The Dark Knight Rises Logo

The Dark Knight Rises Tops Box Office For A Second Week

The Dark Knight Rises Logo

The Dark Knight Rises topped the Box Office Report for the second weekend in a row since its release. The Dark Knight Rises dropped in sales Friday, partially due to the Olympics according to ComingSoon, but grossed an estimated $64.1 million on Saturday.

Internationally, the film has made $248.2 million for a worldwide total of $537.3 million.

It wasn’t an easy week for box office newcomers though, as both Adam Sandler’s That’s My Boy and the musical Rock of Ages failed to reach the top 12.

20th Century Fox’s Ice Age: Continental Drift took second place again, dropping 35% in its third weekend, and earning $13.3 million. It has earned $564.8 million globally.

Another newcomer, The Watch, took third place this weekend, earning 13 million in 3,168 theaters. The comedy, which stars Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill and British comic Richard Aoyade, earned just over $4,100 per site.

The fourth installment of the dance franchise Step Up Revolution came in second place Friday with $4.8 million, but fell to fourth place for the weekend with $11.8 million. So far, the film has earned less than its predecessor, Step Up 3D, which opened to $15.8 million two years ago.

Seth MacFarlane’s comedy Ted, starring Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis, came in fifth place. It has earned $193.6 million in five weeks.

Another superhero took spot number six this weekend. The Amazing Spider-Man earned $6.8 million, bringing the film to a total of $654 million worldwide.

Disney-Pixar’s Brave came in seventh place with $4.2 million, and Magic Mike dropped to eighth place iwth $2.6 million.

Oliver Stone’s crime drama Savages took ninth place with $1.8 million, and Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom rounded out the top 10 in its 10th week.

For a more in-depth look at the box office results, visit http://www.comingsoon.net/boxoffice/.

An Illustrative Review of The Dark Knight Rises

Why are you interested in this adaptation?

Rachel-

No one who reads our column will be surprised that I am a huge Batman fan. I think I was introduced to Batman through the excellent Batman: The Animated Series as a kid, but since Saturday morning episodes weren’t enough for me I was also picking up whatever comics I could get my hands on.

I love Batman. I love the whole Bat Family! They’re all so DAMAGED!

Needless to say, I’ve seen Nolan’s Batman Begins (I FELL ASLEEP in the theater watching that, you guys…I own it, though, so I’ve since seen it several times. I hate it. I HATE IT), and it’s not my cup of tea. Nolan’s obsession with making Batman realistic, the made-up character of Rachel…. The Dark Knight is much better and far more watchable, but I still feel like Nolan’s take on Batman is more like a Bond film with a different suit and not a comic book movie. I’m interested in The Dark Knight Rises because I want the Nolan trilogy to end. That’s kind of harsh. But it’s true. I’ve sat through the other two and I’m going for some Batman kicks.

Elena-

Can we change the question to be “why are you not interested”?  Because I am not interested.  Do you guys remember how when The Dark Knight came out in theaters, everyone loved it—and I mean everyone—except there was always that one token friend or friend of a friend that you had who didn’t like it, but they were such a minority they were almost the exception that proved the rule?  Y’all recall that?  I was that one friend.  I was the one person I and all of my friends knew who didn’t like the movie.

I liked the first one okay.  I don’t have a strong attachment to Batman or any of the old manifestations, so I didn’t mind the attempt to make it more realistic and less comics.  Whatever.  The directing was good, and the story didn’t piss me off.

The Dark Knight was awful for me. Too long by about an hour, waaaaay too many ancillary and pointless plotlines, and I guess it made me dislike Batman’s entire ethos because it is clearly not preventing awful people from doing awful things but rather punishing them for doing awful things.  Totally different thing.  Drop the Joker off the building, city-destroying disaster averted.  Oh, wait, what’s that, it would be immoral to do it?  Look, I’m as libertarian as it gets on civil liberties, I respect things like due process more than 99% of politicians would like, but that’s if you’re acting within the law—it’s to prevent the government from trampling your rights.  In the context, Batman has SEEN the Joker plan atrocities and LAUGH.  And his decision as a goddamned vigilante is to not kill him when he has the chance?  THE FUCK?  And then that shit went on for a whole nother 90 minutes before it was over.  It’s the closest I’ve come to walking out of a movie in recent memory.

I’m still traumatized by that one.

So I was only enthused about TDKR in the abstract, in the sense that if it exists to finance Nolan’s next Inception then I am all on board with him making it…I just don’t want to see it.  The one thing that would make me want to see it would be if it turns out to be, as the title suggests, Batman giving up his morality to actually be a dark knight who kills the motherfuckers before they can burn his ghetto to the ground.  Give me THAT movie, and MAYBE I will go see it.

What would make it awesome?

Elena-

I believe I just answered that question.  Abstain from redundancy.

Rachel-

What would make it awesome is if Batman is in the movie? The other two films show Bruce having to discover then rediscover Batman. If Batman has to re-Batman again in another hour and a half of “inner struggle” about how Gotham doesn’t need Batman…I will freak out.

I’m hoping for some Catwoman action. Out-smarting all these tech obsessed boys would also be great.

What would make it suck?

Rachel-

I know already that it’s going to be three hours long…so that will probably suck. Only because I know how the Nolan Batman films can DRAG, and sitting there for three hours while Batman batrasps at me and moons over dead fakeRachel will suuuuuck.

I’m really nervous about Bane. Why is Bane British? Why can I not understand him in the trailers? What’s going on with his aerosol mask?  Is this movie going to be one unintelligible guy shouting at another unintelligible guy with Anne Hathaway making stupid jokes in between?

Elena-

It will suck if it is as needlessly overcomplicated as the second one was.  That many plotlines that are ancillary to the main story are basically masturbation fodder.  Which, fine, if you’re into that sort of thing, but I’m not, so save it for the director’s cut and let me skate out of this with only two hours of my life lost and not three, k thx bye.

Thoughts on casting/production?

Rachel-

I am ambivalent about Tom Hardy. He’s cloned Captain Picard from Stark Trek: Nemesis. He has puffy lips. Those lips will supposedly never be seen as he is playing Bane, and Nolan’s version of Bane is a dude permanently hooked up to Darth Vader’s respiratory machine. I don’t know why. Will we learn why?

Elena-

Wait, Tom Hardy is Bane?  Suddenly I almost want to see this!  Hardy is still on my automatic-cred list because of Bronson.  It’s going to take a few more stinkers from him for that glamour to wear off…although he does seem to be trying pretty hard to just play the same character every time now.  I guess that’s ergonomic.  Maybe Bane will add some range to his recent portfolio.

Rachel-

Anne Hathaway as Catwoman is both really interesting and really terrifying. Hathaway has that old-fashioned brunette with a round face look that Nolan casts IN ALL OF HIS FILMS. The Catwoman costume I’ve seen is OK. It’s a black jumpsuit with stupid-ass goggle cat-ear things. There appears to be no whip. She also wears RIDICULOUS shoes. Nolan is so obsessed with making everything hyper-realistic, but he’s got Catwoman in shoes she wouldn’t be able to climb around buildings on. So I’m going to assume that she doesn’t climb around buildings and she just wiggle-walks everywhere…hopefully while flipping everyone off. Her casting is definitely a callback to Julie Newmar rather than the Darwyn Cooke design with the head gear, goggles, and short hair.

Elena-

Gotta be honest, Hathaway is a challenge for me. She is one of those actresses that I can never see as the character; I always just see her as Anne Hathaway, even though I think she actually is kind of okay at acting?  Maybe?  So she seems pretty much like a terrible choice to me for Catwoman.  But I don’t know who would do it better so why not?

Reaction to film: ***Spoilers Abound***

Elena-

So.  Convince me to see this one. If you can.

Rachel-

Welp….

That was…that was, well actually it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Yes, Batman did have to re-Batman his Batman for two hours. WHY? WHY CAN’T HE JUST BE BATMAN?

Bruce has spent the last eight years being a shut-in with a cane (why he needs the cane is unknown, because he seemed FINE at the end of the last film…I guess he was shot?) even though, and this is the fundamental part of Batman that Nolan seems to not understand, Bruce would never STOP being Batman. This is an issue that comes again and again in the film, culminating in an ending where Bruce permanently gives up Batman.

WHAAAT?

That’s just a Batcation, right? Bruce is going to get bored in about 12 seconds (five seconds after Selina realizes spending all her time with a no-longer-super-rich dude not stealing things suuuucks) and head back to Gotham and the mansion he left to the city for a Vigilante Orphan Boys Home. He’ll go down into the Batcave and let notRobin know how to sign in to the Batcomputer and then call out to Alfred, who would also HAVE NEVER LEFT BRUCE, “Alfred! Bring me another Orphan Boy!”

And all will be well with the world.

Wedging Bane in as Talia’s protector and tying it all back to the League of Shadows in Batman Begins felt a little forced, an attempt by Nolan to bring his trilogy full circle. (I see what you did there, you Lazaraus Pit hater! GHOST LIAM NEESON CAN BITE ME!)  However, I still appreciated the fact that Nolan dipped more into the comics for TDKR than in his previous Batman films. Several scenes seemed pulled straight from the comics, if not in meaning then at least in visual language.

I still found Bane to be absolutely unintelligible.  I got maybe every fifth word. It was incredibly frustrating. Nolan’s attempt to make Bane more intelligible seems to have been to just up his dialogue track by 200 percent and give us the finger. Thanks. That didn’t help at all! It just made Bane seem like he was being dubbed in and mixed by a telenovela team.

Elena…I know you are not into Batman, so I want to make it clear: ROBIN’S NAME IS NOT ROBIN. His name is also not John. I…don’t understand how this happened. Nolan is so anti-Robin that he’ll make up a dissatisfied cop character and…NAME him Robin? IT’S SO WEIRD! There are plenty of actual Robin name’s to choose from but…well, what’s wrong with naming him Richard?

If he was worried that his heavy-handed foreshadowing throughout the film was ruining the surprise, then keep the John name and change the “actual” name stupidest last line for a movie ever from “Robin” to “Richard.” What? Was he worried that people who didn’t know DICK about Batman wouldn’t get the reference?

Here’s a thing…

…How about you shouldn’t CARE! If my mom watched that movie and didn’t get why having him named “Richard” (assuming “Dick” was too old fashioned) was related to the character taking on the Batmantle, as it were…WHO CARES?! My mom isn’t watching this film. You know who is? FANS. People for whom the reference is a Google or a lean over to the person next to them away if they didn’t get it already.

ROBIN IS NOT HIS NAME. That would like me becoming “Rachel Gal” and then attempting to have a secret identity.

UGH. THAT WAS REALLY ANNOYING.

I think the people who are really into the Nolan Batman films are fine. I’m glad they enjoy them. I’m glad that they can watch those films and read the comics and not have issues. I’m not one of those people. I don’t think an adaptation should slavishly follow the source material, but I do think that the main identifying characteristics and personality of the most important characters should make it from page to screen.

Nolan’s Batman has always been a tool for Bruce Wayne to go from damaged child to well-adjusted adult. Batman is something that holds Bruce back, if Nolan’s Alfred is to be believed. In actuality Batman has always been more than a mask and more than a symbol. Batman IS Bruce Wayne. The play boy, the rich kid…he is the tool of Batman. Bruce is the mask. Nolan doesn’t think this, and so I’ll never like these movies as much as some of you, but I respect that Nolan has ushered in an era of comic book movies as more than comedy action flicks. They should be as topical and inspiring as the comics. Hopefully though, the next Batman reboot won’t take it QUITE so seriously. I’d like to see a Gotham that has room in it for a Batman that never gives up.

Elena-

Even your fake enthusiasm was not enough to sell me on this one.  Maybe some pictures might help?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lionsgate Acquires Time and Again

Lionsgate recently announced that is has acquired the film rights to Jack Finney’s illustrated novel “Time and Again.”  The project will be directed by Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity, Mr. and Mrs. Smith).  Liman will also produce the project alongside his Hypnotic partner Dave Bartis.

Published in 1970, the romantic time-travel novel tells the story of Simon Morley, a Manhattan illustrator who enlists in a secret government experiment which transports him to 1882 New York. While there, he falls in love and must choose between living in the present or the past.

Sleep. And when you awake everything you know of the twentieth century will be gone from your mind. Tonight is January 21, 1882. There are no such things as automobiles, no planes, computers, television. ‘Nuclear’ appears in no dictionary. You have never heard the name Richard Nixon? Did illustrator Si Morley really step out of his twentieth-century apartment one night — right into the winter of 1882? The U.S. Government believed it, especially when Si returned with a portfolio of brand-new sketches and tintype photos of a world that no longer existed — or did it?

The book sold 27,000 copies in hardcover, and more than 200,000 copies over the years, according to Variety.

“From Time to Time,” the novel’s sequel, was published in 1996, one year after his death. The sequel left room for a third and final installment that will never be written due to the author’s death.

Erik Feig, Mike Paseornek, Gillian Bohrer and Jeyun Choi will oversee the project for Lionsgate, according to Variety.

This is not the first time the book has been eyed for adaptation. In the mid-1990s, Robert Redford began developing the project after Paul Newman introduced him to the book.  Tom Thayer, former president of Universal Television, attempted to adapt the work into a network miniseries.

While numerous filmmakers have considered the job, it has yet to be completed by anyone.

Throughout his career, Liman has proven himself to be a versatile director, with projects ranging from indie flicks (Swingers and Go) to action (The Bourne Identity and Mr. and Mrs. Smith), and even science fiction  with 2008’s thriller Jumper.

Liman is currently working on Warner Bros.’ All You Need is Kill, which will star Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt.

Warner Bros. Considering Creating A Prequel For The Shining

In a controversial move, Warner Bros. is considering the possibility of releasing a prequel to The Shining, Stanley Kubrick’s highly regarded 1980 horror classic based on the novel written by horror specialist Stephen King.

There is no word yet on whether King will be involved, though he has stated he is penning a sequel.

The original novel, “The Shining”, was released in 1977. The title was inspired by the John Lennon song “Instant Karma!”, which contained the line “We all shine on…”. It was King’s third published novel, and first hardback bestseller, and the success of the book firmly established King as a preeminent author in the horror genre.

The cult classic film version was originally released in 1980. The book was also later adapted into a television mini-series in 1997.

King also stated that the novel was heavily influenced by Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, Edgar Allan Poe’s The Masque of the Red Death and The Fall of the House of Usher, and Robert Marasco’s Burnt Offerings. The story has been often compared to Guy de Maupassant’s story “The Inn”.

Hollywood writer-producer Laeta Kalogridis and her partners Bradley Fischer and James Vanderbilt are on-board to produce, according to a report by Los Angeles Times.

Kalogridis, according to Los Angeles Times, already has experience with the horror genre, as she wrote Shutter Island for Martin Scorsese two years ago. She also wrote and executive produced James Cameron’s Avatar.

The film would take place before Jack Torrance brought his family to the eerie Overlook Hotel, and would focus on the events that made the hotel “haunted,” (because with Kubrick, you never really know).

A representative for WB said the project is in very early stages, and is not even formally in development. Still, many fans are already voicing strong opinions on the matter, many against tampering with Kubrick’s work.

The news certainly raises some questions. Do you think it will it be possible for filmmakers to step out of Kubrick’s shadow? Or are you dreading the possible prequel altogether?

Kevin Zeggers Cast In City of Bones Adaptation

Actor Kevin Zeggers has been cast as Alec Lightwood in the upcoming film adaptation of Cassandra Clare’s City of Bones. 

City of Bones is the first novel in the series, The Mortal Instruments. 

Alec Lightwood is the brother to Isabelle Lightwood, who is set to be played by Jemima West. Alec also has feelings for Jace Wayland and later Magnus Bane.

Zeggers joins main characters Lily Collins as Clary Fray and Jamie Campbell-Bower as Jace Wayland. Also cast is Lena Headey, Jared Harris, Kevin Durand, and Robert Maillet.

City of Bones follows teen Clary Fray, who discovers she is a descendant of a line of Shadowhunters, an order of half-angel warriors who protect the world from demons. The rest of the characters include her best friend Simon, who is in love with her, while she has feelings for fellow shadowhunter Jace Wayland, who also may or may not be her brother, and siblings  Isabelle and Alec Lightwood, with Alec Harboring feelings for Jace as well.

Screen Gems is producing the adaptation with Harald Zwart directing.

The film is scheduled for release on August 23, 2013.

Could Battle Royale Become A Television Series?

The 1999 novel and 2000 film, Battle Royale, is a cult classic and many fans are yearning for a remake. However, thanks to the recent release and extreme popularity of The Hunger Games, a film remake is looking less likely.

But, could a new television series be on the horizon?

The LA Times recently reported that the CW has been in recent discussion for adapting the novel into a one hour drama series on the network.

If they do decide they want to move forward with the project, they will need to gain the approval of Takami, which according to Japanese law must be secured before any remake can begin.

The CW argues that the television show could flourish much like the popular series, “The Vampire Diaries” found success despite the Twilight Saga dominating the film industry.

While the talks are only in the preliminary stages, the network (CW) would acquire the rights of Koushun Takami’s underlying novel, then unpack and expand on it for an hourlong dramatic series.

Producers Neal Moritz and Roy Lee had been working on a new film way before Suzanne Collins published her novel series, but the project stalled when New Line operations consolidated in 2008.

Then when The Hunger Games was released, the film remake was effectively killed.

Hopefully a television series can get off the ground. While it wont be ideal to fans who want a film reboot (we can also assume it will not be in anyway as gory and brutal as the film and novel) the TV series could be something to look forward to.

A Look At The Snow White And The Huntsman DVD Release

Rupert Sanders’ Snow White and the Huntsman, starring Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth and Sam Claflin, will be released on Blu-ray, On Demand and Digital Download as and Extended Edition on Sept. 11.

The Combo Pack includes an extended version of the film not shown in theaters, as well as a digital download of the film, compatible with iPhone, iTunes, iPad, iPod, iPod touch, Android or online retail partners including UltraViolet (a service that allows consumers to collect movies and TV shows in a cloud to stream and download to TV’s, computers, tablets and smartphones).

The Blu-ray and DVD bonus features include:

  • A New Legend is Born
  • Feature Commentary with director Rupert Sanders, visual effects supervisor Cedric Nicolas-Troyan and co-editor Neil Smith

Bonus Features Exclusive to the Blu-ray:

  • Reinventing the Fairy Tale
  • Citizens of the Kingdom
  • The Magic Of “Snow White and the Huntsman”

Around the Kingdom: 360° Set TourUniversal’s Second Screen: Viewers can control, interact with and explore the film with features on a networked tablet or computer, in sync with the movie on the television screen. During the film, users can access:

      • Flick View: Move content from the tablet to the TV screen, and compare storyboards, animatics, and other bonus material with a “flick” of the fingers.
      • Behind the Scenes (Picture in Picture)
      • Around the Kingdom: 360° Set Tour
      • Virtual flip books
      • Cast of Characters
      • UltraViolet
      • Digital Copy: Viewers can redeem a digital version of the full-length movie from a choice of retail partners to watch on an array of electronics and portable devices including computers, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android and more.
      • pocket BLU App for smartphones
      • Advanced Remote Control: A new way to operate Blu-ray players.
      • Video Timeline: Users can bring up the video timeline, allowing them to instantly access any point in the film.
      • Mobile-To-Go: Users can unlock a selection of bonus content with their Blu-ray discs to save to their device or to stream from anywhere there is a Wi-Fi network, enabling them to enjoy content on the go, anytime, anywhere.
      • Browse Titles: Users will have access to a complete list of pocket BLU-enabled titles available and coming to Blu-ray. They can view free previews and see what additional content is available to unlock on their device.
      • Keyboard: an intuitive keyboard for data entry
      • BD-LIVE: Access the BD-Live Center through an Internet-connected player to access the latest trailers, exclusive content and more.

Hannibal TV Series Adds Laurence Fishburne

Actor Laurence Fishburne may be returning to television for the upcoming television series, “Hannibal” based on the prolific film and novel series. The new show will be a contemporary take on the book produced by NBC acting as a prequel to the novels.

According to TVLine, Fishburne, a former CSI detective, is considering the role of Jack Crawford, the agent-in-charge at the Behavioral Science Unit of the FBI who is tasked with tracking down a flesh-eating serial killer. The role of Crawford was played by Dennis Farina in 1986’s Manhunter, Scott Glenn in 1991’s Silence of the Lambs, and Harvey Keitel in 2002’s Red Dragon.

The first season has received an order for 13 episodes and is said that any future seasons will also be 13 episodes long.

The new project was written and executive produced by “Pushing Daisies” creator Bryan Fuller.

It is scheduled to debut at mid-season, and centers on the budding relationship between FBI agent Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and his mentor Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen).

It should be noted that “Hannibal” should not be confused the other pilot based on Clarice Starling that will be appearing on Lifetime.

The Dark Knight Rises Doesn’t Disappoint – Review

Last night I excitedly headed to the BIG theater in my city to see a movie I just couldn’t wait for, The Dark Knight Rises. I want to preface this review by saying that I went into this movie with high expectations. After the impressive film, The Dark Knight, I felt like this film, the ending of a trilogy, had to be better than the previous, though I had in my mind it might be an impossible standard.

However, The Dark Knight Rises does NOT disappoint. I will say that I did not think it was better, but it was on par and as good as the previous installment.

The film pulls the audience in very early on with the almost immediate introduction of Bane. We are only a few minutes into the film when we are introduced to the main “villain” of this tale and with it the story quickly begins its jaunty three hour ride. Not to mention I was ecstatic to see Petyr Baelish make an appearance ( or  Aidan Gillen for you non Game of Thrones watchers.)

We also are very quickly introduced to Anne Hathaway’s character, Selina Kyle/ Catwoman. I was totally against her in the role from the minute her casting was announced. It wasn’t that I didn’t think she couldn’t handle the role, I just have never really liked her in her other projects. (I also have a spot in my heart that is taken by Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman.) BUT, Hathaway’s performance was almost flawless. She portrayed the sultry, confident cat burglar who is actually not evil, isn’t a villain. I also found her to be a great foil for Batman/Bruce Wayne. Her ideals and actions are opposite his but deep down they are very similar – they want to get out on their own terms. You can see the chemistry between the actors from the get go and it only grows through out the film.

JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT. (need I say more?)

YES. THIS.

Also his acting was fantastic and I sense Night Wing on the horizon.

This movie did make me feel like an idiot though. Not in the way you think. There is a HUGE twist at the end, that still surprised me. After it was revealed, I felt dumb for not seeing it sooner. It might have to do with some misdirection by some of the cast members in interviews, but I was definitely caught off guard by the big reveal. I won’t give it away here because you deserve to experience it on your own if you reading this before seeing the film.

One thing that I disliked what the time framing. After Bane comes to power and Batman (is somewhere else entirely) there is no frame of reference of how much time is passing. We can ASSUME it is at the least a few weeks, but there is no real knowledge of it has been week, months, or even a year. It’s not like I was some cliched montage or some equally annoying shit, I just want some frame of reference. We only find out how long it has been right before the action is about go down and someone outright says it. But it takes to long to establish that more than a few weeks as passed. I found it to be slightly lazy on either the Director’s part or the screenwriters part.  However, while cinematically, this bothered me, it in no way hindered the actual movie for me.

Most of all, this film was a great addition to the trilogy as awhole. It flowed seamlessly from the end of The Dark Knight to create something you can watch back to back without missing a beat. It looks similar to the first two and was just as action packed and character oriented as the rest.

Also: TEARS WERE SHED. The ending was PERFECT. Tears of sadness followed by tears of joy. (There is just something so heartbreaking about watching Alfred blubber that released the floodgates of tear waterfall.) The ending gives closure to  not just this film but the entire trilogy. It packs everything up in a neat little bow while closing the stories of some characters and opening the doors of others.

Seriously, who can watch him breakdown and not at least tear up?

A Look At What We Know About Dexter Season 7

Showtime has released another preview for season seven of “Dexter,” which returns Sept. 30. The promo, titled The Last Piece, compiles clips spanning the series which could have lead Deborah to the truth about her adoptive brother.

The final scene, of course, is the end of the season six finale, in which Deb walks in on Dexter killing the season’s big baddie, Travis Marshall (Colin Hanks).

No new information is revealed in the trailer, but the Internet is abuzz with spoilers and speculation alike, so we’ve gathered the best (and most accurate) bits for you here.

At Comic-Con, Showtime treated fans to a screening of the first two minutes of season seven’s premiere.

The writers waste no time picking up exactly where they left off, as the clip opens with Deb’s obviously emotional reaction to Dexter’s fresh kill.

At this year’s Comic-Con Carpenter stated, “I think if anything it’s not that she’s shying away from the power and authority she has [as head of Miami Metro], she actually needs it,” Carpenter said. “It’s the one card she has to play and it’s also the one card that will protect and save her. At any second — if I live! — I could tell someone to put cuffs on him and I think [Dexter] knows that.”

Another announcement brought the news that season eight will the the show’s last season. Sara Colleton, executive producer for the show, told TV Guide that the decision to end the show is definite.

“We wanted to end it this year, but the network convinced us that it would be best to do it in two years.,” Colleton said. “In some ways, this is a two-season series-ender. We have worked that out and know where it’s going to end. Next year will definitely be the last year of ‘Dexter.’ Absolutely.”

Colleton also said Deb will learn everything about her brother this season. There will be no more secrets.

“Obviously this whole season we’re going to have great fun playing with every permutation that can be played between Debra and Dexter in their relationship now that this information has come out.,” she said.

In answer to the question on many fan’s minds, Colleton addressed Deb’s newly realized romantic feelings for Dexter.

“It will be explored,” she said. “It has to explored, because one doesn’t come to a realization like that and then completely change. But obviously what she learns is going to affect it, so all of the things that have been the bedrock of Deb’s life get moved around. That’s part of what we hope will be fascinating for our fans, is to watch and see how we play out all of those various interpretations.”

As for new spoilers (reader beware), Lieutenant LaGuerta finds Dexter’s blood slide forgotten at the crime scene, and immediately recognizes it from the Bay Harbor Butcher case. She sees this as a chance to clear Sergeant Doakes’ name, as the case had initially been pinned on him.

Colleton said this will begin quietly, but the clues will eventually lead back to Dexter.

Hall also commented on how Harrison will affect the new season as well as life for Deb and Dexter.

“As Harrison gets older and becomes more perceptive, it gets diecier every day. Deb now has a sense of what she’s dealing with with her brother that changes things as well,” Hall says. “He has someone who’s really encouraging him to face just what he’s trying to pull off as a parent. But Harrison is still in the picture — and very cute.”

Lastly, there are several new cast members in season six.

Ray Stevenson will play the head of a crime syndicate who owns several nightclubs in Miami. Jason Gedrick will play the U.S. manager of all of his clubs. Perhaps catching the most buzz is Yvonne Strahovski.

“She plays this woman named Hannah, who took off from this small rinky-dink Florida town and ran off with this older guy and they went on this wild killing spree,” Colleton told TV Guide. “So when they got caught, she turned state’s evidence on the boyfriend, he went to jail for life and she started a new life. Years later, she’s in her 30s and she will intersect with Dexter. I would say Hannah is a still water that runs very deep and is quite unlike any woman Dexter has ever known.”

TV Guide asked Colleton whether Dexter will die at the series’ end.

“I would never answer that question,” she said with a laugh.

You can see the new promo, titled The Last Piece, below and be sure to watch the new season on September 20th.