It looks like the Dexter franchise is embracing the "like father, like son" tradition once again.
Let's be honest, the latest Dexter installments, whether the sequels or the prequel, have done a great job paying tribute to the original series in all kinds of ways. Fans have enjoyed spotting those callbacks and Easter eggs, but it looks like Dexter: Resurrection Season 2 is about to take things to another level.
Now that Paramount has finally released the first official photos from the highly anticipated new season, one particular still from Episode 2 stole the spotlight, and it doesn't even feature Dexter Morgan.
Instead, it focuses on his son, Harrison, while bringing back one of the original series' most beloved traditions.
Harrison Is Following in Dexter's Footsteps
If you've been following our coverage of Season 2 over the past few months, you already know that Harrison has taken a major step forward in his life. He is now pursuing his dream of becoming a police officer and has joined the NYPD as a rookie.
That alone is already a nice callback to his grandfather Harry and his aunt Debra. But one small detail in the newly released photos makes the connection to Dexter himself even stronger.
One of the new stills, shows Harrison riding an elevator in his NYPD uniform while holding a white box full of donuts, ready to bring them to his new colleagues at the 27th Precinct. The reference is absolutely obvious.
A Nostalgic Tradition Returns
Ever since Dexter first joined Miami Metro back in 1991, as later depicted in Dexter: Original Sin, bringing donuts to work became one of his signature routines. It was a small but definitely memorable tradition that viewers instantly associate with the character.
What's even more interesting is that this moment was quietly teased months ago.
Back in April, during the first days of filming, executive producer and writer Scott Reynolds shared a behind-the-scenes photo on social media featuring the exact same donut box from the real-life New York bakery used in the scene. At the time, many fans assumed it was connected to Dexter, but... as it turns out, the donuts actually belong to Harrison!
Was It Harrison's Idea... or Dexter's?
Of course, this whole thing raises an interesting question. Did Harrison decide on his own to bring donuts to work, or was it Dexter who suggested it?
The second option seems much more likely. Dexter originally adopted the habit as a simple way to blend in, make a good first impression, and become more likable among his coworkers. Considering Harrison is now entering a workplace filled with police officers while carrying a dangerous secret of his own, it would actually make perfect sense for Dexter to pass that advice on to his son.
At this point in the story, Harrison is in a surprisingly similar position to where Dexter once was. He has already committed a murder and managed to get away with it. Building the image of a friendly, normal young officer could be exactly the kind of lesson Dexter would teach him, especially because it worked so well during his years at Miami Metro.
Something More Than Just an Easter Egg
This is actually much more than a simple Easter egg, especially as the Dexter franchise celebrates its 20th anniversary. In fact it is another way of showing the similarities between father and son without repeating the same story.
Everyone remembers that Dexter: New Blood originally seemed to be setting Harrison up as Dexter's true successor. However, Dexter: Resurrection wisely moved away from that idea. Although Harrison killed someone using his father's method, he was overwhelmed by guilt and self-hatred afterward, proving that, deep down, he is very different from Dexter.
The "like father, like son" connection still exists, but now it's being expressed through something much lighter and far more nostalgic. And that is... a simple box of donuts!
Now that Harrison starts a new chapter inside the NYPD, it'll be interesting to see how he handles life in a place that could be just as dangerous for him, as Miami Metro once was for his dad.