7 Dexter Episodes That You Need to Watch Before Dexter: Original Sin

7 Dexter Episodes That You Need to Watch Before Dexter: Original Sin

As a seasoned fan who’s followed Dexter Morgan’s chilling journey from day one, I must say that his life story is as captivating as it is complex. The show masterfully weaves together elements of suspense, drama, and dark humor, making it an unforgettable experience for viewers.

Before diving into the prequel series “Dexter: Original Sin,” here are five Dexter episodes you should catch up on first. The TV show Dexter, which first aired in 2006 and ended in 2013, is one of the most popular shows from the last two decades, experiencing renewed popularity now. Over the past few years, it has been widely discussed online due to its enduring appeal. The series ran on Showtime for eight seasons, coinciding with the rise of social media. It concluded shortly after the finale of Breaking Bad, a show that received universal acclaim for its ending. Unlike Breaking Bad, Dexter did not receive the same level of praise. Fans and critics felt let down by its final season and considered it a disappointment for some time, but it’s important to note that Dexter was an excellent series with a less-than-perfect ending.

Despite the debatable ending, the show Dexter was revived in 2021 with a sequel series called Dexter: New Blood, which rekindled enthusiasm among fans. Although this ending too stirred controversy, it was somewhat more logical. The success of this series led to Showtime commissioning additional Dexter shows, including a prequel series and another sequel series titled Dexter: Resurrection, slated for release in 2025. The prequel series, Dexter: Original Sin, will debut on Friday, December 13th, serving as a delightful prelude for fans. The trailer for Original Sin hints that it’s also partially a sequel to Dexter, thanks to some scenes featuring Michael C. Hall in the present day. If you’re new to Dexter or an old fan eager to re-engage, we recommend watching certain episodes before Original Sin premieres as a guide.

As a devoted fan, I’d like to share my recommendations for episodes that delve deeply into Dexter’s past, offering insights into his life before the events of “Original Sin.” Since the new series unfolds after Dexter has graduated from college, it’s only natural that we’ll get a glimpse into the periods leading up to “Original Sin” in the original show. Here are five captivating episodes from “Dexter” that you might want to watch before diving into “Dexter: Original Sin.

Dexter – Season One, Episode One

The initial episode of Dexter is a must-watch as it lays down the groundwork for the entire series, establishing its playful atmosphere while introducing us to Dexter, his friends, family, and even hinting at how he became who he is. Initially, Dexter Morgan presents himself as someone devoid of emotions and incapable of forming genuine relationships, but as the season progresses, we uncover layers suggesting that these beliefs might not be entirely accurate. At first, Dexter appears to lack empathy, yet by the end of the season, we witness his capacity for love towards a chosen few, as well as his vulnerability to heartbreak and emotional bonds – though such connections often come at a price.

The episode also crucially establishes that Harry, Dexter’s adoptive father, is aware of his son’s desire to kill at a young age and tries to have honest conversations with him about it.

Popping Cherry – Season One, Episode Three

7 Dexter Episodes That You Need to Watch Before Dexter: Original Sin

In the upcoming episode titled “Popping Cherry,” we delve deeper into Harry’s past as he teaches Dexter the art of hunting. However, a turn of events leads to Harry falling ill and being hospitalized. This is where Dexter discovers that one of the nurses is secretly poisoning his father. In a heart-wrenching moment, Harry grants Dexter permission to kill his first human. Previews hint at this pivotal scene being reenacted in “Original Sin,” although the extent remains unknown. Regardless, witnessing Dexter’s first taste of blood and the birth of his unquenchable thirst for violence is a crucial step in understanding the character’s formative years.

Seeing Red – Season One, Episode Ten

As Miami Metro Police delve into the initial major antagonist from Dexter’s original series, the Ice Truck Killer, they are handed a hotel room key. Upon arriving at the location, they discover the room drenched in blood from numerous victims, yet no bodies are present. When Dexter steps inside to examine the blood, he becomes dizzy and collapses, causing himself to be splattered with the crimson substance. Troubled because of his professional background as a forensic expert and being a serial killer himself, Dexter is disturbed by how strongly affected he was by such a vast quantity of blood.

As the story unfolds in later episodes, Dexter gradually uncovers the events and circumstances from his past that shaped him into who he is, revealing the horrific truth about his childhood. This episode, if you continue watching beyond the pilot, is arguably one of the most significant ones. It provides insight into why Dexter meticulously dissects his victims in a particular manner, delves into his background before the Morgan family took him in, and offers a tragic backstory that explains the emergence of Dexter’s infamous “Dark Passenger”.

Born Free – Season One, Episode Twelve

Title Free explores the Ice Truck Killer’s link to Dexter, raising doubts about his ability to be both a hero and a murderer. It delves into the morality of his vigilantism and further illustrates that perhaps Dexter is more human than he thinks, as it forces him to pick between someone who truly gets him versus someone he deeply cares for.

Dex, Lies, and Videotapes – Season Two, Episode Six

7 Dexter Episodes That You Need to Watch Before Dexter: Original Sin

In the second season, Dexter thinks he’s uncovered all the secrets behind his Dark Passenger. However, there are still surprises in this tale. He starts to see a deeper link between his adoptive father, Harry Morgan, and his biological mother, Laura Moser. It turns out that Harry didn’t just happen to save Dexter from the shipping container; there was a specific reason for it that went beyond simple empathy.

There’s Something About Harry – Season Two, Episode Ten

As the second season draws to a close, Dexter starts questioning whether his father’s death was actually natural. He finds himself facing the possibility that he might not be faithfully executing his father’s wishes, and instead, the path he’s chosen could be one he forged on his own, leading to innocent people getting harmed in the process.

Every Silver Lining… – Season Eight, Episode Two

In the eighth season, things get a bit rocky, but it sheds light on Harry’s moral complexities that we hadn’t seen before. When Dexter exhibited dark tendencies, Harry sought help from Doctor Vogel, a neuropsychiatrist known for treating psychopaths. Worried about Dexter’s potential future actions, Vogel assisted Harry in devising a ‘code’ to ensure that Dexter would target criminals instead of innocent people. It remains uncertain if this aspect will be addressed in Original Sin, as the showrunner during that time, Clyde Phillips, departed from Dexter and may not have included it in his vision for the series.

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2024-12-11 10:09