23/27
Followed by Dexter: Resurrection (2025)
Miami, 1991. When his bloodthirsty impulses can no longer be ignored, young Dexter Morgan must learn to channel his inner darkness as he transforms from high school 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. Dexter: Original Sin plays boldly and returns to Dexter Morgan’s formative years, offering a fresh perspective on its dark wanderer.
Its greatest strength is its cast
While some of the prequels stumble under the weight of established canon, Original Sin succeeds largely, enriching the Dexter mythology while providing a compelling, standalone story. Patrick Gibson, though initially a questionable choice, takes on 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.
Original Sin isn’t without its flaws
However, Christian Slater feels a bit miscast as Harry, who struggles to fully understand the character’s inner conflicts. The series deftly blends familiar elements from the original Dexter, including iconic musical cues and visual motifs, while exploring new territory. The story of Harry’s dead son adds complexity to Dexter’s origin story, even if it veers into melodramatic territory at times. The central mystery surrounding Dexter’s current situation in Iron Lake provides a compelling throughline that keeps the tension high throughout the season.
The pacing can be uneven, with some episodes feeling rushed while others drag
The overreliance on licensed music sometimes 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 flaws, Dexter: Original Sin is a worthy addition to the Dexter universe. It’s a dark and entertaining exploration of Dexter’s past and offers a new perspective on his transformation into the Bay Harbor Butcher.
See more in our December calendar!
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. “One Hundred Years of Solitude” is one of the biggest TV and streaming premieres of the month.
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