Dexter: Resurrection – How Should Dexter’s Survival Be Explained?

Dexter: Resurrection - How Should Dexter's Survival Be Explained?

Key Takeaways

  • The Harrison spin-off was scrapped after a backlash, and Dexter: New Blood’s success led to plans to resurrect Dexter.
  • Michael C. Hall hints at theories suggesting Dexter’s survival from a gunshot, including the cold conditions.
  • Potential theories for Dexter’s survival include training Harrison to shoot him in the right place, bullet-proof vests, and blanks in the gun.

As a longtime fan of the Dexter series, I must say that the theories surrounding Dexter’s survival are as intriguing as they are far-fetched. However, if we’re to delve into the realm of speculation, I find myself drawn to the idea that Dexter has once again outsmarted his enemies in a way only he can.


Anticipation is growing for the revival of “Dexter: Resurrection,” as Michael C. Hall reprises the role that made him a household name – Dexter Morgan. This character, who we thought was fatally shot, is now back to life and gearing up to confront his inner darkness once more. The announcement at San Diego Comic Con 2024 that Dexter would be back in a sequel series left many puzzled, sparking discussions on how they’d explain his survival. Fans have their own theories, and Michael C. Hall has hinted at potential ways the code-abiding serial killer might’ve survived after being shot by his son, Harrison, in “Dexter: New Blood.

Originally, it was intended to create a standalone series focusing on the character Harrison. However, the negative response to the finale of “New Blood” and the low public favorability towards Harrison prompted the creative team to explore other options. The merger between Showtime and Paramount+ further influenced these changes, particularly since “New Blood” became the most-watched Showtime series ever. Consequently, Dexter is being brought back to life, with only the details remaining about how he managed to survive.

Michael C. Hall Has Teased A Way In Which Dexter Survived Being Shot, But There Are Other Theories Out There

Dexter: Resurrection - How Should Dexter's Survival Be Explained?
Dexter: Resurrection
StarringMichael C. Hall (confirmed), Jack Alcott, David Zayas, Julia Jones, C. S Lee and Desmond Harrington (all rumored)
Created byClyde Phillips
Executive ProducersClyde Phillips and Michael C. Hall

As a gamer excitedly anticipating the revival of Dexter Morgan in “Dexter Resurrection,” I’ve been keeping my ear to the ground for any whispers about his fate. Michael C. Hall, the man behind Dexter, has dropped some tantalizing hints that give us a glimmer of hope on how our favorite serial killer might still be breathing. In an intriguing chat with Variety, he subtly suggested a few possibilities for how Dexter could have managed to survive.

I don’t know what I am authorized to say other than, it’s really cold out there.

It seems that the cold weather may have prolonged Dexter’s life until medical help arrived, but given the apparent bullet wound to his heart, the storyline requires some clarification from the writers. Many fans speculate that there could be alternative explanations for how Dexter managed to survive.

Dexter Trained Harrison To Shoot Him In The Right Place

Dexter: Resurrection - How Should Dexter's Survival Be Explained?

A possible theory for how Dexter could’ve survived is that he somehow taught Harrison to shoot him in the right place, so he would miss his heart. It’s far-fetched, but it’s certainly possible. Dexter clearly didn’t get shot in the heart, as he’ll be alive in Dexter: Resurrection, unless the sequel series decides to adapt some of the crazy supernatural elements of Jeff Lindsay’s books, and literally raise Dexter from the dead. Showrunner, Clyde Phillips is already on thin ice after the major retcon of New Blood‘s ending after he’d confirmed Dexter was dead in an interview with Deadline back in 2022:

I have three words for you: Dexter is dead. I wouldn’t do that to the audience. It would be dishonest. Here, there is no question that this is the finale of Dexter.

Dexter Was Wearing A Bullet-Proof Vest And He Had Taped Packets Of Blood Onto His Body

Dexter: Resurrection - How Should Dexter's Survival Be Explained?

Reddit’s potentially risky abyss led to the development of the following theory. A user named schnooky proposed an intriguing concept on this platform.

Dexter knew that Harrison would find out he killed Logan and might turn on him. So he wore a bulletproof vest and taped packets of fake blood over it. Harrison leaves believing he killed his dad. Angela goes to inspect Dexter’s body. Dexter springs up, knocks her out, and handcuffs her.

Harrison’s Gun Was Firing Blanks

Dexter: Resurrection - How Should Dexter's Survival Be Explained?

Dexter handed Harrison the firearm which ultimately caused him harm, leading us to believe that he had filled it with harmless rounds given his son’s unpredictable nature. This hypothesis aligns with the idea of him taping fake blood onto Harrison’s body to create a lifelike scene.

What Could Happen After Dexter Survives?

Regardless of how Dexter’s survival is explained, the fact is: he is alive, and the writers are going to have to figure out a way to continue Dexter’s story. It’s looking like it could be an ongoing saga, as opposed to a limited series, so they’ll need to figure out something that keeps Dexter out of prison, unless they plan to do a Mindhunter 2.0 style project (which is highly doubtful).

Following his recuperation from his wounds, Dexter found freedom and embarked on a fugitive’s journey, establishing himself in a fresh locale, much like in New Blood, and resuming his murderous spree against wrongdoers while avoiding capture by Angel Batista and the broader American law enforcement. Alternatively, Dexter might collaborate with the FBI to assist them in locating serial killers and secure a pardon for his cooperation. Certainly, other alternatives exist, and the writing team may devise an entirely distinct pathway for Dexter.

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2024-10-05 03:04