The episode kicks off with a gut-wrenching discovery: a couple stumbles upon the body of Judge Powell's son, who was missing, introduced in the last episode. Fans had clung to the hope of his safe return, but this grim twist sets a haunting tone.
At a crime scene, the chief hounds La Guerta, clearly still bitter about her hire, as she steps up to lead the case.
Meanwhile, Dexter, shaken by the sight of the child’s lifeless body, takes a moment to collect himself—a rare crack in his usually controlled demeanor.
Deb is hanging out with her best friend at the Morgan household, plotting a trip to South Beach. Her plans hit a snag when she realizes her dad took the truck she was promised. True to form, Deb lets out a string of colorful expletives in frustration.
Dexter is called to a case on the beach where La Guerta is already taking charge, impatient with his meticulous methods. The narrator slyly notes that she’ll come to appreciate them later, a nod to fans of the original series who know how their dynamic unfolds. The case itself involves a man in a skirt who has been murdered, but the scene takes a disturbing turn when an ignorant EMT refuses to touch the body, fearing AIDS—a stark reminder of the prejudices of the time.
Harry reflects on the discovery of Judge Powell’s son’s body. He worries that it could be triggering Dexter’s memories of his mother’s brutal death and the realization that he has a brother out there. This prompts a trip to the agency to ensure all traces of Dexter’s past are wiped clean. Fans of the original series will find the callbacks thrilling, especially the deeper dive into Harry’s connection with Laura, Dexter’s mother, and how their relationship shaped Harry’s decision to adopt Dexter. This layer of backstory enriches the narrative in ways the original series only hinted at.
In her chaotic subplot, Deb buys coke from a random street dealer and indulges with her friend. Back at home, Dexter has a tense conversation with Harry. Dexter wants to kill the person responsible for Judge Powell’s son’s murder, but Harry, ever the moral compass, is disappointed. He reminds Dexter that he killed just days ago. Dexter fears his urges will spiral if he doesn’t act, and Harry relents, asking if he has a target. Enter Mad Dog, a professional hitman rumored to have a body count nearing 200. It’s a cold case, but Dexter is ready to make it his mission.
Deb’s storyline escalates as she sneaks into a club, steals a bottle of Dom from VIP, and meets an older man who gives her his card. Later, she goes to meet up with the man. She leaves Harry a message saying she will spend the night with her friend. Harry sees through her deception and chooses not to confront her. It’s yet another moment where Deb’s recklessness shines, and as always, she’s a polarizing character for viewers.
Dexter begins stalking Mad Dog, setting the stage for his next kill. The episode crescendos with Dexter working through his emotions the only way he knows how: by doing what he loves. However, this time, his victim puts up a fight, almost escaping. It departs from Dexter’s usual clean, controlled executions, adding tension and unpredictability to the scene. Without spoiling too much, the episode ends on a gripping cliffhanger.
Patrick Gibson continues to shine as young Dexter, perfectly capturing the character’s internal conflict and eerie calm. Each episode masterfully weaves together past and present, balancing character development with steadily unfolding plotlines. Ten out of ten. Another phenomenal installment in this prequel series.
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