SPOILER ALERT: This submission contains spoilers from the series premiere of Showtime’s “Dexter: Original Sin,” now streaming on Paramount+.

“Things have been a bit chaotic at first…”

This is how the iconic character Dexter Morgan, portrayed by Michael C. Hall, reflected on his initial kill, a moment that premiered nearly two decades ago during Season 1 of Showtime’s serial killer series, “Dexter.” To say it was messy would be an understatement. This pivotal moment for the morally conflicted killer unfolded rapidly in Episode 3, when a younger, shaggy-haired Dexter fights to subdue a nurse intent on poisoning his father while he’s hospitalized. This scene not only marks Dexter’s first encounter with his dark urges but also sets the tone for the complex character he would evolve into over the series.

However, the premiere of the new prequel series “Dexter: Original Sin” provides viewers with a fresh perspective on this unforgettable moment. In this series, Michael C. Hall, who has masterfully portrayed Dexter for eight seasons and in 2019’s continuation, “Dexter: New Blood,” steps back as Patrick Gibson takes on the role of a young Dexter. This version of Dexter is portrayed as a fresh-faced medical school graduate at just 20 years old, who embarks on his journey as a forensic intern with the Miami Metro Police Department.

This younger Dexter, whose internal thoughts are narrated by Hall, is far from the polished killer that audiences are familiar with; he struggles to control his bloodlust while barely adhering to his adoptive father Harry’s (played by Christian Slater) strict code of conduct that forbids him from killing. However, everything changes when Harry suffers a heart attack, which is exacerbated by Dexter’s confession of nearly killing a frat boy who attempted to assault his sister, Deb (portrayed by Molly Brown). In the hospital, Dexter deduces that his father’s deteriorating health is linked to the dangerous care provided by Nurse Mary, leading to a disturbing turning point where Harry instructs Dexter to take action.

This ultimately leads to the haunting scene where Mary returns home to find her living room wrapped in plastic, and a desperate Dexter confronts her. As she pleads that her intentions were to ease her patients’ suffering, Dexter delivers fatal justice with a knife to the chest, marking a gruesome yet pivotal moment in his journey. According to Clyde Phillips, the showrunner who also helmed Seasons 1-4 of the original series and “New Blood,” the context surrounding young Dexter’s mindset is crucial in enriching this scene for both new viewers and long-time fans.

“Part of it was that we understand Dexter more deeply now than we did in Season 1 of the original show, particularly in terms of his relationship with his father and his insatiable urge to kill,” explains Phillips. “We needed to stay in his head and explore his temptations, like the altercation at the fraternity. We must emphasize how overwhelming his urges can be.”

Phillips shared his insights with Variety about revisiting the character of young Dexter after all these years, the creative process behind reimagining that first kill, and why the prequel series begins by addressing the cliffhanger from the sequel series, “New Blood.”

Right from the Start, Viewers Learn What Happened After the Shocking Ending of “New Blood”: Exploring Dexter’s Fate

While it is not a direct sequel to “New Blood,” it stands as its own distinct narrative. The initial moments of the premiere, a concept proposed by Chris McCarthy, Co-CEO of Paramount, reveal that Dexter is very much alive. This clever choice allows us to utilize Michael’s narration and offers viewers a glimpse of hope as we gear up to begin filming “Dexter: Resurrection” in January, which will indeed be a sequel to “New Blood.”

Diving into Dexter’s Psyche: A Deep Exploration of His Mindset Amidst Life-Threatening Situations

This series offers a unique opportunity to delve into Dexter’s origin story. As “Original Sin” progresses, it evolves from merely recounting these origins to depicting the character’s growth. In fact, the narrative shifts between two timelines—1991, when Dexter is 20, and 1973, when Harry met Dexter’s mother, Laura, setting the stage for everything that follows. This duality provides an invigorating storytelling experience as the plot seamlessly transitions between past and present.

Expanding Dexter’s Universe: Exploring Familial Relationships and Legacy as the Series Unfolds

It has been a thrilling experience to reconnect with the original “Dexter” series. Now, I get to view it from multiple perspectives, especially through the lens of family dynamics, particularly the father-son relationship. The premiere hints at Harry’s tragic past, which significantly informs his actions moving forward. Additionally, we delve into the complex yet loving relationship between Dexter and Deb. The narrative crescendos as Dexter arrives at work at Miami Metro, linking the past and the present in rich ways.

Filming took place in California, where we meticulously recreated the Miami Metro set based on the original blueprints. This attention to detail allowed us to authentically capture the essence of the original series. It was a surreal moment when Michael stepped onto set and was transported back in time, reflecting the dedication of the entire team to honor the legacy of “Dexter.”

Revisiting Iconic Characters: The Return of Batista and Masuka with a Nostalgic Twist

We sought out the best actors for these roles, and I was fortunate to have all my top choices available. James Martinez, who portrays Batista, had a full beard at the start, but with a bit of grooming and a hat, he instantly transformed into Batista. The same goes for Alex Shimizu, who embodies Masuka—his background in dance and acting, alongside his physical resemblance to C.S. Lee, allowed us to nail the character. Each actor studied their characters intensely, ensuring a seamless transition from the original to the new series.

Additionally, we are thrilled to have Patrick Dempsey and Sarah Michelle Gellar joining the cast. When I told my daughter about landing Buffy the Vampire Slayer, she exclaimed, “Dad, now my generation is going to watch this show too!” This excitement reflects our intent to attract a diverse audience and expand our viewer base, which is a vital aspect of our mission.

Subverting Expectations: Navigating Dexter’s Canon with Harry’s Health Challenges

We thoroughly discussed Harry’s storyline with Christian. The entire season unfolds over a span of just two to three weeks, allowing us to explore Harry’s character while keeping viewers engaged until his eventual departure. We aim to maintain a relationship with both Christian and Harry for as long as possible, similar to the approach taken in “New Blood,” which revolved around events from just before Christmas to shortly after.

Reimagining a Pivotal Moment: Dexter’s First Kill Through a Fresh Lens

Revisiting Dexter’s first kill was a fascinating challenge. During our brainstorming sessions, we recognized the need to approach it from a new angle compared to the original series. We now have a more profound understanding of Dexter’s character and his complex relationship with Harry, alongside his relentless drive to kill. It was crucial to remain within Dexter’s mindset, showcasing the temptation he faces during key moments, including the fight at the fraternity. We must convey how this nurse’s actions directly threaten his father, making her fate inevitable.

Transforming Flashbacks into an Engaging Narrative: Contextualizing Dexter’s Kill

In contrast to the original series, where this moment was merely a flashback, “Original Sin” provides a rich context surrounding Dexter’s first kill. We aim to create a more visceral and visually engaging experience for the audience, allowing them to feel the weight of Dexter’s choices.

Humor Amidst Darkness: Balancing Dexter’s Duality with Creative Storytelling

One compelling aspect of this new series is the humor woven into the narrative. I envisioned a scene where Deb plays volleyball, coinciding with Dexter’s first kill, symbolizing their emotional distance during critical moments. The comedic timing is highlighted when the announcer exclaims, “And it’s Morgan for the kill!” as Dexter stabs the nurse, creating a juxtaposition of light-heartedness and dark violence. Our writers’ room mantra, “If you can think it, you can do it,” guided us in bringing this unique vision to life.

Finding Dexter as a Young Man: Navigating the Challenges of Crafting His Character

Identifying who Dexter is as a younger man presented its own challenges. While it wasn’t easier, it was definitely more complex due to the immense fan base we cater to. As Showtime’s top-rated show, we have a responsibility to honor our audience. We strive to write with the viewers in mind, ensuring we elevate their experience rather than simplifying it. Our writers’ room was filled with creative talent, and we recognized the importance of developing multiple relationships, including those between Harry and Dexter, as well as Dexter and Deb, adding layers of humanity to the storyline.

Exploring the Lighter Tone of “Original Sin”: A Fresh Perspective on Dexter’s Early Years

Indeed, the tone of “Original Sin” differs from the original series, reflecting Dexter’s more chaotic early years. The early ‘90s Miami setting serves as a vibrant backdrop, notorious for its high crime rates and dynamic music scene. We incorporate iconic tracks like George Michael’s “Freedom” and Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby,” capturing the essence of that time while enriching Dexter’s narrative.

Understanding Dexter’s Evolution: A Journey Through Growth and Self-Discovery

As we began “Dexter,” he was already a fully developed character. In “Original Sin,” however, he is navigating uncharted territory outside the safety of medical school, learning to adapt to real-world situations. He faces challenges in dating, avoiding conflicts, and essentially learns to “blend in.” Additionally, he must evolve his methods for killing and disposing of bodies, as his old strategies may not always suffice. This season highlights the development of his relationships, especially with his father and sister, all while he experiences the complexities of dating for the first time.

The Young Dexter: Navigating the Chaotic Landscape of Early Adulthood and Dark Urges

It’s amusing you mention that, as Dexter’s mistakes come with severe consequences. When he misreads a situation, it’s not just an awkward moment; for him, it translates into life-and-death stakes involving his darker urges. These are not typical 20-year-old problems; rather, they involve navigating a complex web of morality and survival that sets Dexter apart in his coming-of-age journey.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.