The upcoming Dexter revival has a new name and a new trailer, and perhaps even then some. Now going by the appropriate name Dexter: New Blood, eager fans can finally enjoy their most detailed look yet at the long-awaited return to the world of Michael C. Hall's titular serial killer with a heart of pyrite.
Thematically backed by Del Shannon's "Runaway," the trailer sheds some light on the nature of Dexter Morgan's new cover life. "I've always had my demons," he says to what appears to be an off-screen therapist, "so I went away." But as regular viewers of the original series know, and as Dexter himself admits shortly after, he still has that certain urge that he can't ignore. (No, that urge is not to forget the original's widely hated ending). The trailer features plenty of out-of-context flashes from the impending limited series, teasing shots from what is sure to be a suspenseful story as Dexter himself just tries to blend in, as he himself states at the trailer's conclusion.
The trailer also gives viewers a glimpse at some of the new characters, such as Clancy Brown's villain Kurt Caldwell and Julia Jones (The Mandalorian) as police chief Angela Bishop, among the scattered looks at the series' snowy upstate New York setting. In fact, based on an early shot, it looks as though there may be a bit of a romantic element between Dexter and Angela. Of course, those fans familiar with how Dexter's mind works will likely suspect that this is merely part of his cover, or at the very least just a fling. It's never easy for a misunderstood murderer, is it?
Viewers will note Dexter's rather understandable job in a hunting weapons shop, as it makes sense that a serial killer would enjoy being around bladed things. Plus, hey, they're never going to find a more knowledgeable clerk. If somebody wants to pick up a new knife, they might as well ask someone who's used more than a few in their time. It's still unclear how Brown's villain will play into Dexter's story, but considering how he'll apparently play the mayor, there are certainly plenty of opportunities for some good suspense between him and the considerably less politically powerful hunting store employee.
Dexter has always been about the main character trying to focus his destructive thoughts into something good, and Dexter: New Blood seems to be following that trend rather capably. There don't seem to be any clues as to how Jennifer Carpenter and John Lithgow will return as their long-deceased characters. But while the actual storyline is still under wraps, the title itself may give some clues. New Blood could just be a play on words since it's new and there will be blood. But the term could also refer to "new blood" as in a new member of something. Perhaps Dexter will find another individual with a similar "Dark Passenger" that influences their thoughts like him and decides to take them under his wing?
Of course, that concept alone might be enough to repel some fans, particularly since many would argue that Dexter always tended to tell its best stories when its main character remained isolated in that particular way. So just remember that's nothing but speculation. Besides, the stars themselves have already said that Dexter: New Blood will be darker than the original. What's definitely worth thinking about is just how exciting this continuation looks. Here's hoping it can really capture that classic magic it's clearly working hard to remember.
Dexter: New Blood will premiere November 7th, 2021 on Showtime.
Source: SHOWTIME/YouTube