How the Cast of ‘Dexter: Original Sin’ Compare to the Original Actors

As I delve deeper into the world of Dexter: Original Sin, I find myself awestruck by the exceptional talent that has breathed new life into some of the show’s most iconic characters. Each actor has masterfully captured the essence of their respective roles, making it feel as if we’ve stepped back in time and are revisiting old friends.

Take, for instance, Margo Martindale’s portrayal of Camilla Figg. Her performance is nothing short of remarkable; she embodies every quirk, nuance, and warm smile that made the original character so endearing. It’s as if she’s been living with Camilla’s spirit for years, channeling her experiences and wisdom into each scene.

But let’s not forget about Sage Kirkpatrick’s portrayal of Laura Moser. She brings a heart-wrenching vulnerability to the character that makes you ache for both her and Harry. In many ways, it feels as though we’re finally getting to know Laura in a way we never could before – and what a journey it has been!

I must admit, I found myself chuckling at the casting of Brittany Allen as Laura Moser. With her striking resemblance to Margo Martindale (Camilla Figg), I couldn’t help but wonder if the producers were intentionally trying to pull a fast one on us fans. But alas, they succeeded in creating a beautiful tribute to the original series while giving us a fresh perspective on these beloved characters.

In closing, let me just say that Dexter: Original Sin is a must-watch for any fan of the original show. It’s like coming home after a long journey, and it’s a testament to the timeless quality of Michael C. Hall’s performance as Dexter Morgan. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride – you won’t be disappointed!

Oh, and remember: donuts are always the way to a colleague’s heart… or so I’ve heard. 🙂

Dexter: Original Sin is a prequel that delves into the origins of Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), the central character from Dexter. As a vigilante murderer, Dexter frequently adhered to his Code, which he learned from his father. This rule dictated that he could only eliminate an individual once he had undeniable evidence of their involvement in horrendous offenses. The original series chronicles Dexter’s life as a blood splatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department and his complex relationships with colleagues and family, all while maintaining his secret identity as a killer.

As a long-time fan of the series “Dexter,” I find the prequel “Dexter: Original Sin” to be an intriguing and well-executed addition to the storyline. Having watched the original series, I can appreciate the depth and complexity that the prequel brings to Dexter’s character development, particularly in his formative years. It’s always fascinating to see how characters evolve from their early beginnings to the people we come to know and love (or hate) on the show. The actors portraying the younger versions of these characters do a remarkable job of capturing the essence of their older counterparts, making it easy for fans like me to recognize them despite the age difference. Overall, I believe that “Dexter: Original Sin” is a must-watch for any fan of the original series, offering valuable insights into Dexter’s past and the origins of other beloved characters.

Dexter Morgan: Patrick Gibson vs. Michael C. Hall

In the series, Patrick Gibson portrays the role of Dexter, beautifully depicting the character’s initial lack of expertise in his craft, showcasing his naivety, innocence, and vulnerability. At the beginning of the storyline, Dexter hasn’t yet taken a human life for the first time; he’s still finding his footing and learning about Harry’s Code – a set of principles instilled by his father that he believes should be followed before Dexter carries out his dark deeds. In contrast, Michael C. Hall’s portrayal of Dexter in the original series is well-versed in Harry’s Code and remains steadfast in adhering to it. With his father now deceased, the remaining Dexter feels an increased sense of obligation to uphold his father’s wishes.

Gibson effectively portrays Dexter’s character, including his unique, slightly geeky, and emotionless speech patterns. His awkward gestures and exaggerated grin, which appear to be put on, echo the charm of Hall’s performance.

As someone who has been a longtime fan of the show “Dexter,” I must say that Kevin Bacon’s portrayal of Dexter’s younger self in “Dexter: New Blood” is nothing short of exceptional. With his uncanny ability to embody the character, he makes it seem as though we are watching a time-traveling version of Michael C. Hall himself. It’s not just about physical resemblance; rather, Bacon brings such authenticity and believability to the role that it feels like we are witnessing Dexter at a pivotal moment in his life when he is still learning to control his Dark Passenger and perfecting the art of the kill. As someone who has watched every episode of the original series multiple times, I can honestly say that Bacon’s performance is truly remarkable and adds a new dimension to the story of Dexter Morgan.

Harry Morgan: Christian Slater vs. James Remar

In the TV series Dexter, Harry Morgan was a significant character during the first season but made brief appearances afterward, only showing up in flashbacks. This character shift is particularly challenging to accept because Christian Slater, who portrayed Morgan later on, bears no resemblance to James Remar, the original actor who played him.

Despite Slater not physically resembling the character, fans find it easy to overlook this fact due to his remarkable acting skills. They readily suspend disbelief and forget about the lack of similarity because Slater manages to embody the character so convincingly. Fans can see Slater’s emotional turmoil when Dexter expresses his inner struggles or talks about his past actions. They also feel the deep affection he portrays for his on-screen son and the guilt that seems to burden him due to events from his character’s past. Even subtle details, such as Slater’s portrayal of Harry sighing while sitting on a couch with a beer or lost in thought at his desk, hint at the constant struggle his character faces.

Remar excelled at portraying the scenario, making it challenging for Slater to follow suit. Yet, he surpasses expectations, offering an immersive depiction of the incidents, emotions, and internal struggles that culminated in the decisive instant when Harry chose to take his own life.

Debra Morgan: Molly Brown vs. Jennifer Carpenter

Although Molly Brown and Jennifer Carpenter seem quite different, the feisty, blunt, and defiant demeanor that Molly portrays in each scene strongly resonates with the character of Deb. This helps us easily accept her as that character.

If viewers revisit the initial season of “Dexter” and observe Debra when she was a less self-assured officer, they’ll spot many parallels with Brown’s character. Given that Brown portrays a version of Debra closer to her season one persona rather than the later series incarnation, it seems fitting. She skillfully portrays the sentiments and emotions that Carpenter’s Debra frequently conveyed about feeling overlooked and envious towards the bond between her father and Dexter.

Maria LaGuerta: Christina Milian vs. Lauren Vélez

As soon as Christina Milian confidently enters the police station, stirring things up and earning Captain Aaron Spencer’s (Patrick Dempsey) disapproval, it’s evident that she’s portraying Maria in much the same way Lauren Vélez did before.

In every aspect, from her hairstyle to her self-righteous demeanor, Milian perfectly embodies this complex character. Her conflicts with Spencer echo those in the first season of “Dexter” between Debra Morgan and Tom Matthews (Geoff Pierson). Just as Matthews was trying to persuade LaGuerta to step back and let others lead, Harry appears to be a friend offering guidance years prior. The resemblance between the characters’ personalities, appearances, and mannerisms is striking.

Angel Batista: James Martinez vs. David Zayas

Angel Batista’s distinctive style, featuring a fedora, suspenders, goatee, and vibrant shirts, is reminiscent of a costume. Therefore, an actor with a passing resemblance could have convincingly portrayed him. However, James Martinez elevates the character beyond expectation.

He perfectly imitates Angel’s tone, style, and habits. He appears authentic as a youth who warmly accepts Dexter as a friend. The fact that Angel persistently attempts to befriend Dexter for years, oblivious to the fact that Dexter has no interest in discussing women, sex, alcohol, or his romantic adventures, adds an intriguing layer to these early encounters. It is actually Harry who encourages Angel to take Dexter out and have a good time, hoping it will aid his son in becoming more “ordinary.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate the subtle homage to the source material when Angel clearly displays his affection towards LaGuerta upon her entrance at the workplace. Their connection eventually leads to matrimony, making this “Easter Egg” all the more delightful.

Vince Masuka: Alex Shimizu vs. C.S. Lee

In the original series, Vince Masuka was quite eccentric. Known for his crude humor and tendency to objectify women, he was a peculiar character. Being unattached, he developed a strong bond with Dexter, regarding him as a dear friend, despite Dexter’s preference for discussing only work-related matters.

Alex Shimizu perfectly captures the spirit of the character Masuka, right from his debut. He shares the same goofy laugh, engages in similarly inappropriate actions, and exhibits a similar personality to his older counterpart. Despite not physically resembling C.S. Lee due to him having a shaved head, it’s simple to envision that this portrayal of Masuka might be what he would look like 10 years from now.

Laura Moser: Sage Kirkpatrick vs. Brittany Allen

Among the other memorable recurring characters is Laura Moser, who is Dexter’s biological mother. After being arrested on drug-related charges by Harry, she later became his informant. They even had a romantic involvement. Unfortunately, she met a grim fate when it appears she was discovered and viciously murdered in a shipping container, leaving her two sons to weep over a pool of her blood.

In the original series, Sage Kirkpatrick portrayed the character briefly through flashbacks. However, in the new show “Dexter: Original Sin”, Brittany Allen takes center stage during flashback scenes. Her portrayal of the character evokes a deep sense of empathy for both her and Harry. This role brings a human face and spirit to the woman who gave birth to Dexter and left Harry responsible for his upbringing.

Camilla Figg: Margo Martindale vs. Sarah Kinsey

As a long-time fan of Dexter, I can confidently say that Camilla Figg, portrayed brilliantly by Margo Martindale, is one of the most memorable characters in the series. Her warm smile and donuts were always a welcoming sight, and her willingness to help Dexter with any records he needed, without asking questions, made her an essential ally for our favorite serial killer.

Fast forward to Sarah Kinsey taking over the role in Dexter: Original Sin, and I must say, she does an excellent job of embodying Camilla’s spirit. The moment she appears behind that familiar desk, fans are instantly transported back to the original series, recognizing her as the station’s records supervisor who had a unique bond with Dexter. It’s clear that Sarah Kinsey has done her homework and brought a fresh take on this iconic character, making Camilla Figg an enduring favorite among fans of the show.

She gives additional insight into her relationship with Dexter and how it was significant. It’s evident that Camilla had a close bond with both Dexter’s adoptive mother and Harry. This is why she held a special position in his life. Interestingly, it’s Camilla who advises Dexter to bring donuts instead of a vegetable tray if he wants to impress his coworkers. She seems authentic as the character with her warm welcome and subtle southern accent.

Stream Dexter: Original Sin on Paramount+.

2025-01-02 02:35