23/15
Story
Miami, 1991
When his bloodthirsty desires can no longer be ignored, young Dexter Morgan must learn to channel his inner darkness as he transitions from high school student to avenging serial killer with the guidance 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 fresh perspective on his dark passenger. While some prequels stumble under the weight of established canon, Original Sin succeeds in fleshing out the Dexter mythology while delivering a compelling standalone story.
One of the series’ greatest strengths is its cast
Patrick Gibson, though initially a questionable choice, grows into the role of young Dexter, capturing the character’s signature mix of social awkwardness and chillingly calculated violence. Molly Brown shines as Deb, imbuing the younger version of the character with a fiery spirit and vulnerability that resonates deeply. 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. Christian Slater, however, feels a bit miscast as Harry, struggling to fully embody the character’s inner conflicts.
Original Sin isn’t without its flaws
The series deftly weaves in familiar elements from the original Dexter, including iconic musical cues and visual motifs, while also exploring new territory. The plot involving Harry’s deceased son adds a layer of complexity to Dexter’s origin story, though it occasionally veers into melodramatic territory. The central mystery surrounding Dexter’s current situation in Iron Lake provides an engaging plot, keeping the tension high throughout the season. The pacing can be uneven, with some episodes feeling rushed while others drag.
The overreliance on licensed music occasionally clashes with the show’s darker themes
And while the CGI has generally improved over the first episode, some scenes still suffer from noticeable visual effects issues. Despite these shortcomings, Dexter: Original Sin is a worthy addition to the Dexter universe. It’s a dark and entertaining exploration of Dexter’s past, offering a new perspective on his transformation into the Bay Harbor Butcher. While it may not fully satisfy all fans, especially those disappointed with New Blood, Original Sin delivers enough compelling moments, strong performances, and intriguing twists to keep viewers engaged until the bloody finale.
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