It’s ironic when you think about it. On one hand, you’ve got a character who is addicted to murdering people. On the other hand, you’ve got a cable network that refuses to let that character die. Stuck in the middle is one Michael C. Hall, who would probably like nothing more than to be able to branch out and do other things. You know, like movies. Movies about anyone other than the titular character of Dexter.
According to Showtime president David Nevins, the network is still interested in bringing everyone’s favorite serial killer back for some sort of spinoff series. Speaking at a recent TCA press event, he mentioned how the suits at Showtime are apparently sitting around, having light conversations about ways to beat a dead horse:
“It’s something we continue to talk about. If we were to do it, we would have to have a very good reason to do it. It would have to feel like it’s a new show. I’m not interested in doing it if it’s just a continuation. There have been some light, ongoing conversations. It hasn’t really gone anywhere yet.”
There’s one caveat, though: it won’t happen with the involvement of Dexter himself. “It would have to involve Michael,” he explained, probably while staring at a photo of Michael C. Hall that he keeps in his wallet. “I think if we were to do it, I would only do it if it with Michael.”
Then he likely put the tear-soaked picture back into his wallet and choked back a sob or two before running off to be by himself somewhere.
Back in November I wrote an article titled “The Problem with Showtime.” If, at the time, I had known the future, I could have just pointed to these quotes from Nevins and said, “THAT. That’s the problem.” By the time Dexter went off the air, it was like one of the last guests left at a party, drunk and convinced that it was still being charming and entertaining while really it was just overstaying its welcome. All the while, Showtime kept passing it just one more drink, because Showtime has a secret crush on it and doesn’t want to go home and be by itself.
Relax, Showtime, there will be others. How about that cute new show with Philip Seymour Hoffman that’s been making eyes at you? Go on over and say hi.