You know that feeling when a character is so charmingly repulsive you actually forget you’re watching a seasoned actor work? That’s exactly what happened when Jonny Lee Miller stepped into the expensive shoes of Jordan Chase in season 5 of Dexter. Honestly, it was a weird time for the show. We’d just come off the high of the Trinity Killer—John Lithgow’s masterpiece—and fans were skeptical. How do you follow a guy who terrified everyone with a straight razor and a bathtub?
The answer was Jordan Chase.
He wasn't a physical powerhouse. He wasn't a "hands-on" killer in the traditional sense. Instead, he was a smooth-talking, high-energy motivational speaker with a "Take It!" mantra that felt like a twisted version of every self-help guru you’ve ever seen on a late-night infomercial. He manipulated, he coerced, and he led a group of absolute monsters called the "Barrel Girl Gang."
The Man Behind the Monster: Jonny Lee Miller
Basically, if you only know Miller from his days playing Sherlock Holmes on Elementary or the chaotic "Sick Boy" in Trainspotting, his turn as Jordan Chase is going to throw you for a loop. He brought this weirdly sterile, controlled energy to the role.
Born Jonathan Lee Miller in 1972, this guy has acting in his blood. His grandfather was Bernard Lee—yep, the original "M" from the James Bond movies. But in Dexter, he wasn't playing the hero or the quirky genius. He was playing a man whose greatest weapon was his voice.
People often forget how big Miller was in the 90s. He was married to Angelina Jolie, for starters. They met on the set of Hackers in 1995. You've probably seen the photos—vampy, leather-heavy, very "90s cool." But by the time he got to Dexter in 2010, he’d matured into this actor who could play "corporate evil" better than almost anyone else in Hollywood.
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Why Jordan Chase Was Actually Terrifying
Most Dexter villains have a "Dark Passenger" like Dexter does. They have an urge they can't control. Jordan Chase was different because his evil felt calculated. It was a business model.
The Psychology of "Take It!"
Jordan Chase didn't just kill people. He convinced others to do it for him. He was the "Brain" of the operation. He used his seminars to scout for men who felt weak or "incomplete" and then gave them permission to act on their worst impulses.
- Eugene Greer: That was his real name. Before the fame, before the silk suits, he was just a kid who watched his friends do something horrific to a girl named Emily Birch.
- The Watch: If you remember the season, he had that ticking watch. It was a psychological trigger. It represented the "now"—the moment where you stop being a victim and start "taking" what you want.
It's kinda disturbing how Miller portrayed this. He had this way of looking at people—Lumen, Dexter, his own followers—like they were just data points or tools to be used.
The "Lumen" Factor: A Different Kind of Payoff
One of the biggest talking points for fans is that Jordan Chase isn't actually killed by Dexter. He’s the first major antagonist that Dexter lets someone else finish off.
Lumen Pierce (played by Julia Stiles) was one of his victims who survived. The whole season is basically a revenge flick wrapped in a forensic drama. When Lumen finally stabs Chase in the heart while Dexter watches, it feels right. It wasn't about the "Code of Harry" for once; it was about actual justice for the victims.
Miller’s performance in those final moments is top-tier. He goes from being this untouchable, charismatic god to a pathetic, screaming man in a basement. The transition is jarring. It shows you exactly how much of his persona was just a mask.
Is Jordan Chase Based on a Real Person?
There’s always been a lot of chatter about who inspired the character. Some people point to real-life motivational speakers who have a bit of a "cult of personality" vibe. While the writers never officially named one person, the similarities to the high-pressure, "alpha male" self-help world are pretty obvious.
He represents the dark side of empowerment.
Beyond the Barrel Girls: Miller’s Career Evolution
After he wrapped up his stint on Dexter, Miller didn't slow down. He went on to star in Elementary for seven seasons. It’s funny, actually—he went from playing a guy who enables murders to playing the world's greatest detective.
More recently, he popped up in The Crown playing Prime Minister John Major. Talk about range. From a Florida serial killer to a British PM. He’s also a massive fitness nerd. Did you know he runs ultra-marathons? We’re talking 50-mile races through the woods. He even trains in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Maybe that’s where he gets that intense, focused energy he brought to the Jordan Chase role.
How to Watch Season 5 Today
If you’re looking to revisit the Jordan Chase era, it’s easier than ever.
- Paramount+ with Showtime: This is the primary home for everything Dexter. You can find the entire "Barrel Girl" arc here.
- Amazon Prime Video: Usually available for purchase or through the Showtime add-on.
- Hulu: Similar to Amazon, you can often find it via the Showtime extension.
What to Look For on a Rewatch
If you decide to go back and watch season 5, pay attention to the scenes where Jordan is "on stage." Miller actually studied how real public speakers move their hands and use their breathing to control a room. It’s subtle, but it makes the character feel way more grounded and real.
Also, watch the scenes where he interacts with his "security," Cole Harmon. The way he treats the men who actually do the dirty work for him is a masterclass in narcissistic manipulation.
Jordan Chase might not have the body count of the Trinity Killer or the personal connection of Brian Moser, but he remains one of the most unique villains in the series because he showed us that sometimes, the most dangerous person in the room is the one who never gets their hands dirty.
Actionable Insight: If you're a fan of Miller's work in Dexter, check out his performance in the National Theatre's production of Frankenstein (directed by Danny Boyle). He and Benedict Cumberbatch actually swapped roles every night, playing both Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. It’s a phenomenal showcase of the physical acting skills he hinted at while playing Jordan Chase.