In recent years, "prequel" has become a dirty word. Perhaps most famously, "Star Wars" fans are some of the most outspoken about their prequel hate, to the point that a documentary called "The People vs. Geoge Lucas" was created to dissect why fans hated the prequels so much.
But not every prequel is bad. In fact, some of them are shockingly good, especially when working with a TV show as their source material. Here are some examples of prequel tales that are actually satisfying, entertaining, and enjoyable.
"Early Cuts"
"Early Cuts" is an animated webisode series that acts as a prequel for Showtime's "Dexter." The first series of "Early Cuts" revolved around Dexter hunting down the three victims that he mentions in the sixth episode of season 1, "Return to Sender." The second series of "Early Cuts" episodes takes place right after the death of Dexter's adoptive father, Harry Morgan.
The style of animation used in "Early Cuts" is highly atmospheric, and the use of shadows and light really ties in well with the theme of Dexter's Dark Passenger. The most recent series of "Early Cuts" is called "All in the Family," and deals with issues of family and relationships. Those themes will come to the forefront in Season 7 of "Dexter" now that Deb is in on her brother's secret.
"Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me"
The 1992 film "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me" acts as both a prequel and a sequel for the "Twin Peaks" TV series that ran from 1990-1991. "Fire Walk with Me" introduces new characters, while also exploring the last seven days in the life of Laura Palmer (the murdered girl at the heart of the plot for the TV series.) While the film is far from perfect, fans appreciate that the film further expanded the universe that was cut short when "Twin Peaks" was cancelled in its second season.
"Spartacus: Gods of the Arena"
"Spartacus: Gods of the Arena" aired in 2011, but was actually a prequel to 2010's "Spartacus: Blood and Sand." Both series were well-received, but "Gods of the Arena" is especially beloved by fans for its amazing finale episode. "Gods of the Arena" examined the history of the House of Batiatus and the city of Capua before the arrival of Spartacus. It was filmed without a Spartacus character because to the original actor who played Spartacus was too ill to work due to his battle with cancer.
