Dexter: Resurrection Season 1 Episode 3 Review: Backseat Driver

As Dexter Morgan points out during Dexter: Resurrection Season 1 Episode 3, “Backseat Driver,” no one likes a backseat driver. This statement highlights what Dexter is doing in his attempts at eliminating the threat known as the “Dark Passenger” while also being a nod to his new job, rideshare driver.

While this series is a continuation of the Dexter Morgan saga established in the other iterations, how Dexter: Resurrection stands out is the writers choice to lean into Dexter’s deadpan humor. 

“Backseat Driver” has several moments where we find ourselves laughing at something Dexter says or thinks, whether it was intentionally funny or not. It juxtaposes what Dexter is doing during the episode so splendidly we feel we are back in Miami during his original reign of terror.

Harrison’s Story Still Remains Separate

While the NYPD detective investigating the death of Ryan is a fascinating character her role in the overall episode falls into bland territory. In fact, there is an argument to be made that cutting Harrison’s bits from the episode entirely wouldn’t harm the story at all.

That’s how unfocused the episode is on the problem established in the premiere. At first it felt like the writers were going to have Dexter’s sole purpose in New York be to protect Harrison from being discovered.

However, now, it feels as if Dexter isn’t going to insert himself into Harrison’s troubles at all. The most Dexter has done is get rid of a blood splatter on the ceiling in the kitchen. 

Watching Harrison sweat as the detective seems to close in on him as the killer would be more interesting if it were connected to Dexter some how. That’s the unfortunate thing about Harrison’s character, that started when he first appeared during Dexter: New Blood. 

Harrison isn’t developed or intriguing enough to stand on his own without his familial connection to Dexter. Viewers aren’t tuning into the episode for him, unless it is directly linked to whatever Dexter is doing. 

Which turns out to be a flaw in Harrison’s writing. Most everyone in Dexter’s circle of family and acquaintances are developed enough that we care what they are up to even when Dexter is nowhere to be seen.

But, with Harrison he’s a very 2-dimensional character who lacks any depth or emotional motivation. He is just there and could easily mold into an entirely unrelated character because there isn’t anything that makes him unique.

Dexter’s Re-Emergence Feels Good

It’s hard to admit that you are rooting for a serial killer to go back to his roots and start killing again. However, when Dexter manages to trap Red or “Dark Passenger” in his web of death it feels invigorating.

What makes this particular kill much more satisfying than that of Kurt Caldwell back in Iron Lake, is that Dexter really has to work for it. We get to see him literally stalk the streets of NYC to find him, much like he used to as the Bay Harbor Butcher in Miami.

To also add to the enjoyment is Dexter’s running commentary about his annoyance with the moniker, general disbelief at the hoops he has to go through to be a good rideshare driver, and his conversations with Harry.

Michael C. Hall continues to deliver a fabulous performance as Dexter Morgan, now with the added elements of Dexter’s increasing age. It’s refreshing to see that the show isn’t glossing over the fact that Dexter just spent ten weeks in a coma after being shot. 

His conversation with Harry about getting old is also a nice touch to remind fans that Dexter is aging and that will potentially get in the way of his ability to be good at his talents. We see him having to take a break after breaking into Red’s apartment. 

In previous episodes we saw him struggle with climbing stairs. All of these touches keep this series from feeling disconnected from the story it continues. We need to see the results of Dexter’s age and past catching up to him.

But, let’s back things up a tiny bit to earlier in the episode when Dexter calls up his sedative supplier for the first time in a very long time. The voice on the phone calling him Dr. Bateman is a nice cultural nod to killers.

However, his relief at seeing this purchaser coming back for more product is a bit unnerving. Which, again adds to the believability of Dexter making a comeback. He might believe people won’t notice if he’s there or not, but this simple phone call disproves that.

When Dexter finally manages to perform the kill, it’s like viewers are able to breathe a collective sigh of content. Our favorite guy is back and he’s feeling the thrill of the kill once again.

Angel Batista Still Hanging About

While the cameo of Angel Batista in every episode is a nice nod to the friendship he once shared with Dexter, its quickly becoming tedious. I mentioned in my review of the Dexter: Resurrection premiere that this show could quickly unravel from having too much going on and I stand by that.

This episode especially feels like the writers want us to see Angel so we don’t forget he’s still looking for Dexter. However, there isn’t much else being done with the character right now.

Honestly, cutting Angel from the show until he manages to come back in contact with Dexter could save the writing from being too cluttered. We already have the somewhat unnecessary focus on Harrison’s issues, adding Angel’s storyline at this juncture just doesn’t make sense.

We as viewers can know that Angel is still looking for Dexter without needing to add it into the narrative. Sure, seeing Angel say goodbye to Masuka and Quinn is another nostalgia moment that hits the fans where it matters. But, it’s not necessary to the overall plot progression.

In fact, I could already argue that having even these brief glimpses of Angel’s movements causes the flow of the episode to stall a bit. Who knows maybe his connection to the story will strengthen in the next episode once he’s in NYC, but I’m not holding my breath.

Stray Thoughts:

• Uma Thurman continues to be mysteriously unnerving
• Dexter posing as Red for this Serial Killer Dinner in the next episode is going to be interesting
• I hope that the addition of this group of serial killers isn’t going to pull focus even further
• Harrison and Elsa are cute and have great chemistry, I just can’t shake the feeling that something bad is going to happen to her

 

 

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Dexter: Resurrection streams Fridays on Paramount+ Premium and airs Sundays at 8/7c on Showtime.

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