Course Correction (Dexter: Resurrection)
| "Course Correction" | |
|---|---|
| Dexter: Resurrection episode | |
 Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) taking Angel Batista (David Zayas) in his car, with this trip causing them to reach the most critical point in their relationship. | |
| Episode no. | Episode 7 |
| Directed by | Monica Raymund |
| Story by |
|
| Teleplay by | Hilly Hicks Jr. |
| Cinematography by | Ramsey Nickell |
| Editing by | Louis Cioffi |
| Original air date | August 15, 2025 |
| Running time | 53 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Course Correction" is the seventh episode of the American crime drama mystery television series Dexter: Resurrection, sequel to Dexter and Dexter: New Blood. The episode was written by Hilly Hicks Jr. from a story by Hicks Jr. and Edith D. Rodríguez, and directed by producer Monica Raymund. It was released on Paramount+ with Showtime on August 15, 2025, and aired on Showtime two days later.[1]
The series is set following the events of Dexter: New Blood, and it follows Dexter Morgan, who has recovered from his near-fatal gunshot wound. After realizing that his son Harrison is now working as a hotel bellhop in New York City, he sets out to find him. During this, his old friend Angel Batista returns to talk with Dexter over unfinished business. In the episode, Dexter goes with Prater to a private castle, where he targets Gareth as his victim.
The episode received highly positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances, pacing, and ending confrontation.
Plot
Prater takes Dexter Morgan, Al and Gareth to a private castle, hoping to build more trust and relaxation. He also informs them that Mia committed suicide, but Dexter wonders if she was murdered. As part of the evening, they are all asked to show a presentation. Al presents a video he recorded of him murdering a jogger, secretly disgusting Dexter.
When Dexter is asked to show a presentation as "Red", Dexter uses this as an opportunity to explain how he lives with a "mask" on in order to lock the Dark Passenger inside him. Inspired by Dexter, Prater tells him about his difficult past and his friendship with the serial killer who murdered his parents. He then presents him his most prized trophy: the first letter that the killer wrote him. Dexter confides to Gareth that he knows he has a twin, but expresses his admiration. He opens up about his past with his brother Brian Moser, before bringing up killing Gareth's twin. Angered, Gareth attacks him while everyone watches in the distance. Dexter secretly kills Gareth, before staging it to make it look like he bled to death, claiming he had killed Lowell and was planning to murder him and Al. Prater believes the story, but Charley has her suspicions.
Returning to New York at night, Dexter accompanies Harrison to a tour in Collings College of Criminology, where Harrison has taken an interest in applying. To their surprise, Claudette is a featured guest, explaining her details on the serial killer, the New York Ripper. She also claims killers do not feel love nor other feelings. After spotting the Ripper's murder weapon in Prater's collection, Dexter offers her some advice on the case. Subsequently, he tells Harrison that while he does not experience emotions like him, his love for him is real, comforting him and supporting his decision.
Dexter returns home, but is shocked to find Angel Batista hanging out with Blessing's family. He gives him a ride, but he drops the facade: he warns him to stay away from him and Harrison. Batista objects, wanting to avenge the deaths of James Doakes, Debra Morgan, and María LaGuerta, so Dexter forces him out of the car, warning him that it could end awry for him if his suspicions are true. He drives off, unaware that Batista placed his AirPods on a seat to use as a GPS.
Production
Development
In May 2025, the episode's title was revealed to be "Course Correction".[2] The episode was written by executive producer Hilly Hicks Jr. from a story by Hicks Jr. and Edith D. Rodríguez, and directed by producer Monica Raymund. This marked Hicks' first writing credit, Rodríguez's first writing credit, and Raymund's third directing credit.[3]
Writing
David Dastmalchian was content with how the Gemini Killers were written out, saying "I got to do with the Gareths is something that no one has done. The Dexter legacy is now deep and long, and the fandom is incredible. Not only did I get to play two characters, but I had two performances to craft. I had two confrontations with Dexter, two kills from Dexter, but none of them happened in the Dexter way. I never get strapped to a table. It's all very unique."[4]
Filming
The scenes at the castle were filmed at Oheka Castle.[5]
Music
The episode features the songs "Satan Is His Name" of Holly Golightly, "U-Mass" of Pixies, "Kill Your Ego" of Pike Project, "Ran Kan Kan" of Tito Puente, and "Showdown" of Electric Light Orchestra.[6]
Reception
"Course Correction" received highly positive reviews from critics. Louis Peitzman of Vulture gave the episode a 4 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "I'm having such a good time, in fact, that I'm actually feeling a little bummed at how quickly Dexter is offing his fellow dinner-party guests. What’s the rush? But while I would love to spend more time with Prater and his serial killer pals, I can acknowledge that the show's breakneck pacing is one of the biggest points in its favor, particularly given the wheel-spinning of the first few episodes."[7]
Shawn Van Horn of Collider gave the episode an 8 out of 10 rating and wrote, "As Dexter flies away in Prater's helicopter to a surprise destination, we wonder how long he can keep this up before he is finally caught and exposed for who he really is. In Episode 7, "Course Correction," the vice grip around Dexter's world only gets tighter."[8] Mads Misasi of Telltale TV gave the episode a 4 out of 5 star rating and wrote, "Dexter's always had a slightly awkward, yet charming, persona but during Dexter: Resurrection Season 1 Episode 7, “Course Correction,” it feels a bit manic. Like I said, maybe that is the writer's intention for these final few episodes."[9]
Greg MacArthur of Screen Rant wrote, "These scenes between Dexter and Prater, and later Dexter and Gareth's twin, are some of the best of the second Dexter sequel series. Not only are they thrilling and move the current plot along tastefully, but they also cleverly employ Dexter's past to make a magnificent, complex, and rewarding viewing experience."[10] Carissa Pavlica of TV Fanatic gave the episode a 4.5 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "On “Course Correction,” everything gets sharper. It's funnier and more dangerous. It's not just a turning point — it's a bloodstained mirror held up to the past, forcing Dexter to confront what he is... and what he might still become."[11]
References
- ^ Lammers, Tim (July 11, 2025). "'Dexter: Resurrection' Release Schedule: When Do New Episodes Come Out?". Forbes. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
- ^ Onder, Cade (May 29, 2025). "Dexter: Resurrection Episode Titles Tease a Long Awaited Showdown". ComicBook.com. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
- ^ "Dexter: New Blood – WGA Directory". Writers Guild of America West. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
- ^ Cordero, Rosy (August 15, 2025). "David Dastmalchian Talks Causing Double Trouble On 'Dexter: Resurrection'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
- ^ Das, Santanu (August 15, 2025). "What happened to Dexter as Batista closed in on Dexter: Resurrection Episode 7?". Primetimer. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
- ^ John (August 16, 2025). "Every Song in Dexter: Resurrection Episode 7 'Course Correction' – Full Soundtrack & Artist List". Dexter Daily. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
- ^ Peitzman, Louis (August 15, 2025). "Dexter: Resurrection Recap: Bad Blood". Vulture. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
- ^ Van Horn, Shawn (August 15, 2025). "'Dexter: Resurrection' Episode 7 Recap: Batista Kicks Things Up a Notch in His Hunt for the Real Bay Harbor Butcher". Collider. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
- ^ Misasi, Mads (August 15, 2025). "Dexter: Resurrection Season 1 Episode 7 Review: Course Correction". Telltale TV. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
- ^ MacArthur, Greg (August 15, 2025). "Dexter: Resurrection Episode 7 Review - Dexter Is Bolder Than Ever In A Jaw-Dropping & Masterful Series Standout". Screen Rant. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
- ^ Pavlica, Carissa (August 15, 2025). "Dexter: Resurrection Season 1 Episode 7 Plays Nice… for About Five Minutes". TV Fanatic. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
