Given the seven year success of the original serial killer show, it’s no wonder that Showtime wanted to continue the franchise, spawning off a prequel as a third installation in Dexter: Original Sin. It’s not a terrible idea– after all, how does a serial killer get into killing the way Dexter does? But fans of the original series would inevitably compare this prequel to the original in all aspects, from the 90s vibe, to the new cast members, to having too many flashbacks for a show that’s already a prequel series. Original Sin would be intriguing for viewers who have never watched the original, but the prequel would certainly divide some fans, with some finding it would tide them over till Resurrection and with others finding the series too repetitive.

When an actor takes up a role that’s been originally played to perfection by another, of course, there’s the hope that the younger lead would be able to handle it. Patrick Gibson isn’t too bad as the titular serial killer, but given Michael C. Hall’s inner narrative voice, it honestly feels like the series doesn’t trust Gibson’s ability to carry the show on his shoulders.