The 'Dexter: Original Sin' Is like 'Muppet Babies' Dexter, But In a Good Way

The thing about Dexter is that I watched four terrible seasons of it and still came back for the sequel — and now I’m definitely returning for the prequel. The sequel was the best season of Dexter since its fourth, and I’m hopeful the prequel can keep that momentum going.

That said, I’m not thrilled about contemporary Dexter—who was killed by his son in the sequel—seemingly being revived here. I know more Dexter seasons are planned, but I’m not a fan of using the prequel to bring him back. It’s clear this is just a storytelling device (a dying Dexter flashes back to his youth as his life passes before his eyes), but still.

Obviously, Dexter will survive. This will likely serve as a springboard for more present-day Dexter episodes. In the meantime, Patrick Gibson seems well-suited to play young Dexter. I also like the younger versions of the original cast, though it’s hard not to see them as a kind of Muppet Babies Dexter—especially young Masuka, who looks like he just graduated from high school.

Thankfully, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Patrick Dempsey, and Christian Slater (as Dexter’s father, Harry) are there to bring some much-needed gravitas.

Dexter: Original Sin kicks off on December 13th.