"We're going to keep going forward," Phillips said regarding a potential Season 2.
Warning: This interview contains spoilers from Dexter: Original Sin Episode 10, "Code Blues."
The thrilling first season of Dexter: Original Sin wrapped up on Valentine’s Day, delivering an intense and unforgettable finale.
After two months of gripping storytelling, the season ended with both Dexter and Harry at a crossroads, but everything seems set for what’s to come.
Continuing the tradition from the original Dexter series and Dexter: New Blood, executive producer and showrunner Clyde Phillips sat down for an interview, breaking down the most pivotal moments of a season finale. This episode, penned by Phillips himself, left fans on the edge of their seats.
Speaking from the production office of Dexter: Resurrection, Phillips discussed key scenes and character developments with Josh Weiss of Forbes.com.
Brian Moser: The Path to the Ice Truck Killer
Brian Moser was always destined to become the Ice Truck Killer, but his journey from childhood to adulthood remained unclear—until now. Initially raised alongside Dexter, it became evident early on that Brian was too disturbed for a normal home.
Clyde Phillips: "Brian and Dexter were separated multiple times, starting from the shipping container trauma. We made a very big point of that separation with a ‘Special’ shot of their hands being pulled apart. Later, Dexter is rescued by Harry, but Brian is left behind. As Brian grows up, his violent tendencies become impossible to hide—he punches through a window, tries to smother Deb, and is eventually institutionalized in increasingly severe facilities, until he ends up in a cell.”
Miami Metro’s Captain Aaron Spencer: A Deadly Showdown
In Episode 9, Spencer escapes, but Dexter tracks him to a cargo ship near Miami Metro, where his son, Nicky, was hidden in plain sight. In a cruel act of revenge, Spencer was willing to let his own son drown just to spite his ex-wife.
Phillips: "Filming that sequence was a massive undertaking. The water tank alone took months to construct. We reinforced the soundstage floor in California to hold thousands of gallons of water, and rehearsed extensively with stunt divers. Fortunately, the actor playing Nicky is a competitive swimmer, so he was very comfortable in the water. That moment also mirrors Harry’s past trauma—diving down, giving mouth-to-mouth, trying to save a child. In an earlier cut, we flashed back to Harry’s loss, but Christian Slater’s performance made it unnecessary. His face alone told the entire story."
Harry vs. Brian: A Tense Rooftop Standoff
Realizing a string of brutal murders was Brian’s handiwork, Harry finally confronts him. The rooftop showdown ends with Harry persuading Brian that leaving Dexter alone is the best choice.
Phillips: "Everything Harry says to Brian is true. Brian was detached from reality, and Harry forced him to see the truth. Interestingly, Harry had unknowingly been investigating Brian all along, believing he was tracking a developing serial killer. When he finally connects the dots, he hides the file from LaGuerta, which leads to future tensions."
Dexter's Dark Evolution & The Perfect Kill
The finale sees Dexter fully embracing his dark side, taking out a child killer and discovering the perfect dumping ground for his victims.
Phillips: "Dexter is incredibly methodical, but sometimes, anger and fury override logic. That’s how he was able to track down Spencer—because Spencer’s rage clouded his judgment. The confrontation between Patrick Dempsey and Patrick Gibson was crucial to Dexter’s transformation. We spent days perfecting that scene, which boiled down to pure betrayal. When Dexter finally slashes Spencer, blood not only splatters on his face but also on the camera lens—completely unplanned, but absolutely perfect. The audience feels a deep satisfaction watching him take out a child killer, much like Dexter’s first-ever kill in the original series pilot."
Debra’s Future: A Career-Changing Decision
At just 17 years old, Debra rejects a volleyball scholarship, choosing instead to follow her father and brother into Miami Metro, unknowingly setting herself on a collision course with Dexter’s dark double life.
Phillips: "Debra’s evolution is just beginning. She watches Dexter blend in, sees the blood drive after Bobby’s death, and realizes she wants purpose in her life. Her dream was volleyball, but now, she wants something more. In the final scene, Harry accepts her choice, leading to a touching moment in a show filled with brutality. I always remind my writers: ‘This is a family story—one of them just happens to be a serial killer.’"
Was Present-Day Dexter Ever Considered for the Finale?
Fans wondered if Dexter: Original Sin would feature a flash-forward to present-day Dexter Morgan in its finale.
Phillips: “No, there wasn’t. That was really just to set up the fact that Dexter survived. Otherwise, how could he be narrating the show? It’s to set up the fact that he did survive that gunshot and it was also a way for us to push forward with that and not look back.”
What’s Next for Dexter: Original Sin?
Phillips hints at exciting developments ahead, bringing Dexter closer to the version fans know and love."
“We’re going to keep going forward. Eventually he’s going to be wearing his Henley. Eventually, he’s going to get that apartment. Eventually, he’s going to be doing the red strings at crime scenes. All of that stuff that you've already seen will be like coming home again.”
Final Thoughts
The Dexter: Original Sin finale, "Code Blues," was a perfect blend of nostalgia, tension, and thrilling storytelling. With its gripping character arcs and nods to past Dexter lore, the series sets up a promising future. What do you think will happen next?
Source: Forbes.com