Warning: This article contains spoilers for Episode 7, “The Big Bad Body Problem”.

The prequel series Dexter: Original Sin, set in 1991 Miami, has already aired its first seven episodes, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the final three as the season nears its conclusion. This thrilling new installment takes place 15 years before the events of Dexter Season 1, introducing younger versions of beloved characters portrayed by a fresh cast, alongside new faces from Miami Metro PD.

Among the new additions are Captain Aaron Spencer (Patrick Dempsey), Tanya Martin (Sarah Michelle Gellar), and Bobby Watt (Reno Wilson). These characters bring fresh dynamics to the series, despite never being mentioned in the original show, though they share significant history with Miami Metro and Harry Morgan.

Episode 7, “The Big Bad Body Problem,” delivers a shocking revelation: the season’s “Big Bad,” the child kidnapper terrorizing Miami, is none other than Captain Aaron Spencer himself.

The Big Reveal: Captain Aaron Spencer’s Sinister Secret

Spencer is revealed to be responsible for the abduction and murder of Judge Powell’s son, Jimmy, as well as the disappearance of his own son, Nicky, who vanished after a break-in at his wife’s house.

The kidnapper’s twisted methods include torturing children, confining them in dark rooms for days, and severing their pinky fingers. These severed fingers are sent to Miami Metro, where they’re examined by the forensics team, including Dexter Morgan, Vince Masuka, and Tanya Martin.

Hidden in Plain Sight: The Easter Egg in Promotional Photos

After Spencer’s identity was revealed, sharp-eyed fans noticed a clever detail in recent promotional photos. The season’s theme features all nine cast members posing in a “kill room” between plastic curtains. In these photos, Patrick Dempsey (Captain Spencer) lifts his pinky finger—a subtle yet deliberate hint foreshadowing his character’s sinister signature.

See full photo below:

 

Is Tanya Martin an Accomplice?

Fans have also noticed a curious similarity in Tanya Martin’s cast photo, where Sarah Michelle Gellar poses with her pinky finger in a similar lifted position. Could this be another hidden clue, hinting that Tanya is Spencer’s accomplice? See image below:

While it could be a coincidence, Tanya’s interactions with Spencer in Episode 7 have sparked theories that she may be hiding something. Some fans believe her relatively limited role thus far could be a deliberate misdirection, suggesting her character has a much larger part to play in the story—and perhaps a darker one.

Unanswered Questions: Spencer’s Motives

The motivations behind Aaron Spencer’s heinous actions remain unclear. With only three episodes left in the season, fans are eager for answers. Is Tanya Martin truly his partner in crime, or are fans reading too much into her character’s behavior and the promotional photos?

Stay tuned for the final episodes of Dexter: Original Sin as the mystery unfolds!