"He’s such a powerful presence and so important to Dexter’s life," he said about Brian.
Clyde Phillips, the mastermind behind Dexter Seasons 1-4, Dexter: New Blood, and Dexter: Original Sin, has been busier than ever. While currently overseeing the production of Dexter: Resurrection in New York City, he still took time to reflect on Dexter: Original Sin, which just wrapped up its 10-episode first season.
In a recent interview with Cade Onder of ComicBook.com, Phillips discussed various aspects of the prequel series, including Easter eggs, Brian Moser’s influence, and Dexter’s journey to becoming the Dark Passenger fans know and love.
Note: The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
On Dexter: Original Sin's Graphic Nature
Phillips acknowledged that while the prequel has some graphic elements, it wasn’t intentional. “We’re all still understanding where the boundaries are. Without violence, there’s no art. Shakespeare and Homer are proof of that,” he explained. He emphasized that outside of the infamous shipping container scene, the show isn’t as violent as people perceive.
Dexter as an Unreliable Narrator
“Dexter is absolutely an unreliable narrator,” Phillips noted. “He’s learning about himself, trying to blend in, and searching for his truth. That journey continues from Original Sin through New Blood.”
Dexter’s Unique Interactions with Children
Phillips believes Dexter doesn’t need to pretend when interacting with kids. “Children accept him for who he is, and he does the same with them. But when it comes to adults, he has to work harder to fit in.”
The Significance of Brian Moser
Phillips also addressed Brian’s brief cameo in Episode 2. “That scene was designed to highlight that Dexter now has friends—people with guns and badges—so Brian isn’t part of that world.”
Why Bringing Brian Back Was Important
Phillips emphasized that Brian’s story is a core element of Dexter’s evolution. “The show takes place across multiple timelines, which keeps us on our toes in the writers’ room. Brian’s presence is a natural and heartbreaking extension of Dexter’s story.”
Will Brian’s Story Continue in Original Sin?
“Yes,” Phillips confirmed. “He’s a powerful presence in Dexter’s life. The entire show is like an Easter egg hunt, and Brian’s role adds layers of depth.”
Phillips' Favorite Easter Egg
Phillips revealed that his favorite Easter egg was the Miami Chills ice truck passing by—a nod to the original Ice Truck Killer. “It was subtle, and fans immediately picked up on it, which was amazing.”
Dexter’s Evolution Toward the Original Series
On Dr. Evelyn Vogel’s Absence
Vogel’s storyline never came up in the writers' room. “We focus on the story first and weave in additional elements where they fit, but Vogel was never in our consciousness for this series.”
Crafting New Villains
Phillips explained that creating compelling villains is all about storytelling. “We constantly challenge ourselves to make them more detestable, more of a threat to Dexter, and more engaging for the audience. The show works because of the relatability of the characters and Michael C. Hall’s narration.”
Dexter’s Rising Popularity and Its Dark Appeal
Phillips attributes the show’s resurgence to its presence on streaming platforms. “My daughter and her friends started watching Original Sin because of Sarah Michelle Gellar and Patrick Dempsey. They loved it so much they went back to the original series. Paramount and Showtime were brilliant in putting Dexter on Netflix—it even made the top 10 this year!”
As Dexter: Resurrection gears up for production, it’s clear that Phillips and his team have no plans of slowing down. Fans can expect more thrilling twists, character development, and of course, Easter eggs as Dexter’s story continues to unfold.
Source: ComicBook