Following the mixed reception to the original series finale, season 9, Dexter: New Blood could resolve some serious issues with the show. The popular serial-killer drama starring Michael C. Hall as the titular Dexter Morgan ran for eight seasons between 2006 and 2013, with reviews tending towards the positive. However, Dexter's ending was largely hated by the fanbase, with many criticizing it for what felt like a bungled plot and poor treatment of some well-loved characters, including Morgan's sister, Debra.

In the original run, Debra acted as both a touchstone and foil for Dexter, initially functioning as an emotionally supportive sister and co-worker before later becoming Dexter's boss and attempting to put an end to his criminal activities. In later seasons, Debra actively sought to bring Dexter to justice, having become fully aware of who and what he is. Throughout the show, Debra was a key character, frequently driving the plot forward. However, her story came to an acrimonious end when, during the latter half of season 8, Debra suffered a stroke during surgery, placing her in a permanent vegetative state. Dexter then proceeded to kidnap her body before tossing it overboard during a hurricane.

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Given the character's popularity with fans and key role in the narrative, this ending left many with a bitter aftertaste. Much of the criticism focused on the lack of closure that Debra's ending provides and the brutal, unsympathetic way it was handled. However, with the revelation that Jennifer Carpenter will return as Deb for the Dexter season 9 limited series, the show finally has a chance to give such a beloved but badly-treated character the closure she deserves.

Dexter Debra Jennifer Carpenter Season 9

From what is known so far about Debra's return, it seems that she will fulfill a similar role to Dexter's father from the original series, acting as the physical manifestation of the protagonist's Dark Passenger. The first image of Deb as Dexter's new Dark Passenger was revealed during Showtime's recent TCA presentation, with her role marking a divide between this new spinoff and the original show. The different relationship that Dexter had with her versus his adoptive father also suggests that Dexter: New Blood will showcase a different, perhaps more sensitive side to his sadistic alter ego. This would make sense, given the secluded context in which the audience finds Dexter during the spinoff.

Debra's inclusion also offers the opportunity for some much-needed closure that was notable by its absence during season 8. Her botched off-screen surgery denied both Debra and Dexter the chance to finally bury the hatchet concerning her knowledge of her brother's murderous tendencies, her previous romantic feelings towards him, and her dislike of Dexter's love interest and fellow serial killer Hannah McKay. Debra's return to the show, in whatever capacity, therefore allows Dexter the opportunity to redeem itself for some seriously heavy-handed writing at the end of its run.

Given the strength of feeling surrounding Dexter's original finale, the new limited series will have to do more than pay lip service to a character as significant as Debra. However, for fans seeking justice for such an iconic character, the very fact that she's included at all bodes will for Dexter: New Blood.

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