Dexter: Original Sin Recap: Trash Duty

by

Isn’t it nice when things conclude neatly? I guess that’s not the case with “Dexter: Original Sin,” but it’s still enjoyable to ponder over. To be truthful, there is some progress being made, and considering we’re seven episodes into the season, it’s about time. However, the resolutions themselves feel awkward, mirroring the overall clumsy pace of the series. There are instances where this hasty storytelling works, particularly when we’re eager for a new plot twist, but in “The Big Bad Body Problem,” I couldn’t help but feel that these writers underestimate our intelligence.

The episode starts where the last one ended, with Dexter driving into a crime scene while carrying Levi Reed, a home-invasion serial killer’s body, in his truck. The officer at the scene asks him to turn back, but Dexter shows his Forensics badge and proceeds. His voice-over acknowledges that this could lead to his capture, and it does! Masuka appears slightly taken aback by Dexter’s presence, quickly assigning him the task of fingerprinting a severed hand found by Miami Metro. Dexter identifies the body part as one he had created – belonging to Tony Ferrer, a loan shark formerly known as “Handsome Tony.” However, you might think that this revelation would cause problems, but you’d underestimate Dexter’s cleverness. Before the hand can be officially identified, Dexter feeds it to an alligator.

Indeed, Dexter cleverly entices a gator to hide his incriminating evidence regarding Ferrer’s disappearance, leading people to believe he was attacked by the creature. Even though the hand was the only proof they had, everyone appears to accept this story with minimal annoyance. As for Levi Reed, Dexter discards his body in a dumpster, where it will likely become indistinguishable among the waste. Harry later scolds Dexter for his negligence, but he seems unfazed by the situation. Although it’s challenging to generate tension in a prequel series given that we already know our protagonist will find a way out of trouble, the resolution to the double-body cliffhanger is rather underwhelming. The main consequence Dexter experiences is an unpleasant odor, described by Debra as smelling like a “hobo’s behind.” (She has quite the knack for vivid phrases.)

Dexter’s behavior towards Sofia isn’t exactly righteous. If their relationship continues, it will cease to exist. Ever since their date, Sofia has been trying to reach Dexter via his pager using a specific code, but he hasn’t responded because he wasn’t aware that was necessary. Deb is shocked by this. (It’s important to maintain healthy boundaries between siblings and friends!) After a while, Sofia arrives and quickly forgives Dexter after he explains that he got engrossed in a crime scene. However, she gets upset when she finds a condom wrapper on the floor of his car, which he had probably picked up during his accidental dumpster diving. Sofia accuses him of infidelity and leaves angrily. Dexter casually remarks that their relationship was enjoyable, but I strongly disagree. It was rather strange and uncomfortable, and let’s hope it never happens again.

The split between Deb and her partner results in a falling out with her friend Sofia due to Deb’s assertion that Dexter was being unfaithful to Sofia. This leads to Sofia believing Deb is siding with Dexter, which isn’t accurate but is enough for her to leave angrily. In the following episode, this rift causes more issues for Deb when Sofia tells Tiffany that Deb took her car and abandoned it at the beach. A disagreement between the two volleyball rivals escalates, resulting in Deb hitting Tiffany and being suspended from the team, losing her scholarship to FSU. Although I found Deb’s use of “Pippi Dicksucking” amusing, the high-school drama in Original Sin is cringe-worthy, and I feel like I’ve given it too much attention already.

As a passionate film aficionado, I’m drawn back to the essence of Dexter’s predicament: determining where to conceal his grisly findings. The intriguing exploration of Florida locales and their unsuitability for his needs was captivating. Coral Gables, with its overabundance of inquisitive seniors, is a no-go, while South Beach, teeming with sunbathing tourists, is out of the question too. Interestingly, Biscayne Bay appears to be an ideal spot, if only Dexter possessed a boat. Kudos to the insightful commentator who noticed the possible significance of Camilla offering her boat! In the end, Dexter fails to locate a solution, but manages to cross paths with Batista, who recognized the ring on the severed hand in Alligator Alley and is now eager to uncover the truth about Handsome Tony. Dexter tries to justify Ferrer’s demise as “justice served,” but Batista challenges this notion, stating, “That’s not justice.” This thought-provoking exchange forms the cornerstone of the entire Dexter series, though Dexter successfully persuades Batista to let it rest for now, as we delve into other storylines.

In the Nicky Spencer kidnapping case, Miami Metro finds it their main concern due to its significant impact. However, they’re yet to discover any substantial leads. Bobby and Batista discuss the cartel angle, but haven’t made significant progress yet. On the other hand, Nicky is taking matters into his own hands, crafting a homemade weapon using a metal rod. Despite his attempts at self-defense, he doesn’t manage to fend off his attacker. The kidnapper, wearing a mask and delivering an unbranded Lunchables, ends up injuring Nicky, cutting off one of his fingers with pruning shears – a scene that is quite graphic, though perhaps not unexpected for a show known for its unflinching portrayal of violence, even against children.

At Miami Metro, Dexter is still pondering his predicament regarding disposing of bodies, having recently disposed of Levi Reed’s body in an unconventional manner. (One might wonder, given the circumstances, how difficult this task truly is.) He delves into the history of serial killers and begins to envision encounters with Ed Gein, David Berkowitz (aka Son of Sam), and John Wayne Gacy dressed as Pogo the Clown. I found this segment particularly enjoyable, as it achieves a level of absurdity that the show should consistently aim for. For instance, imagine Ed Gein exhibiting a lampshade made from human skin with an ear still attached – a blend of grotesque and comical is the intention! We also witness a humorous scene where Dexter queries a group of cops about disposing a body, adding “of course, hypothetically.” More scenes like this would be appreciated! This moment of humor is swiftly interrupted when Nicky’s finger turns up. Despite his revulsion towards such acts against children, Dexter must identify the perpetrator and locate a new disposal site before taking any action.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I’m the one who notices something peculiar – a tiny droplet of blood on the exterior of the box, with Nicky’s finger inside. While logic might suggest it’s Nicky’s blood, my keen eye catches things that others miss, and given that we know Nicky injured his kidnapper, it seems plausible. Captain Spencer, however, appears less than thrilled by this theory, which is where my suspicions began to stir. It’s common knowledge in a series like this that the culprit is often someone we’ve already met. If you weren’t giving Spencer a side-eye at this point, then perhaps you figured it out when I discovered a second clue – a hesitation cut on Nicky’s finger that wasn’t present on Jimmy Powell’s. The person responsible for Nicky’s injury likely had some sort of connection to the child that made them struggle to sever his finger. A subtle hint, if you will.

Hey there! Let me share my thoughts on the latest turn of events in this series. To be honest, I’m really digging the plot twists, they keep me hooked! However, I can’t help but feel disappointed with how Original Sin underestimates its viewers. The next day, Spencer apologizes to Dexter about the blood-spot theory not holding up, but Dexter isn’t so quick to accept defeat – just because the blood type matches Nicky’s doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not from another individual. Spencer’s persistence to move on eventually makes Dexter see the truth, and the show bombards us with flashbacks from this very episode that hint at Spencer as the one who murdered Jimmy Powell and kidnapped and mutilated Nicky. This revelation is troubling enough, but the final scene where we witness Spencer buying those off-brand Lunchables at the store just rubs salt in the wound. We get it, show! We’re smart enough to piece together these clues. As much as I look forward to Dexter and Patrick Dempsey squaring off, I wish this series would challenge us a bit more – both in terms of plot complexity and viewer intelligence.

Blood Spatter Analysis

Indeed, there are additional scenes featuring Laura Moser that include an unnecessary nude sequence. Eventually, she encounters Estrada who demands she removes her clothes to ensure she’s not wearing a listening device. He instructs her to be at the shipyard in a week’s time. For those familiar with Dexter lore, this narrative seems to be nearing its end. Considering how loosely these flashbacks have been woven into the storyline, I’m prepared for what comes next.

Additionally, we observe Harry and Doris working towards mending their relationship. He has broken off his affair and is standing strong with Laura, informing her that if she decides to stop cooperating as a Confidential Informant, legal action will be taken against her which could lead to her children being placed in foster care. Regrettably, Harry appears to be an unsavory character, but this is nothing new to us.

In the recent episode, there’s a quick continuation where Dexter encounters Clark at a bar known for its LGBTQ+ community. Dexter is fine with guarding Clark’s identity (a friend!), but he’s not thrilled that Clark must lead a double existence. Clark expresses that he has learned to keep his two identities apart, even though he doesn’t have to make a choice between them. The narrative does not necessarily link Clark’s sexuality with Dexter’s history of serial killings.

In this episode, LaGuerta and Harry have fully embraced Dexter’s theory tying the latest N.H.I. murders together. Spencer, on the other hand, appears less convinced, but given his potential psychopathic tendencies, perhaps their doubts don’t matter much. The investigation continues, and they are preparing to travel to Tampa in the next leg of their journey.

Dexter mentions that if given a final meal before execution, he’d choose a blood-rare porterhouse steak accompanied by two thick chocolate milkshakes. Frankly, it gives me the creeps sometimes.

Read More

2025-01-24 19:55