One of the most divisive parts of the originalDextermade its way intoDexter: Original Sin, and I couldn’t be happier. There were quite a few features that stuck around forall eight ofDexter’s seasonsthat have become staples of the franchise. From Dexter’s love of blood to characters that debuted in the first show and reappear in thecast ofOriginal Sin, the prequel has many of the trappings of the original series.Original Sinhas also changed quite a bit aboutDexteralready, however, so I was very relieved to see that it kept one controversial aspect.
In all threeDextershows so far - and presumably in the upcoming showDexter: Resurrection- Dexter has had an internal monologue that the audience can hear. Even thoughOriginal Sinrecast Michael C. Hall with Patrick Gibson, it still uses Hall’s voice for its internal monologue. While it is difficult to live up to Hall’s portrayal of the character, Gibson did a great job inDexter: Original Sinseason 1, episode 1. He also has a great advantage:Original Sinpreserved one of the most divisive parts of Hall’s time as Dexter.
Dexter’s Internal Monologue Is Just As Embarrassing In Original Sin As It Was In The Original Show
Dexter’s Thoughts In Original Sin Are As Overly-Edgy & Cringe-Worthy As They’ve Ever Been
Original Sinhasn’t just brought back Hall and Dexter’s internal monologue: his thoughts are just as embarrassing as they were inDexter. The best way to explain how the prequel series keptDexter’s cringe-worthy narration is with two examples. In the pilot ofDexter, he looks at an empty box of donuts and declares “Just like me. Empty inside.” In the pilot ofOriginal Sin, Dexter removes a cadaver’s heart and remarks “Heartless. Like the Tin Man. Maybe like me.“They’re both such corny and awkward lines that sound way too edgy, but they’re also both quintessentialDexter.
Dexter: Original Sin Is Leaning Into What Made The Original Show So Endearing
Dexter Is A Nerd You Can’t Help But Love, & Original Sin Understands That
The cringe-worthy nature of Dexter’s internal monologue is one of the most controversial parts of the otherwise critically acclaimed show. I know several people who refused to watchDextersimply because his narration gave them second-hand embarrassment.Longtime fans of the franchise, like myself, have come to not only accept Dexter’s narration but actually find it endearing. It may not be the best writing in the world, and it may stick out as a bad part of an otherwise extraordinarily well written series, butDexterwouldn’t feel the same without such embarrassing moments.
Dexter: Original Sin: 3 Biggest Connections to the Previous Series
Screen Rant has the biggest connections between Dexter: Original Sin and the the first series.
A big reason Dexter Morgan is such a beloved character is because he’s so awkward. He is, by all accounts, extremely weird, but he’s got the specific brand of strangeness that comes across as endearing instead of annoying. I liken it to having a younger brother who’s a bit too socially awkward: yes, they’re embarrassing, but they’re also your brother, and you love them anyway.Original Sinclearly understands that Dexter is supposed to be an oddball, which is one of the reasons people kept coming back to the originalDexterfor years. The prequel makes Dexter dorky but lovable, which will only help it succeed.
Dexter’s Voiceover Makes Even More Sense For The Prequel Than The Original Show & New Blood
Dexter’s Narration Has A Clear Source In Original Sin That The Original & New Blood Never Had
There’s even one wayOriginal Sinis improving upon Dexter’s voice-over. In the originalDexterseries andNew Blood, Dexter’s narration didn’t actually have a clear source. It’s not bad that the two previousDexternarrations didn’t have a clear source, but it is a bit odd. The audience is simply granted the ability to hear Dexter’s thoughts without explanation.Original Sin, however, explained Hall’s narration by presenting the entire show as flashbacks of Dexter’s life that he’s reliving after being shot at theend ofNew Blood. Dexter’s comments make more sense inOriginal Sin; they’re basically Dexter observing his own memories as an outsider.
Some viewers have theorized that Dexter’s internal monologue is actually the voice of his dark passenger, which would help explain why the viewer can hear Dexter’s thoughts.
Original Sinalso does a lot to explain why Dexter’s inner monologue was so weird in the first place. Michael C. Hall was portraying Dexter at a time when he had already figured out how to blend into society.Patrick Gibson proves that Dexter used to be just as weird externally as he was internally. It makes more sense to me that Dexter’s thoughts are so embarrassing: he never got less weird, he just figured out how to hide it better. IfDexter: Original Sincan continue to nail the things that made the originalDexterso great, it could be a truly remarkable show.
Dexter: Original Sin
Cast
Dexter: Original Sin explores Dexter Morgan’s early years in 1991 Miami as he transitions from student to avenging serial killer. Guided by his father, Harry, Dexter crafts a moral code and navigates a forensics internship at Miami Metro Police, all while controlling his darker impulses.
Dexter
Dexter is a television series following Dexter Morgan, a blood spatter analyst for Miami Metro Police who secretly leads a dual life as a vigilante serial killer. Released in 2006, the show focuses on Dexter’s internal conflict as he hunts down criminals who elude justice within the legal system.
