The actor also shared hopes about his role in upcoming seasons of Dexter: Resurrection.
The first season of Dexter: Resurrection has wasted no time keeping fans hooked — blending familiar suspense with a bold new setting. Relocating the story to New York City, the revival has introduced fresh mysteries, high-stakes drama, and an impressive lineup of new cast members.
Among those joining the Dexter universe is Dominic Fumusa, best known for his seven-season run on Showtime’s Nurse Jackie and his role in The Sopranos. Now, he’s returning to Showtime for what he calls its “biggest show ever” — Dexter.
In a recent interview with Mojito with Majeeto, Fumusa opened up about the series, his gratitude for being part of it, and his portrayal of NYPD Detective Melvin Oliva. He also discussed Oliva’s working relationship with Detective Claudette Wallace, played by Kadia Saraf, and even touched on fan theories that link his character to the mysterious New York Ripper case.
On Who Detective Melvin Oliva Really Is
When asked to describe his character, Fumusa painted a vivid picture of a cop who embodies classic values:
“So I would say, Detective Melvin Oliva is what you would call sort of an old-school cop. He has more of a traditional outlook on things. He’s a bit reserved, not a man of many words, but he also has a quirky, dry sense of humor. I think he pairs very well with Detective Claudette Wallace. I’ve said before, it’s sort of a yin-and-yang thing that happens with them. She’s obviously got her unorthodox methods, and he’s really the only one in the department who seems to fully understand her. He very much respects her. He gives her space to do what she does. Then they come together, talk things through, and strategize. They bounce ideas off each other — they’re just a great pair.”
His words make it clear that the dynamic between Oliva and Wallace is built on trust, respect, and complementary strengths.
On the Oliva–Claudette Partnership
Fumusa went on to praise the way the show’s creative team — led by showrunner Clyde Phillips and writer Scott Reynolds — constructed the pair’s relationship.
“They really work well together. And I think what was really smart about the way Clyde Phillips and Scott Reynolds have constructed this is they operate in a way where they need each other to complement each other’s skill sets. At the very beginning of the season, it’s obvious that Oliva is one of the few people in the department who fully appreciate what Claudette brings to her work. You know, she sees things that we don’t — that’s what I say to the other cops in that first scene.”
It’s this carefully balanced partnership that may prove critical in solving the season’s biggest mystery.
On Dexter: Resurrection’s Future — and Oliva’s Place in It
The conversation then turned to the future of Dexter: Resurrection and whether Fumusa envsions Oliva having a larger role in upcoming seasons. His enthusiasm was obvious:
“Yes and yes. I absolutely think Claudette and Oliva will continue to grow in their presence in the story. There’s a lot of sleuthing to take place. They’ve mentioned the New York Ripper that Claudette is obsessed with — I think we’ll see that play out. And yes, I’ve heard the stories of possible spin-offs. I would sign up for that in a heartbeat. This is a dream job, and I never want it to end. Hopefully, people will continue to love it — the numbers I hear are great. Who knows? Maybe this show will continue to have legs because it’s been such a massive hit.”
On Being a Suspect in the New York Ripper Case
Of course, no Dexter-related interview would be complete without a bit of fan speculation. When asked about theories that Detective Oliva could be the New York Ripper, alongside characters like Leon Prater and Blessing Kamara, Fumusa was a good sport:
“I say those are all excellent theories. It’s really great that the audience is invested in trying to figure this out. I just love the passion I’m seeing from people. The truth is, I don’t know where it’s gonna go. But whatever happens, I think it’ll be a thrill — and it probably won’t be anything anybody expects. That’s how good Clyde Phillips and Scott Reynolds are. They keep you on your toes. Just when you think you’ve got things figured out, it goes a different way.”
Watch the full interview with Dominic Fumusa below: