Review of Dexter: New Blood Season 1, Episode 7

Warning! This article contains spoilers from Dexter: Original Sin Episode 6.

Episode Overview

Aaron Spencer emerges as the season’s antagonist, a development anticipated by loyal Dexter viewers.
The 1970s flashbacks are becoming tedious, and the introduction of Hector Estrada lacks substantial depth.
Debra Morgan’s unwavering loyalty adds an intriguing twist, incorporating elements of high school rivalry and drama.

The latest episode of Dexter: Original Sin has returned after a brief hiatus, diving back into the thrilling narrative with a gripping start. We find Dexter at a crime scene he’s intimately tied to, with a corpse hidden in his vehicle. Concurrently, Aaron Spencer is unveiled as the season’s primary villain, and Dexter is keenly aware of his dark intentions. Flashbacks to the 70s reveal Harry Morgan’s experiences with fatherhood and Laura Moser’s connection to Hector Estrada, setting the stage for complicated interactions.

Airing on January 24, 2025, on Paramount+ with Showtime, this episode is titled “The Big Bad Body Problem.”While the episode features a shocking revelation, it feels somewhat anticipated which may excite fans for the crossover introduction of Tom Matthews into the plot.

Aaron Spencer’s Reveal as the Villain: Predictable Yet Long Overdue

Dexter: Original Sin Episode 7
Starring	Patrick Gibson, Christian Slater, Molly Brown, James Martinez, Christina Milian, Alex Shimizu, Reno Wilson, Patrick Dempsey, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Raquel Justice, and the voice of Michael C. Hall
Episode Title	The Big Bad Body Problem
Directed By	Monica Raymond

The revelation of Aaron Spencer as the mastermind behind Jimmy Powell’s demise and the abduction of his own son has created a pivotal moment in Original Sin’s narrative. While the identity of the masked kidnapper was suspected to be a familiar character, the lack of surprise at this disclosure could undermine its intended impact. Spencer’s role, portrayed by Patrick Dempsey, adds a heightened level of intrigue, particularly given Dempsey’s skill in embodying villainous characters as evidenced in Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving.

Notably, Spencer’s free movement despite the violent backdrop paints him as a prime suspect and diminishes the shock value of his reveal. The narrative’s suggestion that Miami Metro Homicide isn’t solely defined by Dexter’s dark legacy risks undermining the plot’s coherence. Without careful handling, the coming episodes may shift into absurdity. Nonetheless, the door is wide open for the introduction of Tom Matthews, which would greatly please long-time fans.

The 70s Timeline Needs Fresh Direction

The 70s flashbacks, once a highlight of Original Sin, have started to lose their momentum. Although the introduction of Hector Estrada aims to deepen the storyline, it feels drawn out and lacks the action necessary to maintain viewer interest. Fans are already aware of Laura Moser’s fate, making it imperative for the series to balance past revelations with the current storyline to keep the audience engaged.

Debra Morgan’s Loyalty Shines Through

In this episode, Debra Morgan’s steadfast loyalty to Dexter is put to the test when his girlfriend Sofia accuses him of infidelity based on a condom wrapper found in his vehicle. This wrapper is innocently placed there due to Dexter’s hasty disposal of evidence from his latest victim. The confrontation escalates, leading Sofia to expose Debra’s previous antics, which delightfully showcases her characteristic ruthlessness.

Molly Brown not only fills a challenging role as the reimagined Debra but also deftly captures the complexity of her character during formative years. This subplot introduces a playful yet dramatic high school dynamic that revitalizes the prequel series, further engaging audiences.

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