WARNING: The following contains SPOILERS for Dexter: New Blood episode 2, “Storm of F*ck.”
In a thrilling follow-up to the premiere, Dexter: New Blood episode 2 features a major reveal about Kurt Caldwell, supporting the theory that he’s Iron Lake’s new serial killer. New Blood follows Dexter Morgan nearly 10 years after the original series ended, with the vigilante serial killer suppressing his murderous urges during the break. Dexter’s clean streak ends in New Blood episode 1 when Harrison, his estranged son, finally tracks him down. After remembering who he really is, Dexter finally kills again, with his first victim being Matt Caldwell, a reckless Iron Lake resident who was responsible for the deaths of multiple people but faced no consequences.
One of the more mysterious characters of Dexter: New Blood is Kurt Caldwell, portrayed by Clancy Brown, a well-respected and wealthy Iron Lake resident. It doesn’t appear that Dexter really knows Kurt (although their interaction hints that have heard of each other), but Dexter understands that the wealthy businessman holds a popular reputation around town. New Blood’s character description for Kurt on Showtime’s website gives a more dangerous depiction of Kurt, suggesting he could be Dexter’s most dangerous villain yet: “If he’s got your back, consider yourself blessed. But should you cross him, or hurt anyone that he cares for… God help you.”
While they shared the same name, it wasn’t quite clear until the very end of New Blood episode 2 how Kurt and Matt were related. After Kurt finally returns to Iron Lake, he arrives at Dexter’s cabin where Angela and the town have set up a base to search for Matt, finally revealing that he’s actually Matt’s father. Considering Dexter is the one who killed Matt and Showtime’s own description of his character makes it clear he’ll harm someone if they “hurt anyone that he cares for,” Dexter Morgan has truly found his match in the new season. The fact that Kurt is Matt’s father and has a vengeful spirit only contributes to the growing theory that he’s actually the new hunter serial killer teased in New Blood‘s trailer.
Further evidence that Kurt is New Blood’s serial killer comes from the fact that he was absent during episodes 1 and 2 while the young girl traveling through town was locked in a mysterious room. While this may just be coincidental, it’s supported by Kurt also being described by Matt as a father who was largely absent during his life from “work,” which would be a cover for when he’s watching his victims. Staying longer at work was an excuse Dexter used on Rita, Harrison, and Deb when he was actually out killing, so it’s not entirely unlikely. Dexter may not suspect him as quickly since he’s so outgoing and popular, but this was a cover also used by Arthur Miller/The Trinity Killer and Harrison who is surprisingly outgoing yet dark underneath the surface.
Kurt being revealed as Matt’s father makes him an even bigger suspect for Iron Lake’s serial killer when considering New Blood is largely a father-son series. Dexter is grappling with the fact that he now must be a father for the first time in nearly a decade, and has to learn to teach and protect his son who harbors his own demons. Kurt is clearly an angry, dark figure, who likely had no interest in helping teach his son Matt to control his urges, which led Matt to recklessly cause the deaths of multiple people. Right before killing Matt, Dexter condescendingly asks Matt if he’s truly blaming his crimes on “bad parenting,” which could just as well translate to Dexter and Harrison’s story. Dexter would do anything to protect Harrison, and Kurt would do anything to protect Matt. If Kurt really is the serial killer in Dexter: New Blood, he may take his revenge out on Dexter by killing his son as the ultimate punishment.
