The Season 1 finale features several unforgettable music highlights.
This past Friday, we officially said goodbye to the first season of Dexter: Resurrection—a season that not only subverted expectations but also delivered one of the most engaging stories the franchise has seen in years. From its bold New York City setting to the top-tier performances, everything about Season 1 was, in true Dexter fashion, chef’s kiss. And Episode 10, “And Justice for All...”, was no exception.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned since Dexter: New Blood (2021), it’s that the new era of Dexter has embraced a fresh narrative tool: licensed music. The original series relied mostly on Daniel Licht’s haunting score, but in the 2020s, the revival chapters—New Blood, Original Sin, and now Resurrection—have all used a mix of familiar and obscure tracks to set the tone, enrich flashbacks, and heighten key emotional beats.
In Dexter: Resurrection, this trend continued across all 10 episodes. Whether it was a nostalgic throwback or a hidden gem, the soundtrack amplified tension, and even moments of levity.
The season 1 finale was largely set indoors during Leon Prater’s gala, culminating in Dexter being trapped inside Prater’s vault. But that didn’t stop Clyde Phillips and Scott Reynolds from layering in memorable tracks that made the atmosphere come alive. Thanks to the gala setting, music was not jst background, it became part of the storytelling.
What stood out most in Episode 10 was the balance between retro favorites from the 70s, 80s, and 90s and more symbolic, modern choices. The playlist gave the finale an uplifting energy in the midst of its high-stakes tension. Still, many longtime fans couldn’t help but notice the absence of Licht’s original score, something the sequel used quite a few times, but not as much as we wanted.
Dexter: Resurrection – Episode 10 “And Justice for All...” Soundtrack Guide
Here’s a complete breakdown of every track featured in the Season 1 finale and the exact moments they appear:
1. “All Star” – Smash Mouth (1999)
Scene: Batista’s ringtone. We hear it when Quinn calls him to check in, adding a lighthearted touch in a tense episode, that followed a major character death.
2. “I Feel You” – Depeche Mode (1993)
Scene: Dexter uses Batista’s phone to call Harrison and Gigi, interrupting their "moment" and heightening the urgency of his request for help.
3. “Badoom” – Scrounge (2022)
Scene: A symbolic callback. This song first played in Episode 4 when Dexter rode Prater’s elevator to meet him for the first time. In Episode 10, it plays again—this time as Dexter rides that same elevator to confront Prater, who now threatens Harrison’s life.
4. “Forget Me Nots” – Patrice Rushen (1982)
Scene: A classic 80s track that provides the perfect upbeat background at Prater’s gala.
5. “Born to Be Alive” – Patrick Hernandez (1979)
Scene: Keeping the retro energy alive, this disco anthem underscores the lively gala atmosphere.
6. “Stayin’ Alive” – Bee Gees (1977)
Scene: Claudette can’t resist dancing when this iconic disco hit comes on, giving viewers a rare moment of levity.
7. “Cristo Redentor” – Donald Byrd (1963)
Scene: A chilling, atmospheric jazz track that begins as Claudette, Melvin, and other NYPD officers uncover Prater’s vault. It continues through the final moments of the episode, accompanying Dexter’s inner monologue as he disposes of Prater’s body at the New York harbor.
Final Thoughts
Season 1 of Dexter: Resurrection has already earned its place as a fan favorite, and the music played quite a role in that success. From disco classics to moody jazz and 90s alt-rock, the soundtrack not only elevated individual scenes but also gave the season its own unique identity within the Dexter franchise.
Much like the storytelling, these songs will stick with fans long after the finale, bringing them right back to the thrill, suspense, and emotional depth of Resurrection’s first chapter.