—in Resurrection. But how do fans really feel about his comeback?
Dexter Morgan has returned for yet another thrilling installment in the Dexter franchise, and ever since the announcement back in July 2024, fans have been over the moon. But as excitement grew, so did a lingering concern: would Harrison Morgan, Dexter’s son, make a return—and would he be the same character that divided fans in Dexter: New Blood?
The Harrison Controversy: Why Fans Were Worried
The controversy surrounding Harrison began with New Blood. After a decade-long absence, the now-teenage Harrison reappeared in Dexter’s life. His formative years were spent with Hannah McKay in Argentina, until her untimely death. Eventually, Harrison tracked down his father in the quiet town of Iron Lake, New York.
At first, Dexter tried to hide his identity from his son, but Harrison soon discovered the truth. During the miniseries, he was portrayed as a brooding, angry teenager, full of resentment over being abandoned. While his behavior was arguably justified, many fans found his constant complaints exhausting. His dark tendencies, a reflection of his father’s legacy, were evident but underdeveloped, leaving viewers conflicted.
The tension peaked in the shocking New Blood finale, when Harrison, enraged after learning that Dexter killed Logan, ultimately shot his father and fled Iron Lake.
Harrison Returns in Dexter: Resurrection
When production for Dexter: Resurrection began in January, Jack Alcott’s return as Harrison was confirmed as a series regular. This news reignited fan concerns: would the whiny, conflicted Harrison of New Blood dominate the screen again? Some fans were cautiously optimistic, hoping that the writers would address previous criticisms and give Harrison a proper arc.
Thankfully, they did.
A Redeemed Harrison: Growth and Complexity
In Dexter: Resurrection, Harrison Morgan emerges as a far more compelling and sympathetic character. Set just ten weeks after the Iron Lake events, Harrison is now a confident young man working as a bellhop at the Empire Hotel in New York City. His attempt at a “normal” life is interrupted when he kills Ryan Foster while defending a woman from abuse—a moment that forces him to confront his own moral complexity.
This incident becomes the turning point for Harrison’s redemption. Rather than being a source of frustration, he becomes a character viewers can root for, especially during his interrogation by the NYPD. Struggling with guilt, Harrison decides to turn himself in, only for Dexter to intervene as a deus ex machina, framing Mia Lapierre for the crime he committed.
Their reunion after the Iron Lake tragedy is a highlight of the series—a deeply satisfying moment that signals the dawn of a new chapter in their father-son relationship.
Father and Son: A New Era
Harrison’s character evolution reaches its full potential as he becomes a supportive and understanding son. Unlike Dexter, he is not plagued by a “dark passenger,” but his acceptance of his father’s darkness brings a profound emotional depth to their dynamic. For Dexter, this marks a rare moment of completeness, as he finally shares a true bond with Harrison.
What Do Fans Think?
With Harrison Morgan now fully fleshed out, fans are left asking: has Dexter: Resurrection finally done justice to his character? Did the series manage to turn one of the franchise’s most controversial figures into a fan favorite, or is there still room for growth?
Now it’s your turn: cast your vote in our poll below and share your thoughts in the comments—do you think Dexter: Resurrection finally redeemed Harrison Morgan after New Blood fans struggled with his character?