AOL Interviews Courtney Ford On "Dexter"

[JamesG]

Season 4 of Dexter has been chock-full of complications thus far; from the Trinity murders to the Vacation murders, surviving has become a feat in itself.

Popping up over the course of this season has been the curious "Christine Hill," a go-getter reporter and Quinn's new lover, played by Courtney Ford. Having appeared in episodes of How I Met Your Mother, Cold Case and Ugly Betty, landing this spot in Dexter has been a breakout role for her. And it couldn't have come at a better time, as she was almost ready to throw in the acting towel.

AOL TV recently spoke to Ford about her role on Dexter, how her character has evolved and the role of the media in crime investigations.



What about this season of Dexter makes it special in your eyes?

Since this is my first season being part of the Dexter universe, it actually feels pretty special just to be on the show. The series has always had a lot of depth, but I think that's even more true this season.

Dexter is out of his element: He can no longer retreat to his apartment, he has to find a balance between his family and his dark passenger, and because of these new challenges, he's being forced to evolve. We've never seen Dexter like this before.




How has your character evolved -- or devolved -- in the Dexter universe over this season?

When Christine first came on the scene, I think many people thought she might just be there to serve as a love interest for Quinn, as a bit of a romance subplot.

True fans of the show know that these writers are some of the most skilled and intelligent out there, and simply don't write superfluous characters. I think it's beginning to become apparent that Christine has a few secrets of her own.




People are pretty fanatic about Dexter; have you heard any good theories about what is going on during this season?

Oh my gosh, I hear theories every day! It's getting crazy. It's really interesting to hear people's ideas about where the season is headed, and it's been incredibly hard to bite my tongue for months on end. I don't know how the rest of the cast does it season after season.

Most theories have been way off the mark, but a few have come close. Close ... but no bulls-eye. I can honestly say that no one has gotten it exactly right yet, and there's an ending to episode nine that nobody has seen coming. This Sunday is a game-changer.




Did shooting these episodes make you think about the issues of media and crime?

It begs the question [of] how much access should the media have to an ongoing investigation of a crime. Does it help or does it hinder the investigation by tipping off suspects? Or does it lead to wild speculation?

Sometimes you think all access is the best and you should lay the truth right out there, but sometimes you have to let detectives do their thing. And it should be a case by case basis.




The show is very serious. Are there ever any lighthearted moments on the set?

It leans more to the serious, but I wouldn't say anyone is a stick in the mud.

http://insidetv.aol.com/2009/11/22/c...erview-dexter/