"Some Easter eggs are so subtle you’ll need to rewatch to catch them" Brown says.
The Dexter universe continues to captivate fans with its latest installment, Dexter: Original Sin. The newest episode, titled "F is for F*ck Up," premiered on Paramount+ with Showtime yesterday, marking the halfway point of this prequel series.
This week, Molly Brown—who delivers a stunning performance as 17-year-old Deb Morgan—joined Dexter: Final Cut, the official after-show hosted by Dexter: New Blood alum Jamie Chung. Together, they explored the intricacies of Deb’s character, her unfiltered intensity, and the challenge of stepping into a beloved role while making it uniquely her own.
Molly Brown on Playing Young Deb Morgan
Brown opened up about her initial reaction to landing the role:
"When I heard about the show, my first thought was, 'I don’t envy the guy playing Dexter.' Michael C. Hall’s performance is so iconic. It wasn’t until I got to set that I realized—oh, wait, this is just as big for me! Thankfully, the writing is fantastic. The spirit of Deb is alive, especially with all the signature 'f*cks' still there. But what freed me creatively was knowing I could start her journey from a new place while staying true to who she becomes."
Brown reflected on how portraying Deb’s high school years allowed her to explore the character’s vulnerability and growth.
"High school is such a strange time. People often band together against a common 'enemy,' and if you’re that person, it can be isolating. I didn’t love high school either, which helped me relate to Deb’s struggles."
Deb’s Emotional Core
Jamie Chung emphasized Deb’s role as the emotional anchor of the series:
"She’s the glue that tries to hold the family together. Watching her efforts, despite everything falling apart, is both heartwarming and heartbreaking."
Brown added, "Deb’s isolation after losing her mother, Doris, is a key part of what shapes her. It’s a heavy burden for someone so young."
Behind the Scenes: Easter Eggs and High School Nostalgia
One fascinating tidbit is that Deb’s high school scenes were filmed at Van Nuys High School—the same school Dexter: Original Sin showrunner Clyde Phillips attended.
"Clyde told me on the first day, and I thought he was joking," Brown shared. "It’s surreal knowing we’re filming at the place where he actually walked those halls."
Brown also recalled the humor of playing a teenager:
"Our director, Michael Lehmann, kept saying, 'You’re so good at playing a teenager!' It’s flattering but also hilarious. Do people still see me as a teenager?"
Filming the Infamous Brownies Scene
Molly Brown and her co-star Paddy faced unexpected challenges filming a lighthearted scene involving laughter.
"Fake laughing is terrifying because it never feels natural. But Paddy made it so much easier—we genuinely had fun. He’s not just a great actor; he’s a great person to work with."
Easter Eggs and Dexter’s Origins
Episode 5 dropped significant hints about Dexter’s future, including a pivotal moment involving M99. Fans are encouraged to keep an eye out for subtle callbacks:
"There are so many hidden gems," Brown teased. "Even in the pilot, after Dexter is born, there’s a smear of blood—it’s a small but brilliant nod. Some Easter eggs are so subtle you’ll need to rewatch to catch them."
Watch Episode 5 of Dexter: Final Cut below to dive deeper into the making of Dexter: Original Sin.