Dexter: Original Sin is a clever way to extend the lore of Dexter through the eyes of a dying man. It’s a solid beginning for what’s to come with an overabundance of Easter eggs and casting successes. 

 

Longtime fans should be pleased as the Dexter Morgan as we know him isn't absent, played by Michael C. Hall, is providing the mental insight of our young protagonist. Throughout this initial episode, Patrick Gibson hilariously matches the awkwardly ineffective wig that Hall wore in flashbacks throughout the original series. Gibson certainly has Hall’s mannerisms down and while his voice may not be at the same register, he’s still pretty convincing. 

 

Upon Molly Brown's entrance in Original Sin, she is instantly our Debra Morgan, full of swears, sass and manic behavior. Brown fully embodies everything Jennifer Carpenter delivered during her tenure with the series. 

 

Christian Slater takes over for James Remar and embodies the true Harry Morgan, drowning in his guilt for enabling Dexter to do what he does. Slater is compelling enough as of now, but it’ll be truly fascinating to see him spiral as Dexter continues to feed his dark passenger. 

 

The rest of the cast are minimal in the first episode of the series, with many semi-recognizable faces filling the screen. James Martinez plays Angel and Alex Shimizu plays Masuka - providing a decent imitation of the beloved characters as Dexter is introduced to them. The costume department was on point with these two and Shimizu nails the iconic Masuka laugh. 

 

Original Sin welcomes notable newcomers Sarah Michelle Gellar and Patrick Dempsey. Gellar plays the head of Forensics, Tanya Martin who sees potential in young Dexter. Dempsey plays Captain Aaron Spencer of Miami Metro, appearing to be a ruthless boss when a case is still open. Both are completely acceptable in their roles thus far, but need more time on screen to fully appreciate, as well as build their identities amongst the characters we’ve known for nearly twenty years. 

 

The Original Sin premiere focuses on Dexter and his relationship with his family, as well as his acceptance that his dark passenger isn’t going away. The episode handles Harry coming to terms with what must be done and Dexter finally succumbing to the darkness - cutting into his first victim. 

 

One episode in and it's off to a fantastic start for this prequel that naturally many were skeptical about... It's wonderfully cast and while his “original sin” surprisingly may not be the most impactful, it does shine a light on the serial killer that’s just about to be unleashed. It also resolves the question of “Wasn’t Dexter Morgan killed at the end of New Blood?”.