Dexter: Resurrection - Is Dexter autistic? Fans on Reddit have been split for years

Dexter: Resurrection has always been a show that gets fans talking. But some conversations just never die down. And one of the most debated fan theories is if Dexter might actually be autistic. It’s a topic that’s been popping up on Reddit threads for years. People on both sides have brought up moments from across the series to prove their point. Now that Dexter: Resurrection has brought him back into the spotlight, this theory demands a revisit.

Over the years, fans have dissected Dexter’s mannerisms. Be it his blunt way of speaking or the way he struggles with certain social cues. Others point out his hyper focus ability, strict routines, and extraordinary attention to detail as signs that fit the autism spectrum. He has not changed and is still the same in Dexter: Resurrection.

Of course, there are also plenty of viewers who think it’s less about a diagnosis and more about the fact that Dexter is a serial killer with his own unique moral code. No matter which side you’re on, there’s no denying the theory adds another fascinating layer to an already complex character who is now back in Dexter: Resurrection. And Reddit has some pretty compelling breakdowns of his behavior. So, let’s get right into it.

Dexter: Resurrection - Is Dexter autistic? Reddit fans have been split for years

Reddit threads have been dedicated to this debate for years and fans are still arguing about it even after Dexter has been brought back in Dexter: Resurrection. In one of those threads, user choco-early shares a conversation with their mom, who, just three episodes into Dexter, assumed the character was “high-functioning” and possibly on the autism spectrum:

"...she said that she's never seen a protagonist portrayed as so obviously having a form of autism, possibly Asperger's, and she asked me where he is on the spectrum. As a nurse, she had immediately assumed that this was the premise of the show, and I was taken aback. The argument she presented was that Dexter has a complete lack of social awareness and only connects with one or two people, but is successful in his professional career. He demonstrates repetitive behavior -- killing people, and having a ritual to do so. This behavior could have manifested itself in other ways, but the experience in the shipping container affected him deeply."

Not everyone agreed. User, thesoundofbutthurt, argued,

"No, I don't think she's right. He's a sociopath/psychopath not autistic. If he was autistic it would have shown up in the show at one point, probably during the various Harry flashbacks."

The user pointed out to Dexter's superficial charm and ability to avoid suspicion. They also stated that Harry’s code explains much of his ritual behavior.

User, aethervagrant jumped in, disagreeing entirely:

“He’s not a psychopath. Holding his emotions in a box doesn’t make them cease to exist. Your mom was correct. Dexter is the first I’ve seen my internal life portrayed on screen.”

Some fans felt the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Another user, No_Ball4465 wrote,

“I feel like there are a lot of similarities that antisocial personality disorder shares with Asperger’s syndrome. Because he did have traits similar to someone with Asperger’s. I should know because I have Asperger’s.”

Similarly, hoplahopla noted:

"I think he has traits of both. A sociopath/psychopath usually has great people's skills. Dexter doesn't have good people's skills... he can't get along with the kids, and he always feels awkward in a social setting. He's also always masking, something set up from the very first episode, and he's in ritual behavior, has fixations, and so on."

In the end, the question if Dexter is autistic, psychopathic, or somewhere in between remains unanswered and that might be the point. Michael C. Hall’s performance in Dexter: Resurrection still leaves enough ambiguity for viewers to have their own interpretations.

Trending

Stay tuned to Soap Central for more updates and detailed coverage.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback