SPOILER ALERT: The following reveals major spoilers from tonight’s episode of Dexter: Resurrection titled “Touched By An Ángel.”
When you’re a fan of a show centering on a serial killer, the odds are pretty high that many of your favorites will inevitably die.
That reality was even harsher for viewers of the Showtime hit series Dexter, which did not even shy away from slaying its main character, Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), in Dexter: New Blood. I know he survives and comes back in Dexter: Resurrection; however, the point is that the powers that be were willing to kill him off.
All of that to say, tonight’s episode of Resurrection will break your heart. There are not many original cast members left to speak of, and now they are down by one more. But at least we do know that not everyone stays dead, in a sense. Dexter’s father, Harry Morgan (James Remar), has been dead for most of the series, but has appeared either in a flashback or as part of his son’s conscience. Remar is currently a series regular on Dexter: Resurrection.
The show’s series premiere featured three deceased individuals who were offed in the original series, including Arthur Mitchell (John Lithgow), also known as The Trinity Killer, who also appeared in Dexter: New Blood; Miguel Prado (Jimmy Smits); and James Doakes (Erik King).
Before going further, let’s just put it out there that Angel Batista received his wings tonight, after he was murdered by Leon Prater (Peter Dinklage). It will undoubtedly come as no surprise to most anyone with the way his story was set up in New Blood and how it continued in Resurrection.
L-R: Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan and David Zayas as Angel Batista in Dexter: Resurrection
At the start of this new series, Batista is convinced his old friend is the real Bay Harbor Butcher, and not Doakes, who was framed for the murderous spree. He reconnects with his old buddies Joey Quinn (Desmond Harrington) and Vince Masuka (C.S. Lee) in episode 3, “Backseat Driver,” where he tells them he is retiring to do something he has long wanted to do.
Thus, marked the beginning of Batista’s official plan to clear Doakes’ name and to see justice served, which means putting Dexter Morgan behind bars. When Dexter and Batista reconnect, the vibe is off, and the latter isn’t shy to ask the questions he’s been dying to ask the former. Batista was also pretty fearless in his pursuit; he reconnected with Harrison Morgan (Jack Morgan), whom he hadn’t seen since he was very young, to ask some interesting questions about his dad.
He also played it fast and loose with the truth in his attempt to rope in two detectives, Claudette Wallace (Kadia Saraf) and her partner, Melvin Oliva (Dominic Fumusa). However, they eventually figure out his scheme. He worked tirelessly, breaking many rules, to unmask Dexter, and nothing was going to stop him.
L-R: Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan, David Zayas as Angel Batista and Peter Dinklage as Leon Prater
In the end, Batista visits Prater in an attempt to save his life, knowing he’s been meeting with Dexter. What Ángel doesn’t realize is that the billionaire loves Dexter even more now that he knows he is the Bay Harbor Butcher. Batista ends up strapped up to a gurney-looking table in a makeshift kill room where Prater is hoping to witness Dexter in action.
Prater hands Dexter a knife to facilitate Batista’s slaying. Dexter comes down with it swiftly, but of course, doesn’t kill him. Batista doesn’t fit Dexter’s code. Instead of stabbing him, Dexter sliced off one of the restraints to free Batista. In a voice-over, Dexter seems hopeful that he and his old buddy could team up against Prater.
“We were partners once; maybe we can be partners again,” Dexter said in a voiceover as he freed Batista.
Next, Batista charges at Dexter; he’s extremely furious. A fight ensues, and a struggle follows.
“This is for Doakes and for Maria. Your bullshit has to stop,” Batista tells Dexter as he strangles the secret serial killer who can no longer hide from the truth.
“There’s something poetic about dying at the hands of my life-long friend,” Dexter ponders internally, facing the reality that he could die right then.
Seconds later, Prater pumps Batista with five bullets. He is still alive and barely holding on, as Dexter comes to terms with the fact that there is no coming back from this.
“I need you to know, I didn’t kill Maria or Doakes. I may be the Bay Harbor Butcher, but I promise you, I didn’t kill them,” Dexter finally reveals.
“It was your fault. And now, I’m dying because of you, just like they did,” Angel replied.
Dexter tells him, “I’m sorry.”
At last, Batista knows the truth and has the satisfaction of knowing he was right, but at what cost?
In the final seconds of his life, Batista faces his old friend and tells him what he’s been wanting to say for a long time: “Dexter Morgan, fuck you.”
David Zayas as Angel Batista in episode 9
After Batista’s death, Dexter is left with the bitter reality that Batista is right. He bellows into the void, alone again, and is saying goodbye to another good person who got caught up in chaos.
With only one more episode left to go, there are still multiple loops to close on Dexter: Resurrection. Even though Batista had caught on to Dexter’s extracurricular activities, there’s no way the latter will allow Prater to get away with what he did.
With one more episode left to conclude the show’s standout freshman season, all bets are off.
R.I.P. to Angel Batista, a salsero with a heart of gold, who was perfectly imperfect, but a man who died with dignity and pride trying to do the right thing.
