Dexter: Original Sin Overlooks Key Twist from Dexter Season 8

Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Dexter: Original Sin episode 4 and Dexter season 8. The prequel series, Dexter: Original Sin, has made significant efforts to align with much of Dexter’s established lore, with the notable exception of the widely criticized Dexter season 8. Instead of detracting from the original narrative, most elements introduced in Original Sin are crafted to enrich the overall story. Notably, many characters return, including Michael C. Hall reprising his role by voice as Dexter’s inner monologue. However, despite these connections, Original Sin has begun to retcon certain aspects, notably altering the conclusions set by Dexter: New Blood, and now appears to be shifting elements from season 8 as well.

How Harry Morgan’s Interaction with Dr. Vogel is Overlooked in Original Sin

Dr. Vogel’s Role in Dexter’s Early Life

In the original series, Dexter’s introduction to Dr. Evelyn Vogel (portrayed by Charlotte Rampling) occurred in season 8. She played a pivotal role as a psychologist who focused on psychopaths, having indirectly treated Dexter in his formative years. It was revealed that Harry, Dexter’s adoptive father, sought advice from Dr. Vogel to better manage Dexter’s emerging dark tendencies. Together, they developed the infamous Code of Harry, which guided Dexter’s moral compass as a killer.

Despite her late introduction, Vogel is presented as a key influence in Dexter’s life. However, Original Sin’s portrayal seems to downplay her significance in shaping Dexter’s early murderous pursuits.

Discrepancies Between Original Sin and Established Canon

A Shift in Dexter’s Victims

Original Sin is not only omitting Dr. Vogel from Dexter’s backstory but is also modifying key details regarding his victims. For example, in Vogel’s recorded sessions, Harry mentions that Dexter’s third kill was a drug dealer responsible for multiple student deaths. However, Original Sin reimagines this event, changing the victim to a mafia hitman named Mad-Dog (played by Joe Pantoliano). This alteration presents a substantial inconsistency with what was previously established.

Furthermore, in Original Sin’s season finale, episode 4, the series presents a scenario where Dexter did not directly kill Mad-Dog, as the hitman meets his demise from a car accident. This discrepancy raises questions about the true nature of Dexter’s victims and whether this character even qualifies as one of Dexter’s earliest kills.

The Case for Revising Dexter Season 8

The Impact of Audience Reception and Character Development

The rationale behind Original Sin’s retconning of Dexter season 8 appears rooted in audience response. This season is widely perceived as a low point for the franchise, with substantial discontent regarding character arcs, particularly those of Deb, Hannah McKay, and Dr. Vogel. By distancing itself from this unpopular season, Original Sin makes a strategic choice to enhance its narrative quality.

Additionally, excluding Dr. Vogel from the narrative provides an opportunity to deepen Harry’s characterization. This approach places greater accountability on Harry for the complexities of Dexter’s journey into becoming a serial killer. This shift allows for a richer exploration of Harry’s motivations, responsibilities, and the emotional gravity that ultimately contributed to his tragic end.

Episode #	Episode Title	Release Date & Time On Paramount+ With Showtime	Release Date & Time On Showtime
1	“And in the Beginning…”	December 13, 2024 @ 12:01 am ET	December 15, 2024 @ 10 pm ET
2	“Kid in a Candy Store”	December 20, 2024 @ 12:01 am ET	December 22, 2024 @ 10 pm ET
3	“Miami Vice”	December 20, 2024 @ 12:01 am ET	December 22, 2024 @ 11 pm ET
4	“Fender Bender”	December 27, 2024 @ 12:01 am ET	December 29, 2024 @ 10 pm ET
5	“F is for F***-Up”	January 3, 2025 @ 12:01 am ET	January 5, 2025 @ 10 pm ET
6	“The Joy of Killing”	January 10, 2025 @ 12:01 am ET	January 12, 2025 @ 10 pm ET
7	“The Big Bad Body Problem”	January 24, 2025 @ 12:01 am ET	January 26, 2025 @ 10 pm ET
8	“Business and Pleasure”	January 31, 2025 @ 12:01 am ET	February 2, 2025 @ 10 pm ET
9	“Blood Drive”	February 7, 2025 @ 12:01 am ET	February 9, 2025 @ 10 pm ET
10	“Code Blues”	February 14, 2025 @ 12:01 am ET	February 16, 2025 @ 10 pm ET

Ultimately, Dexter: Original Sin seems to prioritize a cohesive story over the established canon of Dexter season 8. This creative freedom allows the writers to explore deeper character motivations and provide a more compelling narrative that resonates with audiences, all while reimagining the dark origins of Dexter Morgan.

Source & Images