Dexter: New Blood is almost here, just over a year after the initial announcement and eight since Dexter ended. Ahead of Sunday’s premiere, we had the chance to watch the first four episodes. And it feels so good to have this show back.
Note: This review is spoiler free.
Dexter: New Blood picks up nearly a decade after the events of the Dexter series finale. Dexter now lives as Jim Lindsay, in a town called Iron Lake, NY. He’s adjusting to his new life, a changed man tamping down his homicidal urges. But when a case shakes the town, his Dark Passenger comes out to play.
There’s so much to love with this revival already, and foremost is its cast. Michael C. Hall returns as the titular character. Jim Lindsay is a noticeably different persona. He’s everything Dexter Morgan sometimes thought he could be. Despite this evolved man, Jim is still very much Dexter. Hall brings that same charm and snark viewers grew to love. But he still carries the burdens from Dexter’s series finale. Hall plays a character who hasn’t quite forgotten who he is, as much as he wants to. Jennifer Carpenter’s return offers a thought-provoking rendition of Debra Morgan. While I don’t want to give anything away here, I will say that she makes a return that will definitely hit viewers.
Next is the new cast. First, I need to talk about Jack Alcott. Alcott plays Harrison Morgan, now a teenager. After only knowing Harrison as a toddler, it’s weird to see an older version of him. However, Alcott absolutely nails his performance. He’s nothing short of incredible. Viewers learn long-awaited answers to what happened with Harrison and Hannah. Alcott’s performance is both heart-wrenching and heartfelt. Though Harrison and Dexter have their differences, Harrison holds that same dry wit as Dexter, and Alcott executes it perfectly. He and Hall are a well-suited father-son duo.
The rest of the cast also brings some exciting new blood (pun intended). Julia Jones as Chief of Police Angela Bishop has quickly become one of my favorites. Her on-screen daughter, played by Johnny Sequoyah, brings a great complement to Alcott’s Harrison. Jamie Chung (Molly) and Clancy Brown (Kurt) also bring intriguing characters viewers will want to know everything about. Each cast member brings something to the table. Whether a main character or a secondary character, this cast meshes so well together. It’s impossible to dislike any of them.
Beyond casting, Dexter: New Blood brings its own flavor to the screen. With a new setting, new story, and largely new cast, it sets itself apart from its predecessor. Regardless, it still feels like Dexter. It holds that lurking ominous vibe viewers became accustomed to. The humor remains dry and sharp. Listen closely and reminiscence on those familiar themes present in the musical score of Dexter: New Blood. There are so many nods to Dexter viewers will eat up. And answers. Viewers finally get answers.
There’s only so much we can tell from just four episodes. But it only takes one to see how special this revival will be. Already, it’s everything viewers have been needing for eight years. The show is quick to create attachment between these characters – new and returning – once again immersing viewers in Dexter Morgan’s (well… Jim Lindsay’s) world. It’s evident that the cast and creative team still care just as deeply about this show as viewers. It’s no secret the initial series finale was disappointing. While we don’t yet know how New Blood ends, there’s not a single doubt in my mind that it will finally give viewers and Dexter a proper ending.
Dexter: New Blood premieres on Sunday, November 7 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on Showtime. Keep up with our ongoing coverage, including upcoming recaps, here.
