Dexter: New Blood (TV Mini Series) Cold Snap (2021) User Reviews

Everything you came for

[shakedatjunk · 9/10 · 7 November 2021]

The cinematography, set locations, production design, and directing is immaculate.

Feels familiar yet it's a breath of fresh air. The episode pretty much plays how you would expect it but at the same time you're still guessing along the way. Sets up great things for the future episodes and I can already see a tragic possibly bittersweet ending incoming. Things seem to have been going well for Dexter, we know that can't last very long.

We got the Dexter tropes we all love with a new twist. Very refreshing yet we feel at home.

Welcome back DEX

[00Yasser · 9/10 · 7 November 2021]

Very good pilot maybe a lot of events left with out explanation but there will be enough time to this later; obviously Michael C. Hall still got it, the character, the freak mode sometimes, the whole package still there; I hope this season will be good written so they could continue the series.

Simply flawless!

[gedikreverdi · 10/10 · 7 November 2021]

I was afraid that it would be a bad reboot as almost all reboots are but my wishes are granted and it's amazing! He's been living in a small charming town for the last ten years almost without his extracurricular nocturnal activity. However some wicked and rich men made him become Dexter Morgan again. I really like Debra Morgan as his new "mentor". She was a great character in Dexter as a detective and I'll definitely miss that part of Debra. His son found him and he decided to help him like his father who adopted him helped him.

Dexter's love interest

[critic-97-417657 · 8 December 2021]

I called that opening with the cop pulling Dex over. Also, she has a major Deb look and is a cop. Anyone notice that? Interesting choice. I'm sure that was intentional.

Solid first episode. Hopefully it continues

[ninjaboyballer · 9/10 · 8 November 2021]

Gotta say, after the way S8 ended, I was not sure how I felt about Dexter coming back. However, this episode has got me intrigued.

It's really interesting to see the place Dexter's in after the events of the original series finale, (granted, they don't exactly give an explanation to how he ends up in the cold state of New York compared to the lumberjack status he had in the final few minutes of the last episode of the original series). His life seems to be calm, steady, and most importantly, kill free. Dexter works at a hunting store, which is sort of fitting. Considering he hasn't killed in 10 years apparently and is trying not to, but is surrounded by weapons meant to kill. He has the urge to try and kill a deer almost every day, but he resists, as it's what Deb would have wanted for him. Deb also happens to appear as his new consciousness, being his guide and voice of reason in the same vein Harry was in the original show.

He also happens to be dating the towns chief of police, Angela Bishop. Who, besides like two other people, is one of the only characters that gets some insightful background. But I don't think that was intentional, I'll have to watch the rest of the show for the other characters who will undoubtedly get more screen time.

The shows new look also is really appealing to me. The cold, vast expanse of the New York State wilderness is a nice contrast to the hot, secluded city of Miami. Not to mention, the movie feel of the show helps differentiate it visually from the original series. The 2.39:1 aspect ratio making it feel unique and giving it a nice, cinematic look.

My least favorite part of the episode was Harrison though. Not that I don't enjoy his presence, if it even is him. I just feel like they could have built up his reveal more over the course of like 2 or 3 episodes. It would have been even more of shock, in my opinion, but I can live with interactions he and Dexter had.

My favorite part of the episode, however, comes at almost the very end. Up till that point, the whole episode had no narration at all. Making it feel, again, very different from the original show. But, it also adds to the purpose of showing Dexter and his fight to resist his former killer instincts. However, when Caldwell, the son of the towns mayor (I could be wrong) decides to shoot the deer Dexter was befriending with the same rifle Dexter sold to him earlier in the episode, he decides to knock him out. With the narration starting back up, he takes him back to his cabin to perform one of his iconic plastic killing rituals, using the fact that he discovered Caldwell killed 5 people in an accident as a reason for his demise. It was a really great scene, and I love how subtle the show is with how and what causes Dexter to snap. Therefore, bringing back Dexter's inner, sinister thoughts that act as narration.

Overall, a solid start to this new show. I'll have to see more in order to get a full opinion on it, but for now I'm glad we're back in the world of Dexter and I can't wait to see where this show goes.

Final rating: 8.6/10.

A Strong Start

[CulvertonSmith · 8/10 · 7 November 2021]

This was a very solid first episode, and Michael C. Hall gives a familiar yet all new performance as Dexter which grounds the entire thing. The setup brings high stakes and some really intriguing problems that are sure to blow up in Dexter's face before long, which is exactly how the show should feel. All the right elements are here to give this show the send-off it truly deserves, here's hoping they pull it off.

It exceeded my expectations

[aprilgirl-46150 · 10/10 · 11 November 2021]

So impressed with the first episode so far. So many easter eggs throughout the episode. Love the outro music, totally brought me back. Love how Dexter's voice came back at the end when his dark passenger came back. Not surprised that Deb is now Dexter's new conscience. Love seeing her back too. Can't wait to watch the whole series.

Oh, how I've missed you Dexter Morgan

[Dannyboi94 · 10/10 · 8 November 2021]

The original series is one of my favourite TV shows of all time, with a horrid ending. Now that legendary series has got a chance to fix everything, and it is off to a strong start.

Cold Snap is a very good episode, it is paced perfectly, written well, and acted well. It feels like the old Dexter, despite taking place in a completely different location. While not much happens in this episode until around half way, it is just a joy to see Michael C Hall back as this character. There is nothing about his performance that suggests Dexter has lost its mark. He is as good here as hes always been. I loved how they managed to fit Jennifer Carpenter into this new series, since it wouldn't be the same without her.

Looking forward to seeing this story progress. And on the side note, did anyone else get chills when the Blood Theme played at the end? Epic, just epic.

Hello Dexter Morgan, and welcome back!

Still disturbing n still fascinating.

[Fella_shibby · 9/10 · 2 December 2021]

As a huge fan of the series, I am happy with this new season.

There is something about Dexter n the ethereal guitar music. Very hypnotic.

Glad to see Michael C Hall reprise his role.

He shud definitely get more movies.

They shud get Harry back.

I watched it with no expectations...

[nakrugt · 9/10 · 7 November 2021]

I watched it with no expectations and the first episode is quite nice actually. I hope the writers could fulfill their plans for the show.

Looking forward to the next episode.

A little off

[suemilie · 6/10 · 8 November 2021]

After re-watching some of the previous seasons, I was primed for Dexter's next chapter. I was a bit disappointed with the first episode - the characters were too obvious, not the same level of nuance as in past seasons, and which always made the story development so interesting. Especially this episode's villian (Matt) who was such a problem from the start that I knew he wouldn't last (although, not even through the episode??) And the rich guy in town as the villian? Too trite. The "nightmare" of Deb coming through the ice was really effective though. I was also hoping to find out more about Dexter's escape from Miami - would make for a nice flashback scene!

Tonight's the Night

[eliiotbright · 9/10 · 9 November 2021]

The Dark Passenger returning to Dexter was the best scene I watched for last 2 years. The beautiful moment with the white stag & the reunion with Harrison was heartwarming. But he is back! Dexter Morgan is back!

So disappointing and mediocre

[dave1176 · 6/10 · 9 November 2021]

Was really looking forwards to this, and tried to make allowances because it had to follow on from the last season and also had to introduce an entire ensemble. However What made Dexter great was the great writing and drama and clever twists.

Instead we get childish twists with swells of music - he's sharpening an axe - oh no he's going to kill the butcher - no he's just giving home the sharpened tools. And this was one of many silly and predictable teases.

They spend most of the episode unnecessarily slowly and generally boringly laying it on how Dexter has spent 10 years reformed and resisting serial killing out of respect for his sister. Now a rich kid (and it's confusing why Dexter hasn't met him many times before) suddenly makes him snap? I thought the writers would think up something momentous to explain why Dexter broke, or show us previous temptations and this was the straw that broke the camels back. But know, just some random rich kid was enough.

An inauspicious start, hopefully this was just the awkward bridge to this season, but haven't seen much promise yet 😕

Good to see Dexter, but...

[sonofzep · 5/10 · 9 November 2021]

I agree with other reviewers about the predictability and lack of solid characters. On the other hand, I enjoy the nods to the earlier seasons and the ironies that are obvious to fans. I'm hoping there's improvement as the series continues.

Too Woke? I Think Some of You Are Asleep

[tjunderwood · 9/10 · 8 November 2021]

I'm perplexed at some reviewers complaining that the new Dexter is woke.

Please go back to S1, Ep. 1, and have a look at the diversity within the show. Four of the seven main cast members were non-white. To refresh your memory: LaGuerta (Cuban-American), Batista (Puerto Rican), Doakes (African-American), Masuka (Japanese).

The double amputee seen line dancing could easily be a callback to S1. If you'll remember, Brian Mosier (aka The Ice Truck Killer) worked as a prosthetist and was, what Vince Masuka stated, "an amputee devotee."

This was a near perfect ten for me. I'm dinging it one point because the movement of the white deer seemed a little odd. CGI, perhaps? Still, WAY more believable than the CGI storm in the series finale!

Perfection

[stormbailey · 10/10 · 8 November 2021]

Great 1st episode! The old dexter is back. I love the new environment dexter is in, I think the storyline is great so far. Can't wait to see the next episode.

Is he back?

[her5066 · 8/10 · 7 November 2021]

Interesting start. Definitely a slow play back as would be expected. Sets the table for a familiar character in a new world. Excited to see where it goes from here.

Perfect first episode for a new beginning.

[footsiefran · 10/10 · 7 November 2021]

They set up Dexter's new life nicely and take care to show Jim living a slower pace but *he's* still in there, rippling under the surface. Little things he says are carefully measured. This is what creates the humour and tension peppered throughout.

I'm so excited to watch how this unfolds.

A strong return to form for a new type of Dexter!

[leonthesleepy · 8/10 · 8 November 2021]

Dexter fans rest easy. So far, the first episode promises a respectful continuation of Dexter, and has me excited for the season.

With MUCH higher production values, cinematography and a much focused script, "Cold Snap" might come off as an entirely different beast at first. But it quickly catches you up with the quiet life of Dexter Morgan these past 10 years.

Who Dexter now? What has he been doing, how much longer can he stay hidden? The premiere episode quickly answers these and more.

Much like catching up with an old friend, New Blood feels more new than familiar, with just enough of that old Dexter DNA thrown in there to keep fans happy. But i'm glad that they chose to evolve the character rather than do a rehash.

Theres less crash humor here, and the change of setting does wonders for the show. Its a much lonelier and quieter tone than fans might be used to, and the exploration of regret is definitely an interesting one. It felt much more like Fargo than the thriller days of miami.

And sure, most of this is set up, but its done well. Personally, i cant wait to see how this season ends.

America's favorite serial killer is back

[notar0b0t · 8/10 · 9 November 2021]

As with the original, great music score. Great photography, too. Some great shots. The idea of hallucination Debra is interesting, but I liked hallucination Harry better. (I hope James Remar will guest star!) The opening credits are nowhere near as good and catchy as the original, but the closing ones are flawless. Glad they still have the sex scenes and the bloody ones. Purely esthetic, but I'm not a fan of the « reduced » screen ratio, it's too narrow and restricting. The donuts! Nice touch. We already had plenty of reasons to hate Matt but him killing the white deer, "Dexter's deer"... sealed it. Good effing riddance. Grown Harrison's actor looks talented. I can't wait to see where his story goes. Same for Angela, she looks promising. Her daughter Audrey, too.

A much better episode that the series finale.

Yeah, I'm excited.

Not a very smooth review, as I wrote my thoughts as I was watching it instead of writing it after I'm done. I expected to have a lot to say; I was right.

Let's all calm down.

[fede4488 · 6/10 · 8 November 2021]

Boring small town setting. Slower pace. Uninteresting secondary characters. Debra's unnecessary, fan service-y return. Teenage son now in the picture.

I'll give it a pass because it's the reintroduction episode. But boy, this isn't looking good.

Dexter is back with a bang.

[blndbahaden · 10/10 · 7 November 2021]

This was one of the best episodes of the entire show it had everything you could ask for in the pilot of a revival and even more. The cinematography, the atmosphere, the unpredictability, the references to the previous seasons, new characters, Debra as Dexter's new imaginary friend, and let's not forget a completely new Dexter. Dexter had a character development in the very first episode and that is just brilliant. If it continues on this path it might be even better than what came before it and that would be a historical accomplishment for a revival.

Pretty good start

[mycannonball · 7/10 · 27 December 2021]

I didn't love the Dexter series finale, but I disagree with many who say it was one of the worst series finales ever. I did find it overly bleak and disappointing and I hated Debra's ending when Deb was the heart and soul of the show.

So it's nice to get another season of Dexter that starts in place that isn't totally depressing. I'm glad Jennifer Carpenter is in it, though it's really not even close to the same thing to have her in his thoughts.

Forced and predictable

[tbsitu · 2/10 · 9 November 2021]

A lot of hype for this reboot, but Cold Snap was a harsh and desperate attempt to put all pieces in order for the season to come in too short of a time. Rushed and clumsy.

There was no depth to any character except Dexter. Can you paint someone evil as much as they did Matt? Oh, he's annoying as well? And an addict? And a liar? And a bully? And rich from his parents? Maybe they will add a sub-title next show literally saying who the "bad guy" is because they are clearly afraid we will miss it.

What put the nail in the coffin for me was the deer shooting scene. When Dexter walked towards the deer I actually said out loud "wouldn't it be hilarious is Matt shot the deer now?". I though it would be funny because of the sheer ridiculousness of it. No way a self-respecting writer would do something like that. Well I was stunned.

""Tonight's The Night, Hello Dexter Morgan"

[ThomasJ_9120 · 10/10 · 8 November 2021]

Really awesome to have another season of Dexter AKA Dexter:New Blood. I was a huge fan of Dexter except the last few seasons especially the ending but now they have a chance to make up for that. When Scott Buck took over as showrunner in season 5 the show definitely went downhill, Clyde Phillips who was the original showrunner has returned for this new chapter in the Dexter series. This 1st episode definitely was a great start and I'm optimistic about it ending strong as well. Welcome back Dexter!!