Dexter: New Blood - An Electrifying Rebirth That Redeems the Show's Ending
Dexter: New Blood delivers a thrilling resolution to the notorious serial killer's story while honoring the legacy of the original series Prepare for a riveting journey of redemption and revenge
Summary
Dexter: New Blood finally gives fans the ending they wanted, fixing the problems of the original series finale and providing closure for key characters like Debra.
The revival series strays from the 2015 book Dexter Is Dead by introducing significant variations in character destinies and plotlines, yet it manages to encompass the gratifying resolution and underlying themes of the novel. By granting Harrison the opportunity to end his life, Dexter ultimately faces the consequences of his actions and recognizes the imperfections within his vigilante system, resulting in a more fulfilling climax than his survival in season 8.
Dexter: New Blood marks the highly anticipated return of the iconic serial killer and draws inspiration from the 2015 novel Dexter Is Dead. This revival series premiered in November 2021, taking place a decade after the conclusion of the original Dexter series' finale episode, "Remember the Monsters?" Although loosely based on Jeff Lindsay's final novel in the Dexter series, it incorporates notable alterations. The original Dexter follows the eponymous Dexter Morgan, a man who develops sociopathic tendencies from a young age. Guided by his foster father, Dexter learns to channel his violent impulses into vigilantism aimed at society's most vicious and wicked murderers.
Running for eight seasons, Dexter ultimately reached a divisive conclusion widely regarded as one of the most disliked series finales in television history. In this ending, Debra's death is unexpectedly abrupt, Dexter forgoes any meaningful farewell with Hannah or Harrison, and most notably, Dexter has the opportunity to meet his demise in a deserved manner but chooses not to. Instead, a now infamous epilogue depicts Dexter leading a solitary life as a lumberjack, leaving viewers yearning for a continuation of the story. Fortunately, Dexter: New Blood grants that continuation and succeeds in rectifying some of the issues stemming from Dexter's final season.
Dexter: New Blood Makes The Serial Killer Pay For His Crimes & Gives Deb Her Final Words
Content has undergone significant changes since the conclusion of the Dexter series in the new revival series Dexter: New Blood. Dexter, who now goes by the name Jim Lindsay and resides in New York, has managed to control his violent tendencies. However, the reappearance of his son Harrison brings back his "Dark Passenger" alter ego. Dexter: New Blood introduces fresh faces along with the return of familiar characters, and it is the fate of two of these returning characters that rectifies the original ending of Dexter.
Throughout Dexter: New Blood, Debra appears as a guiding apparition, helping Dexter navigate his new life. In the previous series, Dexter, Debra concluded the story in a comatose state, leaving her unable to express her emotions or share her experiences with the audience. However, Dexter: New Blood grants the character an opportunity, at least in Dexter's mind, to find closure in her relationship with Dexter.
The Dexter: New Blood finale not only preserves Dexter's character, but also exposes the flaws in his "Code of Harry" as he discovers that Harrison has his own "Dark Passenger." Realizing that he is responsible for Harrison's violent tendencies, Dexter ultimately chooses to atone for his crimes by allowing Harrison to take his life. This conclusion highlights the inherent shortcomings of Dexter's actions and provides a more gratifying ending compared to his survival in Dexter season 8.
How Dexter: New Blood Is Different From The 2015 Book
Although Dexter: New Blood draws inspiration from the 2015 book Dexter Is Dead, the TV series and novel diverge significantly. Their sole commonality resides in Dexter's imprisonment, which serves as the catalyst propelling both versions towards their respective destinies - demise.
Debra, known as Deborah in the books, remains alive in Dexter: New Blood. The drug cartel continues to be present in the book, whereas it was resolved in season 7 of the show. Furthermore, the portrayal of Brian Moser differs between the show and the novels, as he dies in season 1 but survives until the final book. While Dexter: New Blood does not fully adhere to the 2015 novel, it encompasses similar closure and themes that provide a more fulfilling conclusion to the series compared to season 8.
