Dexter: Original Sin Season 1 Ending Explained

Although there were many plot twists, dramatic scenes, and happy endings in Dexter: Original Sin season 1, there were also a lot of events in the Dexter prequel that warrant explanation. The tenth episode of Original Sin managed to satisfactorily connect all of the season's significant developments. Harry Morgan (Christian Slater) had the opportunity to face the NHI Killer, Brian Moser (Roby Attal), while Dexter (Patrick Gibson) had the opportunity to apprehend and murder the kidnapper Aaron Spencer (Patrick Dempsey). At the conclusion of Original Sin, Debra (Molly Brown) also made a significant life decision, and the original show's plot points largely came together.

Once Harry, Dexter, and Deb had overcome their obstacles, Dexter: Original Sin revealed some of the outcomes of their choices. When they found out that she was going to the police academy, Dexter and Harry were thrilled. Dexter also secured a full-time job at Miami Metro as a forensic technician. Despite witnessing his partner Bobby Watt (Reno Wilson) survive his gunshot wound, Harry damaged his relationship with Maria LaGuerta (Christina Milian). Original Sin had a lot of happy endings, but the journey there requires a little more explanation.

Why Dexter Didn't Go After Spencer Instead of Saving Nicky

When Dexter confronted Aaron Spencer, the police captain started drowning Nicky, despite Dexter's usual claims that he is an emotionless monster. Dexter nearly let Spencer go, but he chose to save Nicky's life instead, despite his strong desire to kill Spencer. Dexter's decision to save Nicky was largely motivated by his empathy for the boy and his profound distress over any acts of violence against children. Dexter wanted to keep Nicky safe more than he wanted to kill Spencer, which is the same reason he let Spencer go in Original Sin episode 9.

Even though he wasn't conscious of it in Original Sin, Dexter's childhood trauma had a lasting impact on him as an adult. Dexter probably recognized himself in Nicky and seized the chance to save his life. Since Dexter isn't truly a monster, Original Sin also gave him the opportunity to save a life rather than take one. Despite what he tells the audience, Dexter is still a human being, even though he is undoubtedly a serial killer and a bad person. In situations where Nicky's life was at stake, Dexter's humanity triumphed over his "Dark Passenger."

Why Brian and Harry Both Believe He Wasn't Suitable for Dexter

Harry's final confrontation with Brian Moser (Roby Attal) was one of the more startling surprises in the Original Sin season finale. In the end, Harry said to Brian, "You can hate me for good reasons and still know that I am the best thing for Dexter." After Harry's words persuaded Brian, he was knocked unconscious and wrote "You're right" in his blood on the wall. It was evident to Brian, who had been observing Dexter for a while, that Dexter had a happy life as Harry's son. Brian consented to leave Dexter alone because Harry genuinely loved him and Dexter liked his somewhat normal family.

Brian discovered that Dexter no longer recognized him when he made his first attempt to get in touch with him, at the restaurant in Original Sin episode 2. Brian understood that getting back in touch with his younger brother would only trigger the unpleasant memories that Dexter had been able to erase from his mind. Brian knew that allowing Dexter to live in blissful ignorance was preferable to forcing him to relive the trauma of his mother's death, even though he was obsessed with him.

When Spencer claimed that Harry failed Dexter during his death scene, what did he mean?

Dexter was able to swiftly find Spencer at the home of Spencer's ex-wife, Becca (Amanda Brooks), after he had been released. Dexter was able to save Becca's life because he understood that Spencer was driven by his anger and was too furious to follow reason and run. In many respects, Spencer is similar to Dexter. Following his divorce from Becca, Spencer's anger and violent tendencies drove him to completely disregard reason and empathy. He represented what Dexter might become in the absence of the Code of Harry: a monster who follows his every impulse without thinking about the consequences.

They had a brief conversation after Dexter got Spencer on the Slice of Pie, Camilla Figg's boat. Spencer informed Dexter that Harry had "failed" him, but Dexter cut Spencer's throat without clarifying what he meant. Spencer was probably going to tell Dexter everything he knew about Harry's affair with Laura, including the shady details of how his involvement had made her a target of the cartel. However, as he had done so many times before, Dexter likely thought Spencer was lying through his teeth and brushed off the opportunity to find out Harry's darkest secret.

Harry's Justification for Telling Dexter He Was Born a Monster

Harry and Dexter discussed everything that had happened to them in a debriefing at the conclusion of Original Sin season 1, episode 10. After telling Harry about Spencer and how he had saved Nicky's life, Dexter bemoaned the fact that he had been born a killer and that Spencer had turned into a monster. But since Harry was still working to keep Dexter from having to deal with the memory of Laura's passing, he didn't correct him. He had just persuaded Brian to keep away in order to preserve Dexter's "innocence," so Harry wouldn't simply decide to come clean.

There was only one option left for Harry to consider. Dexter would have to learn about the most traumatic event in his life and Harry's responsibility for it, but he wouldn't believe that Harry was fundamentally flawed if he told the truth. Dexter might believe he is unredeemable if Harry lied, but he would still have his father as a role model and be able to take pride in his ability to control his impulses, as Harry stated. Harry made the decision to spare Dexter the graphic details of his Dark Passenger's birth because it was a fairly simple one.

The Reasons Behind Deb's Decision to Enlist in the Police Force Rather Than Attend FSU

Deb received a call earlier in season 1 of Original Sin informing her that, despite being kicked off the volleyball team for punching a teammate in the face, Florida State University was still offering her a scholarship to play. Deb, however, chose to apply to Miami Metro's police academy after showing Harry. Deb's desire to take charge of her life was the primary factor in her decision to join the police rather than attend college. Deb told the unconscious Bobby Watt (Reno Wilson) that she felt the need to change because her life was getting out of control.

After speaking with Tanya Martin (Sarah Michelle Gellar), that shift became evident. Deb concluded that being a police officer would provide her life with greater purpose than playing volleyball after Tanya informed her that the greatest rush she experienced outside of sports was apprehending murderers. As a police officer, she could truly impact people's lives, something she couldn't do as a volleyball player. Deb's comment that Harry and Dexter would need to involve her in their private discussions going forward suggests that the dynamics of the Morgan family also had an impact on her.

The reason Brian continued to watch Dexter & the Morgans at the conclusion of Original Sin Will He Actually Remain Absent?

Brian Moser gazed at Dexter, Deb, and Harry dancing together in the season one finale of Original Sin. However, Brian had recently agreed to avoid Dexter, so it was a little unclear why he was still pursuing his younger brother. Brian knew that Harry was Dexter's best chance at happiness, but he couldn't help himself. His obsession with his younger brother, his anger towards Harry, and his belief that Dexter's return was the only path to happiness persisted. Brian had to be involved with Dexter's life, even if it was only to observe from the background.

Sadly, Brian would not be content to observe Dexter from a distance. Fans of the original Dexter know that years later, Brian would attempt to contact Dexter once more in the most heinous manner imaginable. After revealing his identity as the Ice Truck Killer in Dexter season 1, Brian started playing games with Dexter in an attempt to gradually reveal who he was and the real reason behind Laura's passing. In Original Sin, Harry's eventual demise probably played a significant role in Brian's decision to get in touch with Dexter because no one was left to protect him from his brother.

The True Significance Of The Ending Of Dexter: Original Sin Season 1 Described

Despite focusing on the highly specific scenario of a vigilante serial killer, Dexter: Original Sin season 1 explores far more universal themes. The central idea of Original Sin—the value and strength of family—was advocated by Dexter himself. He said that family was the only thing that could save him, even though he would never be normal. Dexter was also correct: Debra's love kept him kind and compassionate, and the Code of Harry prevented him from becoming a monster like Aaron Spencer or Brian Moser. Dexter was able to control his Dark Passenger with the support of his adoptive family.

However, the final values of Original Sin season 1 are not limited to family. "I decided to kill other killers not because some people deserved to die, but because some people deserved to live," Dexter said as Bobby Watt was wheeled out of the hospital. That line was crucial to Original Sin's central thesis, which is that Dexter's empathy and compassion for other people are what truly set him apart from monsters and other serial killers. Dexter kills them to protect their future victims, not to hide his tracks or to give his Dark Passenger a reason to feed.

Dexter: Original Sin is also, in many respects, a tale about human nature and how to become a decent person. Dexter frequently claims that he was destined to be a monster and that, despite his inability to control his Dark Passenger, he manages to do so. He follows Harry's counsel, lends Deb a hand when she needs it, and—perhaps most importantly—chooses to save Nicky rather than murder Spencer. In essence, Dexter: Original Sin season 1 demonstrates that even if someone feels like a monster, they can always choose to act morally.