The future of the “Dexter” franchise seems uncertain following the conclusion of the sequel series “New Blood,” which aired eight years after the original series ended in 2013. In the finale of “New Blood,” Michael C. Hall’s infamous character, Dexter Morgan, appeared to meet a fatal end. However, the franchise will continue with the upcoming prequel series titled “Dexter: Original Sin,” created by the original showrunner Clyde Phillips.
Set in 1991, “Original Sin” introduces a younger version of Dexter, portrayed by Patrick Gibson, who begins his journey in the Miami police department as an intern. Interestingly, it seems to contradict the apparent finality of “New Blood,” revealing that Dexter survived and framing the narrative as memories he reflects upon while on an operating table. Despite the renewed energy with the prequel, there are concerns it may struggle to captivate the audience since many crucial plot points were already explored in the original series, often using flashbacks.
In “Original Sin,” familiar characters like Batista and Masuka return in their original personas. While some efforts are made to enrich the narrative, such as Maria LaGuerta receiving a new backstory, the series leans heavily on nostalgia rather than offering fresh storytelling. The show echoes past beats significantly, with Dexter quickly revealing his signature method of disposing of victims—binding them in plastic. The interplay between his sister Deb’s high school life and Dexter’s first kill, underlining the series’ tendency to revisit established lore rather than expanding it, contributes to this feeling.
Moreover, even new characters bring a sense of déjà vu, as they reflect iconic figures from the original series. With well-known faces like Sarah Michelle Gellar and Patrick Dempsey joining the cast, the aim seems more to evoke nostalgia than to innovate. Critics have noted that “Original Sin” may resonate more with die-hard fans than new viewers, making its appeal potentially limited.
The premiere of the first episode of “Dexter: Original Sin” is available on Paramount+, with further episodes set to air on Showtime on December 15.
While some may feel the series rides too much on its past glories, there remains hope that “Dexter: Original Sin” could still uncover new and compelling dimensions of Dexter’s complex character. The return to familiar themes with a fresh take could also attract new viewers interested in the dark exploration of morality that defined the original series.
In summary, the upcoming series aims to blend nostalgia with new storytelling but faces challenges in offering something genuinely innovative. As the franchise evolves, it will be interesting to see how it strikes the balance between revisiting old territory while paving the way for new narratives.