Summary
The number of spinoffs set with theDexteruniverse is very exciting for fans of the original show, yet the involvement of star Michael C. Hall confirms a major ongoing problem with the series. After a notoriously divisive ending,Dexterattempted to bring the story to a more definitive conclusion with the self-contained spinoff,New Blood. Although the 2021 miniseries once again divided audiences, the response proved that there remains an appetite for moreDexterstories. Yet, while plans announced atSan Diego Comic-Con 2024confirm that showrunners are delivering on this front, another unresolved issue is bubbling beneath the surface.
After a difficult few years for theDexterfranchise, followingNew Blood’s muted fan reception, Comic-Con 2024 confirmed that the show is back with a vengeance. Not only were fans treated to more information about the long-discussedprequel series,Dexter: Original Sin, but it was also confirmed thataNew Bloodfollow-up (titledDexter: Resurrection) is also imminent. Perhaps most intriguingly, both shows will see Michael C. Hall reprise his role as the vigilante serial killer, despite his death in theNew Bloodfinale. Yet, as thrilling as this prospect may be, it also reveals a major problem withDexterthat can’t be overcome.
Dexter: Original Sin Timeline Explained: When The Prequel Is Set Before The Original Show
Dexter: Original Sin will take place in 1991 Miami, fifteen years before the start of the original series and roughly 30 years before New Blood.
Dexter’s New Spin-Offs All Include Michael C. Hall
He Remains The Franchise’s Leading Character
Even thoughDexter: New Bloodseemed to lay the foundations for a Dexter-less future for the franchise, the announcements made at San Diego Comic-Con confirm that Michael C. Hall’s titular character is still very much the beating heart of the series. InDexter: Original Sin,Hall will not only serve as an executive producer, but will also provide the narration for the prequel story– which is set to follow a younger version of the character, played by Patrick Gibson. His involvement inResurrectionis even more pronounced. Much like several previous characters, Hall will actually appear on screen as a “Dark Passenger” and guide to his son, Harrison.
It’s a testament to the popularity of Hall’s performance that producers feel he remains an indispensable part of the series' success.
Given thatDexter Morgan died at the end ofNew Blood, the show had the perfect opportunity to move on from the character into a bold new franchise. It’s a testament to the popularity of Hall’s performance that producers feel he remains an indispensable part of the series' success. However, while his popularity should not be taken for granted, it’s also a worrying sign thatDexterdoesn’t seem to have a future without Michael C. Hallappearing in the story.
Michael C. Hall Dominating Dexter Is A Problem For The Show’s Future
The Show Should Be Able To Survive Without Him
As demonstrated by the two different tangents that the franchise is exploring, there are plenty of potentialstories set within theDexteruniverse that shouldn’t need Michael C. Hall’s direct involvement. Both a prequel and sequel series are potentially fascinating ways for the narrative to move forward. However, the fact that Hall is involved in bothDexterspinoffs is a worrying indication that the show is overly reliant on his presence to succeed.
Given that he was the lynch-pin of the original Showtime series, this dependence is perhaps unsurprising. However, it’s a slightly damning indictment on the rest ofDexter’s cast and charactersthat none of them are deemed strong enough to successfully carry the franchise into the future. Instead,producers clearly feel that they need the support of Dexter Morgan himselfif the story is to expand.
The irony behind this is that, with Dexter overshadowing the events on screen, it’s unlikely that either story will be able to stand on its own. Patrick Gibson’s interpretation of Dexter risks being undermined by constant and inevitable comparison to the ever-present Hall, whereas Harrison will be seemingly forced to share a screen with his father inResurrection. In both cases,the two newDextershows risk reminding viewers of the pastinstead of progressing into the future.
Dexter Needs To Find A Character To Carry The Show Forward
It’s The Only Way To Build A Sustainable Future
As compelling a lead character as he undoubtedly is, viewers have now seen almost every aspect of Michael C. Hall’s Dexter Morgan explored on screen. In eight original seasons and one limited spinoff,Dexter has gone through a range of transformational experiences– starting a family, losing loved ones, and even sacrificing himself to “save” his son. Yet every time he returns to the screen, it becomes increasingly difficult to bring something new to his story. Eventually, whatever role he assumes, Dexter Morgan will begin to feel stale.
The only solution is for the franchise to give a new character the breathing space to survive on their own terms. That could still be a younger version of Dexter in the prequel seriesOriginal Sin, or Harrison in aNew Bloodfollow-up, but neither will be able to thrive if Hall continues to loom over the story. There are plenty of examples where spinoffs survived the absence of iconic lead characters.Better Call Saul, for instance, did without Walter White for almost its entire run. There is precedent there forDexterto find a new path forward. However, if the original main character remains a major player, evolution could prove almost impossible.
