CAST

Patrick Gibson
Christian Slater
Molly Brown
Christian Milian
James Martinez
Alex Shimizu
Patrick Dempsey

Based on the Showtime series Dexter and the Dexter novels by Jeff Lindsay

Review

The pilot episode of Dexter: Original Sin is set in 1991 Miami and brings the beloved anti-hero back to life – in more ways than one. This time, however, we follow a young Dexter learning to navigate his “dark passenger.” It’s a risky idea, delving into Dexter Morgan’s origin story, but the first episode proves that this prequel has serious potential. Balancing nostalgia with a fresh perspective, Original Sin is off to a compelling start, breathing new life into Dexter’s world with strong performances, smart writing, and faithful attention to the tone of the original series.

The series begins with a heavy dose of nostalgia. From the recreated intro sequence, complete with the familiar theme music and vibrant shots of Miami, to Michael C. Hall reprising his role as the series’ narrator, the show immediately grabbed my attention as a fan of the original. It feels familiar giving the prequel a comforting sense of continuity while offering fresh storytelling opportunities.

Patrick Gibson shines as young Dexter, nailing the character’s signature awkward charm and quiet menace. His portrayal strikes the right balance of vulnerability and danger, capturing Dexter’s struggle to understand his violent urges while learning to channel them through the “Code” created by his father, Harry (a solid Christian Slater). Gibson’s performance feels like a natural extension of Michael C. Hall’s Dexter, plus Hall’s voiceover narration helps, and it retains the character’s wry humor and chilling introspection.

The rest of the cast also impresses, particularly Molly Brown as a high-school senior version of Debra Morgan. She captures Deb’s sharp wit and emotional intensity with uncanny accuracy, making the younger version of this beloved character feel instantly recognizable. Alex Shimizu as Vince Masuka and James Martinez as a younger Angel Batista round out a cast that not only looks the part but embodies the spirit of their older counterparts.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the pilot is its exploration of how Dexter develops or more precisely applies and finetunes his “Code.” As a young man, he struggles to suppress his homicidal urges while grappling with the morality of his actions. This early struggle is handled with nuance, showing the influence of Harry’s guidance without glamorizing Dexter’s darker tendencies.

The episode effectively sets up the series, showing how Dexter balances his dual lives as an aspiring forensic expert and an emerging killer. The forensics internship at the Miami Metro Police Department adds an extra layer of tension, setting the stage for Dexter to test his skills and morality under Harry’s watchful eye.

For long-time fans, the pilot feels like a welcome return to Dexter’s world, which makes sense with Clyde Phillips back at the helm. The show’s aesthetic and tone capture the essence of the original series, from the brooding inner monologues to the sharp contrast between sunny Miami and Dexter’s dark deeds. Yet Original Sin also establishes its own identity by focusing on Dexter’s formative years and the relationships that shaped him.

There’s a palpable sense of care in how the showrunners approach the material. It would have been easy to lean too heavily on nostalgia or to veer too far from the original. Instead, Original Sin strikes a balance, presenting a younger, less polished Dexter while maintaining the essence of the character we know and love. And as for his looks, thank god they’ve taken that wig off of Gibson’s head.

The Dexter: Original Sin pilot delivers a gripping and nostalgic start to this prequel series. With strong performances, especially from Gibson, and a clear respect for the original, the show feels both fresh and familiar. The attention to detail, particularly in the casting and tone, makes this more than just a revival. It’s an engaging exploration of Dexter Morgan’s origins that promises plenty of potential for future episodes.

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