Dexter Morgan is back in the driver’s seat — literally — but that doesn’t mean he’s got control of the wheel.
Dexter: Resurrection Season 1 Episode 3, “Backseat Driver,” leans into the dark comedy of Dexter trying to pass for a functioning human in New York City.
Spoiler: he’s terrible at it.
Full-Time UrCar Is NOT Dexter’s Mission
He’s a ride-share driver with no charger, no water, no social skills, and the warm energy of a used scalpel. But bless Blessing (again), who gently lets Dexter know that a three-star rating isn’t “not bad” — it’s career-ending.
So while Dexter tries to work on his bedside manner, he’s also plotting the death of Ronald Schmidt, aka The Imposter, aka The Not-So-Dark Passenger. And let’s be real: Dexter is thriving.
For the first time in ages, he’s got purpose. He’s got a target and a mission.
That gleam in his eye when he orders knockout drugs under the name “Dr. Bateman” (a nod to American Psycho)? That’s the Dexter we know. He’s smug, efficient, and a little too pleased with himself.
Harrison is Under a Microscope
Meanwhile, Harrison’s world is unraveling.
Claudette is hot on his trail, and she’s good. Like… really good. She practically narrates the entire sequence of events surrounding Ryan’s murder with eerie accuracy, and the worst part? She calls him a hero.
That throws Harrison more than any accusation would. He’s not ready to admit what he did, even though she’s offering him an off-ramp that includes the words “justifiable homicide.”
But Harrison’s secret isn’t just murder. It’s that he’s homeless.
He’s been sleeping in unused hotel rooms, living in the shadows like his father once did — but without the luxury of control. It’s heartbreaking, honestly.
When he finally confesses to Claudette, it’s not to protect himself but to protect Elsa, the only person giving him a reason to believe he’s not totally lost.
Their dynamic is quietly powerful — vulnerable, soft, full of unspoken kindness. This is the kind of emotional groundwork that makes Harrison more than just a brooding antihero-in-training.
Dexter’s Mental Tug of War
While Harrison tries to keep it together, Dexter is caught in a tug-of-war with Harry, his eternal ghostly conscience urging him to reach out to his son. But Dexter resists, and not out of selfishness. It’s guilt.
Deep, gnawing guilt that stems from New Blood and everything he did to push Harrison toward becoming someone like him.
He tells himself that Harrison is better off without him, but the truth — one he’s not ready to admit — is that he doesn’t trust himself not to ruin his son all over again.
And yet, as Claudette and Oliva close in and Batista sharpens his own endgame like Laguerta’s avenging angel, it’s clearer than ever that Harrison doesn’t just need his father — he needs someone who understands the shadows chasing him. And that someone might only be Dexter.
Back at Blessing’s, the family chaos is as real as it is endearing. Joy wants to move out with her husband, and the dinner table turns into a therapy session.
Dexter is forced to share something — anything — about himself, and he fumbles his way through a single-sentence backstory that somehow works.
Blessing even calls him an immigrant now, just like the rest of them. It’s sweet. Dexter doesn’t deserve this family, but damn, it’s nice to watch him try to fit in.
But this is Dexter, so emotional growth is always paired with impending murder.
Dexter is Back in the Murder Business
After scoping Ronald’s apartment — which is basically a serial killer starter pack — Dexter preps the kill room, sets the trap, and even modifies a turtleneck with metal tape to protect his neck.
Because, yes, he knows Ronald will try to garrotte him. And yes, he lets it happen.
And that scene is perfect. Ronald pulls the wire, and Dexter doesn’t flinch.
“Honestly, it’s not the first time,” he deadpans, before finally snatching his syringe and taking Ronald down with the type of flair only Dexter Morgan can deliver: “Don’t you know nobody likes backseat drivers?”
Welcome back, king of the kill room.
An Invitation for Conversation and Camaraderie
But the biggest twist isn’t the kill itself — it’s what Ronald reveals.
There is someone out there paying for trophies and creating a group for conversation and camaraderie, complete with a cash bonus and a fancy invitation to a dinner party for like-minded serial killers.
Dexter, who thought he was alone in his twisted little niche, suddenly realizes he’s been invited to the murder version of Comic-Con. And if that wasn’t enough, entry requires a fingerprint — so he saws off Ronald’s thumb like he’s opening a bottle of wine because that’s where we are now.
We’ve got the details on Charley, who is clearly charged with putting this all together. She’s not one of them. She’s the welcome wagon.
Major guest stars like Krysten Ritter, Eric Stonestreet, David Dastmalchian, and Neil Patrick Harris signed on to play serial killers. I believe we are about to meet them.
A Wave of Miami Nostalgia
“Backseat Driver” also delivered a bittersweet moment down in Miami, where Angel Batista is celebrating his retirement with Quinn and Masuka.
It’s funny, warm, and full of fan service, but it also feels like the closing of a chapter. Angel has “personal shit” to attend to, and we all know that means Dexter-shaped closure is coming.
But for now, we raise a glass with the boys and let the nostalgia wash over us. Masuka’s OnlyFans joke wasn’t on my bingo card, but I’ll allow it. I’m not sure I’m ready to close that door permanently. Too bad it’s not up to me.
Father and Son Mirror One Another
Back in New York, Claudette and Oliva are closing in on Harrison, but Elsa steps in to defend him. And she’s right. Harrison might be lost, but he’s not dangerous. At least not in the way everyone fears.
That makes him an interesting mirror for Dexter, who is now reflecting on the “lonely path” he has chosen to follow.
He’s accepted that there’s no room in the code for partners, not even for Harrison. But he’s also never had an invitation to dine with fellow serial killers before. So… new path unlocked?
But Dexter’s curiosity is a double-edged blade. This underground invitation could lead to fellowship or a lineup of his most challenging kills yet, just waiting to be wrapped in plastic.
And if Dexter follows that path, chasing new monsters under the guise of justice, he’ll be leaving Harrison to navigate a ticking time bomb of police scrutiny alone.
Every step toward this secret circle is a step away from the only redemption he has left. And if he’s not careful, he’ll lose his son for good — again.
Spatter Matters
Three episodes in, and Dexter: Resurrection is having a blast. It’s ridiculous, stylish, and fully aware of what it is. That’s what makes it fun.
It’s not trying to be Emmy bait. It’s not even chasing prestige. It’s delivering exactly what fans want: a morally bankrupt antihero doing his weirdly principled thing while the world slowly closes in around him.
Dexter isn’t just back — he’s evolving. There’s a new underground world for him to explore. A secret society. A possible network (albeit one much different and a lot more fun than what we get on Criminal Minds: Evolution).
And if there’s anything more fun than watching Dexter slice and dice with flair, it’s watching him try to navigate group dynamics and RSVP etiquette.
Bon appétit, indeed.
If you’re not having as much fun as Dexter (and me), tell me why in the comments below. The summer doldrums are less dull with Dexter on the hunt again!
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The post Dexter: Resurrection Season 1 Episode 3 Review: Nobody Likes a Backseat Driver appeared first on TV Fanatic.
