Irwin also discussed his work on Dexter: Original Sin and shared his favorite piece he created.
Throughout the original Dexter series, many elements contributed to making the show an enduring icon in television history. Beyond its groundbreaking anti-hero narration, dramatic plot twists, and compelling voice-over, one of the most memorable aspects was the original score composed by the late Daniel Licht. His haunting and distinctive music became a signature of the series and remains one of the most beloved scores in TV history.
Following Licht’s passing in 2017, and the announcement of the Dexter revival in late 2020, it was revealed that composer Pat Irwin would take over the musical reins. Irwin, known for his versatile compositions, was brought on to score Dexter: New Blood, the 10-episode continuation of the series. His work received praise from fans and critics alike for capturing the essence of Licht’s original sound while introducing his own fresh take.
Irwin was later rehired by Showtime to score the upcoming prequel series, Dexter: Original Sin. Once again, he delivered a powerful and atmospheric soundtrack. Fans have especially appreciated how skillfully Irwin blended familiar musical themes with his own compositions, creating a seamless bridge between the old and the new. As Irwin himself has acknowledged, Daniel Licht’s influence looms large, and he approached the project with deep respect for the legacy he was continuing.
In a recent interview with Bleeding Cool, Pat Irwin discussed his work on both Dexter: New Blood and Dexter: Original Sin. He also teased what fans might expect in the highly anticipated Dexter: Resurrection—though he kept specific details under wraps.
On His Involvement with the 'Dexter' Franchise and Working with Showrunner Clyde Phillips
The composer reflected on his longstanding collaboration with Clyde Phillips, beginning with their work together on Nurse Jackie and later on AMC's Feed the Beast. He described Phillips as someone who is not only inventive, creative, and enjoyable to work with but also refreshingly direct and efficient in communication. He praised Phillips’ sharp instincts and musical taste, emphasizing that he’s the kind of collaborator any artist would be lucky to have.
On Establishing His Own Musical Identity While Honoring Daniel Licht’s Original Score
Joining the Dexter universe through New Blood and Original Sin, the composer was mindful of the legacy left by Daniel Licht’s iconic score. While working on these newer series—particularly in the different setting of upstate New York—he aimed to craft a new sonic identity that reflected the environment. However, upon returning to the original Miami setting in New Blood, he made a deliberate effort to incorporate and pay homage to Licht’s original themes, maintaining a respectful continuity with the past while contributing his own voice.
On Scoring 'Original Sin' with Consideration for Its Flashback-Based 1990s Setting
Although Original Sin is rooted in a specific time period, the composer explained that evoking the exact music of the era wasn’t his primary focus. Instead, his priority was to stay true to the characters and the emotional core of the story. While the soundtrack did occasionally acknowledge the time setting, that role was largely left to the licensed songs. His score sought to evoke the Dexter spirit filtered through the lens of that earlier time, balancing authenticity with creative flexibility.
On Memorable Sequences Scored in 'Original Sin' and 'New Blood'
When asked to reflect on standout moments from his work, the composer pointed to a pivotal scene in Original Sin episode 103, in which a young Dexter disposes of body handsome Tony in the Everglades. That moment, he said, lingered with him due to the precision it required. He also mentioned flashback scenes involving Harry, Dexter’s adoptive father, which needed to strike the right tone—avoiding cliché or overtly eerie motifs. The emotionally charged scenes in the shipping container from episode 109 were another highlight, remaining vivid in his memory.
On His Primary Musical Influences for the 'Dexter' Franchise and His Career as a Whole
The composer credited Daniel Licht’s original score as the single most significant influence on his work for Dexter, aiming to acknowledge it without imitation. Beyond the franchise, his musical roots are eclectic: growing up playing in rock bands, he developed an appreciation for a wide range of styles—from horror classics like Halloween and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre to Howard Shore’s iconic score for The Silence of the Lambs. He also draws from classical music, ambient soundscapes, and artists like Brian Eno. With experience composing for cartoons and animation, he emphasizes adaptability and a love of all good music, regardless of genre.
On What to Expect from 'Dexter: Resurrection'
While careful not to reveal spoilers, the composer confirmed his involvement in Dexter: Resurrection and acknowledged the weight of fan expectations. He revealed that the new series is set in New York rather than Miami, which opens up a completely different soundscape. Inspired by the city’s auditory landscape—past and present—he noted how the influence of hip hop, club techno, and ambient music will shape the new score. His recent exposure to diverse musical environments, such as the Big Ears Festival and South by Southwest, also informs his approach. Despite these new elements, he remains committed to preserving the essence of the Dexter sound.