Did the flashbacks in Dexter: Original Sin episode 4 clarify key details for the audience so far?
Dexter: Original Sin, the highly anticipated prequel series, takes fans back 15 years before the events of the original Dexter. Now four episodes in, the show delves into the formative years of America’s favorite serial killer, showcasing his earliest kills.
However, the story doesn’t stop there. Through compelling flashbacks, the series extends 18 years further into the past, offering a vivid look at pivotal moments between 1991 and 1973 that shaped Dexter and his brother Brian.
Flashbacks Paint a 1970s Vivid Palette
The flashback scenes, set in the early 1970s, stand out with their vibrant, era-appropriate aesthetics, contrasting the darker tones of the show’s “present.” These moments, though visually stunning, revisit details long-time fans will find familiar, echoing themes briefly touched upon in the original series.
At the heart of these flashbacks is Harry Morgan, joined by Laura Moser, portrayed by Brittany Allen. Allen’s portrayal bears a striking resemblance to the original Laura Moser, adding authenticity to the narrative. Laura, the biological mother of Dexter and Brian, serves as Harry’s informant in a dangerous operation against a cartel. But tragedy looms on the horizon, as Laura’s mission spirals into chaos, leading to her untimely death—a traumatic event that alters the lives of both brothers forever.
Was Brian Moser Always Troubled?
One of the most intriguing developments in Episode 4, "Fender Bender," is its deeper exploration of Brian Moser’s psyche. Flashbacks from 1973 suggest that Brian, affectionately nicknamed “Biney” by Dexter, may have exhibited troubling behaviors even before witnessing his mother’s murder.
The episode hints at Brian’s early struggles through subtle yet chilling moments. In one scene, Laura remarks that the neighbors refuse to babysit Brian, describing him as “too much to handle.” Later, a more sinister moment unfolds as young Brian sits on the porch, cutting the tails off lizards with his bare hands—a disturbing foreshadowing of his future as the Ice Truck Killer.
What Is Hanging Above Young Brian’s Bed?
In a pivotal flashback scene, we see Harry Morgan telling a bedtime story to Dexter, who lies next to him on the bed. This tender moment subtly reinforces Dexter as Harry’s favorite. On the other side of the room, young Brian is already asleep, seemingly overlooked. However, a behind-the-scenes photo from the child actor Xander Mateo who plays Brian offers a closer look at his side of the room—revealing something the camera missed in Episode 4.
What stands out is a disturbing detail: a doll of a man hanging by a noose from the bedframe. This small but chilling set piece hints at Brian’s troubled psyche, subtly planted by the show’s writers to foreshadow his dark path.
Could these details have influenced Harry’s decision to abandon Brian in the infamous shipping container, choosing to save only Dexter?
Based on the clues we’ve seen so far, the answer seems to be yes. Harry’s judgement may have been shaped not only by Brian’s behavior but also by his own complicated emotions. It’s worth noting that Harry had already suffered the devastating loss of his biological son, Harry Jr., as revealed in the premiere of Dexter: Original Sin. This tragic event might explain why Harry felt a stronger bond with Dexter—seeing him as a “replacement son”—while distancing himself emotionally from Brian.
While this reasoning may seem unsettling, it aligns with Harry Morgan’s complex and morally ambiguous nature. As the series unfolds, we might witness even more eerie flashbacks that shed light on Brian’s childhood and the choices that shaped both brothers’ fates.