Overview
- The premiere of Dexter: Original Sin reveals significant insights into Harry Morgan’s past, particularly the tragic demise of his son, Junior, which profoundly impacts his relationship with Dexter.
- Junior’s death illustrates the depth of Harry’s unconditional love for Dexter, notably in the series’ 1990s timeline.
- Harry’s lingering guilt over his son’s passing may have catalyzed his decision to adopt Dexter and form the infamous “code.”
The release of Dexter: Original Sin has introduced audiences to fresh and compelling dimensions of character backstories. Notably, the latest episode unveiled the heartbreaking events surrounding Dexter’s adoptive father, Harry, who faced the loss of his biological son, Junior, long before the adoption. While fans often express wariness towards extensive alterations in franchise lore, this revelation seamlessly integrates into the existing narrative.
Beyond merely focusing on Dexter, this new series also spotlights Harry Morgan’s history, utilizing flashbacks that transport viewers to the 1970s. The abrupt introduction of Junior’s character caught many off guard, especially since he was not previously mentioned in the original Dexter series. It’s plausible that neither Dexter nor Debra were aware of him, as Harry may have opted to keep this painful chapter a secret, consistent with the ongoing theme of hidden truths in the Morgan family dynamics.
The Tragic Fate of Harry Morgan’s Son
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Dexter: Original Sin |
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Starring |
Patrick Gibson, Christian Slater, Molly Brown, James Martinez, Christina Milian, Alex Shimizu, Reno Wilson, Patrick Dempsey, Joe Pantoliano, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Raquel Justice, and the voice of Michael C. Hall |
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Created by |
Clyde Phillips |
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Directed By |
Michael Lehmann |
The first episode of Original Sin hinted at deeper storylines yet to unfold, particularly concerning the history of Dexter and Harry Morgan’s family. This becomes evident when Dexter and Debra Morgan arrive home after a college party to find their father anxiously waiting. He expresses his need for reassurance about their safety:
I can’t sleep unless I know my kids are home safe and sound.
Not long after, a flashback transports viewers to the 1970s, illuminating the roots of Harry’s overprotectiveness in the 1990s. The scene depicts a younger Harry, indulging in beers while watching a Dolphins game, calling for his son Junior, who is tragically not in sight. Upon rushing to the backyard, Harry discovers Junior has drowned in the pool: desperately attempting to resuscitate him, he realizes it’s too late. This devastating moment is compounded when Harry’s wife, Doris, arrives to witness the finality of their loss as the coroner takes Junior away, leaving Harry to grapple with both grief and guilt.
Understanding Harry’s Unconditional Love for Dexter
Integrating the tragedy of Junior’s death into the narrative somewhat rewrites established Dexter lore, yet this storytelling choice is executed with grace and profoundly enhances the audience’s understanding of Harry’s relationship with Dexter. The motivations behind Harry’s adoption of Dexter, following the murder of Dexter’s mother, Laura Moser, have never been fully articulated. However, it seems that Harry’s guilt surrounding Junior’s untimely death factored significantly into this decision. As Original Sin develops, viewers can expect additional flashbacks that will illuminate the chain of events leading Harry to discover Dexter in a troubling situation, ultimately paving the way for his adoptive role.
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