Dexter: Every Main Character Ranked Worst To Best

Portrayed with enigmatic gusto by James Remar, Harry is a fascinating fixture in seasons 1 and 2. Having passed away 10 years prior, we learn a great deal about him and his relationship with Dexter via flashback. The wise but jaded architect of Dexter's code, Harry turns his adopted son into the perfect murderer, ensuring the troubled youngster has a brighter future than the average serial killer ever will.

From season 3 onwards, Harry is basically Dexter's imaginary friend, putting a face on Dexter's internal dialogue. There are several dark reveals about Harry scattered throughout the series from his infidelities to his suicide. They paint the picture of a great cop with some truly debilitating flaws.

Much of his dynamic with Dexter is frustratingly retconned in season 8 with the arrival of Dr Vogel. No longer the mastermind behind Dexter's code, imaginary Harry eventually bids Dexter farewell and vanishes. A considerably different figure in the lives and memories of Dexter and Debra by the end of the series, Harry remained an interesting (if slightly inconsistent) influence from the pilot to the finale. His scenes with a young Dexter are some of the show's best and most realistic in depicting a future serial killer.