'Dexter: Original Sin' Lead Creator Dissects the Gory Conclusion of the Prequel's Story
The conclusion of the gripping first season of "Dexter: Original Sin," entitled "Dexter: Blood Soaked Beginnings," has finally graced our screens. The show, which delves into the early days of the infamous Dexter Morgan, played masterfully by Michael C. Hall, presents a young and unrefined version of the titular character as he strives to hone his serial killer skills.
The British sensation Patrick Gibson, who seamlessly embodies the role of a younger Dexter, shines in the series, demonstrating an innate ability to play the part. The showrunner of the prequel, Clyde Phillips, who was also in charge of the original series for its first four seasons, attributes the series' enduring popularity to the character's relatable, vulnerable, and human side, which is abundantly displayed through the running monologue every audience adores.
Phillips took some time to discuss the series' most significant moments and share behind-the-scenes insights on the production. Let's unravel some of these mind-blowing moments together, presented in a spoiler-filled manner to maintain the suspense.
Brian Moser's Difficult Past
The enigmatic antagonist, Brian Moser—whose transformation into the notorious Ice Truck Killer forms the backbone of the first season of "Dexter"—has a tormented past that is gradually revealed in the narrative. Although Harry and his wife agreed to raise both boys initially, it soon became evident that Brian was too damaged for a conventional family life.
Phillips elucidates that Brian was frequently separated from Dexter due to their atrocious behavior. The audience sees this separation occurring twice during the first episode, with great emphasis on the young brothers' hands being separated before they emerge from the shipping container.
Brian's emotional turmoil became increasingly obvious as he aged and led to a series of institutionalizations, eventually culminating in his incarceration in the most desolate facilities.
Nicky's Ordeal on the Cargo Ship
During the penultimate episode, Captain Spencer (portrayed by Patrick Dempsey) finds himself in a predicament when he escapes the arcade only to discover Nicky hiding in plain sight on a cargo ship. The subsequent events reveal his chilling motive to drown Nicky to hurt his former wife in a vengeful manner.
As Dexter follows Captain Spencer to the cargo ship, he successfully rescues Nicky from a dangerous situation. Phillips reveals that filming this sequence was an extensive undertaking, requiring numerous takes and water tank construction to mimic its daunting environment. Luckily, the talented London Thatcher, the actor who portrayed Nicky, was well-versed in swimming, which significantly aided the production process.
Harry's Fateful Encounter with Brian
In a tense rooftop confrontation, Harry ultimately persuades Brian to abandon his quest for reunion with Dexter. Phillips explains that Harry confronted Brian while possessing a deep understanding of his brother's traumatic past and dark motivations. Not only did he offer insight into Brian's degrading psychological condition, but he also executed a meticulously planned strategy to convince Brian that the separation would be in his best interest.
The Aquatic Showdown
With anger and fury dominating his thoughts, Dexter embarks on a mission to capture Captain Spencer and bring him to justice for his heinous crimes. The captivating final moments of the season depict a thrilling dual between Dexter and Captain Spencer on a ship, culminating in an intense act of retribution.
When asked about the inspiration behind this climactic sequence, Phillips provided some tantalizing insights, remarking that Dempsey and Gibson collaborated extensively to convey a sense of betrayal and passion during their confrontation. As Dempsey rages against his antagonist, Dexter defends the innocent and emerges victorious, bringing a truly satisfying conclusion to the series.
Deb's Transformation
The season ends with Deb's remarkable transformation, as she decides to forgo her volleyball scholarship in favor of becoming a police officer, following in the footsteps of her father and brother. Her motives stem from the desire to find purpose in life beyond the realm of sports, and these aspirations are encouraged by Harry, who recognizes his daughter's potential as a future law enforcement officer.
The series leaves its viewers eagerly anticipating the intricate web of lies that Dexter must weave to keep his sister, who is now part of his own law enforcement world, off his bloody trail.
In conclusion, the interaction with Clyde Phillips offered unique perspectives on the most captivating moments in the final episode, filling in the gaps between what unfolds on the screen and the brainstorming sessions behind the scenes. The meticulous attention to detail, the riveting suspense, and the exploration of the characters' darkest secrets make "Dexter: Blood Soaked Beginnings" a must-watch for any dedicated follower of the series—and a breathtaking debut for this haunting prequel.
The prequels to 'Dexter' have been highly anticipated, with 'Dexter: Original Sin' being no exception. Patrick Gibson, who portrays a younger Dexter, has been praised for his performance, showcasing his ability to delve into the character's complex psyche.
During interviews, Clyde Phillips, the showrunner for both the original series and this prequel, discussed the enduring popularity of Dexter. He credits the character's human side and relatable vulnerability as major contributing factors.
In the series, we see Brian Moser's past unfold, revealing why he transformed into the notorious Ice Truck Killer. His frequent institutionalizations and eventual incarceration are deeply connected to his emotional turmoil.
The scene involving Nicky on the cargo ship was elaborate, requiring numerous takes and the Dauntless London Thatcher's swimming skills to complete. Deb's transformation also plays a significant role, as she gives up her volleyball scholarship to become a police officer.
The final showdown between Dexter and Captain Spencer was inspired by the two actors' joint effort to portray betrayal and passion. The season ends with Deb joining the police force, adding complexity to Dexter's web of lies.
Luckily, Phillips' insights provide a fascinating behind-the-scenes look into these moments, filling in the gaps between the screen and the production process. 'Dexter: Blood Soaked Beginnings' is sure to captivate fans of the original series with its meticulous attention to detail, suspenseful storytelling, and exploration of the characters' dark secrets.