WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for Dexter: Original Sin season 1, episode 6! The whimsical origin of one of Dexter Morgan’s most cherished traits is finally unveiled in Dexter: Original Sin, providing a perfect fit for his character. This new series delves into the backstories of both returning and new characters, shedding light on pivotal elements from the main show and the infamous serial killer. While some revelations, like the dynamics between Harry Morgan and Laura Moser, are quite intense, others, like Dexter’s penchant for bringing donuts, lend a lighter tone.
In conjunction with his rising reputation as the “Donut Guy”at Miami Metro, Dexter: Original Sin season 1, episode 6 discloses how another facet of Dexter’s “mask” of normalcy came into being. Notably, the main series hinted at his impressive bowling skills, which were established during season 2, where he casually participates in a league with his Miami Metro colleagues. However, the origins of Dexter’s bowling interest remained ambiguous, especially since it was unclear if Harry, his father figure, had anything to do with it. Fortunately, Original Sin reveals a charming twist: Dexter’s embrace of bowling stemmed from a fortuitous accident.
How Dexter’s Bowling Obsession Took Root
A Quick-Witted Excuse for a Date
Image via Paramount+
Diving into the circumstances of his newfound bowling enthusiasm, we learn that it began when Dexter was just 20. Attempting to avoid a date with his girlfriend Sofia, he faced a tricky proposition. After a double date shared with Deb and Gio, Sofia expressed her desire to hang out the following night. However, the evening coincided with Dexter’s plans to stalk and potentially kill Levi Reed—a plot thread from Original Sin season 1, episode 5. Caught off guard, Dexter quickly invented a story, claiming he was busy with a bowling league practice.
Not only did he fabricate an excuse about bowling, but he complicated the deception further by elaborating that it was a practice session with his league. Though Sofia accepted this pretext, his sister Deb would likely catch on, knowing well that Dexter had no such bowling commitments. As a result, following Dexter: Original Sin season 1, episode 6, Dexter may find it necessary to genuinely join a bowling league to sustain his story—and simultaneously provide himself an excuse to spend time with Sofia.
Interestingly, in the chronological framework of the seasons, Dexter formally links up with the Miami Metro bowling team before the second season kicks off, yet Original Sin appears to predate this connection, positioning it much earlier.
Given that Dexter ends up playing on a team composed of Miami Metro personnel, he is likely to suggest the establishment of a bowling league—a move to cultivate camaraderie with colleagues like Batista and Masuka. Since the bowling team photograph from the main series includes Dexter alongside Masuka and Batista, it would be fitting for viewers to finally meet the fourth team member by the conclusion of Dexter: Original Sin season 1.
Bowling as a Cover in Miami and Iron Lake
A “Normal”Hobby in an Unusual Life
What started as a ruse quickly transitioned into a genuine passion for Dexter, who became not just proficient but also truly enjoyed the sport of bowling. Consequently, he adeptly utilized this hobby to project an image of normality, echoing the reasons why he brings donuts to his workplace at Miami Metro. By engaging in a common pastime like bowling, Dexter effectively reduced suspicions about his peculiar behaviors, fostering camaraderie with his colleagues, Batista and Masuka.
Understanding the value of such a hobby in presenting himself as an ordinary citizen, Dexter continued to pursue bowling even in Iron Lake prior to the events of Dexter: New Blood. The sequel series highlights that Dexter participated in a bowling league connected to his job at Fred’s Fish & Game, reinforcing those same strategies that allowed him to conceal his true nature in Miami.
A Somber Tied Connection to His Biological Father
Inheriting More than Just a Hobby
Image via Paramount+
Ultimately, it becomes evident that Dexter’s skills on the bowling lane might, in fact, be a familial inheritance. In season 1 of Dexter, he learns about the murder of his biological father, Joe Driscoll. Upon inheriting Joe’s home and possessions, Dexter uncovers a bowling ball, bag, and an old photograph featuring Joe alongside his bowling team. This discovery sparks Dexter’s interest in the sport shortly thereafter. Notably, since Joe Driscoll’s character is still alive during Dexter: Original Sin, there’s a chance viewers may glimpse him at a bowling alley, albeit without any direct interactions with Dexter.
New episodes of Dexter: Original Sin season 1 premiere every Friday on Paramount+ with Showtime.
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