COMIC-CON 2010: Showtime reveals 'Dexter' Season 5 teaser with Michael C. Hall admission: 'It was me'

Showtime brought some fresh "Dexter" footage to Comic-Con on Thursday with a Season 5 teaser that shows Michael C. Hall's serial killer brought low after his wife Rita's mysterious murder in last season's cliffhanger (mild spoilers follow).

"It was me," Dexter dazedly says at the crime scene, in an open-ended line that summoned plenty of curiosity at the panel devoted to the show. The montage also showed a provocative shot of the couple's infant Harrison seated and crying in a large pool of blood. (Unfortunately, Showtime is not yet allowing online embeds of the video due to still-unresolved music-rights issues.)

Hall -- now greeted at Comic-Con to the rafters-rattling cheers typically reserved for a conquering hero -- said the nonstop twists had kept the series from growing stale, although he was disappointed by the exit of costar Julie Benz, who played Rita. "It's as wide open a feeling and as new as it's ever been," the actor said of the show. "It's a testament to our writing staff." 

Asked to pick a favorite guest star, Hall cited John Lithgow, who won plaudits last season for playing the Trinity Killer. He added jokingly: "I've enjoyed all the people I've killed."

At an earlier panel (devoted to antiheroes in Showtime series, including "Weeds" and "Nurse Jackie"), Hall was asked how he felt about Dexter's harsh brand of justice, the code that impels him to kill only those he feels deserve it. "If he just put up pictures of people and put a big X on their face, I don't think it would be as interesting," Hall said. "He kills arguably horrible people and that's why we give him a pass."

-- Scott Collins (follow me on Twitter @scottcollinsLAT)

Photo: A scene from the season premiere of "Dexter." Credit: Sonja Flemming / Showtime

RELATED:

Complete Show Tracker coverage of "Dexter"

 

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Comments

[Sheldon]

"It was me?" It is meant to tease us into thinking that Dexter himself will be revealed as Rita's killer, but that swerve would make absolutely no sense given the code and Rita's innocence. You might argue that Dexter already did kill an innocent person last season, but he did not kill an innocent person while BOTH knowing they were innocent and with malicious intent. Even Miguel's brother was an accident back in season three.

When Dexter says "It was me," he is blaming himself for her demise. It was his fault that Trinity got to her. He had plenty of opportunities to take out Trinity, but he let Trinity get too close.

So, the "It was me," is only self-blame. Don't expect a twist where Dexter is revealed as the killer.

[jaydee]

I was at the panel discussion yesterday and it was very cool. Dexter Rocks! The previews showed a few twists but we're still left guessing. Looking forward to season 5.

[LTC]

I totally agree with Sheldon. That is exactly what I was thinking while reading the article - and there is no doubt he will blame himself.

Season 5 is going to be so interesting -- how is Rita's death going to be explained to the police and to his sister etc?!?!

[mathew idicula]

I would have asked if this is the final season or has the show been renewed, personally I would bet that this would be the final season. Dexter already had one close call in season 2 and with doakes ( best antagost ever) and now it looks like Quinn will play that of "uncovering Dexter", anyway what a great series can't wait till September 26.

[TonightsTheNight]

If the series ends with Quinn uncovering Dexter's dark side and locking him up it would be absolutley dissapointing and not consistent with the Dexter series. I see Quinn becoming another Doaxs and dexter having to do whats best for Dexter. The characters in his life will probably never know about his dark passenger, which they would if Quinn catches him.

About Julia Stiles, I'm honestly disheartend about this new cast memeber. Dont get me wrong, Stiles is an amazing actress. However, In the books Dexter takes on a protege in Astor by teaching her how to kill, which I believe he is doing with Stiles in the series. Alove intereset would be far too predictiable and too soon after Rita's death. If he begins to take her under his wing it will invade the view we have of Dexter when he's truely himself. You know, when he's in the kill room talking to the victim, but more to himself. Or when he's alone researching someone. Stiles, in my opinon will invade this aspect of DExter and flatten out his personal side.. no matter what role she is intended for.