At the recent Television Critics Association Press Tour, DEXTER star Michael C. Hall was kind enough to take a few minutes out of his busy schedule to discuss the upcoming third season of Showtime’s critically acclaimed thriller DEXTER.

On the books: “I read the first book as the first season was based on it. But I haven’t read subsequent books because seasons two and three have all been based on what the writers have been able to come up with.”

On portraying America’s favorite serial killer: “I was making a joke earlier [at the DEXTER TCA Panel], but I must say that certain members of my family seem to be more comfortable with me simulating serial murder than simulating a gay relationship with a black man [on SIX FEET UNDER].”

On working with Jimmy Smits this season: “It’s been great. He’s not only a great actor, but a consummate professional and a really kind man. As was the case with Keith Carradine coming on board last season, it’s a real shot in the arm that the show can attract someone of that calibre.”

On the future: “As much as I’d like to mix it up and do more films, I don’t like to get too specific about what the future might hold. Certainly when I finished SIX FEET UNDER, I didn’t see DEXTER on the horizon. And I imagine, or at least hope that there are things to come that I can’t conceive at this moment.”

DEXTER returns to Showtime this September 28, 2008. [TMN in Canada]

Smits will portray an ambitious and charismatic assistant district attorney named Miguel Prado, who will join forces with Michael C. Hall’s Dexter Morgan as they pursue “a murderer who affects both of their lives directly,” according to a press release sent by Showtime.

So with that in mind, let the wild speculation begin. Will Miguel Prado end up on the wrong end of Dexter Morgan’s special brand of justice? Be another ‘father figure’ for Deb? Or end the season off by announcing his Presidential Campaign!

Post away with your theories.