Dexter: Resurrection Cast Changes Signal Disappointment Over New Blood’s Best Innovations Being Dropped

Recent announcements confirm that James Remar is set to reprise his iconic role as Harry Morgan in the highly anticipated series Dexter: Resurrection. This development indicates a departure from the significant changes made to the Morgan family dynamics in Dexter: New Blood. Following its polarizing conclusion, which suggested Dexter Morgan’s demise, the show has conveniently reversed his death, revealing that he was brought back to life by medical professionals.

Dexter: Resurrection will see the return of several beloved characters, including Michael C. Hall portraying Dexter Morgan, along with David Zayas as Angel Batista, Jack Alcott as Harrison Morgan, and of course, Remar as Harry Morgan. Remar originally became a fixture on the show despite Harry’s death occurring before the events of the series, often appearing in flashbacks and visions, serving as Dexter’s moral compass while navigating his violent lifestyle. Notably, Harry was absent from New Blood, with Christian Slater taking on the role in the prequel series, Dexter: Original Sin. Thus, Remar’s return is unexpected yet welcome news for fans.

Harry’s Role as Dexter’s Dark Passenger in Resurrection

Deb’s Influence as Dexter’s Dark Passenger in New Blood

The return of James Remar as Harry Morgan suggests he will reclaim the role of Dexter’s “Dark Passenger,” a position he previously held throughout the original series. In contrast, Dexter: New Blood shifted this role to Debra Morgan after her death, with her ghost guiding Dexter through his moral dilemmas. Deb’s presence informed much of his decision-making during the limited revival, replacing the influence of their father, Harry.

The upcoming Dexter: Resurrection will bring Harry back as Dexter grapples with the implications of his resurrection after being shot by his son, Harrison. Deb’s absence raises questions about her role moving forward, especially since Jennifer Carpenter is not currently confirmed to return. Speculation suggests that Remar’s return as Harry might have influenced this change.

The Significance of Deb’s Role in New Blood

Deb’s Guidance: Keeping Dexter at Bay

Deb’s function as Dexter’s moral compass in her ghostly form provided a poignant shift in New Blood. Her ability to keep Dexter from committing murder over the past decade was a vital plot element, highlighting the emotional weight of his guilt and the impact of his past decisions. While both Deb and Harry served as Dexter’s guides, Deb’s deeper connection with him through various life stages amplified her importance, making her an ideal figure to influence Dexter’s ethics posthumously.

Her death allowed for her character to remain relevant in the revival series, offering sharp, witty dialogue alongside a more ethically grounded approach to justice compared to Harry’s teachings. The contrast between their personalities further enriched their character arcs and storylines in challenging circumstances—even in death.

The Potential for Deb’s Return in Resurrection

Speculating Deb’s Involvement

Jennifer Carpenter as Deb in Dexter New Blood

Current updates indicate that Jennifer Carpenter may not reprise her role as Debra Morgan in Dexter: Resurrection. With Remar stepping back into the role of Harry, the opportunity for Deb to reappear diminishes, particularly since Carpenter has landed a recurring role in Paramount+‘s upcoming season of 1923.

However, it’s not entirely impossible for Carpenter to make a brief appearance as Deb. Even with Harry as the dominant moral influence, Dexter could still experience moments where he visualizes conversations with Deb’s ghost, potentially leading to a complex dynamic with Harry as they both offer divergent viewpoints.

The Choice of James Remar Over Christian Slater

The Consistency of Remar’s Portrayal

Dexter- Original Sin Season 1 Ep 5-36 — Image via Paramount+

Though questions remain about why James Remar is returning as Harry while Christian Slater plays him in Dexter: Original Sin, it’s likely a matter of maintaining consistency within the series’ narrative. Throughout the original show, Remar depicted Harry at a similar age, whereas Slater’s portrayal occurs in different time periods.

This suggests Remar remains Michael C. Hall’s definitive Harry Morgan, while the character’s depiction by Slater serves in a separate context related to his timeline. The choice to reintroduce Remar likely aims at sustaining the character’s continuity across the narratives, even if it raises questions about how different portrayals relate within the same family. In summary, while it’s disappointing for some views lacking Deb’s influence, the inclusion of Remar brings a familiar resonance back to the series.

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