Warning: Spoilers ahead for Dexter: Original Sin season 1!
The series Dexter: Original Sin provides essential background to the early years of the iconic title character without replicating the pitfalls of the original show. Led by Patrick Gibson as the notorious serial killer, the prequel series also sees Michael C. Hall, the original Dexter, maintain a significant role as the narrator, giving voice to Dexter’s inner thoughts. Given the timing of the new show, recasting Dexter Morgan was unavoidable, a consideration that was overlooked in the original series.
The conclusion of the original Dexter was met with mixed reactions, suggesting that Hall had finished with the character and the franchise was at an end. However, the subsequent release of Dexter: New Blood allowed for a reassessment and correction of some of the earlier series’ flaws. Despite this, the ending of New Blood also garnered polarized reactions, paving the way for Dexter: Original Sin to provide the beloved franchise with another opportunity for redemption. This new series addresses more than just the previous finale’s shortcomings.
Younger Harry Morgan in Dexter: Original Sin’s Flashbacks
Potential Recasting for Dexter’s Flashback Scenes
Originally portrayed by James Remar, Harry Morgan has been excellently recast in Original Sin, with Christian Slater stepping into the role. Given Remar’s age, he was no longer viable to reprise the character. The choice of Slater not only demonstrates the franchise’s evolution but also signifies a shift from the previous method of simply using wigs, as evidenced by Hall’s performance as Young Dexter in the original series. Notably, Slater still dons a wig, but the execution this time is markedly improved.
The subtle de-aging techniques applied to Slater allow him to portray Harry in two distinct eras quite convincingly, improving upon the original series’ approach. In contrast to Hall’s earlier scenes, which often came across as unintentionally humorous due to the ill-fitting wigs, Dexter: Original Sin has applied lessons learned to enhance the believability of Slater’s appearance. Consequently, the flashback scenes in this new installment resonate more effectively with viewers.
The Functionality of Flashbacks in Dexter: Original Sin
A Shift in Focus from Dexter’s Past
Whereas the original Dexter utilized flashbacks primarily from the main character’s perspective to delve into his origin story, Dexter: Original Sin adopts a fresh approach. The prequel cleverly shifts focus to Harry Morgan’s viewpoint, revealing new insights about characters and relationships that were previously unknown to Dexter himself.
While Dexter may share some of these memories, the perspective through Harry’s eyes suggests that the events recalled might not align perfectly with how Dexter remembers them, introducing a layer of complexity to the character dynamics.
A Nod to the Original Show in Dexter: Original Sin’s Premiere
A Brief Return to Wigged Scenes
Dexter: Original Sin commences with a reimagined version of a significant moment: the depiction of Dexter’s first kill, which is pivotal to his character development. This key moment was unavoidable in any retelling, yet reintroducing it required creativity to reconcile the new narrative with established canon, necessitating adjustments due to the change in casting.
While the adaptation succeeds in resonating with audiences, it also adheres to the precedent set by the original series in which Hall awkwardly sported an obvious wig. To maintain continuity, Gibson’s hair was styled similarly, but thankfully, the narrative quickly evolves, contributing to an overall improvement over the original’s execution.
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Dexter: Original Sin Season 1 Release Schedule On Paramount+ |
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| Episode | Title | Release Date |
| 1 | “And in the Beginning…” | December 13, 2024 |
| 2 | “Kid in a Candy Store” | December 20, 2024 |
| 3 | “Miami Vice” | December 20, 2024 |
| 4 | “Fender Bender” | December 27, 2024 |
| 5 | “F is For F*ck-Up” | January 3, 2025 |
| 6 | “The Joy of Killing” | January 10, 2025 |
| 7 | “The Big Bad Body Problem” | January 24, 2025 |
| 8 | “Business and Pleasure” | January 31, 2025 |
| 9 | “Blood Drive” | February 7, 2025 |
| 10 | “Code Blues” | February 14, 2025 |
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