Dexter: Original Sin Recap: Honey, I’m Homicidal

As a longtime fan of the original Dexter series, I must admit that the prequel, New Blood, has certainly piqued my interest with its unique blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling. The character development and the way they’ve managed to breathe new life into these familiar characters is nothing short of impressive.

In the initial three instalments of “Dexter: Original Sin,” it’s apparent that the show possesses a self-deprecating wit, with this specific episode featuring several scenes reminiscent of talking parrots, and it doesn’t shy away from the grisly elements that marked the original series. However, as we venture deeper into flashbacks concerning Harry and his doomed informant, Laura Moser, it’s growing uncertain what narrative the show intends to present that isn’t already familiar. In contrast, “Miami Vice” offers a fresh victim for Dexter’s evolving serial-killer escapade, as well as an intriguing first in which a jai alai ball is utilized as a lethal weapon.

The episode starts by delving into a press conference regarding Judge Powell’s son, Jimmy, who has vanished without his severed finger. Miami Metro is in high alert due to this mysterious case, with Harry feeling apprehensive about its potential impact on Dexter. (I must admit, it bothers me that Harry seems oblivious to the fact that Dexter has long surpassed the point of no return, given he was trained to be a serial killer!) Nevertheless, the police force is also on edge due to the introduction of a new detective, Maria LaGuerta, portrayed by Christina Milian. She’s been moved here following a harsh critique of the department for its poor resolution rates in cases involving victims who fall under the N.H.I. category: drug addicts, sex workers, and homeless people. Kudos to her for speaking up, even though this storyline does seem somewhat progressive for Miami in 1991.

I’m persistently on the hunt for Jimmy’s kidnapper, but my immediate concern has shifted towards “Handsome Tony” Ferrer, the loan shark I’ve chosen as my next target. To ensure that the person I eliminate is truly a murderer, I embark on an independent investigation. This leads me to break into Ferrer’s residence and get surprised by a chatty parrot squawking, “Honey, I’m home.” (I cheekily retort, “Polly wants a killer?”) In his book of clients, I discover links between disappearances and deaths that seem to be connected to Handsome Tony’s ruthless debt collection methods. However, I need solid proof before taking any action.

At home, Dexter is preparing dinner as if it were breakfast when Debra and Sofia arrive, with Sofia sporting earrings that once belonged to Nurse Mary. Dexter’s shock at seeing his murder keepsakes on his sister’s friend’s ears is mistaken for flirtation by her. Harry is equally troubled upon learning the truth, reminding everyone about the first rule of their code: not getting caught. However, he’s particularly disturbed to find out that his serial-killer son has been emulating his own actions. (Harry, catch up!) Dexter insists Debra retrieve the earrings from Sofia, and she agrees – under the condition that he can acquire cocaine for her volleyball team party. In a humorous subplot, Debra tries to secure the position of playoff captain to win a scholarship to FSU. But she’s up against Tiff, who is cooler and wealthier, so Debra offers cocaine to the rest of the team in exchange for their votes, creating an R-rated family sitcom scenario.

Despite having urgent matters on hand, primarily targeting Ferrer, Dexter finds himself at a jai alai game. After Masuka sets him up with a false ID using the name “Patrick Bateman”, which coincidentally was one of his earlier aliases and quite apt given the release of American Psycho in March 1991, Dexter engages Ferrer in conversation. He promptly asks to borrow some money, to which Handsome Tony agrees, giving him $500 but warning of severe repercussions if repayment isn’t made on time. Though Dexter claims he needs the money for a job interview, he secretly uses some of it to buy replacement earrings for Sofia at Limited Too, following Deb’s plan to recover the Nurse Mary earrings after Dexter deceptively tells her he had purchased them as a gift for their mother. To avoid providing actual drugs to his teen sister and her friends, he creates a mixture of crushed caffeine pills and benzocaine that should pass as an illicit substance among high-schoolers.

At Ernie’s Tavern, Dexter intentionally lets Ferrer see him lose money in a game of pool. This way, when Ferrer, the loan shark, demands payment, Dex can claim he lost the very amount he was about to pay. Impressively playing the part of a scared individual, Dex coerces Ferrer into firing a warning shot – a tactic Ferrer seems fond of – into a tree. Later, Dexter retrieves the bullet and compares it with one from the Miami Metro forensics lab that was used to kill Rene’s mother. He informs Harry about this, stating that the conditions for his code (to only kill those who deserve it) have been fulfilled. However, Harry suggests that dealing with Ferrer might be enough, and then offers to accompany Dexter for safety. I must admit, I question this man’s decision-making skills. Fortunately, Dexter declares he’ll take care of Handsome Tony alone tonight, but Harry insists that any actions Dexter takes from now on will need his approval first. (It sounds like you’re watching Dexter!)

In the evening, when Ferrer returns home, he’s taken aback to see his pet parrot outside its cage – a surprise in itself. However, what truly shocks him is Dexter, who somehow overpowers him using a chokehold. It seems unusual that young Dexter could subdue such a dangerous individual so easily, but this isn’t meant to be a factual account. Dexter also sets the parrot free with a witty remark: “Maybe it’s time for you to find another home, sweetheart.” His humor never fails to amuse me. But once he has Ferrer on his execution table, Dexter turns serious, interrogating him about his past crimes and even throwing a jai alai ball at his face. (Note the reference: it leaves a cut similar to the one Dexter will later inflict with his scalpel.) Tony, good-looking as ever, offers Dexter money for sparing his life. However, that wasn’t an option Dexter was considering. “There’s something I can’t ignore,” he says before proceeding with the kill.

In “Miami Vice,” most of the narrative revolves around Dexter’s preparations for his second murder and the majority of the plot. However, there are numerous flashbacks scattered throughout. Harry manipulates Laura into dealing drugs to wealthy clients, intending to catch the elusive Estrada, Miami Metro’s top target. He even plants a wire on her during meetings with Councilman Aldana, claiming she is safeguarding Miami for everyone, including her boys (dramatic irony). Laura’s strange actions eventually draw attention from higher authorities, leading to her arrest by Santos. Although we know what ultimately happens to Laura in a shipping yard in the story, it has not occurred yet — and surprisingly, Laura manages to talk her way out of trouble. Harry acknowledges his growing emotional involvement with his informant, but he rejects her romantic advances.

As a devoted viewer, I’ve come to acknowledge that creating prequels can be challenging due to the predetermined events. However, the Harry-Laura scenes seem to slow down the pace of the show for me. I’m finding it hard to grasp what these flashbacks are intended to reveal about Harry that isn’t already apparent from his reckless choices and his cosmic connection to Dexter’s transformation, which we’re learning in the main timeline of Original Sin, and was also hinted at in the original series. Maybe there’s a surprising revelation forthcoming that will make it worthwhile, but for now, I find myself more engrossed by Dexter’s storyline. After disposing of Ferrer’s remains in Alligator Alley, he quips, “Alligators eating alligator shoes… circle of life.” Unfortunately for him, Tony’s arm resurfaces from the water after he’s left, suggesting that Ferrer’s murder might become a case Detective LaGuerta would be eager to solve.

Blood Spatter Analysis

Here arrives LaGuerta, and it couldn’t be more timely. We’re eager to witness the unique talents that Christina Milian will contribute to the storyline.

Currently, I’m feeling apprehensive about Tanya’s future health. It gave me pause when she commented, “What a messed-up world, Dexter.” I can’t help but feel that she may later regret saying that! However, it would be intriguing if the series provided more engaging content for SMG and had her confront Dexter head-on. It would certainly make for an exciting spectacle.

While I found some parts of her character’s antics in this episode a bit over-the-top, it was heartening to see Deb bonding with her brother again. This dynamic was a cornerstone of the original series, and the constant sibling rivalry could sometimes become repetitive. However, moments like these remind us of their special bond and keep us connected to the characters we love.

I must admit, I’m skeptical about the sudden romance between Sofia and Dexter as portrayed in the story. It’s not because Patrick Gibson isn’t attractive; it’s more that Dexter’s social awkwardness and hints of asexuality make it challenging to imagine a 17-year-old girl being smitten with him, especially with her declarations like, “You are so incredibly sexy.” When he responds to her kiss with a fist bump instead of something more romantic, one would expect that to be the end of it. However, Debra seems convinced that Sofia and Dexter are now in a relationship.

Kudos to the special effects team for their fantastic, gruesome work, particularly the severed head of Ferrer at the episode’s end. The original Dexter skillfully blended humor and gore, even finding amusement in the grotesque — it’s refreshing to see the spinoff following suit.

2024-12-20 22:54

Dexter: Original Sin Recap: Honey, I’m Homicidal

Blood Spatter Analysis

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