‘Dexter: Resurrection’ Episode 5 Recap & Review: Dexter Makes Breakthroughs & Revelations

This article contains spoilers for Dexter: Resurrection Episode 5

One of the more interesting things about the life of Dexter (Michael C. Hall) over the years is how he has managed to find a way out of what seemed like impossible situations. It’s like getting a peek under the hood of how Dexter makes decisions, and good or bad, the consequences of said decisions. In Dexter: Resurrection Episode 5, “Murder Horny,” we get to watch how Dexter reconnects with Harrison (Jack Alcott), and what lengths Dexter will go to in terms of protecting his son from his Dark Passenger and those involved in that life.

The episode begins right where we left off, with Harrison discovering Dexter is still alive. They go back to Dexter’s place, and while moving through the obvious awkwardness and anger, some revelations are made. With Harrison willing to turn himself in to the police, Dexter realizes he made a big mistake in trying to mold Harrison into what he was. Harrison actually has a conscience; there is no way Dexter would have thought about turning himself in, and now he sees some hope for his son. It was a great exchange between the two, and Hall and Alcott were very convincing. They didn’t solve anything between them, but it was a start. 

Meanwhile, the weird budding romance between Dexter and Mia (Krysten Ritter) continues. After shooting down his initial idea, they go bowling, just a pair of serial killers enjoying a night out, throwing strikes, nothing to see here. The weirdness notwithstanding, there is some genuine chemistry, and Hall and Ritter make the unbelievable seem almost believable. They talk, they connect, and decide to meet up later at a wine bar, where Dexter contemplates the idea put forth by Mia to collaborate on a kill. Of course, Harry (James Remar) is totally against the idea, but Dexter finds it fascinating to the point that he might even reveal who he really is.

We also get a closer look at Leon Prater (Peter Dinklage) in this episode, as he prepares for a big interview and reflects alone. This is one complicated individual, and he easily fits into the role of creepy ass host of these serial killer meet and greets. The same can be said for Charley (Uma Thurman), who, as it turns out, has a sick relative that shows a weird kind of compassion, but only a little. Both Prater and Charley seem incredibly damaged, which helps them interact with killers, although Charley is not subtle about her distaste for Prater’s weird serial killer hobby.

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Revelations continue as Dexter and Mia meet up at the wine bar, and she overshares to the wrong person, letting Dexter know she doesn’t just kill killers. It turns out, anyone will do when she has the urge. This throws a bucket of ice water on Dexter’s infatuation with Mia, and after bowing out of the possible team-up to kill, he puts his plan in motion.

Instead of killing her, another change in his routine, he takes the watch that Harrison gave him, the one from the man who killed him, and plants it in her apartment. He then calls the cops, who break down the door and interrupt her next kill. They eventually find the watch, which takes some of the heat off of Harrison, at least for now. It was an interesting twist to see Dexter execute a plan that didn’t involve killing. I’m pretty sure he will continue, as the Dark Passenger needs to be fed after all. Still, one wonders if this compassion of sorts will come back to bite him this season.

Dexter: Resurrection Episode 5 wraps up with another heart-to-heart with Harrison, serving as bookends to the story. The real truth comes out about what Dexter did, his thoughts on family, and how he wants to proceed. Harrison tentatively buys in, and the two break down one of many barriers that exist between them. It is a strange, complex relationship, and both of them are still killers. But there is a sense that they might actually be good for each other, in theory, anyway.

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With a lot of talk about killing, and no actual killing, “Murder Horny” was a strangely satisfying episode. Breakthroughs and revelations led to a well-thought-out story that was surprising in its emotion and heart. There is still a lot going on that can blow it all apart, though. Angel (David Zayas), Claudette (Kadia Saraf), and Melvin (Dominic Fumusa) are all good cops who more than likely will not let Harrison off that easily. However, at least for now, there is a pause, and father and son can enjoy this moment because we all know it won’t last.