Harry Morgan’s Death in Dexter: What Happens and Timing in Original Sin

Harry Morgan’s Death in Dexter: What Happens and Timing in Original Sin

WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for Dexter: Original Sin season 1, episode 6.

This article also discusses themes related to suicide.

The impending death of Harry Morgan is a pivotal and poignant moment in Dexter: Original Sin. The production must navigate the sensitive portrayal of his demise while fitting it seamlessly within the timeline of this prequel series. It’s widely expected that Christian Slater’s character, Harry, will face his tragic end, as his death had already transpired prior to the events of Dexter’s original series. In fact, the premiere of the prequel hints at the timing of Harry’s death within its storyline.

Being a prequel, fans are already aware of several dramatic turns and tragedies that await, as revealed in the original series. However, witnessing these events unfold in real-time will undoubtedly alter their emotional resonance compared to mere flashbacks or video footage. Notably, Dexter and Debra were misled about the nature of Harry’s death for over twenty years, enhancing the importance of how Original Sin conveys this narrative, especially its implications for the established lore of the franchise.

Harry Morgan’s Demise: A Suicide Fueled by Guilt

Unveiling Harry’s Tragic End in Dexter Season 2

Dexter and Harry Morgan
Dexter and his father, Harry Morgan, pictured in the iconic series.

In the second season of Dexter, audiences finally learned the truth behind Harry Morgan’s death. As the narrative unfolds, Dexter uncovers harrowing details about his adoptive father that had remained hidden, including the complex circumstances surrounding Harry’s passing and the affair he had with Dexter’s biological mother, Laura Moser. Ultimately, it was revealed that Harry succumbed to suicide, with his cause of death initially concealed by Thomas Matthews, a trusted friend, who attributed it to heart disease.

The tragic reality was that Harry had taken an overdose of his heart medication, occurring just three days after he witnessed Dexter dismember his victim, Juan Ryness. This heartbreaking context showcases Harry’s profound guilt over shaping Dexter into a killer—a “monster”he in part created. Unable to reconcile his actions, he felt he had betrayed his ethical duties as a police officer, profoundly impacting his role as a father.

While the main series eventually sees Captain Thomas Matthews reveal the truth about Harry’s suicide, the specifics of how this event will play out in Original Sin remain uncertain. Matthews has yet to be introduced in the new series, leaving open the possibility of a divergence in how Harry’s death is presented compared to its later revelations in the original series. Regardless of the approach taken, it will be tragic that Dexter and Debra remain unaware of the true circumstances surrounding Harry’s death throughout the events of Original Sin.

The Deception: Harry’s Death Mischaracterized

The Lies Following Harry’s Passing

Deb and Dexter share a moment in Dexter: Original Sin
Deb and Dexter showcase their sibling bond in the new series.

In the original series, it was reported to Dexter and Debra that Harry died from heart disease. Indeed, his complications with heart disease had escalated in the year leading up to his death, particularly following a heart attack that hospitalized him in the first episode of Original Sin. Deb was diligent about maintaining a heart-healthy environment, mindful of Harry’s medical needs.

Harry and Matthews believed they were protecting Dexter and Debra from the harsh truths surrounding his death, thinking that a cover-up would shield them from emotional trauma. Thus, when Harry passed away a year after his heart attack, due to “heart disease,”the young siblings accepted this explanation without question. Harry was acutely aware that this lie would spare them from the overwhelming sense of guilt associated with his suicide.

Moreover, prior to his death, Harry had sent Matthews a note expressing his intention to end his life and requesting that he look after Dexter and Debra. This further illustrates the lengths Harry was willing to go to shield his children from the brutal realities of his struggles, as both he and Matthews attempted to uphold his image as a devoted father and police officer.

Anticipated Death of Harry Morgan in Season 1 Finale of Dexter: Original Sin

The Timeline of Harry’s Death

Upcoming scenes from the series

The original Dexter series established that Harry passed away when Dexter was roughly 20 years old, with Deb still a teenager. Notably, Dexter is 20 when the prequel begins, and Dexter’s voiceover suggests that Harry will die approximately a year later, mere days after Dexter’s fourth kill—the killing of Juan Ryness. Given that Levi Reed was just dispatched in episode 6, the timeline indicates that Harry’s demise is imminent.

It seems probable that the prequel will culminate in Harry’s tragic death during the season 1 finale. This shocking turn would not only reshape the dynamics of the narrative but also leave Dexter and Deb reeling from the devastating loss, with season 2 poised to explore the repercussions of Harry’s death, Dexter’s adherence to the Code in Harry’s absence, and the deepened connection between him and Deb.

Dexter: Original Sin Season 1 Remaining Episodes Schedule

Episode # Streaming Release Date
7 January 24, 2025
8 January 31, 2025
9 February 7, 2025
10 February 14, 2025

Moreover, the chosen title for the season finale—”Code Blues” —is a poignant nod to the hospital protocol associated with cardiac distress. Even though Harry’s demise will not result from heart failure, it aligns with the narrative of covering up his death as heart disease. Although one would assume Harry’s journey may conclude in season 1, it is likely that Christian Slater will continue to feature in the series as Harry may appear in Dexter’s hallucinations similar to James Remar’s portrayal in the original series.

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