I Thought Dexter: Resurrection’s Big Penultimate Episode Death Was A Smart Move, But I Didn’t Expect To Still Feel Heartbroken Days Later

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Warning: Major plot reveals ahead for the most recent episode of Dexter: Resurrection. Caution is advised if you have not yet viewed it through your Paramount+ membership.

In the first season of Dexter: Resurrection, several characters have already met their demise. I had secretly hoped that the creative team would find a way for Batista to part ways with Dexter without causing harm to him. Regrettably, this hope was shattered at the end of “Touched by an Ángel,” as David Zayas’ character, a mainstay in the franchise, was killed off by the ruthless Leon Prater.

After Batista revealed details about Dexter’s past to Charley and Prater (and others), he found himself as the latest target of the Bay Harbor Butcher. Despite Michael C. Hall’s character trying to save his former partner, Batista disregarded the danger from his captors and solely focused on catching Dexter once and for all. Tragically, this decision led to his death. I believe the cliffhanger was effective in terms of storytelling, but it left me feeling deeply saddened by how much this character endured emotionally.

I Think Batista’s Death And Final Moments Were Smart For How They Fractured Dexter’s Psyche

In simpler terms, the demise of Batista in the show significantly impacts Dexter due to their deep friendship and mutual trust that spanned years. Unlike others, Batista survived long enough for this episode because Dexter held onto this connection tightly. His appearance at Blessed’s house would have likely led to any other character’s death.

Dexter proved how much Batista valued his opinion by trying to correct his misunderstanding that Dexter had killed Doakes and LaGuerta. However, when Batista dismissed these efforts as attempts to avoid guilt, Dexter was surprised. In the end, he angrily told Batista “Fuck you” before dying, leaving only Dexter alive among Prater’s twisted collection of serial killer tools and mementos.

In my opinion, Hall’s ear-piercing scream at the end of that captivating episode truly captured how I imagine most viewers would be feeling after all the dramatic turns of events. Given his unwavering belief in having Prater handcuffed, impaled, and dismembered by midday, it felt like a masterstroke to eliminate a beloved character so decisively before the climactic finale. It’s safe to say that writing off such an iconic figure was a brilliant move to shake up the main character, even though we’re well aware that Season 2 guarantees Dex’s continued presence.

It Breaks My Heart That Batista Fell So Very Far From Grace

When looking at Batista’s death from a perspective beyond just the main character, it becomes significantly more emotional and challenging to process without personal bias. After all, during the original series on Showtime, Batista was undoubtedly one of my most cherished characters, not only because of David Zayas’ captivating presence but also due to the depth he brought to his role.

Angel is a character on TV who excels at being a cop because of his intelligence and skills rather than due to an unconventional moral compass or exceptional powers, which was already established during his early years on the force as depicted in the revived-then-canceled prequel “Dexter: Original Sin,” starring James Martinez.

It was tough to see how Dexter’s actions affected Batista so greatly by the end of the original series, and it seemed evident even then that he might never recover from LaGuerta’s murder, no matter who was responsible. However, one could have hoped that he was living a fulfilling life, with the update showing him as Captain of Miami Metro indicating a positive outlook. But his optimism was short-lived once he discovered Angela Bishop’s suspicions about someone being the Bay Harbor Butcher.

When the story of “Resurrection” begins, it appeared as though Batista had been through some troubled times prior to his abrupt departure from his respected career and Florida lifestyle, with the intention of locating Dexter. However, given his sharp detective skills, he managed to find his quarry, setting himself up perfectly to make the historic arrest.

At best, the former Batista could have executed that arrest smoothly. Given his current turbulent situation, though, he failed to substantiate his theories and instead came across as overly paranoid to the two officers who seemed equally intrigued by his findings. (If we disregard the New York Ripper theory, that is.) His persistent false claims of being an active homicide captain didn’t improve matters either.

With no law enforcement support, Batista again took the situation in hand. He believed he had found a gold mine when he discovered that Dex was associated with a billionaire as philanthropic as Leon Prater. However, his joy turned into a brutal beating and capture.

Dexter’s Admission About Doakes And LaGuerta Was The Final Middle Finger To Batista’s Legacy

In the world of Dexter: Resurrection, it’s clear that no character is completely immune to a violent end or a lifetime of remorse. Every character who dies carries enough burdens to fill another coffin, and given the character’s history in every franchise installment, I wasn’t surprised that he didn’t receive an idealized hero’s farewell. At least I knew he wouldn’t go out peacefully.

In Dexter’s last moments with Batista, instead of providing some semblance of closure regarding Doakes and LaGuerta’s deaths, Dexter added to the sorrow by claiming he didn’t actually kill them. The series didn’t delve too far into the repercussions, but it’s easy to imagine how painful it would have been for Batista to discover that his mission was built on false information, and that he was dying at the hands of a killer who wasn’t even responsible for their deaths.

In that crucial moment, Zayas managed to conceal all emotions on Batista’s face. Instead, he turned the situation around, leaving Dexter’s efforts to rid himself of the burden in vain. Thus, it was Batista who had the last powerful impactful statement, but at a heavy and unwelcome price.

Looking ahead, it seems likely that Batista: Resurrection will be commissioned on Paramount+, which we’ll eagerly anticipate as we count down the days until the Season 1 finale airs on September 5.

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2025-09-01 02:58