The latest Dexter meme taking over the internet once again centers on Sergeant Doakes!
The original Dexter series just turned 19 years old — and somehow, the hype keeps growing stronger with each passing year. Thanks to recent spin-offs like Dexter: Original Sin and Dexter: Resurrection, the iconic franchise is experiencing a true renaissance. But while new stories continue to expand Dexter Morgan’s world, fans are still obsessed with one thing: the classic moments that made the series legendary.
And guess what? The latest viral Dexter meme comes straight from one of the most iconic episodes of all time — Season 1, Episode 12, “Born Free.” But surprisingly, it’s not the infamous “Surprise, motherf**ker!” line this time. Nope. Fans have latched onto another gem from Sergeant James Doakes himself, a quote that’s quickly taking over TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
The Scene Behind the Meme
Longtime fans will remember this intense moment: during the Season 1 finale, Dexter is desperately searching for his sister Debra, who’s been abducted by his brother, Brian Moser. Following his instincts, Dexter returns to the place where he was “born in blood” — the shipping yard where it all began.
Hoping to find clues, he opens one of the shipping containers… only to discover it’s filled with bananas. Frustrated and confused, he’s suddenly interrupted by the ever-suspicious Doakes, who demands to know what Dexter’s doing there. When Dexter tells him he’s looking for Debra, Doakes replies, with perfect skepticism:
“In a cargo box?”
And just like that, a brand-new meme was born.
From Showtime to TikTok: Doakes Goes Viral Again
Nearly two decades after Dexter first aired, Gen Z has embraced the series with surprising passion, and they’ve turned this throwaway line into one of 2025’s funniest viral trends. The phrase “in a cargo box?” has exploded across social media platforms, especially on YouTube, where dozens of new YTP (YouTube Poop) videos remix the moment with absurd and hilarious edits.
These fan-made clips feature not just Michael C. Hall and Erik King, but even John C. McDonnell, who played the unlucky dock manager caught between Dexter and Doakes during their confrontation. Just type “Dexter YTP” or “in a cargo box” into YouTube’s search bar, and you’ll find dozens of fresh uploads parodying the scene in creative and chaotic ways.
A Timeless Scene That Keeps on Giving
It’s rare for a single TV moment (now nearly 19 years old) to keep resurfacing in pop culture, but that’s exactly what’s happening here. The legacy of Erik King’s unforgettable portrayal of James Doakes continues to grow, proving once again that he remains one of the best things to ever happen to the Dexter universe.
Credit also goes to the episode’s writers Daniel Cerone and Melissa Rosenberg, and director Michael Cuesta, for crafting such an enduring and meme-worthy scene. Their work didn’t just help (unknowingly) define Dexter’s first season, it’s now fueling an entire new generation of fan creativity.
A Missed Opportunity for Original Sin
This renewed fan interest also makes the cancellation of Dexter: Original Sin feel even more disappointing. The prequel was reportedly set to introduce a younger version of James Doakes, a move that could have perfectly bridged old-school fans with new audiences.
If Paramount doesn’t reconsider its decision, it’s not just a missed opportunity for Dexter’s storytelling potential, but a loss for one of the most loyal and passionate fandoms in modern television.
After 19 years, Dexter’s legacy shows no signs of fading. In fact, the memes, the discussions, and the excitement surrounding the show are stronger than ever, proving that some TV icons never die.