WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Dexter: Original Sin episode 1.
Exploring Dexter’s Dark Past in Dexter: Original Sin
The highly anticipated prequel series, Dexter: Original Sin, delves into the complex and tragic dynamics between Dexter Morgan and his sister Deb. Crafted by Clyde Phillips, the visionary behind Dexter: New Blood, this series follows a post-college Dexter as he navigates his violent inclinations, guided by the moral code instilled in him by his adoptive father, Harry. Dexter grapples with his “dark passenger,”striving to fulfill his murderous impulses while evading capture.
Michael C. Hall reprises his iconic role, serving as both the narrator and Dexter’s internal voice in the prequel series. Set in 1991 Miami, the storyline unfolds as Dexter embarks on his career with the Miami Metro Police Department. Fans of the franchise can expect the series to touch upon several notorious kills already woven into Dexter’s lore. Furthermore, another upcoming installment, Dexter: Resurrection, is anticipated for release in summer 2025, with Hall expected to return.
New episodes of Dexter: Original Sin drop every Friday exclusively on Paramount+.
Dexter’s First Kill: A Missed Opportunity for Deb
A Promised Presence That Went Unfulfilled
The premiere episode of Dexter: Original Sin reveals a pivotal moment when Dexter compromises a promise to his sister Deb. He had assured her he would attend her volleyball game, taking Harry’s place as he was recovering from a heart attack in the hospital. However, Dexter chooses to betray this promise, prioritizing his very first kill of Nurse Mary over supporting Deb.
This choice sets a critical precedent in Dexter’s life, as his early missteps in ethics are paralleled later in the original series, where the repercussions of his actions culminate in Deb’s tragic fate. In Season 8 of the original series, Dexter committed to ending his serial killing, which he believes directly contributed to Deb’s demise. Although New Blood complicates this resolution, Deb’s memory looms large in Dexter’s psyche throughout the sequel. The prequel emphasizes how closely intertwined Dexter’s beginnings and supposed conclusions with his killing spree remain connected to Deb, particularly considering her association with the Ice Truck Killer in Season 1.
Deb’s Unwavering Support for Dexter
A Sister’s Sacrifice
epictes a sister’s unconditional love for her brother, evidenced by Deb’s reaction to Dexter’s previous failings. Despite displaying animosity and concern over Dexter’s peculiarities at the outset of the prequel, her loyalty and willingness to support him, despite his many inconsistencies, echo significantly from the original series. Deb’s presence at Dexter’s graduation at the end of the first episode illustrates the length to which she will go to stand by him, reaffirming her unwavering dedication even in the face of disappointment.