Michael C. Hall is grateful the Dexter series finale didn’t sour fans about the upcoming season 9. Following its premiere in 2006, Dexter quickly became a cult classic and one of Showtime’s most popular series, with Hall receiving numerous accolades for his portrayal of the anti-hero. After eight action-packed seasons of Dexter, the series ended with one of the most controversial sign-offs in television history. In the series finale, Dexter faked his own death after the demise of his sister, Debra (Jennifer Carpenter), and became an isolated lumberjack in Oregon.
Last year, Showtime announced that Dexter would return for a limited 10-episode series, with Hall slated to reprise his role. Helmed by original showrunner Clyde Phillips, who departed the series after season 4, Dexter season 9 is set in the fictional town of Iron Lake, New York. Recently, Showtime released the official Dexter season 9 trailer, which revealed that the reboot will premiere on November 7. Titled New Blood, the Dexter revival is one of Showtime’s most anticipated offerings of the fall and continues to garner interest from fans.
Speaking with Forbes, Hall admits that he is grateful that the criticized Dexter series finale didn’t sour fans’ anticipation for Dexter season 9. Acknowledging that the season 8 finale was “confounding” for a lot of viewers, Hall declared that he is relieved that there is such a fervent interest to see what Dexter is up to next. When asked by Thompson how he feels about the positive reception for Dexter season 9, Hall said:
I’m gratified, thankful, and relieved? No doubt the way it concluded, if you can even use that word, at the end of the season proper was a way that was, at best, confounding to people. The fact that sense of being confounded didn’t completely sour people to the idea of finding out what the hell happens to the guy was something I’m very grateful for.
Confirmed to be set in the present day, Dexter: New Blood will show Dexter Morgan in a new phase of his life. Recently, numerous reveals about the reboot series have drummed up anticipation among Dexter fans. These include the return of villain Trinity (John Lithgow), and Carpenter reprising her role as Debra. Of course, it appears the creative forces behind the reboot have been hard at work to ensure that the infamous series finale won't taint the storyline for season 9. Steering far away from the original setting of robust Miami, Florida, Dexter season 9 is expected to end with a shocking twist.
Indeed, Dexter: New Blood has a chance to right the wrongs of the season 8 finale. Hall has expressed unity with viewers who think the Dexter ending wasn’t satisfying and the actor is committed to delivering closure. Although news of the revival was a shock for fans, Philips has reportedly been ruminating on the next chapter of Dexter for years, which means the revival series has been carefully planned out. For now, it can be expected that fans won’t regret tuning in to see Dexter back in action as everyone’s favorite serial killer.
Source: Forbes