Resurrection’s Perfect Finale Poses Franchise Dilemma

WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS ahead for Dexter: Resurrection episode 10.

The season 1 finale of Dexter: Resurrection has created a challenging problem for series creator Clyde Phillips and Paramount+ regarding the future of the franchise.

After several attempts to close out the story of Dexter Morgan, both in the original series finale and in 2022’s New Blood, the Dexter franchise has been plagued by lackluster and divisive finale episodes. However, following a remarkably good season that stuck the landing in the Dexter: Resurrection season 1 finale, the question is no longer, “Can Dexter finally have a good ending?” but instead, “Should Dexter quit while it’s ahead?“

Dexter: Resurrection Could Finally End The Franchise At An All-Time High

Dexter: Resurrection season 2 has already been confirmed by Paramount+ and was one of the driving forces behind the decision to cancel the prequel series Dexter: Original Sin. While more Dexter seasons are always a good thing, especially in 2025 and beyond, it’s hard not to question whether Resurrection should actually carry on just because it can.

Dexter: Resurrection season 1, episode 10, serves pretty well as a franchise farewell for the beloved anti-hero serial killer. It was much more full-circle and satisfying than both of the original finale attempts. If the franchise has chosen to call it quits now, it would make a lot of sense. While I would be disappointed, I think I would grow to respect the decision.

Questioning Dexter: Resurrection’s longevity after an all-time great season is a much better problem to have than wondering the franchise should be brought out to pasture had Resurrection been less compelling or well-received.

While the decision’s already been made for season 2, which I’m very excited about, it’s hard not to be concerned about how the Dexter franchise is notorious for stretching the franchise past its natural ending point and what that could mean for future seasons of Resurrection.

Resurrection Season 2 Will Have Even More Overhanging Pressure To Succeed

Jack Alcott as Harrison Morgan and Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan in Dexter- Resurrection, episode 9, season 1 — Jack Alcott as Harrison Morgan and Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan in Dexter: Resurrection, episode 9, season 1.

No one knew what to expect with Dexter: Resurrection, which is part of the reason why fans were so surprised and grateful that we got the first great Dexter season in over 15 years. Now the bar is incredibly high for season 3 after Resurrection’s success, and the pressure’s back on the franchise to deliver, which is not necessarily a great thing.

Dexter: Resurrection season 2 has so much potential to expand Dexter’s story in captivating ways, particularly with his newfound dynamic with Harrison and his new slate of serial killer targets, while also tying up some loose ends in the Dexter franchise. If Dexter: Resurrection can continue being as great as this first season, then I will be happily seated for another eight-season run. The odds of that happening, however, are not so promising.

I guess the real question Dexter fans have to ask themselves is – would it be better for Dexter: Resurrection to end on a high note or to risk another divisive letdown? Since there’s a good chance that this will be the last Dexter sequel or spinoff starring Michael C. Hall, it’s more crucial that Resurrection leaves the franchise in good standing than to string along more seasons just for the sake of it.