It appears that the “Dexter” franchise is navigating a complex path in its attempt to continue the story of its infamous antihero. Following the conclusion of “New Blood,” where Michael C. Hall’s character appears to meet his demise, some may have believed the saga was over. However, the new prequel series “Dexter: Original Sin” takes a different approach, suggesting that Dexter did not actually die and instead reflects on his past while undergoing surgery.
“Dexter: Original Sin” begins in 1991, showcasing a 20-year-old Dexter as he starts his career at Miami Metro Police as an intern. Created by Clyde Phillips, who also led the original series, the new show attempts to revive Dexter’s character while revisiting familiar beats from his past. While this nostalgic twist may attract die-hard fans, it poses challenges, as the audience is already aware of key events from the previous series, making the exploration of Dexter’s early years feel somewhat repetitive.
Though “Original Sin” introduces new plots and character relationships, many elements echo the original series, like the portrayals of Dexter’s colleagues and the character dynamics. The series captures Dexter’s inherent tendencies as a budding serial killer but sometimes struggles to present fresh narratives. Familiar faces like Sarah Michelle Gellar and Patrick Dempsey add star power but further reinforce the nostalgic aspect of the show without introducing revolutionary ideas.
Despite its flaws, there remains hope for “Dexter: Original Sin” to carve out a unique space in the franchise. By focusing on character development and exploring untapped backstories, there is potential for the series to rise above being merely a retrospective. Moreover, there is an opportunity for storytelling that resonates with both new and returning audiences, offering a blend of nostalgia and innovation.
The first episode of “Dexter: Original Sin” is available for streaming on Paramount+ and will premiere on Showtime on December 15 at 10 PM ET. New episodes will be released weekly, allowing fans to engage with the unfolding narrative.
In summary, while “Dexter: Original Sin” faces challenges in securing its own identity within a well-established universe, the series could still provide engaging content through deeper character exploration and thoughtful storytelling, bringing new life to an enduring franchise.