This was kind of the beginning of the end of their relationship as we knew it. Debra’s affection for her brother often bordered on incestuous, but most didn’t think the story would bring this to fruition. The romantic experiment was one of the unfortunate subplots that was explored at the end of Dexter’s sixth season and the beginning of the seventh, and symbolized one of the series’ “jump the shark” moments.
Debra’s death felt like a cop out of sorts after the intimacy plot ended, and it’s having an effect on Dexter’s character in perpetuity. We already see the way that Dexter’s motivations are changing after so many years in the criminal game. He has altered his father’s code to fit his newfound desire to save people, and nobody would be more proud of him for this than Debra. If Carpenter had been brought back for this series, it could have allowed the writers to capitalize even more on Dexter’s growth.
Thankfully, the addition and retention of Harrison (Jack Alcott) gives Dexter: Resurrection that familial storytelling that is so key to the grounded human aspect of Dexter’s journey. Harry’s voice inside Dexter’s head is also pivotal to this. But Debra looking out for Dexter and keeping his best interests in mind is something that would have elevated this newest series into something that thoroughly captured the franchise’s essence.
Dexter’s maturation as a father, a friend, and an overall person is a reflection of the qualities Debra always encouraged her brother to show more often. She was also the only character in the series who could be defined as a round character outside of Dexter. Debra added depth to the franchise, and her story got the short end of the stick in the end. Dexter: Resurrection should have been the encore Debra deserved. Dexter will just have to carry on his sister’s encouragement and love in his psyche. Whatever happens to him this season should serve to keep his sister’s memory alive. Fingers still crossed for a cameo from Carpenter, though, even if it’s only for a single scene.
The first three episodes of Dexter: Resurrection are available to stream on Paramount+ now. New episodes premiere Fridays on Paramount+ and Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on Showtime.
