Surprise, Motherf*cker! The Unforgettable Legacy Of Doakes And Why The Internet Still Asks: "Who The F*ck Is That?"

Sergeant James Doakes, the perpetually scowling, tough-as-nails detective from the hit Showtime series Dexter, has transcended his on-screen fate to become a permanent fixture in internet culture. As of December 18, 2025, the character remains a trending topic, not just for his iconic, profanity-laced quotes, but for his singular role as the only person to truly see through the charming façade of serial killer Dexter Morgan. The viral phrase, "doakes who the fuck is that," perfectly encapsulates the character's suspicious nature and the meme-worthy confusion he inspires in new fans.

The character's enduring popularity is a testament to the power of a perfect antagonistic foil. Doakes was more than just a suspicious cop; he was a walking, talking mirror to Dexter's own darkness, a man with a military black ops past who understood the brutal realities of the world. His constant, menacing stare and gut feeling about the department's blood-spatter analyst provided some of the most tense and memorable moments in early television history, cementing his legacy long after his dramatic exit from the series. His story is a masterclass in dramatic irony and one of the biggest what-ifs in the entire Dexter universe.

The Man Behind the Stare: Erik King and the Doakes Biography

The intensity and raw suspicion of Sergeant James Doakes were brought to life by the American actor, Erik King. King’s performance was so compelling that he transformed a secondary antagonist into an iconic figure whose quotes and facial expressions are now part of the global meme lexicon. To truly appreciate the character, one must first look at the professional background of the man who played him.

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• Full Name: Erik King
• Date of Birth: April 21, 1963
• Nationality: American
• Most Famous Role: Sergeant James Doakes on Dexter (2006–2007)
• Other Notable Roles: King is a veteran actor with roles in other major productions, including the series Oz and the films National Treasure and Casualties of War.
• Character's Background (James Doakes): A former U.S. Special Forces and Black Operations soldier, Doakes brought a hardened, no-nonsense attitude to the Miami Metro Homicide Department. His past experience made him uniquely qualified to spot a sociopath like Dexter Morgan.
• Key Relationship: His constant, hostile suspicion of Dexter Morgan was the central conflict of the first two seasons.

The True Origin of the Meme: "Surprise Motherf*cker" vs. "Who The F*ck Is That?"

While the search query "doakes who the fuck is that" is a popular internet phrase, it is an amalgamation of the character’s suspicious persona and his most famous, explosive lines. The viral image associated with the meme—Doakes’ wide-eyed, menacing stare—is instantly recognizable.

The Real Iconic Quote: "Surprise, Motherf*cker!"

The single most famous line delivered by Doakes, and the one that launched a thousand memes, is "Surprise, Motherf*cker!" This line occurs in the Season 2 episode "The Dark Defender," when Doakes ambushes Dexter Morgan in a remote cabin. This scene is the culmination of Doakes' relentless investigation, where he finally corners Dexter and discovers the slides of the Bay Harbor Butcher's victims, confirming his long-held suspicion.

The quote became an internet sensation, used as a reaction image or GIF to denote a sudden, shocking, or inevitable reveal. It perfectly captures the moment of realization—both for Doakes and the audience—that the seemingly mild-mannered Dexter is, in fact, a brutal serial killer.

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The "Who The F*ck Is That" Derivative

The phrase "doakes who the fuck is that" is a natural evolution of the meme, often used in online commentary when a mysterious or suspicious person appears in a video or image. It reflects the core of Doakes' character: the man who was always asking, "What is Morgan hiding?" His other memorable lines, such as "Grab a crayon, psycho!" and his description of Dexter as a "fucking lizard on ice," all contribute to his reputation as the show's most quotable skeptic.

Doakes’ ability to sense Dexter's "Dark Passenger" was unparalleled. He saw past the donuts and the fake smile that Dexter used to fool colleagues like Angel Batista and Lieutenant Maria LaGuerta. This unique insight made him Dexter's most dangerous adversary, functioning as a human lie detector in the Miami Metro Homicide Department.

The Tragic Twist: Doakes’ Fate and Legacy

Sergeant James Doakes' story is a tragic narrative of a good cop whose determination cost him everything. After cornering Dexter and discovering the Bay Harbor Butcher slides, Doakes was locked in a cage by Dexter.

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The ultimate tragedy came when Doakes was framed as the Bay Harbor Butcher. He was killed by Dexter's obsessive girlfriend at the time, Lila Tournay, who blew up the cabin where Doakes was being held, ensuring that the evidence against him was overwhelming. This shocking turn of events allowed Dexter to walk free, solidifying Doakes' status as a martyr in the eyes of many fans.

The Topical Authority: Doakes in the Modern Dexter Universe

The enduring popularity of James Doakes has fueled constant speculation about his return, especially with the announcement of the prequel series, Dexter: Original Sin. This new series is set to explore Dexter’s early years, focusing on his time with his adoptive father, Harry Morgan, after the death of his biological mother.

As of the latest updates, Sergeant Doakes is not slated to appear in the first season of Dexter: Original Sin. The reason is a matter of timeline: the prequel is set in 1991, and Doakes had not yet joined the Miami Metro Police Department. However, this has not stopped the conversation. Fans and critics alike are hopeful that future seasons of the prequel could feature a younger Doakes, perhaps as a character in the U.S. Special Forces or Black Ops, setting up his eventual, suspicious arrival at Miami Metro.

The potential for a young Doakes to cross paths with a young Dexter Morgan is a compelling narrative thread that could inject new life into the franchise. The show's creators understand the power of the character, and the meme-driven demand for his return is a significant factor in the ongoing discussion about the show's future. The shadow of Doakes—the one man who was right all along—continues to loom large over the entire Dexter mythos, ensuring that the question, "Who the fuck is that?" will be answered with "Sergeant Doakes" for years to come.

Key Entities and Concepts Related to Sergeant Doakes

To fully grasp the significance of James Doakes, it is essential to understand the key entities that defined his character arc and the world of Dexter.

• Dexter Morgan: The forensic blood spatter analyst and secret serial killer who Doakes constantly suspected.
• Bay Harbor Butcher: The media nickname for the serial killer of other murderers, a title that was ultimately pinned on Doakes.
• Miami Metro Homicide: The police department where Doakes worked alongside Dexter, LaGuerta, and Batista.
• Maria LaGuerta: Doakes’ superior officer and a close friend who struggled to believe the accusations against him.
• Angel Batista: A fellow detective and colleague of Doakes at Miami Metro.
• Lila Tournay: Dexter's obsessive sponsor from Narcotics Anonymous who murdered Doakes to protect Dexter.
• Brian Moser (Ice Truck Killer): The other secondary antagonist of the early series, who, like Doakes, was a foil to Dexter.
• Harry Morgan: Dexter’s adoptive father, whose code of ethics Dexter followed.
• Dark Passenger: Dexter’s term for his homicidal urges, which Doakes intuitively sensed.
• U.S. Special Forces/Black Ops: Doakes’ military background, which explained his exceptional investigative skills and combat readiness.
• Jeff Lindsay: The author of the original Dexter novels, where Doakes is named Albert Doakes.
• "Grab a crayon, psycho!": Another famous, highly-quoted line from Doakes directed at Dexter.
• Dexter: Original Sin: The upcoming prequel series that has sparked renewed interest in the character's backstory.