As a long-time fan of DexterI must admit that each new adaptation or prequel of this legendary saga plunges me into a mixture of excitement and apprehension. So when Dexter: Original Sin was announced, tracing the origins of our favorite anti-hero, my expectations were as high as my fears. And after watching the first episode, I can say that this new chapter seems to have found a balance between homage and renewal. One of the most striking aspects of Dexter: Original Sin is his return to a Miami of the 90s, as vibrant as it is dark. This time and place, already at the heart of the unique atmosphere of the original series, regain all their brilliance here, tinged with palpable nostalgia.
In 1991 Miami, Dexter is a student on the verge of becoming a serial killer. When his bloodthirsty urges can no longer be ignored, the young man finds comfort and understanding with Harry, his adoptive father. This teaches him rules to help him spot and kill people who deserve to die, while avoiding being cornered by the police. This is a particular challenge for the entry-level forensic pathology trainee at the Miami Police Department.
The music and aesthetics of this decade add an immersive dimension, enhancing the captivating atmosphere of the series. We feel that the creators took care to recreate an authentic setting, both familiar and refreshing. Miami's sweltering heat, saturated colors and urban bustle serve as the perfect setting to explore the beginnings of Dexter's journey. This environment becomes a character in its own right, reflecting Dexter's internal contradictions: a bright facade that hides deep shadows. It is obvious that seeing new actors embody iconic characters like Dexter, Harry, or even Laura Moser, can confuse longtime fans.
The faces we were accustomed to, like those of Michael C. Hall or Jennifer Carpenter, give way here to a new generation of talent. However, this transition is far from being a handicap. Patrick Gibson, in the role of young Dexter, is simply captivating. His expressions, his body language, and that aura of uneasiness carefully hidden behind a charming smile, are perfectly reminiscent of the Dexter we have come to know and love. Of course, this Dexter is more sociable, more awkward in his quest for normality – but isn't that precisely what makes this portrait credible? At 20 years old, Dexter is still shaping himself, understanding his impulses and learning to navigate a world where he feels foreign.
Special mention also to Christian Slater, who shines in his role, and to the rest of the cast – from Sarah Michelle Gellar to Patrick Dempsey – who brings a welcome freshness to the series. The writing of Dexter: Original Sin is another strong point. This first episode lays a solid foundation, exploring not only Dexter's beginnings as a student and future analyst for the Miami police, but also his complex dynamic with Harry, his adoptive father and mentor. Harry's famous “codification” takes on its full meaning here, showing to what extent it is the fruit of a tortuous love and a desperate attempt to channel the unspeakable.
The scenario is not easy. On the contrary, he manages to maintain a constant tension, between introspective moments and action scenes. The balance between the deep psychology of the character and the more thrilling scenes is finely balanced, recalling the best hours of the original series. The episode also gives us our first glimpse of Dexter's “very first murder,” a key moment that marks the transition from idea to action. This moment, both brutal and strangely moving, brilliantly illustrates the duality of the character: a young man broken by his past, who justifies the unjustifiable with a tailor-made moral code. Where Dexter: Original Sin where it really excels is in its exploration of the universal theme of nature versus nurture. Was it inevitable that Dexter would become a killer, or could he have taken another path?
This question, which hangs over the entire original series, is addressed here with welcome subtlety. We delve into the tortured mind of a young man who desperately tries to make sense of his impulses, while struggling to maintain a facade of normalcy. The parallel between young Dexter and adult Dexter is fascinating. We find the seeds of what he will become: this sharp intelligence, this ability to manipulate appearances, but also this overwhelming loneliness which pushes him to hide behind a mask. What makes this new series even more exciting is its potential connection to Dexter Resurrection (a new season of Dexter which will arrive in 2025 with Michael C. Hall). The idea of exploring both Dexter's origins and future opens up exciting narrative possibilities.
This first episode gives a glimpse of a series that not only revisits the past, but also builds a bridge to the future. Dexter's suggested appearance in an emergency room, which could mark the start of a new life, is a tantalizing promise. This creates an intriguing loop between the past and the future, reminding us that Dexter's story is far from over. If I had to give advice to my fellow fans of Dexterit would be this: approach Dexter: Original Sin without preconceived ideas. Yes, the faces are different. Yes, the atmosphere is slightly changed. But what this series offers is an opportunity to rediscover Dexter from a new perspective, to delve deeper into the roots of his character and better understand what led him to become who he is.
This first episode, with its strong performances, intelligent writing and careful direction, is a promise for the rest of the season. Of course, it is too early to proclaim Dexter: Original Sin as a masterpiece, but it has all the potential to carve out a place of choice in the Dexter universe. Dexter: Original Sin is more than just a prequel. It's a fascinating look into the mind of one of television's most complex anti-heroes. With a daring cast, a captivating storyline and an atmosphere that mixes nostalgia and novelty, this series has what it takes to seduce longtime fans while attracting a new generation of viewers.
Note : 7/10. In short, if you liked Dexter and you are ready to explore a new facet of its universe, give a chance to Dexter: Original Sin. I am sure that, like me, you will end up being won over.
Coming soon on myCanal
