Everyone’s favorite TV serial killer is back! We remember and discuss what we saw in the first episode of the season of the series ‘Dexter: New Blood’.

The Showtime channel has launched the series ‘Dexter: New Blood’, which means Dexter Morgan is back in action! One of the iconic characters of the past decade returns to the small screen to spill the blood of notorious scoundrels. How did this comeback turn out? We’ll tell you in the recap of the debut episode of season 9.

Note: Spoilers ahead for Episode 1 of ‘Dexter: New Blood’

New Life

At the end of season 8, Dexter (Michael C. Hall) faked his own death by heading straight into the heart of a storm with the body of his sister Debra (Jennifer Carpenter). After that, we were shown an episode in which the serial killer, who rids the world of other maniacs and murderers according to a code, began a new life.

This new life is what we see at the start of season 9. Now Dexter, under the name Jim Lindsay (another reference to the author of the original book series), lives in a small town in New York State. He works as a clerk in a hunting goods store and is dating the local police chief, Angela (Julia Jones).

In the 10 years since the tragic events on the southeastern coast, Dexter hasn’t killed anyone. His Dark Passenger (the inner voice in the guise of his father Harry) has been replaced by the late Debra. It is she who helps him restrain his true nature.

The Scent of Blood and Ghosts of the Past

Everything is going well for Morgan: the town loves him, he chats pleasantly with local teenagers and the chief, and spends time with his new love and her daughter. But this idyll comes to an end when a wealthy and spoiled Matt crosses the threshold of his store.

The young man wants to buy a firearm, but the government-mandated waiting period for background checks prevents an immediate purchase.

After the check is complete, Morgan is tasked with delivering the weapon to Matt, which he does with obvious reluctance. From a friend of the arrogant youth, Dexter learns that the latter was involved in an ‘accident’ that killed five people. And that at the trial, the friend covered for Matt, who deliberately rammed a boat, leading to the tragedy.

Despite the urge to knock Matt out with the rifle butt, Dexter restrains himself and returns home. There, none other than Harrison, the protagonist’s son, is waiting for him. Newly-minted Jim wants to acknowledge and hug his grown-up child, but Debra reminds him that all those close to him die (wife Rita, partner Doakes, boss LaGuerta, Deb herself). So Dexter tells Harrison that he is mistaken and that he is not his father.

The next day, Matt makes a fatal mistake—he shoots a white deer that Dexter admires in his free time. Moreover, the shot nearly hits Morgan himself. This time, the main character doesn’t deny himself the pleasure of knocking the smug young man out with the rifle butt.

Then comes the scene familiar to all fans of the show: a table, a killer tied to it, and Dexter, who no longer even needs blood samples, though out of old habit he still places a drop between two pieces of glass. None of Matt’s attempts to save himself work: neither complaints about a difficult childhood nor threats of retribution. A knife to the heart followed by the use of a saber saw remind Jim of his past life.

Father and Son

The first episode ends with Dexter heading to the bus stop to find Harrison and confess his fatherhood. At the same time, the protagonist’s inner voice promises to take care of the teenager, doing exactly what his own father Harry did for him—not letting his dark side prevail.

In the new season, the Showtime series (available in our region on Amediateka) played on the nostalgic feelings of fans. They gave us the signature theme music on the final credits, showed the classic scene of dispatching a killer, and revealed Michael C. Hall from all angles. But for now, there’s a feeling that much of what made the original project beloved has disappeared without a trace. There’s no dark humor (to be honest, no humor at all yet), no charming secondary characters (except for Jennifer Carpenter’s character—she’s as wonderful as ever), and no contrast between the vibrant, cheerful visuals and Dexter’s dark essence.

The creators seem to have decided to venture into the territory of realistic thrillers with high drama, something the original show never was. Perhaps this will be a step forward and an evolution in the development of an unusual hero, or maybe such a decision will lead to another toothless finale. The latter would be highly undesirable. Well, we’ll see how they continue to surprise us.

Trailer for Episode 2: