Almost 20 Years Later, Dexter Blames Harry Morgan for Major Tragedies and Villain Twist in Season 1

Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Dexter: Original Sin season 1, episode 8.

After nearly two decades, Dexter: Original Sin has introduced a new layer of complexity around Harry Morgan’s (Christian Slater) character, suggesting his involvement in the tragic events of Dexter’s first season. Harry, portrayed as Dexter’s (Patrick Gibson) adoptive father and a Miami Metro detective, returns as a pivotal figure in this prequel. The series delves deeply into Harry’s past, particularly his extramarital affair with Dexter’s biological mother, his role within the police, and the moral dilemmas he faced while guiding Dexter as he began his path of vigilantism.

Harry’s Concealment of Brian Moser’s Identity as the NHI Killer Increases His Guilt

Harry Missed His Chance to Imprison Brian Moser Before His Killings

Harry Morgan (Christian Slater) looking confused and a picture of Brian Moser in Dexter: Original Sin season 1, episode 8 — Custom image by Sean Morrison

In the pivotal episode 8 of Dexter: Original Sin, Harry and Maria LaGuerta (Christina Milian) were investigating the murder of Paul Petrie. While analyzing patient files, Harry deduced that Brian Moser was connected to the NHI Killer—but chose not to disclose this crucial information. Instead, he took Brian’s file from the Tampa police department, effectively preventing his arrest for the murders of three innocent victims.Harry had the opportunity to halt Brian’s killing spree 15 years prior to the Ice Truck Killer’s emergence, making him at least partially liable for all subsequent crimes perpetrated by Brian in season 1 of Dexter.

The Ice Truck Killer was responsible for at least 19 homicides, and it’s suggested that their lives could have been spared if not for Harry’s inaction.

Had Harry refrained from confiscating Brian’s file, either Maria or the Tampa authorities could have eventually linked Brian to both Petrie’s death and the NHI killings. With ties to both victims—one of whom was his therapist, and the other his attending nurse—Brian had a direct connection to these murders.If Brian had been tried, he could have faced a lengthy prison sentence, potentially even the death penalty.

Reasons Behind Harry’s Decision to Withhold Information from LaGuerta

Harry’s Motivation: Protecting Himself, Dexter, and Brian

Harry’s choice to shelter Brian from prosecution hints at a complex web of motivations. Primarily, he seemed intent on shielding Dexter from the truth about his origins, while also wanting to protect his own secrets.Harry’s actions were driven by his desire to keep Dexter unaware of Laura’s tragic death and the emotional scars that he’s carried since childhood. He also feared that revealing his affair with Laura, which inadvertently contributed to her demise, could jeopardize his relationship with Dexter.

Notably, while Harry’s intentions regarding Dexter played a significant role in his decision, it also reflects his emotions towards Brian. Despite not being as intense as his relationship with Doris, Harry harbored genuine feelings for Laura, compelling him to hide Brian’s file as an expression of guilt.Faced with the consequences of not adopting Brian, Harry’s concealment reflects a complex mix of guilt and responsibility.

Analyzing Harry’s Role in the Moser Brothers’ Downfall

Could Harry Have Redirected Brian’s Path?

The question remains: Did Harry unintentionally create two serial killers? This debate extends from the franchise’s inception: Was Dexter always fated to be a killer, or could Harry have influenced him towards a healthier path? The implication now surfaces that Harry could have similarly guided Brian away from a dark fate.

If raised in a nurturing environment like the Morgan household, Brian might never have resorted to violence against his therapist and nurse, which transpired as episodes unfolded in Original Sin. As previously established in episode 4, Brian exhibited sociopathic tendencies before his mother’s death—such behaviors included cruelty to animals and aggression towards his mother’s assailants.There’s a strong argument suggesting Brian’s nature may have predisposed him to violence, despite his upbringing. Nevertheless, had Harry adopted him, Brian might have channeled his reflexes towards a vigilantism akin to Dexter rather than becoming a remorseless killer.

This ongoing dialogue encapsulates one of the core subjects in the Dexter franchise, dissecting who really bears the responsibility for the descent into murder—whether Harry’s decisions directly contributed to the paths of the Moser brothers or if their fates were sealed by their own nature.

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