Dexter: Original Sin episode 1 review

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Dexter: Original Sin episode 1.

Dexter: Original SinThe premiere of “And in the Beginning…” covers several narrative beats expected from the original series, but has not yet established a natural balance between its old characters and new faces. A surprising opening scene begins where New blood interrupted when an injured Dexter is rushed to the hospital in Angela Bishop's police cruiser. Dexter is resurrected in the emergency room – setting up the sequel to the 2025 series Dexter: Resurrection – and sees his life flash before his eyes. Michael C. Hall's strangely smooth narration and the original's classic theme song set a reaffirming yet emulative tone.

ONE Dexter the prequel series was always a risk after the original series' disappointing finale and the split New blood – one that its first episode has yet to yield results. Patrick Gibson leads the cast of Dexter: Original Sin as friendly neighborhood serial killer Dexter Morgan, who is eager for his first kill after graduating college and entering the workforce as a Miami Metro forensics intern.

Fans of Dexter I know its origin story well, as it was covered extensively throughout the eight seasons of the original. Given this, the main function of Original sin episode 1 shouldn't have been so much of a copy-paste recap but rather a new version of a winning formula.

Original Sin ties into classic Dexter elements without offering a very compelling vision

There isn't much new or intriguing Dexter story in the first episode

The episode spends much of its time introducing characters with familiar names and younger faces. Vince Masuka is the same semi-charming deviant. Debra Morgan is the same unfiltered, defiant younger sister who drags Dexter to her own college party.which is a nice twist on the eventual too-close-to-be-comfortable relationship between the brothers. An underused Angel Batista and a completely absent Maria LaGuerta are overshadowed by hard-hitting new police characters played by Patrick Dempsey and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Christian Slater offers a more compassionate Harry Morgan, replacing James Remar's grave and stoic concern.

The most obvious plot point – Dexter's first death – is introduced and wrapped up in a few jam-packed scenes. While it's an essential part of Dexter's origin story that's impossible to ignore, Nurse Mary's entire ordeal is rushed and unsatisfying. Her character is quite cartoonish, smiling devilishly as she hugs a grieving family member of the elderly patient she killed. Despite its underdevelopment, the series doesn't gain momentum until it is introduced. The first 15 minutes are initially worrying, with a Disturbing use of a soundtrack that sounds like a malfunctioning jukebox full of hits from the early 90s.

Original sin has some intriguing insights into Dexter's childhood. For one, he was a Wrestlemania fan, which may be a loose reference to Harrison's wrestling in New blood. His biggest role model was Ted Bundy; he saved Deb from being attacked at a college party; he was recruited by the Miami Metro Forensic Department; and he was one of the best students in his pre-med program.

This information provides useful context for the series, but is not necessarily revealing of Dexter's story.. The biggest backstory reveal, however, has to do with Harry, who apparently had another son who tragically drowned in a swimming pool while Harry was drinking beer and watching a football game on TV.

Budding Dexter's narration by Patrick Gibson and Michael C. Hall should be a killer combination

Original Sin has a winning combination with its old and new Dexters

The greatest relief of Dexter: Original Sin debut is this Patrick Gibson proves he can certainly handle the reins of the monumental character. Paired with Michael C. Hall's sarcastic and reflective narration, Original sin has a winning combination with its old and new Dexters. Getting Nurse Mary out of the way early could be a great move for the series, even at the risk of creating an uneven premiere episode. This will allow Gibson and Hall to explore more uncharted territories as Dexter establishes a professional relationship with his new boss, CSI head Tanya Martin.

The best thing that can happen after a confusing debut is Original sin to delve deeper into what made the original series a classic. Dexter will have to get more blood on his hands starting with episode 2, “Kid in a Candy Store,” which, judging by the title, looks promising. Dexter's lore and Harry's code will have to be expanded with greater emphasis and innovation. A new villain for the season needs to be established to Original sin to really start to feel like another authentic season of Dexter.

A two-episode premiere of Dexter: Original Sin may have been the way forward for Paramount. With nine episodes remaining, it's too early to say what the prequel will look like, but what's clear is that the series is at a crucial crossroads, even after one episode. Some moments work very well with the nimble dance between the sharp mannerisms of Gibson's Dexter and the classic dry humor of Hall's Dexter. If Dexter: Original Sin gives us more of that killer Gibson-Hall combo, it could easily salvage its shaky start.

New episodes of Dexter: Original Sin release every Friday on Paramount+ with Showtime.