WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for Dexter: Original Sin Season 1, Episode 4! As the first season of Dexter: Original Sin unfolds, it explores the tumultuous affair between Harry Morgan and Laura Moser. While this prequel aims to provide insight into Harry’s choices, it omits critical elements from the original series that might cast Harry’s actions in a more unfavorable light. New and familiar characters enrich the narrative, particularly concerning Dexter’s formative years, his early criminal endeavors, and the circumstances surrounding Harry Morgan’s eventual demise. Notably, Original Sin provides flashbacks highlighting Harry’s perspective, detailing the inception and progression of his relationship with Dexter’s mother, Laura.
Dexter: Original Sin Omits Harry’s Affairs With Other Confidential Informants
Harry’s Affair With Valerie Hodges Preceded His Relationship With Laura
The narrative in Original Sin gradually reveals the budding romance between Harry and Laura, leading viewers to root for their union. The chemistry and mutual support between them are emphasized, portraying Harry as a nurturing figure destined to be a good father to Dexter. However, as their affair commences within the series, it is depicted as a choice both are hesitant to embrace, ultimately undermined by their intense feelings.
Despite the series’ intention to depict Harry as conflicted in his actions, the original Dexter series provided a more nuanced context that revealed he had already engaged in affairs with other confidential informants, including Valerie Hodges. This backdrop shifts the audience’s perception significantly, as Original Sin paints a favorable picture of Harry despite his continued infidelity.
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Returning Characters in Dexter: Original Sin |
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Character |
Actor in Dexter |
Actor in Original Sin |
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Dexter Morgan |
Michael C. Hall |
Patrick Gibson |
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Debra Morgan |
Jennifer Carpenter |
Molly Brown |
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Harry Morgan |
James Remar |
Christian Slater |
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Angel Batista |
David Zayas |
James Martinez |
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Maria LaGuerta |
Lauren Vélez |
Christina Milian |
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Vince Masuka |
C. S. Lee |
Alex Shimizu |
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Laura Moser |
Sage Kirkpatrick |
Brittany Allen |
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Camilla Figg |
Margo Martindale |
Sarah Kinsey |
In an earlier episode of Dexter, Debra remarks that Harry likely selected his confidential informants based on his inclination towards extramarital relationships. Although the original series indicates that Harry had genuine feelings for Laura, it ultimately presented a more complex view by suggesting that she was not his sole affair. By shielding this context, Original Sin crafts a narrative where Harry appears as a man torn by circumstance rather than as a man consistently unable to resist temptation.
Dexter: Original Sin Portrays Harry’s Marriage with Doris in a Negative Light
Original Sin Explores the Deteriorating Dynamics of Harry & Doris’ Marriage
Furthermore, Dexter: Original Sin diminishes the severity of Harry’s infidelity by framing the decline of his marriage to Doris as a contributing factor. In contrast, the original series did not illustrate their relationship as actively deteriorating prior to his affair with Laura. Instead, Harry’s repeated betrayals highlighted his moral failings as a father and husband rather than simply a result of marital strife.
Understanding the Reasoning Behind Original Sin’s Portrayal
Harry as an Unreliable Narrator
Significantly, the disparity between Harry’s portrayal in Original Sin and the original series can be attributed to the selective nature of the flashbacks, which present Harry’s perspective. Just as Dexter serves as an unreliable narrator at times, so too does Harry Morgan. The prequel shows his recollections in a light that favors his character, thus obscuring the reality of his choices. By emphasizing the emotional connection with Laura and underscoring marital tensions, Harry’s self-justification conveniently glosses over his previous affairs.
New episodes of Dexter: Original Sin premiere every Friday on Paramount+ with Showtime.