Editor’s note: The below contains spoilers through Dexter: Resurrection Episode 4.
There have been manymemorable opening sequenceson different television shows over the years. Whether it’sa catchy theme songa laFriendsorCheersor beautifully crafted graphics like withGame of ThronesorThe Gilded Age, these credits welcome us into that particular series and set the tone for what’s to come. Some credits stand out in our memories even more than the series itself.When it comes toour favorite television serial killer,Dexteris right up there withone of the most eyecatching opening creditsto date. The latest series in the franchise,Dexter: Resurrection, debuted this summer, but it’s actually missing that famous opening sequence we’ve come to love. Although its omission might be disappointing to some fans, its removal actually illustrates how much Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) has changed.
The Original ‘Dexter’ Has One of the Most Memorable Opening Credit Sequences
The original series introduces us to Dexter Morgan as he goes about his life as a blood spatter analyst working for the Miami Metro Police Department. But Dexter is hiding a major secret: he’s actually a serial killer, who only takes out fellow bad guys. Every episode ofDexter, whichran for eight seasons, begins withan opening credit sequence of Dexter going about his morning routine. Each shot is infused with creepy double meanings that remind the viewer that Dexter is no ordinary protagonist. Blood drips down after he nicks himself shaving, meat is sliced up for his breakfast (reminding one of flesh being cut up), and even a splash of hot sauce on his eggs is reminiscent of blood spatter. Something as mundane as dental floss or shoelaces brings to mind ligatures instead. The last shot shows Dexter leaving his apartment, out in the Miami sunshine, which reminds us thatthis serial killer is walking among us.
The opening credits do so much more than just list the names of the creative team who worked onDexter. Each shot sets the tone for the storytelling, and all the close-ups let us know that we’ll be getting up close and personal with a very dangerous murderer. But it’s not just the cool visuals thatmake the opening credits a must-watch; it’s also an effective narrative device. Dexter is a man who must follow a routine (in large part because this allows him to avoid detection).By getting a peek into his morning regimen, we’re reminded that this is a man who values order and structure. He might face some unexpected challenges (like cutting himself while shaving), but his one true goal is to remain in control at all times. The opening credits are a quick (but fascinating) way of setting up a background for his character. Plus, even if you’vealready seen many episodes, it remains a jarring, yet compelling way into the storytelling.
‘Dexter: Resurrection’ Is Intended To Last for “Years” According to Michael C. Hall and Clyde Phillips
“We’ve got the strongest franchise in Showtime’s history.”
‘Dexter: Resurrection’ Is Missing In-Depth Opening Credits
There have been several new series in theDexterfranchise since the original debuted.Dexter: New Bloodaired one season in 2021, and it finds Dexter in a whole new life. After faking his own death in Miami, he has created a new identity and life for himself in Iron Lake, New York. So much has changed for Dexter, so it makes sense that the series also went through some alterations. The opening credits from the original are missing completely. Instead, each episode features a montage of short flashes of what will happen during each ensuing episode. This feels a little spoilery and is a disappointing change of pace from the iconic opening sequence viewers had been used to. That’s why fans were relieved to find the opening credit sequence reintroduced inDexter: Original Sin, the series that debuted last December, which acts asa prequel to Dexter’s story.There are many similar references to the original (plenty of allusions to strangulation, stabbing, and the like)but it’s a nice change of pacesince it features not only Dexter (Patrick Gibson), but also his father, Harry (Christian Slater), and his sister, Deb (Molly Brown) going about their morning routines.
Coming offOriginal Sin, it was a little surprising to discover thatDexter: Resurrectionhas no opening credits at all. The name of the series and the episode flash across the screen (naturally with some blood spatter), but the major component of the opening sequence is long gone. It would be easy to mope about the lack of such an iconic sequence thatDexterhas become known for, butthere are actually several reasons why it was a smart moveforthis latest iteration in the franchiseto forgo the credits.
The Lack of Opening Credits Demonstrates How Much Dexter Is Changing
With no opening credit sequence to sit through,Dexterallows us to dive right into the action in a much quicker way. This sets up each episode at a more exciting pace, which also fits the bustling atmosphere of Dexter’s new home: New York City. The lack of credits also serves as a narrative switch-up forDexter. Our beloved serial killer is no longer relying on the same routine he had all the way back in Miami.He’s been through a lot since Iron Lake(being in a coma will do that for you), so it’s clear that Dexter has evolved in a lot of ways. Because of everything he’s experienced, he’s letting go of some of his old, more rigid ways. For example,in Episode 4, Dexter takes outhis fellow serial killer, Lowell(Neil Patrick Harris), in a spontaneous way (something the old Dexter would have scoffed at). Dexter is working hard to change the things about himself that he doesn’t like (like havinga damaged relationship with his son), which is helping him to grow and evolve. Plus, we’ve lived with this character for a long time now, so there’s no need to see an opening credit sequence that reminds us of Dexter’s proclivities.
It makes complete sense that the writers have eschewed the old credits for a much sleeker change of pace.Even thoughDexter still has his Dark Passenger, he’s definitely not the same guy he used to be, and the lack of credits illustrates this perfectly. Who needs a strict morning routine when you have a brand-new career as a rideshare driver and areattending dinner parties with other serial killers? Although it’s perfectly fine to miss that classic opening credit sequence, there are still several episodes left in this season for us to acclimate to this version of Dexter.
Dexter: Resurrectionis available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S. New episodes drop every Friday.
Dexter: Resurrection
