Dexter: Original Sin has finally released all of its episodes on Paramount+ and Showtime. This prequel series to the original Dexter show takes you into the early days of Dexter’s time at Miami Metro’s Homicide Division while also introducing us to some of Dexter’s first kills.
We have been a huge fan of the Dexter series since inception, so we were more than happy to jump in and check out and review this new season of Dexter. As always, we break down our reviews by story, acting, and overall. So let’s jump On In!
Story 7/10
Within the series, you see a interesting use of different points of view from prior stories that were actually covered in the first season of Dexter, as well as some unfortunate disavowment of actual lore within the world of Dexter. That being said, the show creates a couple villains of the season that barely stands out at first. However, as the season continues it becomes clear and stronger, and in the end, creates interesting foils for Dexter to hunt down, as well as Harry Morgan.
At the same time as telling a prequel story of Dexter’s life with Michael C. Hall providing the narration of his past, we are also gifted an additional backstory that goes even further. While Dexter would have no knowledge of the life and story of Laura Moser, it’s an interesting choice for a flashback that gives more backstory of Harry Morgan, his affair with Laura Moser, and his earliest connections to Dexter. The view back at the affair gives us a brand new understanding as to why Harry Morgan was so protective of Dexter, and also goes a long way to repair a lot of assassinations of Harry’s character from the original series.
Acting 8/10
There’s a lot going on in this new series. Patrick Gibson who takes on the titular role of Dexter does an amazing job matching the body language, ticks, and mannerisms of Dexter that it doesn’t take long to immediately view him as if he was Dexter.
The actors taking over the roles of Vince Masuka and Angel Batista, Alex Shimizu and James Martinez, do a wonderful job blending into their predecessor’s roles seamlessly. While Christian Slater’s taking on the role of Harry Morgan, like Molly Brown taking on the role of Deborah Morgan, and Christina Milian taking on the role of Maria LaGuerta don’t specifically connect with the prior characters behaviors. They do, however, do an amazing job presenting a well thought out well-rounded and believable character in the world.
Specifically, Christian Slater appears to have thrown out any playbook as to how Harry Morgan acted behaved and talked in the prior series and decided to make the character 100% his own. But also Christian Slater 100% commits to the character of Harry Morgan and gives an amazing performance that raises the question of have we ever actually perceived Harry Morgan in this series, or have we just perceived how Dexter wishes to view him in his memories.
Newcomers to the world of Dexter in the form of Tanya Martin played by Sarah Michelle Gellar and Capt. Aaron Spencer played by Patrick Dempsey also, do a good job filling out the world and creating new and unique experiences for the viewer.
Overall 8/10
I think the reason why this show did such a great job connecting with audiences and drawing so many viewers to Showtime and Paramount has to do with the fact that it scratches an itch of the original series. The show procedurally handles, if not a killer of the week, a killer every other week format, while also bringing fans of the show back into the nostalgic halls of the Miami Metro Police station.
Add on with all the references to events and stories in the original Dexter series, and you have just a warm blanket of history being relived and refreshed for fans eyes.
Conner’s Final Thoughts
The big issue with the series is that it is a precursor for the second revival show of Dexter coming out later this year. It is a flashback being seen in the eyes of Dexter as he’s rushed to through and about an emergency room procedure to save his life. The new show will pick up with him, likely escaping the hospital in custody and being on the run where the Angel Batista on his heels.
That being said, I don’t know how much room that leaves for the continuation of Dexter original sins, it does have 15 years worth of time to fill the gaps between itself and the original show, but I feel like it will run at the very least until Harry Morgan’s death.
All that being said, I hope that the new revival series does not kill Original Sin, because it’s a lot of fun to watch.
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