‘Dexter: New Blood’ S1, Ep. 4 “H is for Hero” TV Recap & Review

As is always the case with Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), as soon as one problem resolves itself, another rears its ugly head. Or, in this case, multiple problems. The once quiet town of Iron Lake, New York, is now proving to be anything but, as secret lives slowly emerge. Of course, in the world of Dexter, it usually means something bad.

The main focus of Dexter: New Blood episode 5, titled “H is for Hero,“ is twofold, involving both Harrison (Jack Alcott) and Kurt (Clancy Brown). Both are showing signs of a hidden darkness that is anxious to come out or already has. While Kurt’s secret side remains mysterious, Harrison is no denying harboring what Dexter feared the most: his own Dark Passenger. It remains to be seen if Dexter is truly appalled by what is transpiring before his eyes or, in some twisted way, happy that he can guide him. (We know how well that worked with him…)

There is an incident at Harrison’s school, a violent incident, where he is stabbed and a boy seriously injured. As details emerge, Harrison is celebrated as a hero, and everyone rejoices…except for Dexter. His training in blood spatter/knife wounds makes him realize the evidence doesn’t match up with Harrison’s story, and he discovers what he feared the most may be true. His son is no hero, but he is seemingly scratching at the surface of his own Dark Passenger.

Kurt’s lie about talking to his son sweeps over the town, and Dexter and his new conscious Deb (Jennifer Carpenter) are perplexed at why. However, after Kurt comes by with a gift for the hero, Harrison, it becomes clear that Kurt is fishing for information. Dexter, still rusty in all things to do with his killer instincts, walks right into his verbal trap. With a casual slip-up in terms of information, Dexter makes his situation more stressful, and his curiosity about what Kurt is up to changes to concern.

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There is a great moment with Harrison, who is alone, listening/watching a podcast, as he stumbles upon something that not only gives us some horrific flashbacks to Harrison as a baby but will raise the eyebrows of Dexter fans for many different reasons. This moment will prove to be pivotal to the rest of the series. So far, the flashbacks have been very well done over the course of four episodes, and this is no exception.

The episode wraps up by giving us more info regarding Kurt and Harrison, scenes that confirm some things and only deepen a mystery for others. The stage is now set for a confrontation of sorts between Harrison and Dexter, which should be fascinating to watch.

With “H is for Hero,” mixing old and new is wonderfully done, giving the episode a great pace and adding some interesting plot twists to an already compelling and evolving story. Certain plots could go in many ways right now, which is a big win for the show.