The Dexter star recently shared his interpretation of what may be the show's strongest element, that has defined the series for 20 years.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the original Dexter series, which premiered on Showtime on October 1, 2006. Looking back at every chapter of the franchise (from the original series to its sequels and prequel) there are many elements that helped make Dexter seperate itself from other TV dramas. One of the most distinctive things has always been Dexter Morgan's inner monologue.
The voiceover gives us direct access to the mind of a man living a double life. It allows the audience to understand exactly what Dexter is thinking, creating a special connection between the character and the viewer. But, over the years, many fans have wondered the same thing: who is Dexter Morgan actually talking to?
Michael C. Hall recently shared his own interpretation.
During his appearance at the Dexter: Resurrection Cast Conversation hosted by the SAG-AFTRA Foundation in New York City on May 14, Hall was asked by moderator Jessica Shaw what the voiceovers mean to him and who he believes Dexter is addressing through his internal narration.
He explained that the voiceover is fundamental to the series because the story is actually told from Dexter's subjective point of view. According to the actor, viewers are always implicated in Dexter's actions because they are inside his head, experiencing things alongside him.
He noted that the show never explicitly establishes who Dexter is speaking to. There is no scene suggesting he's talking to a documentary filmmaker or any specific person. Instead, Hall believes Dexter is speaking directly to the audience.
"I think he is talking to the audience," he said.
The actor went on to explain that the voiceover is one of the reasons Dexter exists a bit outside absolute reality. In his own view, the character is always interacting with the scene around him while also keeping a connection with viewers, which creates a storytelling device that is actually unique to the series.
Hall also reflected on a memorable moment in the Dexter: Resurrection Season 1 finale, when after killing Leon Prater, Dexter appears to acknowledge the audience more directly than ever before. He praised the writer's decision for this, and said that the positive reaction from fans proves how essential the voiceover has always been to the show's appeal.
According to him, a big part of what people enjoy about Dexter is the feeling of being alongside the character throughout his journey. He described it as a "vicarious sort of thrill" that actually allows viewers to experience the world through Dexter's perspective as he takes control of his life.
Earlier in the same conversation, Hall revealed another interesting detail about the recording process. After each episode is edited, he records the voiceovers in the studio and imagines the microphone as an ear.
"I'm just talking into someone's ear, just that close," he said.
So... there you have it. While some of you may have always suspected who Dexter was talking to, hearing Michael C. Hall confirm it definitely adds something special to the voiceovers.
Over the years, many fan theories have emerged online about who Dexter might be talking to during his voiceovers. But based on Hall's interpretation, the answer is that Dexter Morgan is actually talking to us!