As a dedicated fan who has followed Dexter Morgan’s twisted journey from the very beginning, I must say that his story is as captivating as it is tragic. The show masterfully portrays the complexities of a serial killer with a code, struggling to maintain his double life while dealing with family ties and personal demons.
Dexter: Original Sin, released over a decade since the original show’s conclusion, brings fresh energy to a beloved series from the 2000s and early 2010s. This prequel series delves into the origins of Dexter Morgan (played by Michael C. Hall), our title character, and his transformation into a ritualistic vigilante serial killer. However, it also sheds light on his relationship with his father Harry (portrayed by Christian Slater), who was aware of Dexter’s dark tendencies but aimed to guide them towards something beneficial.
I’ve found that sometimes, you can enjoy a spin-off show without having seen the original one it was based on. For instance, “Fear the Walking Dead” and “Young Sheldon” are spin-offs of “The Walking Dead” and “The Big Bang Theory,” respectively. However, immersing yourself in the backstory of a show often enhances the viewing experience. Watching the original show often provides essential context, like with “House of the Dragon” and “Game of Thrones.” But where does “Dexter: Original Sin” fit into this picture? That’s a question I’m curious to find out.
Do You Need to Watch ‘Dexter’ Before ‘Original Sin‘?
To truly appreciate and catch all the intricate details, inside jokes, and character interactions in Dexter: Original Sin, it’s recommended that you first watch Dexter. The series delves not only into Dexter but also various other supporting characters who made appearances in the original. New actors portray younger versions of these characters, but their remarkable performances in terms of appearance, personality, and even vocal nuances are a joy to behold. Without watching the original, these aspects might go unnoticed.
For those new to Dexter, even though it’s a series about a character with a unique compulsion, the plotline of “Dexter: Original Sin” remains understandable. The story revolves around a young man who struggles with an intense desire to kill, a fact that his father has already recognized. In an attempt to control these urges, the father engages Dexter in hunting and even encourages him to attend medical school. His thought process is that by exposing Dexter to death, blood, and corpses in safer environments, he can help his son “recover” from his “habit”.
You could enjoy Dexter: Original Sin even if you haven’t seen Dexter, but you’d likely miss out on some deeper context and connections. While it can still be an enjoyable series, it was particularly crafted to cater to fans of the original.
Do You Need to Watch All Eight Seasons of Dexter?
“Given your intention to start with the new series, would watching the entire eight-season run of ‘Dexter’ be necessary for a better grasp? Given that notable actors like Patrick Gibson, Patrick Dempsey, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Christian Slater are joining the cast, this could be quite an extensive commitment for those who prefer diving right into the new episodes.
As a cinephile, I understand if you’re short on time and don’t fancy spending hours sifting through all 96 episodes across eight seasons of Dexter. My suggestion? Opt for the first four seasons instead. These were masterfully crafted by showrunner Clyde Phillips, who’s back for the new series, Dexter: Original Sin, and are widely considered the show’s finest moments. Even die-hard fans will concede that the quality of Dexter dipped noticeably once Phillips departed, with seasons five through eight veering off course, leading up to one of the most poorly received TV series finales ever.
As a die-hard Dexter fan, let me share some insights that might help you enjoy the latest installment, Dexter: Original Sin, even more. The opening scenes of this new series are directly connected to the revival limited series, Dexter: New Blood. If you missed out on this 10-episode spin-off, it’s crucial to know that it picks up right where the original Dexter series ended. So, if you haven’t seen it yet, I’d strongly recommend watching all four seasons of Dexter first and then catching up with recaps of Dexter: New Blood. That way, you can fully appreciate the narrative continuity from start to finish in Dexter: Original Sin.
Best Seasons of Dexter and Key Plot Points
Season 1
In the initial series, the narrative lays out the tale and establishes the character’s context. It’s revealed that Dexter is employed by Miami Metro and exploits this position to pursue criminals who have evaded justice. Meanwhile, during his personal time, he takes it upon himself to deal with these offenders independently.
Spectators additionally catch a peek into the tough struggle Dexter endures in maintaining a semblance of normality. He engages in activities such as offering coworkers donuts, partaking in idle conversation, and even participates in a bowling league – all efforts to blend seamlessly with others and remain inconspicuous. Meanwhile, his chilling past is disclosed, unveiling events like the trauma he experienced as an infant, the presence of his older brother, and the reason behind Harry’s decision to take him in as an adoptive son.
Season 2
Season 2 delves deeper into Dexter’s personal life and his internal conflict between maintaining a normal facade and controlling his Dark Passenger. Additionally, there’s an increased presence of Dexter’s father’s ghost, who appears when he recalls his father’s teachings and ensures he stays on the right path. This is also the season where the bodies found in the water give rise to the term Bay Harbor Butcher, a nickname for the newly identified serial killer in town.
Season 3
In the third season, Dexter’s calculated yet deadly spree persists. He encounters a new ally named Miguel Prado (played by Jimmy Smits), who is a district attorney. As Dexter comes to understand, Miguel also harbors a dark side within him. Notably, Dexter and his long-term partner Rita (Julie Benz) tie the knot, which can be overlooked if needed.
Season 4
It’s widely considered that the most outstanding season of the series is season four, as Dexter comes face to face with his formidable adversary, Arthur Mitchell, portrayed by John Lithgow, who is infamously known as the Trinity Killer. For years, he’s been committing heinous crimes across America, targeting three victims annually in a similar ritualistic manner, then relocating to continue his deadly spree.
In an instant, Dexter identifies Mitchell as the suspect, triggering a chase with Mitchell where they both hide and pursue. This encounter marks the first time Dexter is compelled to scrutinize himself deeply (and his possible future). The intensity increases significantly when Dexter finds himself pinned down and shaken by Mitchell, who appears unperturbed by the possibility that he is being hunted.
The biggest, most shocking moment in Season 4 is the death of a key character, someone close to Dexter that shakes him to the very core. This is also the season when Dexter and Rita have a child, which they name Harrison.
All You Need To Know About The Final Four Seasons of Dexter
During seasons five through eight, each installment delves into a distinct case that Miami Metro endeavors to resolve, with Dexter simultaneously conducting his own covert investigations. The main narrative, crucial for understanding the context, primarily revolves around people gradually becoming suspicious of Dexter and his true identity.
Season 5
Initially, Sergeant Erik King’s character, James Doakes, began to suspect Dexter in Season 1. As for Season 5, characters like Desmond Harrington’s Joey Quinn start to question Dexter’s actions. This confusion intensifies when a sketch of a murderer bears a striking resemblance to Dexter.
In that particular season, the narrative primarily revolves around Dexter’s connection with a young woman named Lumen (played by Julia Stiles). He rescues her from men who had harmed her, and subsequently, she joins him as an apprentice, seeking revenge on those responsible. As the season progresses, Lumen’s intentions stir feelings in Dexter that make him ponder if it’s possible for him to ever lead a normal life.
Season 6
In the sixth series, we meet Travis Marshall (Colin Hanks), a ruthless serial killer, driven by religious beliefs, who goes by the name of the Doomsday Killer. Dexter’s attention is drawn to him. The main event in this season revolves around Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) acknowledging her unusual romantic emotions towards her adoptive brother. By the end of the season, Debra discovers Dexter in the midst of killing Travis, which could lead to his world collapsing completely.
Season 7
In the opening of Season 7, Debra finds herself bound by affection and duty towards her brother, choosing to conceal his secret and assist in masking a murder. This pivotal moment sheds light on why Harry and Dexter shared such a unique bond (depicted in Dexter: Original Sin) and why Debra often felt excluded during her youth and adolescence. Meanwhile, Detective Maria LaGuerta is becoming increasingly wary of Dexter, hinting at the tightening noose around him.
In the current narrative, I find myself drawn to a character named Hannah McKay, portrayed by Yvonne Strahovski. Much like me, she exhibits peculiar tendencies, as we both share an unusual hobby – harvesting deadly poisons from the plants she cultivates at home, which she uses to take lives.
As a movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: In the thrilling world of Dexter, I, Deb, felt compelled to aid Dexter in eliminating the threat LaGuerta posed to him. To ensure his identity as the Bay Harbor Butcher remained hidden, I helped him conceal damning evidence. However, when the situation escalated and LaGuerta became a danger, instead of targeting my brother, I made a split-second decision. In the heat of the moment, I lured her to a secluded spot and, unfortunately, ended up shooting and taking her life.
Season 8
In the eighth season, Deb struggles immensely with the burden of her actions, which include not just murdering her superior and confidant, but also hiding her brother’s wrongdoings and allowing him to persist in his activities. She resigns from her position and now works for a private detective agency. In this role, she is misusing drugs, and has utterly lost touch with who she truly is.
In the course of his investigation, Dexter encounters Evelyn Vogel (Charlotte Rampling), a seasoned professional in psychopathy, who appears to have a peculiar fascination with him. Over time, she discloses that she is well-versed in Harry’s Code – not just aware of it, but was instrumental in its development alongside Harry.
Upon her return, Hannah rekindles her romantic connection with Dexter. Before departing with Hannah and their son, Harrison, he intends to wrap up one final case, clear away any traces of his past relationship with Vogel from her home, and then they will embark on a journey to Argentina together.
Ultimately, Debra is wounded fatally and kept alive by machines, forcing Dexter to take the heart-wrenching action of turning off life support. Overwhelmed by the loss of someone he deeply cherished, he sends Hannah away with Harrison and escapes in his boat during a hurricane, staging his death. In actuality, he manages to survive, relocates to Oregon, and works as a lumberjack under an assumed name.
Stream Dexter on Netflix and Dexter: Original Sin on Paramount+.
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2024-12-22 06:02