The second season of Dexter: Resurrection, which premiered on Paramount+ on October 30, opens with Dexter Morgan grappling with a familiar restlessness. The premiere episode, "Risky Business," positions the character as feeling underappreciated for his past actions and potentially seeking more public acknowledgment, echoing sentiments from the series' early days.
The season's freshman outing introduces a protagonist experiencing "I'm over 50 now" inner turmoil, suggesting a potential shift in how his self-reflection and unease will be portrayed compared to previous seasons. The series, which followed the uneven later seasons of the original Dexter and the well-received Dexter: New Blood, aims to recapture the spirit of the earlier, groundbreaking seasons.
Dexter's established pattern of making mistakes and his inherent, self-destructive urges are a known quantity. However, the narrative risks stumbling if Dexter fails to learn from his errors. The premiere suggests that Dexter, having dealt with figures like Peter Dinklage's Leon Prater in Resurrection Season 1, recognizes his own significance. This realization might lead him to reconsider allowing James Doakes to continue to be blamed for his crimes, hinting at a desire for his activities to become more prominent.
Meanwhile, Dexter's son, Harrison, is following in the family's law enforcement footsteps as an NYPD rookie. The season appears poised to explore the complexities of Harrison's loyalties as his father's actions escalate. Adding to the looming darkness is the presence of Detective Wallace, who is observing Harrison's new career. The premiere also introduces significant threats in the form of the New York Ripper, played by Brian Cox, and the "Five Borough Killer" (FBK), portrayed by Dan Stevens.
"Risky Business" features Dexter tying up loose ends from Prater's storyline, bringing back Eric Stonestreet as Al Walker. Stonestreet's performance showcases a more menacing side to his character, a departure from his comedic roles. The episode effectively sets the stage for the season, incorporating '80s punk rock music and introducing new adversaries.
The premiere is described as a "fun, twisty start" that could lead to significant consequences for Dexter. The convergence of two serial killers in the city, Harrison's police career, lingering threats from the past, and Dexter's escalating actions all contribute to the potential for "macabre, tragic moments" in the season ahead.