Let’s take a closer look at all the new details we learned this week about Don Framt.
Ever since April kicked off, a relatively long-running mystery in Dexter: Resurrection finally came to an end. After nearly nine months of fan theories, it was officially confirmed that The New York Ripper, the retired serial killer referenced multiple times throughout Season 1, will be portrayed by Brian Cox.
Cox becomes yet another A-list addition to the series, bringing with him a career that spans over five decades and of course, countless iconic roles. With his casting, we also received a clearer picture of Don Framt (the Ripper’s apparent real name) including his age, which is estimated to be around 79–80. That detail alone actually makes him the oldest antagonist Dexter Morgan has ever faced.
But the reveals didn’t really stop there. On Thursday, a series of intriguing set pics surfaced online, giving a first look at Cox fully in character as the New York Ripper. These images answered big questions, confirmed a few theories, and of course, created more speculation.
Before diving into what these set photos revealed, it is worth (briefly) revisiting everything we already knew about the character from various Season 1 episodes.
The New York Ripper is an elusive serial killer whose crimes span at least two decades. Detective Wallace has been tracking him since very early in her career, with a total of 22 victims attributed to him over the years. His signature weapon appears to be a hook used to open manholes. Although he hasn’t killed in years, his presence is still felt in an awful way, as he continues to contact victims’ families with disturbing messages, something that prolongs their trauma.
One recorded phone call to a victim’s sister revealed just how sadistic he actually is. He mocks his victims, references very personal details, and describes his methods in graphic ways. According to a theory by Wallace, this behavior suggests he’s trying to relive the sense of power and control he once had during his active years as a killer.
Now, with the newly released set photos, we finally have a much better image of who Don Framt really is.
What actually stands out, is how carefully he blends into the background. He appears to be completely above suspicion, living a life that doesn’t really raise any red flags. He’s not isolated either; in fact, he seems relatively social, even frequently visiting strip clubs and showing a strong interest in women.
At the same time, there’s a clear contrast in his physical condition. Framt is disabled and relies on an older electric wheelchair to get around the city.
His appearance is unpolished, as he wears glasses that appear to be broken and held together with tape, along with a noticeable mustache. There are also signs that he may struggle with basic self-care, with some visible food stains on his blouse in several images.
One especially interesting detail comes from a close-up shot of his wheelchair (see right below), where a sticker (visible behind the Getty watermark) reveals that he’s known as “Big Don.” It’s a clue that hints at how he’s perceived in his social circles, or maybe how he...wants to be perceived!
Of course, while these images answer a lot, they also raise new questions. The lack of care in his appearance suggests he may not have a spouse or someone consistently looking after him. It actually opens several possibilities: he could be divorced, widowed, or simply living alone. At the same time, it is still possible that he has children or even a paid caregiver helping him at home.
Another unknown is the cause of his disability. From his condition, it seems more likely to be the result of an illness rather than an accident, but that is only speculation for now.
Interestingly, ever since Cox’s casting was announced, there has been talk about whether the New York Ripper can really be a serious threat to Dexter. Those discussions have actually grown stronger after these set photos were released. At first glance, it is easy to underestimate someone of his age and physical condition.
But sometimes, appearances are deceiving. And these new details suggest that Don Framt may be far more dangerous than he actually looks.