Dexter Panel: Comic-Con 2008

The Dexter panel started with moderator Kristin Dos Santos from E! stepping up to introduce the panelists: Michael C. Hall (Dexter Morgan), Julie Benz (Rita Bennett), executive producer, Clyde Phillips and writer/co-executive producer, Melissa Rosenberg. We were then shown clips from season 3, which looks amazing, and included scenes with guest star, Jimmy Smits, who will be joining the show for an undetermined time frame as Dexter's "first friend". Kristin quickly congratulated the team on their 5 Emmy nominations (Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series, Outstanding Sound Mixing, Outstanding Art Direction and Outstanding Cinematography) and then started the questions.

The first question was to Michael, wondering why the public finds a serial killer such a relatable character. He felt that because Dexter confides in the audience in a way that he can't with the people in his life, it gives the audience a sort of connection with him. The question of the theme of the next season was brought up and Clyde said that one theme could be family values and the evolution of Dexter as a man.

Since Dexter's sister, Deb, has had such a hard time of it, is it time for her to have a normal relationship? Clyde says yes, "but not with who you think."

Julie Benz was asked, given that Joss Whedon has a new show, Dollhouse, and he likes to use the same actors in all of his shows, would she be interested in making an appearance. Her response? "In a heart beat."

At that point, Kristin showed us a Dexter Bobble Head doll, that was available at the Entertainment Earth booth. Very cool! Then the panel opened up to questions from the fans.

Will there be a Dexter comic book in the future? They wouldn't be surprised.

Will finding out that Harry committed suicide continue to affect Dexter? Although, Dexter thinks he's put his father behind him, it is something that will be revisited.

Does Michael find it difficult to play such a violent character? It's an occupational hazard, but he says it's fun to get away with doing the things Dexter does.

In the books, Cody showed signs of being like Dexter and Dexter took him under his wing. Will we see that in the show, as well? No, they see the show as very different from the books and plan to explore something else for the character.

What was Michael's favorite 'kill'? "It's hard to pick just one", but the most satisfying was probably Little Chino, because he was so big, and Jimenez, the man who killed Dexter's mother.

When asked about the differences between playing Rita and Darla, Julie said that they are "similar at their core" having both been abused by the men in their lives. They are on opposite ends of the spectrum, but Rita is finding her strength.

Dexter Season 2 will be released on DVD August 19th, and Season 3 premieres September 28th.

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