Shock Interviews "Dexter's" David Zayas

[JamesG]

Interview: Skyline's David Zayas
Source: Rob G.
May 11, 2010


Like most fellow Shock readers out there, I myself am a huge fan of Showtime's original series "Dexter". So, while visiting the set of the Strause brothers new alien sci-fi thriller Skyline, this writer couldn't help but be excited to suddenly be sharing balcony space with actor David Zayas, who portrays Angel Batista on the hit cable series.

The view we're sharing overlooks all of Marina Del Ray and provides for the perfect backdrop to our conversation.

While the majority of our chat revolved around his role in Skyline, we couldn't help but eventually steer the talk towards "Dexter", which enters its fifth season this fall.







Robg.: Several months back, I had interviewed Keith Gordon about "Dexter", and one of the interesting things that came up was that since he's a director on only select episodes, he doesn't always know where a season is going.

That allows for him to watch the show as a fan and still get surprised. Are you yourself a fan of "Dexter", even though you appear in every episode?

David Zayas: Well, I'll tell you, as an actor sometimes it's a little bit difficult to see your own work objectively.

For example, I was in "OZ" and that was my all time favorite show… until I got cast in it! And then it was still a great show, but it was hard for me to watch and still look at from the point of view of a fan, but I still loved it.

"Dexter", I'm in every episode, I read the scripts ahead of time, so watching it, I'm looking at things like how well it's done, how great the script is, how wonderful the other performances are. When you see yourself, you kind of have to tune out otherwise you'll just look at yourself and see yourself act. When you watch a show, you don't want to see actor's act, you want to see characters live and be. But since it's you, it's hard!



To answer your question. Yes, I am a big fan of "Dexter", I think it's a great, great show. It's similar to the atmosphere I've had on this movie Skyline where you go to work and everybody really cares about what they're doing and are really 100 percent backing up everything that's going on. Working with a crew like that is really great.

For example, the season finale of Season Four, there were so many changes that when it aired, there were scenes I didn't know about, so I was really watching it from the outside in. I was fascinated, and I can imagine what it's like for a fan that's been following it.

It's really an addictive show and it's done with such quality.









Robg.: Top notch acting, writing and directing, all across the board…


David Zayas: And it's an interesting concept, it's not black and white.





Robg.: So did the season four finale surprise you, or did you know it was coming?

David Zayas: Well, I sort of knew what was coming but I didn't know how it was going to happen. I didn't know what the ending was. I was shocked just like everyone else, but in a good way. There's no formula here.

The show is willing to take risks and go that extra mile to create good television. That kind of show is always good to be involved with.










Robg.: As an actor, it's been pretty cool to get to play a character like Angel Batista.

In the first season, he was going through a divorce, then in the second season he had the whole thing with Lila. Now he's with Laguerta's (Lauren Velez) character.

You've had quite an arc through out the seasons. How's that been for you as an actor and do you have any influence on what happens with the character?

David Zayas: Well, when I first got "Dexter", I read the first book Darkly Dreaming Dexter. And the character of Angel Batista is barely in the book. So it was open season as to where my character was going if he was going anywhere.

And I think the writers to their credit in watching the first few episodes and watching what I was trying to do with the character, my individual qualities I tried to inject into him, they observed that, saw that and ran with it and kept my character true to the way I was trying to create him during the first season.

And in doing that, they've sent me on a very interesting roller coaster of dilemma's and situations which shows how flawed yet honest he is. He's sincere and genuine, yet he's not a perfect person. He's an average Joe, but with a lot of integrity. And with that integrity comes a lot of problems. I think they've maintained that in the four seasons.

It's really led to some interesting storylines that have given me good stuff to play with as an actor. The writers have done a great job and I appreciate that.










Robg.: What's your favorite episode, both that you worked on and maybe one as a fan?

David Zayas: Well, I love the episode in the first season where I'm trying to find a gift for my wife so she can forgive me. It was such an interesting way of showing what kind of person Angel is. As an actor that was a fun episode to work on.

As far as a favorite as a fan? I would have to say in the second season when Dexter gets called in and he thinks he's caught because they've got his blood slides. The way they built that all up, that tension and to have him sit in front of Lundy (Keith Carradine), we're expecting him to say we know these are yours, and instead they say these are Doakes (Erik King).

They put a great twist there and shifted gears around for the entire season. I gotta say that's my favorite episode.

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