James Doakes Absent from 'Dexter: Original Sin' Due to Timeline Placement

Fans of Showtime’s “Dexter” series are noticing that Sergeant James Doakes isn’t in “Dexter: Original Sin,” the new spinoff. The show takes place in 1991 before Doakes started working at the Miami Metro Police Department, so he is not there.

The series is about Dexter Morgan when he was younger and shows how he started as a forensic expert and a vigilante killer. While many characters from the original series are back, including Angel Batista, Vince Masuka, and Maria LaGuerta, Sergeant Doakes is noticeably absent. He is known for his intense attitude and suspicion of Dexter.

Based on the show’s timing, Doakes could still be in the US Army Rangers or just starting as a police officer somewhere else during “Original Sin.” The third episode of the series introduces Maria LaGuerta, who transfers to Miami Metro and shows that important new employees are still coming to the department.

When Doakes finally gets to Miami Metro, big changes will likely happen in the department. There is talk that he might replace Harry Morgan, Dexter’s adoptive father, whose death is highly hinted at happening in the season finale.

Should “Dexter: Original Sin” be picked up for a second season, Doakes might appear. He is not in this season. This could mean that the intense relationship between Doakes and Dexter could be looked into more. This connection led to Doakes’ death in Season 2 of the original series.

Some well-known stars are in the current cast: Christian Slater plays Harry Morgan, Sarah Michelle Gellar plays Tanya Martin, and Patrick Dempsey plays Captain Spencer. New episodes of Dexter: Original Sin air on Paramount+ with Showtime every Friday.