Dexter: Original Sin Lacks Key Character from the Original Series’ 7 Seasons

WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for Dexter: Original Sin season 1, episode 5!

As viewers delve into Dexter: Original Sin, they are greeted with numerous familiar figures from the original Dexter series navigating the halls of Miami Metro. However, the absence of certain key characters introduces notable timeline discrepancies. The cast mostly comprises younger iterations of prominent characters such as Dexter, Harry, Deb Morgan, Angel Batista, Vince Masuka, and Maria LaGuerta. Set against the backdrop of 1991, this prequel provides intriguing insights into the evolution of Miami Metro over the next 15 years leading up to the premiere of the original Dexter series.

The Absence of Key Figures at Miami Metro

While Miami Metro retains a familiar ambiance reminiscent of its depiction in Dexter’s first season, several significant characters are notably absent. For example, James Doakes is missing from Dexter: Original Sin season 1, leaving the door open for his potential return later in the series. More perplexing is the lack of Captain Thomas Matthews, a character who should already have an established presence at Miami Metro by the time the events of Original Sin unfold.

Matthews’ Deep Connection with Harry Morgan

Strangely, a younger version of Captain Thomas Matthews is absent from the Miami Metro Police Department in this prequel. Captain Matthews, portrayed by Geoff Pierson, was a pivotal supporting character throughout the original Dexter series, appearing in all seasons except season 3. By the time the original series commences, Matthews is the captain and has been a long-standing colleague and close friend of Harry Morgan, which raises questions about his absence in Dexter: Original Sin.

Considering Matthews’ established bond with Harry prior to his death, he should have already been a prominent figure at Miami Metro by the time season 1 of Original Sin transpires. With Harry’s death taking place roughly one year after the prequel’s kickoff, there are expectations that this significant incident will occur during the first season’s finale. Therefore, unless the prequel is deliberately omitting Matthews’ backstory and connection to the Morgan family, his absence seems unwarranted at this juncture in the plot.

The Role of Aaron Spencer in Dexter: Original Sin

Meet Aaron Spencer: The New Captain of Miami Metro Homicide

Instead of Matthews, Patrick Dempsey’s character, Aaron Spencer, holds the position of Captain of Miami Metro Homicide during Dexter: Original Sin’s first season. This character is entirely new and has no preceding mention in the original Dexter series. Spencer, filling the narrative role intended for Matthews as a close associate of Harry Morgan, takes charge in the unfolding prequel storyline.

Return of Major Characters in Original Sin
Character	Actor in Dexter	Actor in Original Sin
Dexter Morgan	Michael C. Hall	Patrick Gibson
Debra Morgan	Jennifer Carpenter	Molly Brown
Harry Morgan	James Remar	Christian Slater
Angel Baptist	David Zayas	James Martinez
Vince Masuka	C. S. Lee	Alex Shimizu
Maria LaGuerta	Lauren Velez	Christina Milian

Yet, the purpose of Captain Spencer’s character remains ambiguous. While he fills the role traditionally held by Matthews, it’s unclear if this alteration implies that Matthews will be completely omitted from this chapter in Dexter’s narrative. One theory posits that Spencer could serve as a temporary captain, paving the way for Matthews’ eventual arrival after Spencer departs from Miami Metro. Notably, both characters boast different backstories, with Matthews having experienced the loss of his wife compared to Spencer’s divorce.

The Potential Return of Thomas Matthews in Future Seasons

Integration of Matthews Following Spencer’s Departure

Scene from Dexter: Original Sin — Image via Paramount+

Despite Thomas Matthews’ absence in season 1, there remains a glimmer of hope for his introduction in a potential second season of Dexter: Original Sin, pending a renewal from Paramount+/Showtime. The prevailing theory indicates that Matthews may appear following Captain Spencer’s exit from Miami Metro, which could occur through various dramatic scenarios.

One suggested scenario includes Captain Spencer facing a deadly fate, perhaps falling victim to the same antagonist responsible for Jimmy Powell’s demise. Alternatively, some fans speculate the unexpected twist that Spencer harbors a dark secret, potentially placing him on Dexter’s infamous table. Additionally, it’s conceivable that Spencer could resign or be dismissed due to implications linked to the Jimmy Powell case, resulting in Matthews stepping in as the new captain.

New episodes of Dexter: Original Sin season 1 are available every Friday on Paramount+ with Showtime.

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