Following the release of Episode 2, "Fallen," which brought Charley Brown back into the game, some fans have been critical of Uma Thurman's portrayal of the character.
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| Uma Thurman as Charley in Dexter: Resurrection Season 2. (Photo credit: Matt Infante/Paramount+) |
Episode 2 of Dexter: Resurrection Season 2 finally gave Uma Thurman a much bigger role as Charley Brown than she had on average during Season 1. But while fans were happy to see her back, some found something about her portrayal of the character surprisingly distracting.
It wasn't what Charley did, but rather how she acted. Her swagger, and facial expressions quickly became a talking point among viewers, with some even comparing her performance to characters from Quentin Tarantino movies.
Why Uma Thurman's Portrayal of Charley Is Bothering Some Fans
Charley's return actually came when she interrupted the breakfast Dexter and Harrison were having at a local diner. Her arrival led Harrison to leave, giving Charley and Dexter a chance to talk.
That conversation was where some viewers first noticed something unusual about Thurman's performance. Her stiffness, swagger, and certain facial expressions felt over the top to some fans. As YouTuber Cody Leach, a longtime Dexter fan who reviews the show every week, pointed out, it almost seemed as though Thurman had been directed to play Charley like a character from a Tarantino film.
It is definitely an interesting comparison, especially considering Thurman's history with the filmmaker, as she starred in three of Tarantino's best-known movies: Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill: Volume 1 and Volume 2. It's actually possible that the way she delivers her lines and expresses herself as Charley is, at least partly, a deliberate choice.
There's also a possible connection behind the scenes. Scott Reynolds, one of the key creative voices behind Dexter: Resurrection, is a huge Tarantino fan. That makes it interesting to consider whether the filmmaker's influence has played a role in shaping Charley's personality.
Leach was among the first to point out the similarities, but other viewers shared the same observation. So, is this really a new direction for Charley in Season 2, or has she always behaved this way?
Charley Brown Was Actually Like This in Season 1
Despite what some reactions might suggest, Charley's attitude and mannerisms aren't new. Thurman portrayed her in a similar way throughout Season 1, so the swagger and stiff attitude we saw in "Fallen" aren't necessarily a change in the character.
There is, however, a good reason why it might seem different this time around.
In Season 1, Charley worked as the right hand of Leon Prater, a billionaire hiding some seriously evil secrets. Her strict attitude and professional appearance suited someone whose job was to protect a powerful man and take care of his problems. Everything about her look and behavior fit that role.
Season 2 shows us a different side of Charley. She's now working independently and trying to make up for the way she chose to earn money by protecting someone like Prater. Even her new hairstyle and more casual outfits give her a more everyday, approachable appearance.
That contrast might explain why some viewers find her behavior unusual. Charley may look more like an ordinary woman in her 50s now, but she still carries herself much like she did when working for Prater. It's also worth remembering that she's a former special ops operative, so her confidence and certain mannerisms are actually part of who she is.
There Were Also More... Relaxed Moments in "Fallen"
Of course, Thurman's portrayal wasn't quite as intense throughout the entire episode. There were moments when Charley seemed much more relaxed, specifically during the two nights out she shared with Dexter, when the two enjoyed some wine together.
Those scenes showed a different dynamic between the characters and showed that Charley doesn't always have to be that stiff or expressive.
It is worth noting that the discussion surrounding Thurman's performance doesn't take away from her abilities as an actress. She has had a highly successful career over the past few decades, and the criticism from some fans seems to be more about how Charley is written and presented than Thurman's acting skills.
Her portrayal might actually seem unusual now that Charley is no longer working for Prater, but much of what viewers are reacting to was already there in Season 1. And honestly, given Thurman's history with Tarantino, it's very possible that his style has also influenced the creative team's vision for the character.
What do you think? Were you also bothered by Uma Thurman's portrayal of Charley in her first episode of Dexter: Resurrection Season 2?