Review of Episode 4: Dexter: Original Sin

Warning! This article contains spoilers from Dexter: Original Sin Episode 4.

Episode Overview

Younger Dexter’s naivety leads to an array of unexpected errors, heightening the intrigue of his journey.
1970s flashbacks provide depth to the narrative, highlighting pivotal character interactions and tragic moments.
Joe Pantoliano’s guest role as a mob hitman introduces new layers to the storyline and hints at forthcoming plot twists.

Dexter: Original Sin approaches its midway point in the inaugural season, with tension escalating as young Dexter grapples with Harry’s code, often faltering spectacularly. The recurring flashbacks to the 1970s effectively deepen our understanding of Harry’s complex backstory, while the gruesome murder investigation from the 1990s stands out as one of the most horrifying crime scenes depicted in the Dexter universe.

This latest installment, titled ‘Fender Bender’, premiered on Paramount+ with Showtime on December 27. Notably, the episode features a striking guest appearance by Joe Pantoliano, famously known for his role in The Sopranos, as a mob enforcer whom Dexter selects for his infamous kill table.

Dexter Morgan’s Inexperience Enhances the Narrative of Original Sin

Dexter: Original Sin Episode 4
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	Fender Bender
Directed By	Monica Raymond

What sets Patrick Gibson’s portrayal of Dexter Morgan apart is his palpable inexperience—in his roles both as an intern with Miami Metro and as a novice serial killer. While Dexter has made errors in the original series, none compare to the blunders evident in Original Sin. His inability to fully harness the essence of his dark passenger provides continuous motivation for viewers to tune in and see how his journey unfolds. The 1970s flashbacks serve as a captivating sub-narrative, adding vital context to Harry’s experiences, which are as integral to the storyline as Dexter’s own misadventures.

Even though audiences are aware of the fate awaiting Dexter’s mother, Laura Moser, the unfolding narrative builds suspense and adds emotional depth to her tragic demise. A particularly unsettling moment occurs with Brian, who is later known as the Ice Truck Killer, demonstrating the dark potential of this character early on. This realization underscores Harry’s internal struggle, as he grapples with his role in failing to protect Dexter’s mother, thus contributing to his son’s violent path. The richness of these flashbacks suggests they could support an entire series on their own, especially with ongoing discussions about a potential Trinity Killer spin-off.

The Intriguing Mystery and Cliffhanger Elevate Original Sin

At first glance, Dexter’s “kill of the week”seems somewhat forced, lacking the necessary context to feel organic. However, his encounter with Mad Dog (played by Joe Pantoliano), a retired mob hitman, quickly changes the narrative’s pace. Dexter believes this man is poised to commit another murder, making him an ideal target. For those familiar with The Sopranos, witnessing Pantoliano’s character is reminiscent of Ralph Cifaretto—what might have been had he avoided Tony Soprano’s wrath. This brief yet impactful performance ultimately reveals the importance of this kill, retroactively justifying Dexter’s earlier motivations.

Once more, Patrick Gibson captivates as Dexter, seamlessly stepping into Michael C. Hall’s iconic role. His performance suggests a natural fit for the character, leading Original Sin with commendable ease. Though secondary characters, excluding Harry and Debra, largely take a backseat in this episode, a standout and humorous moment featuring Masuka and cantaloupes provides light-hearted relief, capturing the beloved essence of the original series. Ending on a classic Dexter cliffhanger heightens the anticipation, especially as the next episode won’t air until January 10. The overarching storyline surrounding the murder of a prominent judge’s son is beginning to clarify, presenting an engaging twist on traditional formats as the identity of the killer remains a compelling mystery.