Summary
- Original Sin’s title sequence mirrors the iconic first show with slight tweaks to young Dexter’s character development.
- The teased opening sequence at SDCC had significant differences from the final version that aired last week.
- Reverting to the original score for the title sequence adds familiar elements fans desire after New Blood’s changes.
Dexter: Original Sin has launched in style on Paramount+ with Showtime, with fans enjoying the birth of Dexter’s origin story. There are a lot of differences to the original series, but also a lot that feels the same. For instance, the opening title sequence returned to its roots, with the same music, and a very similar morning routine, albeit with a 90s twist and the incorporation of the characters of Harry and Debra Morgan.
When Dexter: New Blood launched in 2021, it had an extremely different look to it, with a new title sequence and setting. However, Original Sin has returned to the iconic location of Miami, and that has also signaled the return of the famous title sequence to give fans the feeling of familiarity while adding a unique flavor to it.
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Original Sin’s Title Sequence Is Very Similar To The First Show With A Few Quirky Twists
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Dexter: Original Sin |
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Starring |
Patrick Gibson, Christian Slater, Molly Brown, James Martinez, Christina Milian, Alex Shimizu, Reno Wilson, Patrick Dempsey, Joe Pantoliano, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Raquel Justice and the voice of Michael C. Hall |
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Created by |
Clyde Phillips |
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Directed By |
Michael Lehmann |
The original Dexter opening title sequence featured the morning routine of Miami’s favorite serial killer with a code. A mundane ritual was transformed into a visual masterpiece, with an addictive theme song composed by Daniel Licht. It was truly iconic, and became synonymous with all things Dexter Morgan. Original Sin clearly realized this and chose to recreate it with a twist. The music is back, but this time the morning routine reflects young Dexter’s less than refined routine. It begins with Dexter lying down in bed and trying to swat a fly, but failing miserably. This is in contrast to Michael C. Hall’s version of the character, who succeeds in squashing the fly to death. It’s a nice little nod to the fact that this younger version of Dexter hasn’t perfected his killing skills just yet.
The Dexter title card is the same, albeit with the addition of the ‘Original Sin‘ subtitle flashing across the screen, and then it’s onto the next twist: While it was Dexter’s morning shave in the original sequence, it has now been replaced by Harry Morgan‘s shave, and he also cuts himself but the blood splatters into the sink instead of the refined drops after Dexter’s shave: a nod to the neat monster being a long way off? Possibly. Then it’s teenage Debra Morgan‘s turn to play a part, as she makes her killer 90s mixed tape, and chats on the retro 90s phone. Then it’s breakfast and coffee with a 90s twist, followed by the Morgan family putting their clothes on and leaving the house. The sequence ends with Dexter’s signature glint in his eye, and it’s time for the episode.
The Title Sequence Is Actually A Bit Different To The One That Was Teased A Few Months Ago
During the Dexter: Original Sin panel at San Diego Comic Con in August 2024, an official tease of the opening sequence was shown, but it’s significantly different to the one fans actually saw when the prequel aired its first episode last week. Daniel Licht’s classic theme tune was given a significant twist, and while most of the beats were the same, from the failed swatting of the fly, Harry’s shave, and the food preparation, there were a couple of differences. Dexter’s eye is drawn to the phone chord wrapping around Debra’s neck, and Dexter leaves the house in his graduation outfit. It made sense to omit this bit, as this wouldn’t be indicative of Dexter’s appearance throughout the season. The actual opening sequence shows Dexter’s casual attire as he turns up for his internship at Miami Metro Homicide.
The decision to revert to the identical version of Daniel Licht’s original score is an interesting one. Fans do want that familiarity with the original show, especially after the drastic differences in New Blood, and that is possibly why this decision was made. It’s a bit of a shame as the new version of the score is a bit funkier and has a retro feel to it, and it would have been nice to keep it. Test screenings might have led to this decision, or it could have just been a creative change during production to further link the prequel with the original show. Either way, it was a surprise when it aired, but not a totally unwelcome one.
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