“Dexter: Original Sin” delves into the formative years of Dexter Morgan, exploring his transformation into the infamous serial killer. However, the series offers more than just Dexter’s backstory; it provides a chilling glimpse into the origins of another iconic villain from the “Dexter” universe: Brian Moser, also known as the Ice Truck Killer.
The series subtly hints at Brian’s identity as the N.H.I. (No Humans Involved) Killer, a thread that runs parallel to Dexter’s own developing darkness. While the kidnapping of children takes center stage, Brian’s sinister activities continue in the background, laying the groundwork for his future reign of terror.
Dexter: Original Sin
“Dexter: Original Sin” has exceeded expectations, enriching the established narrative of “Dexter” while filling in crucial gaps in the pasts of Dexter, his sister Deb, and their adoptive father, Harry. The inclusion of Brian is a masterstroke, especially considering his role as the primary antagonist in “Dexter” Season 1. The series effectively portrays the parallel yet distinct paths of these two sibling serial killers.
While Dexter’s methods in “Dexter: Original Sin” closely resemble his adult practices, Brian’s early killings are marked by experimentation. He seems to be searching for his preferred method of dispatching victims, a macabre journey of discovery before he settles on the chillingly precise style of the Ice Truck Killer. This evolution is something that both Harry and Detective LaGuerta begin to notice.
Episode 9, “Blood Drive,” sheds light on the tragic Shipping Yard Massacre, the event that claimed the life of Dexter and Brian’s mother, Laura. Contrary to the infant portrayals in “Dexter,” “Original Sin” depicts them as seven-year-old boys, making the trauma of witnessing their mother’s brutal death even more profound. The brothers react to this trauma in drastically different ways. Dexter becomes withdrawn and silent, while Brian displays a volatile temper, culminating in a violent outburst against baby Deb and Harry. This incident leads to the difficult decision to separate the brothers, a choice that inadvertently triggers Dexter’s return to speech and sets Brian on a path of rage and bloodshed.
Brian’s journey in “Original Sin” is fueled by a thirst for vengeance against those he believes wronged him after his mother’s death. He witnesses the close relationship between his mother and Harry, learns of their affair, and discovers that Harry even babysat them. From Brian’s perspective, Harry is responsible for the loss of his mother and his separation from Dexter. While Dexter forms an immediate bond with Harry, Brian remains detached, fostering resentment that simmers and eventually boils over.
With Harry’s impending death, questions arise about Brian’s potential involvement. “Original Sin” highlights the impact of Dexter’s actions on Harry and explores Harry’s past mistakes, but there’s no clear indication of suicidal tendencies. As Harry investigates the N.H.I. Killer and realizes Brian might be the culprit, he also discovers Brian has been watching Dexter since he joined Miami Metro. These discoveries could place Harry directly in Brian’s crosshairs. However, given Brian’s desire to reunite with Dexter, why does their reunion not occur until 15 years later in “Dexter” Season 1?
Brian has already claimed his first victim on his revenge list, dismembering the social worker who promised to keep the brothers together. While Deb’s mother’s death from cancer likely rules her out as a victim, Harry is undoubtedly a prime target. This could also put Deb in danger, but as a key character in “Dexter,” especially the Ice Truck Killer storyline, she is presumably safe for now. The role Brian plays in the “Original Sin” finale, and potentially future seasons, remains to be seen. The series has successfully expanded the “Dexter” universe, and Brian’s story is a compelling addition, adding layers of complexity to the overall narrative.
