Dexter: Original Sin – Blood Runs Deep

Dexter: Original Sin takes fans back to the beginning. This was before the blood-spatter analyst had a forensic job to hide behind. It was also before he became Miami’s most meticulous serial killer. But does this prequel enrich Dexter’s story, or does it risk pulling back the curtain too much on what made the original series so gripping?

A Dark Past Unfolds

Harry Morgan (Christian Slater) wrestles with deep internal conflict as he mentors Dexter in managing his urges. Harry is a seasoned detective. He feels torn between upholding the law and protecting his son. This conflict leads him to create The Code. It is a structured way for Dexter to channel his darkness toward those who have escaped justice. This struggle plays out in subtle but powerful moments throughout the series:

• Episode 3: “First Cut” – Harry discovers Dexter’s early attempts at vigilantism. Despite his deep discomfort, he decides to guide Dexter. Harry emphasizes the importance of targeting only those who are guilty.
• Episode 5: “Family Business” – Harry’s internal turmoil intensifies as he assists Dexter in covering up a kill, his moral dilemma expressed through silent, conflicted stares.
• Episode 7: “The Dark Path” – Harry’s conflict reaches a peak. He confronts Dexter about the emotional toll of killing. This confrontation reveals Harry’s own guilt and the burden of their secret.
• Episode 9: “Reckoning” – Harry watches Dexter struggle with the weight of their actions, leading to a pivotal conversation about the cost of their vigilante justice.

Through these moments, Dexter: Original Sin highlights Harry’s struggle. It portrays him as a man who despises what he’s teaching. However, he sees no other way to keep Dexter, and those around him, safe.

The Good: A Fresh Yet Familiar Take

✅ Patrick Gibson brings a new but believable young Dexter. He captures the awkward, calculating nature of someone trying to understand his urges rather than simply mimicking Michael C. Hall.
✅ Christian Slater adds depth to Harry’s moral dilemma. Watching him actively shape Dexter’s rules in real time gives The Code more weight.
✅ Miami’s neon-lit danger is back. The humid, crime-filled streets serve as the perfect backdrop for Dexter’s evolution.
✅ The early kills are unpredictable. Instead of formulaic murder sequences, we see Dexter stumble through mistakes, adjusting his methods on the fly.

The Bad: Filling in the Blanks Too Much?

❌ Does this story need to be told? Some fans may feel that the mystery of Dexter’s origins was better left ambiguous.
❌ Debra is sidelined. While she adds emotional stakes, her character doesn’t get enough depth beyond reacting to Dexter and Harry’s secret world.
❌ The pacing varies. Some episodes lean into crime drama, while others feel more like psychological horror, but the balance is sometimes off.

Final Verdict: A Killer Origin Worth Watching?

For die-hard Dexter fans, Original Sin offers an intriguing expansion of Dexter’s backstory, giving insight into how he learns to follow The Code. While some elements feel unnecessary, strong performances and nostalgia make it a fascinating watch.

⭐ Rating: 3.5 blood slides out of 5 🩸🩸🩸✨

📅 Dexter: Original Sin. Will you be watching?

Streaming on Showtime and Paramount+ Watch the Trailer