Tale
Miami, 1991
When his bloodthirsty urges can no longer be ignored, young Dexter Morgan must learn to channel his inner darkness as he goes from student to vengeful serial killer under the tutelage of his father, Harry. Christian Slater is older than James Remar was when Dexter (2006) first aired, followed by Dexter: Resurrection (2025). Dexter: Original Sin takes a bold gamble, revisiting Dexter Morgan’s formative years and offering a new perspective on its dark passenger. While some prequels falter under the weight of established canon, Original Sin largely succeeds by enriching the Dexter mythology while delivering a compelling standalone story.
Its greatest strength lies in the casting
Although Patrick Gibson was initially a questionable choice, he steps into the role of young Dexter and captures the character’s signature mix of social awkwardness and frighteningly calculated violence. Molly Brown shines as Deb, bringing a fiery spirit and vulnerability to the younger version of the character that leaves a deep impression. The supporting cast, including Alex Shimizu as Masuka and James Martinez as Batista, also deliver strong performances, effectively capturing the essence of their original counterparts. However, Christian Slater feels somewhat miscast as Harry and struggles to fully portray the character’s inner conflicts.
“Original Sin” is not without its flaws
The series cleverly incorporates familiar elements from the original Dexter, including iconic musical elements and visual motifs, while also exploring new territory. The plot surrounding Harry’s deceased son adds an additional layer of complexity to Dexter’s origin story, even if it occasionally drifts into melodramatic territory. The central mystery surrounding Dexter’s current predicament in Iron Lake provides a compelling overview and keeps tension high throughout the season. The pacing can be uneven, with some episodes feeling rushed while others drag.
The over-reliance on licensed music occasionally clashes with the show’s darker themes
And while the CGI is generally improved from the first episode, some scenes still suffer from noticeable visual effects issues. Despite these flaws, Dexter: Original Sin is a worthwhile addition to the Dexter universe. It’s a gritty, entertaining exploration of Dexter’s past that offers a new perspective on his transformation into the Bay Harbor Butcher. While Original Sin doesn’t completely satisfy all fans, especially those disappointed by “New Blood,” it still delivers enough compelling moments, strong performances, and intriguing twists to keep viewers hooked until the bloody ending.
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