And in the Beginning... is the first of ten episodes in Season One of Dexter: Original Sin.
Dexter’s monologue reveals that this is actually the memory of a Near-Death (but surviving) Dexter. The opening scene reveals that Dexter actually survived the events of Dexter: New Blood, despite Clyde Phillips confirming he died. Phillips explained that the fandom's negative reception to the episode made him consider changing it, and Michael C. Hall convinced him that he could continue playing Dexter if he found a way for the character to survive. Phillips also offered an explanation behind his survival, "if Dexter had been shot on a summer's day, he would have died. But he was shot in zero-degree temperature in the snow. He didn't bleed out and they were able to save him. That's how we were able to resurrect him.[1]
Synopsis[]
Young Dexter Morgan struggles to keep his urges in check while navigating life with his father, Harry, and sister, high-school senior Deb. After Harry has a health scare, Dexter realizes it may finally be time to fulfill his destiny.
The synopsis references Dexter's very first human kill: Nurse Mary. Fans of the original series, which ran from 2006 to 2013, may recall this pivotal moment being explored through flashbacks in Dexter Season 1, Episode 3. However, Dexter: Original Sin is set to revisit this iconic scene, offering a more in-depth retelling with added layers of detail. This remake promises to give fans a deeper understanding of the events surrounding Dexter's first step into his dark path. (Source: Dexter Daily)
Summary[]
The episode opens with Dexter Morgan being rushed into the emergency ward after surviving a near-fatal gunshot wound. The medical team fights to revive him, and just as his heart starts beating again, the scene shifts to a flashback—the very hospital where Dexter was born years ago.
We are transported to the day Laura Morgan gives birth to her son, Dexter, in the same emergency ward. The moment is serene but soon overshadowed by darkness as the episode begins chronicling Dexter’s disturbing journey. We then see an adult Dexter meticulously performing an autopsy. His precision and calm demeanor unsettle those around him, but he feels nothing—neither fear, empathy, nor guilt. His detached nature hints at the inner battle he’s always faced.
Dexter’s life as a teenager is marked by struggles to suppress his violent urges. Despite Harry Morgan’s constant guidance and their strict “code,” Dexter finds it harder to resist his dark impulses. After graduating high school, Dexter starts a medical residency to channel his urges productively. Harry believes this path will help Dexter control his instincts, but Dexter’s interest in anatomy and death only deepens.
Meanwhile, Miami is reeling from a string of brutal home invasions. Eight people have been murdered across three incidents. Sergeant Morgan and Captain Spencer investigate, and forensic evidence leads them to suspect Levi Reed, a local with a checkered past. A tense raid on his home results in his arrest, though doubts about his guilt linger in the background.
Amid this chaos, Dexter reluctantly attends a party with his rebellious sister, Debra. Their relationship is warm but complicated; Deb is outgoing and reckless, while Dexter is introverted and calculating. At the party, Dexter feels out of place and detached. A girl kisses him, but he feels nothing. Meanwhile, Deb drinks heavily and ends up in a vulnerable situation with a predatory boy. Dexter intervenes, brutally beating the boy and coming dangerously close to killing him before Deb stops him. The two are thrown out of the party and return home late, where Harry waits anxiously.
Harry’s anxiety stems from a traumatic incident in the family’s past, and his health is worsening under the strain of managing Dexter’s urges. During a hunting trip, Harry confronts Dexter about his inability to suppress his instincts. The conversation is interrupted when Harry collapses from a heart attack. Dexter rushes him to the hospital, where both he and Deb wait anxiously. Harry’s condition remains critical, and the stress of raising Dexter appears to have contributed to his decline.
While visiting Harry in the hospital, Dexter becomes suspicious of a nurse named Mary. Her behavior is odd—she cuts out obituary notices from the newspaper and exhibits unsettling tendencies. When Harry’s condition fails to improve despite treatment, Dexter investigates further and discovers that Mary has been administering injections laced with potassium nitrate, a lethal substance. Dexter finds a folder in her possession containing trophies from her victims, confirming his suspicions that she’s a serial killer.
Harry, realizing Dexter’s discovery, reluctantly gives him permission to eliminate Mary. For Dexter, this is a pivotal moment—the culmination of everything Harry has trained him for. Dexter meticulously plans her murder, savoring the fear she exhibits when confronted. He disposes of her body in Alligator Alley, a remote lake, ensuring that no evidence remains. However, he keeps her earrings as a trophy, a mistake that foreshadows complications in his future.
When Dexter returns home, he finds police officers outside. They’ve come to check on Harry and bring food, but their presence unsettles Dexter. Inside, he meets Tanya Martin, a forensic expert who works for the Miami Metro Police Department. Impressed by Dexter’s sharp mind and eye for detail, Tanya offers him a paid internship at the department’s forensics unit. Dexter agrees to consider the opportunity.
With Harry discharged from the hospital, the Morgan family tries to return to normalcy. Harry and Dexter have a heartfelt conversation about Mary’s murder. Dexter admits that killing her felt good—a chilling moment that highlights his growing acceptance of his darker side. Harry, overwhelmed with guilt and fear for his son’s future, struggles to hold back tears as Dexter leaves.
The episode concludes with Dexter beginning his internship at Miami Metro’s forensics department. As he walks into the bustling office, his narration reveals a mix of excitement and resolve. This is the beginning of a new chapter in Dexter’s life—a path that will allow him to satisfy his urges while maintaining the façade of normalcy. The camera lingers on his smirk, hinting at the duality that will define his journey.
Quotes[]
“It really is like they say. Your life flashes before your eyes.” -Dexter Morgan
Music[]
- Dexter Main Title by Rolfe Kent (2006)
- Happy Days Theme Song by Pratt & McClain (1976)
- Freedom! ’90 by George Michael (1990)
- Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice (1990)
- Put The Squeeze On ’Em by The Jaz (1990)
- O.P.P. by Naughty by Nature (1991)
- Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver (1971)
- Nothin’ But a Good Time by Poison (1988)
- Hide Your Tears by Daniel Licht (2006)
- Blood Theme by Daniel Licht (2006)
Related Pages[]
Gallery[]
