Dexter: Original Sin season 1 episode 5 ending explained- Who is Levi Reed?

Dexter: Original Sin season 1 episode 5 premiered on January 3, 2025, and delved deeper into the complex dynamics between Dexter, Harry, and the rest of the Morgan family. Titled F Is for F*ck-Up, the episode captured a series of life-altering mistakes made by the Morgans, setting the stage for repercussions that could affect the storyline.

The episode focused on Dexter trying to fix his failed attempt to kill Mad-Dog while Harry became stricter in controlling him. At the same time, Debra dealt with her emotions and grew closer to her boyfriend, Gio. However, it was Harry's legal blunder with Levi Reed that added both personal and professional tensions.

Levi Reed became an important character in this episode. He was a suspected murderer, but his case fell apart because Harry ignored a key piece of evidence that proved his alibi. With Reed now free, Harry’s mistake had serious consequences, not just for the Morgan family but for all of Miami, as a dangerous criminal was still out there.

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Dexter: Original Sin season 1 episode 5- Court dismissed Levi Reed's case

Brandi (Image via Paramount Plus)

Levi Reed's case in Dexter: Original Sin season 1 episode 5 revolved around his alleged involvement in a string of brutal murders that terrorized Miami. While the evidence initially seemed airtight, a surprise alibi from his girlfriend, Brandi, created cracks in the prosecution's case. However, Harry Morgan dismissed her as unreliable because she looked messy and seemed to be struggling with addiction.

During the trial, Reed's defense team presented Brandi with a clean, polished appearance. She confidently explained her side, showing Harry had ignored her alibi. The judge agreed this was a serious mistake, calling it evidence suppression, and declared a mistrial. This meant Reed was set free, turning what could have been a win for justice into a big loss.

Harry’s mistake had major consequences. The mistrial not only tarnished his reputation within the police department but also left the city vulnerable to Reed’s potential return to violence.

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Dexter: Original Sin season 1 episode 5- Doris Morgan's 1-year death anniversary

Harry Morgan (Image via Paramount Plus)

On the first anniversary of Doris Morgan’s death in Dexter: Original Sin season 1 episode 5, the Morgan family planned to visit her grave together at 5 p.m. However, their strained relationships became clear when each of them ended up going at different times. This highlighted the family’s emotional struggles and growing distance.

Debra was the first to arrive at the cemetery since she was done waiting for her father and brother. She brought her boyfriend Gio after Dexter and Harry didn’t show up. Gio showed how caring he was by driving Deb to the cemetery and giving her lilies for Doris’ grave.

While talking to her mom, Deb shared her feelings about being left out of the family, especially since Harry and Dexter were so close. Opening up like this brought Deb and Gio closer, and their bond turned intimate later that night.

Debra (Image via Paramount Plus)

Harry visited the cemetery next, keeping his usual calm and serious demeanor. While he came to pay his respects to Doris, his distant attitude showed that he wasn’t addressing the growing issues within the family, leaving the tension with his kids unresolved.

Dexter was the last to visit, and his emotions were more complicated. He had told Deb he missed how Doris would calm him by tucking his hair behind his ears. But at her grave, he admitted what he really missed was having someone who believed in his potential to be good.

This revealed Dexter’s inner struggle, torn between Doris’ caring nature and Harry’s moral code. These separate visits showed how disconnected the Morgan family had become, hinting at changing relationships and unresolved tensions.

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Other Highlights of Dexter: Original Sin season 1 episode 5

Dexter: Original Sin season 1 episode 5 delivered a mix of humor, emotional moments, and intense drama. One of the funnier highlights was Dexter accidentally eating Debra’s pot brownies while he was grounded. Not knowing they were laced, Dexter got really high and found it hilarious how a round pizza, made of triangular pieces, comes in a square box.

When Deb came home, she joined him, and they spent the night watching I Love Lucy, eating pizza, and having heartfelt conversations. This scene reminded viewers of the strong sibling bond Dexter and Deb shared in the original series.

Dexter (Image via Paramount Plus)

However, the episode took a serious turn when Deb told Dexter that she had sold their late mother Doris’ pearl necklace. This led them to discuss whether their mother would have been proud of them.

Dexter: Original Sin season 1 episode 5 ended with a dramatic scene where Dexter stopped Harry from shooting Levi Reed outside his house. To prove his skills, Dexter used the drug etorphine to sedate Harry, tied him up, and reenacted his kill ritual.

He carefully went through every step, like calculating the right dose and wrapping victims in plastic, showing how precise he was. This bold act earned Harry’s approval to go after Levi as his next target, confirming Dexter as the Morgan family's calculated weapon of vengeance.

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Fans can stream Dexter: Original Sin season 1 episode 5 on Paramount+.