The New Season: The skinny on Showtime

Michael C. Hall and the cast of Showtime’s well-loved “Dexter” are in the ballroom touting their second season, which from trailers appears as promising as the first. But right now we are not concerned with “Dexter” because we’re worried about the Golden Globe-nominated actor who plays him. Michael, why are you so thin?  You were never fat. Now, you are tiny! We can see your cheekbones all the way back here in the upper tier. After the panel, can we take you to Sprinkles Cupcakes?

But seriously …t here’s a new energy at Showtime, and it’s obvious. This fall, President of Entertainment Robert Gleenblatt is trying something the broadcast networks do: He’s going to use his hits to try to help him get more hits. Instead of airing four series throughout the course of the year, Showtime will premiere the second seasons of “Dexter” and “Brotherhood” together Sunday nights, beginning Sept. 30. The critically acclaimed “Brotherhood” was not a ratings hit the first time around, so Greenblatt is hoping "America's favorite serial killer," as he called Dexter, will become the answer to the Caffee brothers’ (Jason Isaacs and Jason Clarke) prayers in the Providence-based “Brotherhood.”

The same thinking goes into pairing the popular and critical darling “Weeds,” starring Mary-Louise Parker, with the premiere of new comedy, “Californication,” starring David Duchovny, on Monday nights, beginning Aug. 13.

Seems like the right idea, Mr. Greenblatt, but can you please make sure your actors get a little something to eat?

-- Maria Elena Fernandez