Brian Cox reveals chilling reason New York Ripper is still free in Dexter: Resurrection season 2

*Warning: Spoilers ahead for Dexter: Resurrection season 2 episode 1*

We finally get to meet Don Framt, aka the New York Ripper, in Dexter: Resurrection season 2 episode 1. But even though detectives are convinced he’s the killer, they still don’t have enough evidence to arrest him – and now, Brian Cox has revealed the chilling reason why.

In the second chapter of the sequel series, we quickly learn that Dexter (Michael C. Hall) has used Leon Prater’s (Peter Dinklage) serial killer files to track down and murder two of the culprits. 

He then heads to Pennsylvania to kill Al Walker, aka Rapunzel (Eric Stonestreet). And while he finishes the job, Al nearly gets the better of him. Maybe his son Harrison (Jack Alcott) is right – Dexter’s not as young as he used to be. 

Speaking of the files, if you remember, Dexter left behind the one identifying Don Framt as the New York Ripper. Now an elderly man who uses a wheelchair, Framt is no longer physically able to carry out his killing spree. But that hasn’t stopped him from tormenting the families of his victims.

But proving it’s him is difficult for NYPD detectives Oliva (Dominic Fumusa) and Wallace (Kadia Saraf).

They bring him in for questioning over a disturbing phone message left by the New York Ripper to Sam McCormick, the father of 15-year-old victim Rachel. But Framt denies everything, and he’s as cocky as ever (side note: Cox is absolutely the right choice for this role).

His lawyer describes the interrogation as “harassment”, at which point Captain Mixon (Bokeem Woodbine) interrupts and announces Framt is free to go. It’s not that he doesn’t believe he’s the killer – he just thinks Oliva and Wallace are going about it wrong. 

So far, they’ve brought him in nine times and they’re no closer to an arrest. “We all know Framt’s our guy, but you’ve got no hard evidence. No case,” Mixon says, adding, “Until we have definitive, non-circumstantial proof, lay off Framt.”

But what’s confusing is the fact that Framt literally serves up potential evidence. Just as he’s leaving, he says, “In case you want to test my DNA,” before spitting into his coffee cup. Which begs the question…

Why haven’t the police caught the New York Ripper yet?

As Brian Cox has revealed, Framt was very meticulous when conducting his killings. As such, he was very careful not to leave any DNA evidence at the scenes of his crimes. 

Speaking to TVLine, Cox explained, “He’s crafty. They don’t have DNA, so that serves him. And he’s been very careful about his DNA.”

Another reason he’s so disturbing is that he seems to enjoy the fact that the police know it’s him but can’t do anything about it. And he’s also enjoying the suffering he’s caused. 

The Succession star went on to explain, “His accident was an accident he had when he was working for the subway department, it all fell in on him. So he’s sort of basking in his former glory and getting off on it, because it’s all he’s got left. 

“He can’t do the killing anymore. But what he does do is taunt the relatives. He’s definitely a sadist, there’s no question about it.”

Where his weaknesses lie, Cox said, is the fact that he’s also an “incredibly lost individual”. 

Playing the part was hard for Cox, as the character has no redeeming qualities. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the actor said, “Doing Dexter was the weirdest experience I’ve had as an actor, because I was playing someone who I absolutely loathed. 

“I just thought that he was a pointless human being, but I had to make the man true and real. I thought, ‘How am I going to play this part?’ I don’t buy into Method acting at all, but this creature came out of me, which I didn’t even know I had. It makes me shudder to think. 

“I can’t look at him now, because I go, ‘[Gasp] I’m doing that? Oh, no. Please, I shouldn’t be doing that.’ I still have to have this appointment with the therapist to try and sort it out.”

Is he based on a real serial killer?

Although Don Framt’s crimes might sound like something from a true crime documentary, there’s currently no confirmation that the New York Ripper is based on a specific real-life murderer.

Some online claims have linked the character to Rex Heuermann, the Gilgo Beach Killer, but neither the show’s creators nor the cast have publicly confirmed that connection.

Interestingly, the name New York Ripper was also used for the killer in a 1982 horror film of the same name. However, there’s no evidence that Dexter: Resurrection’s version was inspired by that character either.

How to watch Dexter: Resurrection season 2

Right now, the only way to stream Dexter: Resurrection season 2 in the US is with Paramount+ Premium, which costs $13.99 per month.

Unfortunately, the cheaper Paramount+ Essential plan doesn’t include the series. This is because Resurrection is a Showtime original, and Paramount+ reserves the show for its Premium subscribers. The same goes for season 1.

That said, you don’t necessarily have to subscribe directly through Paramount+. You can also get Paramount+ Premium as an add-on through Amazon Prime Video or YouTube Primetime Channels.

And here’s some good news if you’re hoping to watch without paying straight away: although Paramount+ no longer offers its usual free trial to new US subscribers signing up directly, eligible customers can still get a seven-day free trial of Paramount+ Premium through Prime Video.

Just remember that you’ll be charged the monthly subscription fee if you don’t cancel before the trial ends.

Outside the US, Dexter: Resurrection season 2 is also available on Paramount+ in the UK, Ireland, Canada and Australia, with new episodes arriving weekly from Friday, October 30.

Featured image credit: Paramount+