If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Dexter reminds you of a drunk friend at a bar trying to talk to a girl: good at opening, absolutely can’t close. Not deterred through two unsuccessful attempts at providing story and characters with a satisfying arc conclusion, Paramount+ with Showtime, now turns to Dexter: Original Sin, a prequel series set in the ’90s that explores Dexter’s humble beginnings with Miami Metro (and as a serial killer with a code), for redemption.
The series premiere, “And in the Beginning…,” opens where Dexter: New Blood left off, as the titular character’s life flashes before his eyes, effectively serving as the narrative for this show while setting up Dexter: Resurrection, planned for next year. Might Dexter be experiencing for the first time what his victims all experienced on his table? With Michael C. Hall still narrating young Dexter’s thoughts, and a shot-for-shot start to the title sequence that then seamlessly blends our introduction to our new cast’s morning routine through cleverly integrated stylistic nods to the Dexter routine we remember, the hook is immediately set for viewers.
Anytime you revisit well-known characters and portray them younger, it’s a big risk. It’s hard to pull in a new audience with no existing investment in the story, and hardcore fans are going to be the biggest critics of the new actors’ portrayals. Much of what could make Dexter: Original Sin a success or a failure hinges on casting. Credibility goes beyond physical appearance, and there is only so much you can do in that regard with the aid of makeup and wardrobe. Audiences lived with these characters for 8 seasons, and the original actors fleshed out their performances with both overt and subtle nuance and mannerisms.
The casting department deserves a ton of credit, because they found actors that were up to the challenge. Patrick Gibson is tasked with embodying one of the most complicated characters ever portrayed on television, balancing Dexter navigating the foreign experience of humanity he’s only observed objectively, with his dark side. It’s a calculated character that’s largely devoid of emotion, something that if not handled correctly can be uninteresting. He captures that familiar stoicism and brings the added layer of naivety and excited energy that comes with his growing pains as a serial killer.
Fan favorite characters return, with younger versions of Debra Morgan (Molly Brown, Senior Year), Detective Angel Batista (James Martinez, Run All Night), Detective Maria LaGuerta (Christina Milian, Be Cool), and Vince Masuka (Alex Shimizu, The Blacklist) – who absolutely nails the signature laugh. They also brought in some very recognizable names that hold a special place in the hearts of many of their target demographic. It’s hard to do better for Millennial viewers than Christian Slater, Patrick Dempsey, and Sarah Michelle Gellar.
Slater portrays Dexter’s father, Harry Morgan, previously portrayed in flashbacks by James Remar. If the first episode is any indication, Harry is going to be as central to the storyline as Dexter. Knowing what eventually befalls the character, weighed down by guilt, there is a lot of his backstory left to explore that goes beyond just the creation of “the code” that he develops to help satisfy his son’s “dark passenger.” Slater is captivating as always and fully capable of expressing the emotional turmoil accompanying the role.
Capt. Aaron Spencer (Patrick Dempsey, Grey’s Anatomy), and Tanya Martin (Sarah Michelle Gellar, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) are new characters at Miami Metro, immediately making you fear for their safety. Dempsey plays his Captain role with stressed out eccentric energy – it’s a bit over the top, but fun to watch. Gellar brings a buzz to any project she joins; she’s an icon. Her character is the CSI Chief, the position Dexter eventually holds in the original series, so she’s poised to serve as a mentor to Dexter as a young intern. Hopefully he keeps that in mind, and she never crosses him.
Much of the first episode consists of getting the younger versions of familiar characters out in front of audiences, and then works towards showcasing Dexter’s first murder, sanctioned by Harry after it’s discovered that his “angel of death” nurse is intentionally killing patients. It’s thrilling to witness Dexter taking that first step towards what we know him to become, but even more intriguing to see how the decision impacts his father. It’s the family dynamic, the only thing that truly grounds Dexter, that is going to be the most interesting to explore within this new series.
The narration by Michael C. Hall instantly gives this series legitimacy that would typically need to be earned over time. That, combined with an unmistakable 90s setting, innovative shot transitions, and the talented and lauded cast, makes this prequel series a fun watch for old and new audiences. Writers have never had an issue drawing people in, and providing a compelling story to follow, but it remains to be seen if they have finally figured out how to deliver a satisfying finale. Let’s hope that they have a plan to live with this cast for a good while and continue to push the Dexter universe forward.
Dexter: Original Sin is now streaming on Paramount+ and airs on Paramount+ with Showtime.
