The future of the “Dexter” franchise seems uncertain following the actions of its sequel series “New Blood,” which concluded with the apparent death of Michael C. Hall’s iconic character, Dexter Morgan. After a 15-year portrayal of this complex antihero, the finale raised questions about any potential continuation. Although the franchise plans to pass the torch to Dexter’s son Harrison, the only plausible route for further development appears to lead back to the past.
The new prequel series, titled “Dexter: Original Sin,” attempts to navigate this challenge by taking viewers back to 1991, showcasing a young Dexter (played by Patrick Gibson) as he embarks on a career in law enforcement. Interestingly, the series also revives Dexter’s story by revealing that he survived the events of “New Blood,” framing the narrative as reflections while he is on an operating table.
However, a significant challenge for “Original Sin” is that the existing fan base is already well-acquainted with much of Dexter’s backstory due to the original series’ heavy reliance on flashbacks. While some characters are reintroduced, the show seems to tread familiar ground rather than unveil new plotlines or revelations. For instance, Dexter’s colleagues Batista and Masuka are depicted almost exactly as they were in the original series, leaving little room for fresh storytelling.
The series does attempt to incorporate new elements, such as character development for Maria LaGuerta but ultimately leans into nostalgia rather than innovation. While there are moments intended to provide a new angle on Dexter’s character, many of these feel reminiscent of previous storylines. The show captures snippets of the titular character’s dark journey, but with little depth beyond surface-level repeats of established themes.
Despite the criticisms, there’s hope that “Dexter: Original Sin” can provide a new lens through which to explore the narrative. It remains to be seen whether the series will take more significant risks and evolve the franchise or continue to revisit familiar territory. The first episode is currently streaming on Paramount+ and will premiere on Showtime soon. As fans await the next installment, the anticipation remains high for how this beloved yet complex character will adapt to a newer narrative structure.