Dexter: Original Sin Episode 7 Review – Reflecting on the Impact of the Major Character Twist

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Dexter: Original Sin episode 7.

The Return of Dexter: Original Sin and Its Shocking Villain Reveal

After a brief break, Dexter: Original Sin resumes with episode 7, titled “The Big Bad Body Problem,”delivering a considerable twist that may polarize viewers. Following the revelation in episode 6 that the Ice Truck Killer, Brian Moser, has been surveilling Dexter, this installment escalates the tension by unveiling Captain Aaron Spencer, portrayed by the charismatic Patrick Dempsey, as the primary antagonist and the murderer of Jimmy Powell.

Right from the start, Dexter addresses the cliffhanger from episode 6 effectively, utilizing his Miami Metro credentials to gain access to the crime scene related to Tony Ferrer. However, his approach in episode 7 seems somewhat unrefined, as he carelessly disposes of Levi Reed’s body in a public dumpster in broad daylight, yet the show’s overall narrative remains engaging and largely innovative.

Unpacking Dexter’s Luck and Oversights

This latest episode brings forth a deeper exploration of Harry and Laura’s pasts, while also introducing another infamous killer from Dexter’s lore—Hector Estrada. Meanwhile, Deb faces conflicts with a former high school rival and volleyball teammate, leading to her expulsion from the team. In a moment of growth, she stands up for her brother but suffers the loss of her best friend, Sofia, as a result.

A Series of Convenient Coincidences

Despite Dexter’s long history of fortuitous escapes, the ease with which he navigates the scenarios in episode 7 seems a bit far-fetched. Notably, his new girlfriend Sofia oscillates between anger and sympathy within minutes, while Dexter persuades Angel to shift the focus away from Tony Ferrer’s murder towards finding Jimmy Powell’s killer, exemplifying his manipulation skills.

This episode showcases a timeline where Dexter seems to elude accountability too often. For instance, he probes his colleagues about body disposal techniques just a day after feeding Ferrer’s arm to an alligator, raising eyebrows and amplifying the tension, especially after his brush with danger in episode 4. While the excitement of watching Dexter grapple with his beginnings is captivating, these conveniences could dilute the suspense.

The Predictability of the Aaron Spencer Twist

The transformation of Aaron Spencer into the series’ main villain, although cleverly executed, may have been too easy to predict for attentive viewers. Spencer’s connection to Judge Powell and his volatile relationship with his ex-wife, Becca, hinted at darker motives early on, making him a suspect even before the series fully developed.

The confession of Spencer killing Jimmy Powell and subsequently dismembering his son may not have delivered the shock the show intended. His abrupt inquiries during episode 7, particularly his probing about blood analysis, felt too direct, hinting at his awareness of the unfolding investigation. Moreover, his meetings regarding the case felt overly theatrical, leading viewers to anticipate his villainous role.

The Stakes for Dexter Moving Forward

With Aaron solidly established as the kidnapper and murderer, the enigma surrounding his motivations continues to grow, and viewers are left questioning how Dexter will respond to this significant threat. The implications of a police captain embroiled in murder are severe; a scandal like this could mar the reputation of Miami Metro. Viewers are keen to see if Dexter will craft a narrative around Aaron’s potential demise as either a murder or an accident to protect the integrity of the police force.

As Dexter: Original Sin approaches its mid-February finale, several plot threads remain unresolved. The relationship dynamics between Gio and Deb hint at impending romantic turbulence, while the cameo of the Ice Truck Killer could be just an Easter egg if it clashes with established timelines. Additionally, the series may be gearing up for substantial character deaths, including those of Harry, Laura, and Bobby, potentially leading Dexter to confront Spencer in the crucial next episode titled “Business and Pleasure.”

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