Something that not many fans seem to catch is that Mia Wallace from the iconic 1994 film actually pops up in a few subtle references throughout the Dexter sequel.
In today’s landscape of film and television, hidden nods and clever callbacks have become part of the fun. Creators love embedding them, and of course, fans love uncovering them, turning shared references into small online celebrations. Among the many examples scattered throughout modern entertainment, one of the most intriguing is the thread that unexpectdly ties Pulp Fiction to Dexter: Resurrection.
At first glance, Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 cult classic seems...worlds apart from a series taking place more than three decades later. The connection becomes clear, though, when you actually look at the creative minds behind Dexter. Executive producer and longtime writer Scott Reynolds has always been vocal about his admiration for Tarantino, and Pulp Fiction holds a special place among his influences.
That affection has quietly made its way into Dexter: Resurrection, resulting in a handful of clever references that fans of both, can actually appreciate.
Uma Thurman joining Dexter: Resurrection
The most important reason these references exist at all, probably comes from the casting of Uma Thurman. Known worldwide for her work in many of Tarantino’s films, including her unforgettable role as Mia Wallace in Pulp Fiction, Thurman stepped into Dexter: Resurrection as Charley Brown, Leon Prater’s trusted right hand.
Her presence on the show made it almost irresistible for the writers to weave in a few affectionate nods to the character that helped define her career in the 1990s. And it actually feels like the moment she joined the cast, the creative team saw an opportunity to pay tribute...and they went for it!
Krysten Ritter’s character sharing the name “Mia”
Another connection comes through Krysten Ritter’s character, Mia Lapierre, also known as Lady Vengeance. Fans familiar with Pulp Fiction potentially noticed the name right away. Since Scott Reynolds wrote the role specifically for Ritter, someone he is been close with since the Jessica Jones era in the late 2010s, the choice of “Mia” comes across as a deliberate wink toward Thurman’s earlier work.
It remains unknown whether the last name Lapierre hides an additional meaning, but the first name is almost certainly intentional, tying Ritter’s character back to Tarantino’s (who was recently revealed as a Dexter fan) creation.
Kadia Saraf’s character carrying the surname “Wallace”
A third and easily overlooked nod appears in Detective Claudette Wallace, played by Kadia Saraf. The surname “Wallace” is another direct reference to Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction. Saraf confirmed all this herself during a recent conversation on the Love It Film podcast, where she shared insights about her role and the thought process behind these subtle connections.
It might seem like a small detail, but it definitely reinforces how deliberate the writers were in honoring the film, and also Thurman.
What makes these references so intriguing is that many viewers might not have caught them at all, or might have assumed they were coincidences. Learning that they were purposefully placed adds a new layer of awesomeness to a season that is loved among fans and critics.
It also feels like a quiet celebration of Uma Thurman’s arrival in the Dexterverse, which is a rare moment considering that she is an A-list film star with very few roles in television, and the writers embrace hte chance to nod toward her legacy.