Dexter returns with Original Sin, a prequel that builds on the original series while navigating the risk of expanding its world after the disappointing ending of its predecessor. The premiere, titled And in the Beginning, revisits the haunting, complex character of Dexter Morgan and his journey from college graduation to the workforce as a Miami Metro forensics intern. The narrative dives straight into familiar elements, with a wounded Dexter being resuscitated in the emergency room, bridging into the 2025 sequel Dexter: Resurrection.
The opening delivers a punch, interweaving the classic theme song and voiceover narration by Michael C. Hall, which sets an emulative yet reaffirming tone, capturing the intensity fans loved. Patrick Gibson shines as the younger Dexter, navigating an “anxious” anticipation for his first kill, while the neighborhood around him brims with new faces. Yet, despite some friendly introductions, the premiere struggles with balance, echoing the divisive reception of New Blood and grappling to pay off its ambitious setup.
As someone who has always admired the complexity of Dexter’s character, I was drawn into how the episode masterfully intertwines his life flash moments with the chillingly familiar chaos of his world. The continuity between old and new characters felt uneven, but the emotional intensity delivered in the hospital scene was riveting.
Original Sin Ties In Classic Dexter Elements Without Offering Much Compelling Insight
The first episode offers little fresh or compelling insight into Dexter’s backstory.
The episode opens by introducing characters with familiar names and younger faces, skillfully blending nostalgia with fresh dynamics. Vince Masuka retains his semi-charming deviant nature, while Debra Morgan, the unfiltered, defiant younger sister, injects energy into the story by dragging Dexter to a college party in a clever twist on their sibling relationship. However, the absence of Maria LaGuerta and the underutilization of Angel Batista leave their roles feeling overshadowed by the police duo played by Patrick Dempsey and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Adding depth, Christian Slater portrays a more compassionate Harry Morgan, contrasting with James Remar’s grave, stoic concern from the original.
Despite a solid cast, the momentum dips when Dexter’s first kill is rushed through crammed scenes, leaving the plot feeling fragmented. The cartoonish portrayal of Nurse Mary lacks depth, even as her smiling devilishly demeanor briefly sparks intrigue. The misstep is amplified by a malfunctioning soundtrack that clashes with the tone, reminiscent of a broken jukebox stuck in the ’90s hits era.
Having followed Dexter’s evolution since the original series, I found the attempt to reimagine his origins intriguing but uneven. The absence of Maria LaGuerta felt glaring, but Christian Slater’s compassionate take on Harry Morgan added unexpected warmth. The twist of Dexter’s youth being less cold and more conflicted resonated with my understanding of the character’s layered psyche.
Patrick Gibson’s Budding Dexter & Michael C. Hall’s Narration Should Be A Killer Combo
Original Sin Has A Winning Combo With Its Old & New Dexters
The premiere of Dexter: Original Sin finds its footing thanks to Michael C. Hall’s iconic voiceover and Patrick Gibson’s strong performance. The episode takes risks with uneven pacing but opens new possibilities for Dexter’s development, particularly in his evolving professional relationship with CSI Chief Tanya Martin. Gibson successfully balances tension and humor, capturing Dexter’s essence and making the dynamic between the past and present feel authentic.
For Dexter: Original Sin to elevate itself beyond a messy premiere, it must lean into what made the original series a classic: exploring Dexter’s lore with greater emphasis on Harry’s code and creating an authentic season with a compelling season-length villain. Episode 2, “Kid in a Candy Store,” with its promising title, hints at more blood and innovation while giving us room to expand on Dexter’s twisted morality. As someone invested in storytelling depth, I’m eager to see how the new season continues to balance nostalgia with fresh ideas.
Certain moments in Dexter: Original Sin stand out, particularly the nimble dance between Gibson’s spot-on Dexter mannerisms and Hall’s classic dry humor. While a two-episode premiere might have provided a better launchpad, the interplay between the actors hints at a killer combo that could salvage the series’ stumbling start. With nine episodes to go, Paramount still has time to navigate this crucial crossroads, and if they continue to lean into the show’s potential, it could emerge as a fitting prequel. Reflecting on the chemistry between Hall and Gibson, it reminded me of what drew me to Dexter in the first place—its ability to fuse dark wit with psychological depth.