WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for the Dexter: Original Sin season 1 finale!

backstory on Brian Moser's upbringing, and revealing what kind of monster Dexter really is. Originally titled "Born This Way" but changed to "Code Blues", Dexter: Original Sin episode 10 shows Dexter saving Nicky Spencer's life, nearly letting Aaron get away in the process. Gibson's Dexter, who is clinically spot on to Michael C. Hall's iconic portrayal, develops from an eager bloodthirsty sociopath to a borderline superhero.

Splitting the villain duties between Spencer and Brian Moser proved to be an extraordinary creative decision by showrunner Clyde Phillips and his writing staff. A confrontation between Brian and Harry adds new layers of unforeseen suspense and backstory, nearly humanizing Brian's disturbed character. Spencer's motivation to kill was revealed to be a revenge tour against his adulterous wife, Becca, who lied about Nicky being Spencer's son. Even in the background, Deb is given an appropriate conclusion, ing Dexter and Harry as a budding member of Miami Metro.

Dexter: Original Sin's Season 1 Finale Brilliantly Takes An Empathetic Look At Brian Moser

His Surprise Emergence In The Latter Half Of Season 1 Elevated It To New Heights

The best-kept secret of Dexter: Original Sin season 1 was the surprising return of Brian Moser, who was hinted at several times during the prequel series' early episodes. His return pays off in the Original Sin finale in a face-to-face standoff with Harry after the episode opens up with a never-before-seen deep dive into his troubled upbringing.

After Harry and Doris disown him, as shown in an Original Sin episode 9 flashback, Brian's fate is left in the hands of Barb Plimpton, his social worker. It's no coincidence that Brian kills her, his former therapist, and several of his adoptive siblings in Miami trying to get Dexter's attention. As Brian explains to Harry, he was turned over to institutions and "the system", which molded him into a cold-blooded killer without a moral com to guide him like Harry's code.

Brian Moser will continue watching Dexter from afar. Since he and Dexter don't officially reunite until 2006 when Dexter season 1 is set, he shouldn't have too much of a role in season 2. Brian agrees that Harry is the best thing for Dexter and emerging suddenly in his life would only complicate things. Brian will strangely love Dexter by not being around in future episodes of the prequel series. His absence should make room for another main villain in Dexter: Original Sin season 2.

Spencer's kill spree is rationalized as being "clouded by anger", which would come off as somewhat cheap if Brian wasn't given such a gripping spotlight.

Interestingly, Spencer tells Dexter "If he only knew how his father failed him", which is the same message Brian had for Dexter regarding the truth about Laura Moser. Brian becomes so compelling in the Original Sin finale that loose-end characters like Gio don't even matter by comparison. Spencer's kill spree is rationalized as being "clouded by anger", which would come off as somewhat cheap if Brian wasn't given such a gripping spotlight.

Harry's Season 1 Survival & Deb ing Miami Metro Makes Season 2 Extremely Promising

Original Sin Has The Potential To Outdo Some Of The Original Dexter Seasons

The season 1 finale left the series in a great place for a potential Dexter: Original Sin season 2. There is still a fair amount of Harry's backstory to dive into since his character was not killed off in the episode as many viewers had predicted. With Laura Moser's backstory wrapped up, it's unlikely season 2 will have multiple timelines or feature as many flashback scenes to Dexter's early childhood days. This will keep the show rooted in the present like many original series seasons.

Dexter: Original Sin is a triumph for the Dexter franchise and a blueprint for all modern prequel series.

With Spencer now dead, the Miami Metro Homicide Captain's seat is now open, although it may not go directly to longstanding original series Captain Thomas Matthews. Still, he is more likely than ever to be added to the Original Sin season 2 cast in some capacity. This also raises the question of what other original Dexter characters could emerge, such as Dr. Evelyn Bogel, who had an instrumental role in developing Harry's Code, and the hilarious fan-favorite Sergeant James Doakes.

Aside from Brian's incognito cameo in Dexter: Original Sin episode 2, Dexter season 3 regular Miguel Prado was briefly seen kissing LaGuerta in one scene in the prequel series, hinting at a recurring role for him. While these plot and character elements have yet to be determined, it's clearer than ever that Phillips and his writers have a firm grasp on the prequel series and can actually make new seasons that are on par with, or even better than, the original show.

8 seasons may be pushing it, but Dexter: Original Sin should be a Paramount+ with Showtime staple for years.

In short, Dexter: Original Sin is a triumph for the Dexter franchise and a blueprint for all modern prequel series. It expertly captured the feel of the original show and brilliantly cast returning and brand-new characters, resulting in one of the best Dexter seasons ever made. Expanding the backstories of Laura, Harry, and Brian is what prequel shows like these are all about. Eight seasons may be pushing it, but Dexter: Original Sin should be a Paramount+ with Showtime staple for years to come.