38/29
Miami, 1991. When his bloodthirsty urges can no longer be ignored, young Dexter Morgan must learn to channel his inner darkness as he transforms from student to vengeful serial killer under the guidance of his father Harry… ‘Dexter’ shares the same birthday as Michael C. Hall, February 1, 1971. In episode 4, Blockbuster employee Deb meets her boyfriend, wearing a navy blue short-sleeved shirt as part of her uniform. In 1991, employees wore light blue shirts with long sleeves. Short sleeves were only worn 4-5 years later. It was followed by Dexter: Resurrection (2025). Dexter: Original Sin takes a bold gamble, revisiting Dexter Morgan’s formative years and offering a new perspective on his dark passenger. While some of the prequels stumble under the weight of established canon, Original Sin largely succeeds, enriching the Dexter mythology while offering a standalone story. One of the series’ greatest strengths is its casting. Patrick Gibson, while initially questionable, thrives as the young Dexter, capturing the character’s signature blend of social awkwardness and coldly calculated violence. Molly Brown shines as Deb, imbuing the younger version of the character with a fiery spirit and a vulnerability that resonates deeply. The supporting cast, including Alex Shimizu as Masuka and James Martinez as Batista, also give strong performances, effectively capturing the essence of their original counterparts. However, Christian Slater feels a bit underwhelming as Harry, who struggles to fully embody the character’s inner conflicts. The series deftly weaves together familiar elements from the original Dexter, including iconic musical scores and visual motifs, while exploring new territory. The storyline involving Harry’s deceased son adds complexity to Dexter’s origin story, though it occasionally veers into melodramatic territory. The central mystery surrounding Dexter’s current situation in Iron Lake makes a compelling transition and keeps the tension high throughout the season. Original Sin is not to blame. The pacing can be uneven, with some episodes feeling rushed while others linger. The heavy reliance on licensed music occasionally clashes with the show’s darker themes. And while the CGI has generally improved since the first episode, some scenes still suffer from noticeable visual effects issues. Despite these shortcomings, Dexter: Original Sin is a worthwhile addition to your Dexter universe. It’s a darkly entertaining exploration of Dexter’s past, offering a fresh perspective on his transformation into the Bay Harbor Butchers. While it may not fully satisfy all fans, especially those disappointed by New Blood, Original Sin delivers enough compelling moments, strong performances, and interesting twists to keep viewers engaged until the unfortunate ending.