In the latest episode of Dexter: Resurrection, fans witness the heartbreaking farewell of Angel Batista, a character who has been integral to the series since its inception. This episode not only marks a significant turning point for Dexter Morgan but also encapsulates the show’s ongoing themes of betrayal and redemption.
How Showtime’s ‘Dexter: Resurrection’ Bids Farewell to an Iconic Character in Episode 9
SPOILER ALERT: The following reveals major spoilers from tonight’s episode of Dexter: Resurrection titled “Touched By An Ángel.”
As fans of a series centered around a serial killer, the likelihood of witnessing the demise of beloved characters is high. This reality hit hard for viewers of the Showtime hit series Dexter, which even went so far as to kill off its main character, Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), in Dexter: New Blood. While he returns in Dexter: Resurrection, it’s clear that the creators were unafraid to take such bold steps.
Tonight’s episode of Resurrection is bound to tug at your heartstrings. With few original cast members remaining, the loss of another character is significant. However, it’s worth noting that not all characters remain dead in the series. Dexter’s father, Harry Morgan (James Remar), has been deceased for most of the show but continues to appear through flashbacks or as part of Dexter’s conscience. Remar is now a regular on Dexter: Resurrection.
The series premiere showcased three characters from the original series who met their end, including Arthur Mitchell (John Lithgow), known as The Trinity Killer, Miguel Prado (Jimmy Smits), and James Doakes (Erik King).
Before diving deeper, we must acknowledge that Angel Batista met his tragic fate tonight, murdered by Leon Prater (Peter Dinklage). This outcome was foreshadowed by how his storyline unfolded in New Blood and continued in Resurrection.
Batista’s Pursuit of Justice
At the beginning of this new series, Batista believes his old friend is the real Bay Harbor Butcher, not Doakes, who was wrongfully accused. In episode 3, “Backseat Driver,” he reconnects with old friends Joey Quinn (Desmond Harrington) and Vince Masuka (C.S. Lee), announcing his retirement to pursue a long-held desire.
This marked the start of Batista’s quest to clear Doakes’ name and seek justice, which means putting Dexter Morgan behind bars. When Dexter and Batista reunite, the tension is palpable, and Batista isn’t hesitant to voice his suspicions. In his relentless pursuit, he even reconnects with Harrison Morgan (Jack Morgan), seeking answers about his father.
Batista bends the truth in his attempts to involve detectives Claudette Wallace (Kadia Saraf) and Melvin Oliva (Dominic Fumusa), but they eventually uncover his scheme. He works tirelessly, breaking numerous rules, to expose Dexter, determined to see his mission through.
The Climax of Betrayal
In a desperate bid to save Prater, who has been meeting with Dexter, Batista finds himself strapped to a gurney in a makeshift kill room. Prater hopes to witness Dexter in action. As Dexter approaches with a knife, he swiftly cuts one of Batista’s restraints, hinting at a potential alliance against Prater. However, this hope is short-lived.
In a voiceover, Dexter reflects, “We were partners once; maybe we can be partners again,” as he frees Batista. But Batista, filled with rage, charges at Dexter, leading to a fierce struggle.
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Batista confronts Dexter, saying, “This is for Doakes and for Maria. Your bullshit has to stop,” as he grapples with the serial killer who can no longer hide from the truth. Dexter muses, “There’s something poetic about dying at the hands of my lifelong friend,” just before Prater shoots Batista five times.
Though Batista clings to life, Dexter realizes there’s no turning back from this moment.
“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 insists. Batista retorts, “It was your fault. And now, I’m dying because of you, just like they did.”
In his final moments, Batista confronts Dexter with the words he’s longed to say: “Dexter Morgan, fuck you.”
After Batista’s death, Dexter is left grappling with the harsh reality that Batista was right. Alone once more, he bids farewell to another innocent caught in the chaos.
With only one episode remaining, numerous threads still need resolution in Dexter: Resurrection. Despite Batista uncovering Dexter’s dark secrets, there’s no way Dexter will let him escape the consequences of his actions.
One episode remains to conclude this standout season, and anything could happen.
R.I.P. to Angel Batista, a man with a heart of gold, who met his end with dignity and pride while striving to do what was right.
