Deb & Dexter’s Mom’s Fate in Dexter: Original Sin Explained

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for the pilot episode of Dexter: Original Sin.

The highly anticipated prequel series, Dexter: Original Sin, intricately weaves the backstory of Doris Morgan, known as Dexter’s stepmother and Debra’s biological mother, into its narrative through a poignant flashback. Crafted by Clyde Phillips, the visionary behind Dexter: New Blood, this series follows a post-college Dexter as he unravels his complexities while grappling with his “dark passenger,”all under the tutelage of his adoptive father, Harry. Adhering to Harry’s moral compass, Dexter navigates his violent impulses while evading capture.

Michael C. Hall reprises his iconic role as Dexter, serving both as the charismatic protagonist and the voice of his inner turmoil, bringing his character to life once more in this new installment. Set in Miami during 1991, the series marks Dexter’s foray into a career at Miami Metro PD, hinting at several notorious figures in the Dexter lore likely to be explored throughout the season. Furthermore, fans can look forward to another upcoming series, Dexter: Resurrection, slated for summer 2025, with Hall returning once again.

New episodes of Dexter: Original Sin will debut every Friday, exclusively on Paramount+.

Doris Morgan’s Tragic Demise

The Impact of Doris’s Death on Dexter and Deb

Harry Morgan (Christian Slater) screaming in Dexter: Original Sin

Doris Morgan’s battle with cancer ended when Dexter was still a teenager, specifically during his high school years, leaving Deb likely in middle school. Limited details about Doris are available, as her character remains largely underexplored in both the original series and its prequel. From what is inferred, Dexter did not maintain a particularly close relationship with Doris, although Deb certainly had the opportunity to know her mother before her untimely passing.

In the poignant flashback of the premiere episode titled “And in the Beginning…,”Doris is portrayed by Jasper Lewis. This episode uncovers a significant part of the Morgan family’s history—Harry and Doris faced the tragic loss of a child who drowned in their backyard pool. The timeline of this tragedy concerning Deb’s existence remains unclear, as it is uncertain whether she was alive during that event. Intriguingly, Harry and Doris welcomed Dexter into their lives after Harry’s affair with Dexter’s biological mother, Laura Moser.

Was Doris Aware of Harry’s Code?

The Mystery of Harry’s Secrets

The extent of Doris Morgan’s involvement in Original Sin remains to be seen as subsequent episodes are released. The revelation of Harry and Doris’s lost child provides deeper insight into their decision to adopt Dexter. It raises questions about the nature of Doris’s relationship with Dexter during his formative years. Given the narrative’s progression, it seems probable that Doris was unaware of her son’s darker impulses or Harry’s infamous code, echoing the secrecy that Harry maintained from Deb throughout their lives.

As the series unfolds, viewers are left speculating about the impact of these family dynamics on Dexter’s complex psyche. Will Dexter: Original Sin disclose more about Doris’s awareness of her son’s inner struggles? Only time will tell.

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