19 Dexter side characters who deserved more screen time

Dexter: Original Sin| Premiere in NY - Source: Getty
Dexter: Original Sin| Premiere in NY - Source: Getty

Dexter is a crime drama known for its intriguing plotline characters. Though the main story revolves around the protagonist, Dexter Morgan, the viewers have felt attached to certain characters in the show as well. Some viewers have thought that some characters deserved more screen time than what was given to them. So, in this list, we are going to talk about 19 Dexter side characters who deserved more screen time.

1) Maria LaGuerta

Showtime's "Dexter: Original Sin" New York Premiere - Source: Getty
Showtime's "Dexter: Original Sin" New York Premiere - Source: Getty

Maria LaGuerta was a strong character in the Dexter series. She was powerful and intelligent. Despite being in a male-dominated world of law enforcement, she held her own. Her character included shades of grey and often bent the rules to work her way. She deserved more screen time to delve into her multifaceted character, according to the viewers.

2) James Doakes

Showtime's "Dexter" - Comic-Con International 2013 - Source: Getty
Showtime's "Dexter" - Comic-Con International 2013 - Source: Getty

Sergent James Doakes was a complex character who had been suspicious of Dexter from the beginning. His conflicts with Dexter provided a constant source of tension in the show, which the viewers enjoyed. Doakes was a man with strong moral principles, and his past was never fully explored in the show, which the viewers have pointed out to be deserving of more screen time.

3) Arthur Mitchell

Comic-Con 2009 - Day 1 - Source: Getty
Comic-Con 2009 - Day 1 - Source: Getty

The infamous Trinity Killer, who had been considered one of the most well-crafted antagonists in Dexter, deserved more screentime to delve more into his complexity and duality, which he portrayed with perfection. Arthur Mitchel’s character served as a mirror for Dexter, and his unpredictability kept the viewers on edge throughout.

4) Brian Moser

Wormwood Premiere - 74th Venice Film Festival - Source: Getty
Wormwood Premiere - 74th Venice Film Festival - Source: Getty

The viscous Bay Harbour killer, Dexter’s biological brother, has been a pivotal point in Dexter’s character development. Brian’s complex character was not unidimensional, and even though he had limited screen time, he had a profound impact on the show. However, his memory serves as a constant reminder for Dexter of his past and the darkness within him.

5) Angel Batista

HollyShorts Film Festival and Alta Globa Media Oscar Nominee Celebration at Yamashiro - Source: Getty
HollyShorts Film Festival and Alta Globa Media Oscar Nominee Celebration at Yamashiro - Source: Getty

The beloved police officer in the show is a loyal friend of Dexter. Angel’s relationship dynamic with Dexter could have been explored more, according to the viewers. His character could have been utilized more in the show, and his potential could have been explored more according to the viewers.

6) Vince Masuka

Won Soju Launch Event With Jay Park - Source: Getty
Won Soju Launch Event With Jay Park - Source: Getty

Vincent Masuka’s unique energy brought forth comedic relief, which the show deserved during times when things got too intense. His quirky personality and inappropriate comments were a contrast to the dark themes of the show, which the viewers enjoyed. He deserved more screen time where his backstory and humorous nature could have been explored more according to the viewers.

7) Harry Morgan

Showtime's "Dexter: Original Sin" New York Premiere - Source: Getty
Showtime's "Dexter: Original Sin" New York Premiere - Source: Getty

Harry’s character died way before the timeline, which we see in the show. We primarily see Harry through Dexter’s flashbacks. However, a deeper dive into the code featuring Harry’s true motivations behind creating it could have been explored in a deeper sense, according to the viewers.

8) Hannah McKay

Showtime's "Dexter" - Comic-Con International 2013 - Source: Getty
Showtime's "Dexter" - Comic-Con International 2013 - Source: Getty

Dexter’s love interest in seasons 7 and 8 has mixed reactions from the viewers. Many have said that Hanna Mcay’s character felt underdeveloped and could have been explored more deeply in the show. She felt like an untapped potential in the show, which the viewers wanted more of.

9) Detective Joseph "Joey" Quinn

Detective Joey Quinn |Image Via: The Colleton Company
Detective Joey Quinn |Image Via: The Colleton Company

Detective Joey Quinn was introduced as Debra’s love interest. However, his character had enough intrigue. His character felt like he was on the periphery and was constantly overshadowed by others. As a result, his capabilities were not properly explored. Quinn was a complex character and deserved more screen time, according to the viewers.

10) Frank Lundy

Frank Lundy | Image Via: The Colleton Company
Frank Lundy | Image Via: The Colleton Company

From the moment Frank Lundy enters the show, he has grabbed the viewer's attention with his intelligence and investigation skills. Lundy’s controversial relationship with Debra showed his vulnerable side as well. He has been a competent mentor figure to the department and deserved more screen time, according to the viewers.

11) Lumen Ann Pierce

SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations - Julia Stiles, Isabelle Furhman, Mena Massoud And Gabby Kono-Abdy For "Wish You Were Here" - Source: Getty
SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations - Julia Stiles, Isabelle Furhman, Mena Massoud And Gabby Kono-Abdy For "Wish You Were Here" - Source: Getty

Lumen’s story of being a victim of sexual assault and her journey to reclaim her agency had enough potential for a deeper delve into her character. Though her narrative was tied to the Trinity Killer storyline, an exploration of her journey of healing and reintegration into society could have been explored according to the viewers.

12) Lila West

Jaime Murray - Source: Getty
Jaime Murray - Source: Getty

Lila, Dexter’s obsessive lover, is a complicated character and has intriguing techniques to reel the viewers in. Lila’s backstory and the root of her pyromaniac nature could have been deeply explored in the show, according to the viewers. Lila had a long-term psychological impact on Dexter’s life.

13) Miguel Prado

2022 Paramount Upfront - Source: Getty
2022 Paramount Upfront - Source: Getty

Miguel Prado, who became Dexter’s friend in season 3, was a fascinating character. Miguel’s moral ambiguity and questionable methods were interesting and made him human and complex. Miguel was impulsive and emotional, unlike Dexter, and more screentime could have delved into their differences according to the viewers.

14) Ryan Chambers

Ryan Chambers | Image Via: The Colleton Company
Ryan Chambers | Image Via: The Colleton Company

This quirky lab intern, who was an interesting addition in Season 6, deserved more screen time, according to the viewers. She could match Masuka’s humor, and their unique dynamic was fun to watch. A backstory of Ryan with a deeper dive into her struggles and motivations could have been a great addition.

15) Dr. Evelyn Vogel

Yohji Yamamoto: Runway - Paris Fashion Week - Menswear Spring/Summer 2025 - Source: Getty
Yohji Yamamoto: Runway - Paris Fashion Week - Menswear Spring/Summer 2025 - Source: Getty

Dr. Evelyn Vogel was a neuropsychiatrist who deserved more screen time, according to the viewers, especially for her connection with Harry and the creation of the code, which could been delved deeper according to the viewers. Vogel was understanding of Dexter’s true nature, which had the potential for deeper introspection.

16) Oliver Saxon

Oliver Saxon | Image Via: The Colleton Company
Oliver Saxon | Image Via: The Colleton Company

Oliver Saxon’s character felt underdeveloped, according to the fans. His connection with Dr. Vogel and his history with psychological trauma could have been delved deeper and needed more screen time. His motivations felt vague and inconsistent, which could have been avoided with more screen time, according to the viewers.

17) Captain Mathews

"Killing Reagan" Washington, DC Premiere - Source: Gettyoff
"Killing Reagan" Washington, DC Premiere - Source: Gettyoff

Captain Mathews was a significant character in the show and had a steady presence. He genuinely cared for his officers, especially Debra and Dexter, who could have been given more screen time, according to the viewers. His capability of handling complex situations and maintaining order and balance made him an important supporting character in the show.

18) Jonah Mitchel

Zoey Myers "Love Me Or Hate ME" Video Shoot - Source: Getty
Zoey Myers "Love Me Or Hate ME" Video Shoot - Source: Getty

Jonah Mitchel is the son of the Trinity Killer, Arthur Mitchel, who had an impact on the viewers. His psychological trauma, particularly having a serial killer as a father, could have been explored in a deeper aspect in the show, according to the viewers. It could have been a compelling story focusing on his efforts to escape his father’s shadow.

19) Lieutenant Mike Anderson

Lieutenant Mike Anderson | Image Via: The Colleton Company
Lieutenant Mike Anderson | Image Via: The Colleton Company

Mike Anderson’s character had a lot of potential. He represented a more traditional sense of justice and believed in upholding the law, contrasting with the other detectives. His interaction with Debra and Angel Batista could have brought a fresh perspective to the show and deserved more screen time, according to the viewers.

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Edited by Debanjana
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