18/29
Miami, 1991. When his bloodthirsty urges can no longer be ignored, young Dexter Morgan must learn to channel his inner darkness as he, under the guidance of his father, Harry, transforms from student to vengeful serial killer… ‘Dexter’ shares the same birthday as Michael C. Hall, February 1, 1971. In Part 4, Blockbuster employee Deb and her friend meet, wearing a navy blue, short-sleeved shirt as part of their uniform. In 1991, employees wore long-sleeved light blue shirts. The short-sleeved ones weren’t worn until 4-5 years later. This 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 prequels stumble under the weight of established canon, Original Sin largely succeeds, enriching the Dexter mythology while providing a compelling, standalone story. One of the series’ greatest strengths is its casting. Patrick Gibson, while initially questionable, has grown into the role of young Dexter, capturing the character’s signature blend of social awkwardness and coolly 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 give strong performances, effectively capturing the essence of their original counterparts. However, Christian Slater feels a bit out of place as Harry, who struggles to fully embody the character’s inner conflicts. The series deftly weaves in familiar elements from the original Dexter, including iconic musical scores and visual motifs, while also exploring new territory. The storyline involving Harry’s deceased son adds complexity to Dexter’s origin story, though it also occasionally strays into melodramatic territory. The central mystery surrounding Dexter’s current situation in Iron Lake provides a compelling transition and keeps the tension high throughout the season. Original Sin isn’t without its flaws. The pacing can be uneven, with some episodes feeling rushed while others drag on. The overreliance 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 the Dexter universe. It’s a darkly entertaining exploration of Dexter’s past, offering a new perspective on his transformation into the Bay Harbor Butchers. While it may not completely satisfy all fans, especially those disappointed with New Blood , Original Sin offers enough compelling moments, strong performances, and interesting twists to keep viewers engaged until the bloody end.