The latest entry in theDexterfranchise,Dexter: Original Sin, arrives on Friday, Dec. 13 via Paramount+ with Showtime, and premieres on Showtime proper this Sunday, December 15. However, early critiques of the show suggest it’s dead on arrival despite a “stellar” cast including Patrick Gibson (Dexter Morgan) and Christian Slater (Dexter’s father, Harry Morgan).
The OriginalDexterseries — about a moralistic serial killer played by Michael C. Hall — was Showtime’s biggest hit, running for eight seasons from 2006 to 2013. But, as is often the case with popular shows, the finale fell flat. Ending a beloved series is difficult.In 2021,Dexter: New Bloodgave fans, as reviewer David Opie wrote inRadio Times, “the ending Dexter always deserved.” That was that Dexter — who learned his killing “code” from his adopted father Harry — is killed by his own son. One of Opie’s main beefs withDexter: Original Sinis the waffling from showrunner Clyde Phillips.
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As Opie notes, at the conclusion ofDexter: New Blood, Phillips told Deadline “it would be dishonest” to bring the Dexter character back from the dead. “I wouldn’t do that to the audience,” Phillips said. “There is no question that this is the finale ofDexter.”
WhileDexter: Original Sinis a prequel set in early-1990s Miami, Phillips has another show in the works titledDexter: Resurrection, starring Michael C. Hall, which isset to premiere in June 2025.Dexter: Original Sinseems to set upResurrectionas it opens with Michael C. Hall in the back of a car heading to the hospital with his life flashing before his eyes in the window, taking the viewer back to 1991 Miami.
The audience is introduced to Dexter as a young man, played by Patrick Gibson (The OA). But critics are finding fault with the origin story right off the bat. As Lauren Sarner wrote in theNew York Post: “The originalDexterextensively covered his childhood. Not much of Dexter’s life is unexplored.” Sarner saw the strength of the cast as the “strongest part ofDexter: Original Sin.”
Interestingly, there are very few reviews ofOriginal Sinonline at the time of writing, suggesting that Showtime was skittish about showing the new series to critics ahead of the premiere. Based on the few reviews available, it’s easy to understand why.
‘Original Sin’ Actors Flex Despite Challenges
Although the static nature of the characters is a valid criticism, Sarner wrote that Gibson “captures Hall’s demeanor well.” She continued: “The problem is the writing. Even the best cast can’t fix that.”
The strength of the cast seems to be something critics agree on. ForTV Fanatic, Lisa Babick wrote:
“From Molly Brown as Debra to Christian Slater as Harry, James Martinez as Angel, Christina Milian as Maria, and Alex Shimizu as Vince, they bring the OG characters back to life with remarkable accuracy.
Even the newcomers — Sarah Michelle Gellar as Tanya Martin and Patrick Dempsey as Captain Aaron Spencer — add a fresh dynamic to the show.”
Ironically, the “Original Sin” of the series seems to be that it’s yet another continuation of a franchise that is less about art and more about money. It’s impossible to ignore thatDexter: Resurrectionis on the horizon, despite Clyde Phillips stating that “Dexter is dead.”
Dexter: Original Sin
Dexter: Original Sin explores the origins of Dexter Morgan as he transitions from student to serial killer in 1991 Miami. Guided by his father, Dexter channels his dark urges through a moral code while starting a forensics internship at the Miami Metro Police Department.
