It’s been a while since we’ve seen Dexter Morgan, and even though the sequel series fell flat for many, many fans, if the first three episodes of Dexter: Original Sin, are anything to go by, the new ten-part series will sure be lauded by fans as a welcome return for the show we’ve all fallen in love with.
As we pick up just moments after the polarizing finale of New Blood, and as Dexter fights to survive from being shot by his own son, he reminisces about his life so far and how he first became the serial killer we can’t help but root for.
Created by Clyde Philips, the showrunner for the first four seasons of the OG series, it’s a warm return to the chilling drama with several laugh out loud moments, surprisingly touching sibling interactions, between Dexter and Deb (Molly Brown) — including ever so subtle hints at how things end up between them — shocking twists and insight into the life of Dexter’s mother. This is definitely going to be a show that everyone’s going to be talking about.
Whilst the ’90s references feel a little on the nose — Happy Days, Wham and Vanilla Ice provide the soundtrack for the first episode alone — the story is intriguing and gripping, Patrick Gibson (Shadow And Bone) excels as a young Dexter and the return of Michael C. Hall as Dexter’s inner monologue feels like a warm wave of nostalgia. Just a side note, can we start a petition for Michael C. Hall to narrate every book?
With a supporting cast that included Christian Slater as Dexter and Deb’s father Harry, Reno Wilson, Patrick Dempsey and Buffy The Vampire Slayer herself, Sarah Michelle Gellar, it’s a stacked cast with characters old and new that will keep you constantly guessing what’s coming up next! It really is great seeing younger versions of characters, who are expertly cast. Gibson plays Young Dexter so well, you almost forget Hall isn’t playing him.
Whilst the original series used Dexter’s dad as a demon in his head, seeing the pair discuss Dexter’s first kill and then seeing Harry’s reaction as he begins to realise that his son is in fact a murderer, really does show their relationship in a new light, especially when Dexter goes into detail about his first kill, Harry’s reaction is nuanced, as he tries to come to terms with the idea that he’s made a monster.
Whilst Dempsey and Gellar are the big guest stars, Dempsey in what feels like his first major role since leaving Grey’s Anatomy over a decade ago, they do feel a little underplayed, here’s hoping they feature a little bit more as the season goes on.
A standout for the series though is Molly Brown, who plays the younger Morgan sibling, again, the spitting image of a young Jennifer Carpenter. Her portrayal of Deb, who’s lost her mother and feels alienated by the closeness of her father and brother, not only deepens the character and her emotional journey, but also makes you feel for her more in more ways than the original series ever did. Let’s just hope this Deb doesn’t get the same amount of hate as Carpenter did; and despite knowing where Deb eventually ends up, her storyline is definitely an intriguing addition to the series.
There are some who might dread the concept of Original Sin after the mixed reactions of New Blood, but with the mystery and curiosity surrounding Dexter and his past, this series breathes a whole new life into the world of Dexter Morgan, and if you’re thinking about skipping, don’t. Why?
Because it’s gonna be killer.
Dexter: Original Sin premiered Friday 13th of December on Paramount+, with subsequent episodes being released each week until February 14th.
