Dexter: Original Sin Season 1 Episode 7 Review: The Big Bad Body Problem

Things are starting to come together and wind down on Dexter: Original Sin Season 1 Episode 7, “The Big Bad Body Problem.” Whether you are interested in the development of Dexter’s origins or the current child kidnapping case, this episode puts on the heat.

Just when we think we know everything about the child kidnapping case, this episode throws a wrench into it. One of the things that made Dexter so great all those years ago was its ability to make viewers feel comfortable in their knowledge and understanding before twisting things around with an amazing reveal.

Having the prequel series do that as well shows the writers and creators know the source material and the universe it resides in. This is why this show goes above and beyond what we’ve come to expect from prequel and sequel TV series. 

The Child Kidnapping Case Gets a Lead

Before we gush about the genius that is the twist revealed at the end of “The Big Body Problem,” let’s back up and assess all the facts we already know. 

First and foremost, Dexter: Original Sin has already established that no detail is too small or inconsequential. Therefore, it stands to reason the same would hold true for this kidnapping case.

Jimmy Powell was the son of a prominent politician. It has the markings of a hit from the extremely dangerous drug cartel taking up residence in Miami.

A few days before the body was publicly displayed, the police received a package containing his finger. There were no connections to speak of, and because of that, Captain Aaron Spencer got into hot water at his job and was pulled off the investigation.

Meanwhile, Aaron has been constantly fighting with his wife about custody of his son and the things she did to him during their marriage. It’s clear the man has quite a lot on his plate without the added stress of having to welcome La Guerta to his team, who he feels will oust him from his job because she’s a bottom feeder in his eyes.

So, now, here we are with the second half of the child kidnapping case, and the victim is Aaron Spencer’s son. As Dexter points out so eloquently, “How’d I not see it.”

Hindsight is 20/20, and of course, now it all seems to be falling together. Captain Spencer’s job is on the line, and he wants custody of his son. Men have done more under considerably less stress than Spencer is under.

Captain Spencer Has Some Explaining to Do

Patrick Dempsey’s talents are finally being put to good use as he portrays a man trying to appear a victim when all signs point to him being the perpetrator. What I can’t quite reconcile is whether or not he put everything in motion, including the kidnapping of Powell’s kid, or if he was driven to copycat when he saw the opportunity.

If he’s done both kidnappings, the first one isn’t clear on motive. But if he’s merely a copycat of the first one, there is more than enough motive to go around.

Wouldn’t that be something if he’s enacted both kidnappings? After all, the hesitation marks aren’t definite proof that there are two different kidnappers. They just mean that the kidnapper is more connected to Nicky Spencer; ergo, they could still be Captain Spencer for both.

Either way, the remaining episodes this season are about to get very interesting. Especially since it seems Captain Spencer is getting very wary of Dexter.

This could easily turn into a repeat of older Dexter’s issues with Sergeant Doakes. Spencer isn’t going to let his crimes be revealed, so naturally, he’s going to be watching Dexter that much more closely moving forward.

Which could turn interesting in terms of Dexter’s killing tendancies. I, for one, can’t wait to see how this plays out.

The Infamous Debra Loyalty to Dexter

After having inconsistent writing for Debra Morgan, compared to her relationship with Dexter in later years, the younger sister is finally making her own mark on the narrative.

In the face of losing the only friend she has, Deb sides with her brother. This isn’t that hard to do, considering how bratty and obnoxious Sofia is regarding Dexter’s lack of communication.

Yes, I’m aware that both Deb and Sofia are teen girls with lots of hormones and immaturity. However, Sofia has known Dexter all these years; she knows he sucks at communication and human connection.

I’m honestly still not sure what she sees in Dexter besides being cute. If he was awkward about even being her girlfriend, what makes her think that Dexter would have the courage and wherewithal to cheat on her?

For the first time ever, Deb doesn’t come across as petulant or immature. In fact, she goes to bat for her brother and proves that when the chips are down, she will always protect and defend her big brother.

Even if it means losing her one true friend or her volleyball scholarship. Right now, Deb might seem impulsive—and she is a bit—but her actions are really setting her on the path toward her future career in the Miami Metro Police Department.

Stray Thoughts:

• Baby Dexter calling Harry “daddy” is both cute and heartbreaking. This is a little boy who just wants to have both a mom and a dad to hold and love him.
• Laura Moser is inching ever closer to her demise, and I’m hoping, in vain, that things will end differently for her.
• Is Harry’s death strictly a correlation to Dexter’s propensity to kill? Or will it actually end up being a combination of Dexter being a killer and his friend and coworker, Captain Spencer, forsaking all that he is as a man of the law?
• I continue to not care if Tanya is even around during a case. Clearly, she doesn’t matter in the long run, or else she’d be a more developed character.
• Dexter’s ability to walk Angel back from going over the ledge about the hand found in Gator Alley is a callout to their dynamic years later.

 

 

What did you think of this episode of Dexter: Original Sin? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Dexter: Original Sin airs Fridays on Paramount+ with Showtime and Sundays at 10/9c on Showtime.

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