Dexter Franchise Revives Controversial Protagonist in New Prequel Series

In an unexpected twist, the Dexter franchise is reviving its complicated lead character with the release of “Dexter: Original Sin,” a prequel series that revisits Dexter Morgan’s origins. This series, currently available on Paramount+ with Showtime, takes viewers back to 1991, detailing Dexter’s early transition into the infamous Bay Harbor Butcher.

Showrunner Clyde Phillips, who also wrote the disputed finale of “Dexter: New Blood,” has created a gripping twist that brings Dexter back to life after his apparent death in the previous season. Contrary to the assumptions made by “New Blood,” in which his estranged son kills Dexter, the prequel shows that he lives. The first episode depicts Dexter being rescued from the woods and transferred to a hospital, opening the way for a more in-depth investigation of his background.

The series follows a young Dexter, played by Patrick Gibson, as he approaches his college graduation—a pivotal moment when he begins to confront the reality of his “Dark Passenger.” The program pays homage to Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel American Psycho, which connects Dexter to the fictional serial killer Patrick Bateman.

This reference serves a purpose beyond nostalgia. In the original series, Dexter took on the alias Patrick Bateman while acquiring M99, a powerful sedative that he employed in his kills. However, “Dexter: New Blood” introduced ketamine as his primary knockout drug, indicating a potential continuity gap the prequel may need to fill.

Michael C. Hall returns as the narrator for “Original Sin,” but he will not appear on screen. According to Phillips, the idea for a prequel arose because network officials were pleased by the popularity of earlier prequels, such as the “Yellowstone” spin-offs.

Furthermore, Hall is set to direct another sequel series called “Dexter: Resurrection,” which will delve even further into Dexter’s complex history. This suggests that the Dexter franchise is far from complete, as it continues to evolve and test viewers’ expectations.

The prequel has a critical narrative decision: whether to maintain the original series’ portrayal of Dexter utilizing M99 or to continue the ketamine storyline started in “New Blood.” This decision will be critical for maintaining narrative consistency and satisfying long-term fans of the series.