Levi Reed Misunderstands Dexter in Original Sin – He’s More Similar to This Notorious Serial Killer

Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Dexter: Original Sin season 1, episode 6. In a gripping moment during the latest episode, Levi Reed (portrayed by Jeff Daniel Phillips) attempted to draw parallels between himself and Dexter Morgan (played by Patrick Gibson). While Reed’s observations hold some truth, there exists another serial killer in the narrative whose characteristics align much more closely with Dexter’s own. Throughout the Dexter franchise, numerous characters have attempted to compare themselves to Dexter, and Original Sin introduces yet another intriguing contestant for this comparison.

During a tense exchange on Dexter’s kill table, Reed suggested that both he and Dexter shared an affinity for killing. However, Dexter quickly refuted this idea, detailing that he only targeted those who deserved their fate—not innocent individuals or children. This conversation lingered with Dexter, prompting him to consider whether the stringent Code of Harry was the sole factor distinguishing him from being a monster. Unfortunately for Dexter, this inner conflict may not resolve soon, particularly with a different murderer on the loose.

Exploration of Dexter and Levi Reed: A Duality of Comparison

Common Ground: The Need to Kill

Despite Reed’s monstrous nature, he did present a compelling argument. Both he and Dexter exhibit an inherent urge to kill. While Dexter often rationalizes his actions under the guise of removing threats from Miami, it remains a fact that he, too, is a killer. Nevertheless, the critical distinction arises in their choice of victims. Levi Reed indiscriminately targeted innocent families, including children, which starkly contrasts Dexter’s selective targeting of criminals.

However, the most striking parallel to Dexter can be found in the character known as the NHI Killer (an acronym representing “no humans involved”). Earlier in the episode, Dexter uncovers this new antagonist, who preys on marginalized individuals—including the homeless, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those struggling with addiction. Maria LaGuerta (portrayed by Christina Milian) speculates that the NHI Killer chooses his victims because their disappearance would provoke little attention, allowing him to kill without fear of detection. This rationale closely mirrors Dexter’s reasoning for his targeted victims: criminals whom he believes society will overlook once they’re gone. In truth, when looking for a meaningful parallel within the Original Sin saga, the NHI Killer closely resembles Dexter, rather than Levi Reed.

The Paradox of Morality: Dexter and the NHI Killer

Dexter Without a Moral Compass: The NHI Killer

The NHI Killer serves as a vital commentary on Dexter’s moral dilemmas, illustrating a version of Dexter uninfluenced by the code instilled by Harry Morgan (Christian Slater). Throughout the original series, the audience has been left questioning whether Dexter truly seeks to deliver justice or merely finds excuses to indulge his lethal impulses. The NHI Killer acts as a mirror, reflecting what Dexter could become if he strayed from his moral guidelines.

This killer exemplifies a more troubling side of Dexter. By committing acts of violence against society’s most vulnerable, the NHI Killer fundamentally alters how Dexter’s actions are perceived. Although Dexter believes he is delivering justice to other criminals, the resonance with the NHI Killer illustrates that he, too, operates on a justifiable yet morally ambiguous foundation.

The Guiding Influence of Harry Morgan

The Role of Harry’s Code in Dexter’s Actions

The duality between the NHI Killer and Dexter also highlights the pivotal role played by Harry Morgan in shaping Dexter’s moral framework. If the NHI Killer is an accurate representation of what Dexter could become when left unchecked, it reinforces the significance of Harry’s code in maintaining Dexter’s moral compass. Harry recognized the potential within Dexter to devolve into a serial killer, and his guidance directed Dexter toward targeting only criminals. Without this influence, it’s highly plausible that Dexter could have engaged against anyone, innocent or otherwise.

This narrative introduces exciting ethical questions about Dexter’s motivations. Although he represses a portion of his darker impulses through Harry’s teachings, it is unclear how much of Dexter’s moral compass is a result of his upbringing versus his inherent desire for justice. Regardless, Dexter: Original Sin continues to delve into complex layers of morality that keep viewers engaged and contemplating the boundaries of justice and vengeance.

The nuances of Dexter’s character reveal multiple layers of moral ambiguity regarding his choices of victims. Dexter’s revulsion towards Levi Reed’s actions signals a significant divide in their philosophies. This suggests that while he may justify his killings through personal justice, there is no denying the impact of Harry’s influence on Dexter’s actions. As Dexter: Original Sin unfolds, viewers are left to ponder the implications of morality within the realm of vigilantism.

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