Dexter's return and 'death' explained after being 'fatally shot' in season finale

Dexter, one of the most beloved shows of the 21^st century, is finally back.

The TV show, which ended in 2013 after eight seasons, is coming back to our screens in the form of a sequel series called Dexter: Resurrection.

Not only is it following on from the events of the serial killer show, but Michael C Hall is back as Dexter.

For those scratching their heads confused after having seen him die in the finale of a pre-existing sequel show, you’re not dreaming – that did happen.

Dexter’s survival (after being shot at the end of Dexter: New Blood) was revealed in the recent prequel show Dexter: Original Sin, a show that followed a young Dexter Morgan contending with his dark internal desires and learning how to channel it.

This will still leave many with a number of questions though of how on earth Morgan is back on our screens.

How did Dexter ‘die’ and when was it revealed that he had survived?

You'd think he looks pretty dead here right? Incorrect (Showtime)

For those who can’t remember exactly what went down – Dexter was left for dead after being shot by his son.

Realising he can’t be redeemed, the serial killer encourages his son Harrison to end the cycle (by shooting him).

Dexter: New Blood ends with him bleeding out in the snow after being shot in the chest by Harrison, however he is later found to have survived.

The prequel series Dexter: Original Sin sees him being transported to hospital, talking about how when you’re so close to death your ‘life flashes before your eyes’.

How did Dexter actually survive and what is the new show starring him?

The show’s creator Clyde Phillips said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that actor Michael C Hall had called him after Dexter: New Blood, convincing him that they had more story to tell.

He went on to say that we learn at the beginning of new sequel series Dexter: Resurrection ‘if Dexter had been shot on a summer’s day, he would have died’.

He went on to say that due to the cold: “He didn’t bleed out and they were able to save him. That’s how we were able to resurrect him.”

Phillips said that the new show was essentially the next season of New Blood.

Whilst many may think that the a third spin-off show after eight seasons of TV may be wringing the rag dry, the reviews for Resurrection are surprisingly stellar.

IGN said the show is surprisingly justified in its reasoning behind bringing back the Bay-Harbor Butcher, giving it a score of 8/10.

This made up numerous reviews that have led to Dexter: Resurrection receiving a score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Richard Roeper of RogerEbert.com said in his positive review: “This latest iteration is rooted firmly in the haunting and bleak foundation of the original series.”