After the release of episode 10, Clyde Phillips sat down with THR to discuss the finale.
The first season of Dexter: Original Sin concluded its 10-episode run on Valentine's Day, leaving fans with a sense of satisfaction. Despite some moments of predictability, episode 10, titled “Code Blues,” wrapped up the season in a well-received way, setting the stage for what could be an exciting continuation of this prequel series.
Following the Season 1 finale, Dexter's showrunner Clyde Phillips, who also helmed Dexter seasons 1-4 and Dexter: New Blood, sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to discuss the most pivotal moments in “Code Blues.” From the return of Brian Moser to the introduction of Aaron Spencer, Phillips offered valuable insights into the creative decisions that shaped the finale.
Brian Moser’s Key Role in Dexter: Original Sin
When asked about the decision to bring Brian Moser back in such a significant way, Phillips explained:
“We knew from the very beginning. If you caught it, he appears briefly in the second episode. It was fun to see fans recognize him online. Each season, we focus on two things: the Big Bad and the Kill of the Week. The Big Bad this season was Patrick Dempsey, while the Kill of the Week was something Dexter investigates in each episode.
However, what no one suspected was that the murders Dexter was investigating were orchestrated by Brian, who is evolving into his own serial killer and setting up bait to observe his brother. That’s why the rooftop scene with Brian and Harry was so crucial. It was filmed on the roof of our writing room at Radford Studios in L.A., and there’s a powerful moment when Harry looks up and sees Brian’s orange University of Miami hat, which signifies a major shift.”
The Challenges of Including Brian Moser
Phillips also addressed the challenge of including Brian Moser, knowing Dexter would eventually recognize him in later seasons:
“We knew that eventually, Dexter would meet and kill his brother. We had to consider the timeline carefully. Dexter at 20 and Brian at 23 would eventually be recognized. The show spans multiple time periods: 1991 and 1973, with a third timeline involving Harry’s baby’s tragic death.”
The Heartwarming Final Scene
Phillips shared that the final scene of the season, which showcased a heartwarming family moment, was significant for the show:
“It’s a happy family moment. While Dexter is ultimately a serial killer show, it’s also about family. The relationship between Dexter, Deb, and their father is a core theme. The three of them are in a happy place, and it’s an emotional scene that could have easily led us to the closing credits.”
Patrick Dempsey as the Big Bad
“Normally, you know who the Big Bad is right away, but this season, we wanted to keep it hidden. We thought the perfect way to do that was to make the captain of the homicide department the antagonist—someone who has known Harry for years. Patrick Dempsey was our first and only choice, and he was fully on board.”
The Bond Between Deb and Tanya
One pivotal moment in the finale was the bond between Deb and Tanya, which marked an important step in Deb’s journey:
“Deb’s conversation with Tanya was a turning point. Tanya helps Deb realize there’s more to life than volleyball. In the final scene, Deb receives an acceptance letter to the police academy, marking the beginning of her career as a cop before becoming a detective.”
Future Cameos and Storylines
When asked about the possibility of Miguel Prado (played by Jimmy Smits) returning, Phillips remained open but cautious:
“I don’t see that happening, but you never know. We came into this with a blank slate. We had key things we needed to set up, like Dexter’s boat, the Henley shirt, and his red string, which marks the beginning of his evolution. As for the overall storytelling, we didn’t know everything when we started, and we still don’t for future seasons.”
Dexter’s Trophy Collection and Internal Conflict
“We set up the trophy collecting this season, which ultimately backfires. It’s the earring that gets Dexter into trouble. His urges are growing, and this conflict with Harry is key to the story. Conflict is what drives a writer.”
No New Michael C. Hall Scene in the Finale
Finally, Phillips addressed the absence of a new scene featuring Michael C. Hall as Dexter in the finale:
“We never really considered including a new Michael C. Hall scene from the future. It wasn’t necessary. But we are currently filming, and Michael is downstairs right now shooting.”
With a strong conclusion to Season 1 and exciting developments on the horizon, Dexter: Original Sin is set up for more compelling storytelling in future seasons. Fans can look forward to even more twists and character evolution as the prequel series continues to explore the origins of the beloved Dexter universe.