Dexter: Original Sin Episode 5 Review - With Dexter & Harry Expertly Established, I Can See Original Sin As A Multi-Season Effort

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for Dexter: Original Sin episode 5.Dexter: Original Sin episode 5, "F Is For F**k-Up", reveals more of Harry's messy backstory with Laura Moser as Dexter accidentally gets high off Deb's supply. After a strong premiere episode featuring Nurse Mary as Dexter's first kill, Dexter continues on his newfound path of vigilantism under the watchful eye of his father, Harry. After killing loan shark Tony Ferrer and forcing ex-hitman Mad-Dog into oncoming traffic, Dexter starts to tighten up his methods and smooth out his remaining rookie edges in episode 5.

While Dexter's alarming incident with Mad-Dog nearly got him a life sentence in Dexter: Original Sin episode 4, the series quickly wraps up Mad-Dog's role and refocuses on Dexter's familial relationships with his sister Deb and deceased adoptive mom, Doris. Christian Slater's Harry continues to expand in both the present-day and flashback timelines as he gradually becomes the highlight character of the prequel series. At the series' midpoint, it's safe to say that Gibson's Dexter is fully convincing and has the potential to extend Original Sin into a multi-season effort.

Dexter: Original Sin explores the origins of Dexter Morgan as he transitions from student to serial killer in 1991 Miami. Guided by his father, Dexter channels his dark urges through a moral code while starting a forensics internship at the Miami Metro Police Department. Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Release Date December 15, 2024 Network Paramount+ with Showtime Cast Sarah Michelle Gellar Christian Slater , Patrick Gibson , Molly Brown , Christina Milian , Alex Shimizu , Reno Wilson , James Martinez , Patrick Dempsey , Michael C. Hall Character(s) Harry Morgan , Dexter Morgan , Debra Morgan , Maria LaGuerta , Vince Masuka , Bobby Watt , Angel Batista , Aaron Spencer , The Inner Voice of Dexter (voice) , CSI Chief Tanya Martin

Given Deb's turbulent relationship history in the original series, her new romantic interest Gio is surely a person of interest to keep an eye on for the remainder of Original Sin season 1. The main villain arc surrounding who killed Judge Powell's young son is interestingly unaddressed in episode 5. Even Dexter takes a break from the main storyline to get goofy with Deb after eating a few too many "special" brownies. What's most intriguing is the fierce subliminal tension that starts to surface between Harry and Dexter, hinting at a potential upcoming rift in their father-son dynamic.

Original Sin Gives Harry Morgan The Spotlight Leading Up To His Expected Death

Harry Comes Under Fire In Court & Starts To Lose Control Of Dexter

Dexter: Original Sin makes full use of Harry Morgan, so much so that he is very nearly the co-protagonist with Dexter. Considering that Harry will likely not make it past the season 1 finale based on the original series' lore, it makes sense for him to get as much screen time as possible leading up to his eventual death by suicide. While this comes at the expense of putting other supporting characters on the back burner, particularly those at Miami Metro PD, the core trio of Harry, Dexter, and Deb is strong enough to carry the majority of episode 5.

Original Sin introduces a more nuanced perspective of Harry and Dexter's strange dynamic for the first time in franchise history.

The fact that Harry's extensive backstory with Laura Moser is interwoven with his present-day timeline involving a botched child murderer is no coincidence. While Harry has always been considered Dexter's biggest supporter as a serial killer vigilante, Original Sin introduces a more nuanced perspective of Harry and Dexter's strange dynamic for the first time in franchise history.

In the original series, Harry is more of a mentor and a twisted sort of angel on Dexter's shoulder, reminding him of his responsibilities to the Code. Seeing Harry as a human grasping for control in his own life and hanging on by a thread is just as, if not more, compelling than witnessing Dexter stumble his way into vigilantism. The amateurish eagerness Gibson brings to Dexter also elevates his version of the character. At some points, it feels like Gibson makes Dexter's "Dark Passenger" more apparent, hardly able to contain his distorted sense of excitement plotting his next kill.

Dexter Begins To Perfect His Craft By Putting Harry's Life On The Table

Original Sin Proves It's Not Afraid To Go Big With The Source Material

Now that the introductory phase of Original Sin is over, comparisons to the authenticity of the original series seem far less crucial since it is more established. Masuka, Batista, and LaGuerta, who make up much of the central Miami Metro PD characters in Dexter, are less important to the success of the prequel series now that its heart – the relationship between Dexter and Harry – has successfully taken control of the narrative.

Original Sin continues to find risky, inventive, and visually impactful ways to bring Dexter & Harry's origins to life.

This notion is confirmed in the shocking episode 5 ending twist in which Dexter places Harry on his own "kill" table to demonstrate the improvements he's made with his methods. While the origin story of Dexter's sedation approach is a bit sloppy with an underutilized Sarah Michelle Gellar (who bets on horse races in the Miami Metro forensics lab), the big moment it creates essentially forgives this odd, forced setup.

Related Dexter Review: An Addictive & Masterful Thriller Series That Flatlines In Its Later Seasons The Dexter original series had the potential to be an all-time great series but fumbled in its latter half, which arguably should not have been made.

Similar to the over-the-top Ferrer kill in the center of a sports arena in episode 3, Original Sin continues to find risky, inventive, and visually effective ways to bring both Dexter and Harry's origins to life. However, episode 5 can feel like a dip in momentum after the thrilling pace of episodes 3 and 4. The Mad-Dog subplot was shortlived and Dexter's escape from a police investigation was implausibly convenient.

The episode then pivots to Dexter nearly confessing his murders to Deb, who writes him off because he's high on pot brownies. There are certainly frustrating elements of episode 5, especially in the tension-less courtroom scene and the relentless licensed soundtrack inclusions. Hopefully, Dexter: Original Sin episode 6 will get back on track with its main villain arc and will prove that episode 5 was only taking a breath rather than blowing smoke.