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| Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan in the Season 2 premiere. (Photo credit: Matt Infante/Paramount+) |
The following is a SPOILER FREE review of the season two premiere of ‘Dexter: Resurrection’ titled ‘Risky Business’.
Season two of ‘Dexter Resurrection’ makes a strong first impression in spite of the tremendous pressure to surpass its phenomenal debut last year. The grand concept of season one remains one of the strongest and most inspired of the entire series and was supported by an insane lineup of guest stars.
Season two immediately leans into the dark humor that the series is known for while setting all of the chess pieces out in preparation for what is shaping up to be an intense new chapter in the story of Dexter Morgan. Read on for our full SPOILER FREE review and analysis.
The Setup
Thanks in part to a three year time jump since dispatching Leon Prater, the season two premiere episode shoulders a lot of responsibility. It is an episode that can’t help but focus on filling in the gap and setting the stage for what is to come but it does so with efficiency and respect for the fans; ensuring that the episode never feels like it is treading water or sacrificing one iota of entertainment value.
Case and point, the episode hits the ground running with a scene that I am convinced fans will be talking about for years to come. It is the perfect distillation of Dexter’s iconic blend of humor and darkness that also serves to paint a vivid picture of his current state of mind.
When reflecting upon this opening scene after the context of what follows, it is impressive how much important ground is covered in these opening moments; Especially when you think about the themes that we know will be explored as the season unfurls.
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| (Photo credit: Matt Infante/Paramount+) |
No time is wasted layering the season’s midlife crisis theme into Dexter’s world as the events of the past three years come into focus. Dexter’s relationship with Harrison has settled into something comfortable and positive but as his son continues to find his own way, Dexter feels his world shrinking around him.
The mundane routine of his everyday life (including his “extra-curricular activities”) is starting to take its toll and before Harry even says it out loud, you can feel the weight of what Dexter is feeling in every frame; thanks largely to the clever framing, color-grading, and cinematography of veteran Dexter director, Marcos Siega.
Generational Killers
One thing I have always loved about Dexter is that seasons are typically crafted around a theme or idea and those themes end up influencing and giving shape to some truly iconic villains.
As Dexter is starting to come to terms with his looming midlife crisis, two “new” killers (Brian Cox as the infamous ‘New York Ripper’ and Dan Stevens as the ‘Five-Borough Killer’) at opposite ends of their life span enter the picture. Needless to say, the thematic resonance and creative potential is palpable almost immediately.
Dan Stevens’ villainous Five-Borough Killer hits the ground running; quickly establishing himself as a young, methodical, and tech-savvy killer who thrives on attention. In a lot of ways, he reminds me of Brian Moser but with a very different modus operandi. While his screen-time in this episode is minimal, his presence is felt throughout and the storytelling and mystery potential surrounding this character is undeniable.
On the flip-side, Don Framt, The New York Ripper (played by Brian Cox) represents a very different kind of threat. Bound to a wheelchair, this killer who eluded capture decades prior spends his twilight years out-maneuvering Detective Wallace’s renewed investigation and tormenting the families of his victims with horrific phone calls.
His repugnant attitude and cocky demeanor paints a grim picture and while it is still unclear what kind of physical threat he actually poses this season, his role as the ghost of Dexter’s future is crystal clear.
Both villains make a powerful first impression despite their limited screen time thanks to some sharp writing and of course, two powerhouse performances from a pair of super talented actors. The conflict that is starting to take shape by the end of the episode hints at Dexter being caught between two worlds as he strives to find renewed purpose.
What better way to do that than to pit him against a pair of villains who couldn’t be more different; from him and from each other.
Harrison’s Next Chapter
The decision to jump ahead several years following season one was undoubtedly done for the sake of moving these characters to a very specific point in their life (not to mention cleaning up the rough timeline a bit).
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| (Photo credit: Matt Infante/Paramount+) |
Perhaps the biggest impact that jump has is on Harrison who (minor spoiler warning) is graduating from the police academy and officially joining the NYPD. Despite the clear conflict of interest, his relationship with his father is stronger than ever and the writers siezed that opportunity to give audiences more of those wholesome father/son moments that fans loved from season one.
Of course, that’s not to say that there isn’t strain. Dexter is, and always has been, a selfish creature so his urges continue to apply pressure to the relationship.
With that said, there has been an undeniable shift in their dynamic in the years since season one. Angst and rebellion have finally given way to mutual respect and love. It’s a refreshing change that I feel further elevates Harrison’s arc that started to develop in New Blood.
Like Dexter, Harrison’s positioning within the grander story is manipulated throughout this episode in the interest of moving him into position for things to really kick off in episode two. In a relatively short amount of time, he launches into his new career, introduces a new friend group from the academy, and even meets a new love interest that I can only assume is going to play a key role in his story going forward.
It’s a perfect storm that will most certainly become agitated further once Dexter enters the equation (and I can’t wait).
Tough Questions
This is where things get difficult to discuss without entering into serious spoiler-territory. The bulk of episode one, as far as Dexter is concerned, focuses on a kill that forces him to come to terms with his own limitations.
While satisfying his urges to kill has always kept him sane (for lack of a better word), his period of inactivity after Miami combined with his brush with death in New Blood has left a mark that he still strives to overcome. The events of this episode finally let that conflict reach its boiling point.
For one of the first times in the show’s history, Dexter’s confidence in his own abilities is seriously shaken and in that moment, the stage is set.
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| (Photo credit: Matt Infante/Paramount+) |
For a show/character that has graced our screens for 20 years now, it seems like the writers recognized that this is the perfect time to ask some tough questions: How long will he physically be able to keep this up? What is he doing all of this for if not for some sort of acknowledgement or recognition? Was he ever meant to last this long in the first place?
It’s these questions and more that season two feels poised to answer and I think that no matter what happens, Dexter will emerge on the other side fundamentally changed.
That’s speculation of course, but it’s hard to deny that themes like this aren’t being explored in the interest of keeping such an important series exciting 20 years later. How that is achieved is anyone’s guess but episode one makes a strong case for what lies ahead maintaining Resurrection’s positive momentum going forward.
Like just about every episode in season one, “Risky Business” is electric. It asks tough questions and finds exciting (and oftentimes hilarious) ways to depict a significant amount of narrative setup. While I am not ready to suggest that this is the beginning of the end for the show (again), the themes that are put in play permeate the episode and reinforce their decision to broach some uncomfortable (but necessary) subjects. The result is a narrative landscape that has never felt so vibrant and alive.
Score: 9 out of 10