Review of Dexter: Original Sin – Episode 5 Insights

Warning! This article contains spoilers from Dexter: Original Sin Episode 5.

Episode Overview

The focus shifts to Dexter’s internal struggle rather than the primary investigation, diminishing narrative momentum.
Intriguing development of Dexter and Harry’s relationship lays the groundwork for future confrontations.
Limited screen time for newly introduced characters, including a CSI expert and the Miami Metro chief, prevents them from making a significant impact.

Dexter: Original Sin reaches a pivotal point in its first season, with Dexter navigating the fallout from Mad Dog’s death while Harry grapples with a past mistake that endangers the community. The episode also takes viewers back to the 1970s, highlighting Laura Moser’s tangled relationship with Harry and an unexpected revelation from Doris.

First released on Paramount+ with Showtime on January 3, the episode titled ‘F Is For F**k Up’ offers an engaging experience. However, the departure from the central Miami Metro investigation may feel disorienting. Despite the intertwining storylines, including flashbacks from the 1970s and teenage Dexter’s violent behavior in the 1990s, the narrative manages to maintain viewer interest.

A Striking Episode That Lacks Narrative Forward Motion

Dexter: Original Sin Episode 5
Starring	Patrick Gibson, Christian Slater, Molly Brown, James Martinez, Christina Milian, Alex Shimizu, Reno Wilson, Patrick Dempsey, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and the voice of Michael C. Hall
Episode Title	F Is For F**k Up
Directed By	Michael Lehmann

As we reach the midpoint of Original Sin, the potential of this series is ripe for examination. The series shows significant promise akin to its predecessor, yet ‘F Is For F**k Up’ highlights narrative difficulties, particularly regarding the central investigation plotline this season. The previous installments showcased a balanced approach with Dexter’s personal vendettas coinciding harmoniously with overarching police inquiries into formidable antagonists. Although a mysterious villain was established with the kidnapping and murder of a judge’s child, this episode largely abandons that premise, opting instead to delve into the consequences of Mad Dog’s death and Harry’s response.

Flashbacks to the 70s play a considerable role, adding depth to Dexter’s origin story but at the expense of building excitement for the current case. This absence of focus on the core investigation may leave viewers feeling disconnected from the larger narrative. Moreover, the introduction of new characters, like Sarah Michelle Gellar’s CSI specialist Tanya Martin and Patrick Dempsey’s Miami Metro chief Aaron Spencer, felt underwhelming due to insufficient development.

Exploring Dexter and Harry’s Complex Relationship

In addition to his complex journey, Harry Morgan’s story takes precedence in this episode, chronicling the events leading up to Laura Moser’s demise. The pressure Harry feels in the 1990s as he works to protect the Morgan family from Dexter’s darker impulses adds a layer of tension to the narrative. A pivotal moment occurs when Harry finds himself on Dexter’s kill table, providing a darkly humorous insight into Dexter’s evolution and his relationship with Harry.

Christian Slater’s portrayal of Harry is exceptional, capturing the essence of a man wrestling with his own demons while also navigating the complexities of fatherhood. Meanwhile, Patrick Dempsey brings a delightful mix of charm and humor, especially during a memorable moment featuring Dexter under the influence of Deb’s infamous pot brownies. This interaction subtly highlights the sibling connection between Dexter and Deb, foreshadowing the emotional fallout following Harry’s eventual death.

While the series emphasizes Dexter’s relationship with Harry, which remains largely unexplored, this episode paves the way for greater emotional depth in the second half of the season. Overall, the episode succeeds in blending tension and humor, keeping viewers intrigued about the drama yet to unfold.