It’s part crime procedural, part psychological origin story, with 1990s Miami neon-and-grain aesthetic and a soundtrack heavy on early alt-rock and hip-hop. The violence is less polished, more visceral — and the moral lines are deliberately messier.

The central conflict of the premiere involves Dexter's father, (Christian Slater). While the two are hunting, Harry suffers a heart attack after Dexter confesses his desire to take a human life.

At home, Harry Morgan () is dying of cancer brought on by the guilt of creating Dexter. Flashbacks show a young Dexter (child actor) killing animals, then escalating. Harry’s wife, Doris, is bedridden with depression. Dexter’s adoptive sister, Debra Morgan ( Molly Brown ), is a rebellious, foul-mouthed 15-year-old who feels ignored. In a heartbreaking scene, Deb catches Dexter cleaning his kill knife from the nurse. He lies. She pretends to believe him.