It is early evening, and the excitement is palpable in the air. Some have been waiting inside this room for hours, sitting through pilots, just for a chance to glimpse the upcoming footage. It is two minutes of season seven, and it is worth it.

We sit, captivated, and it is over too soon. The intrigue has multiplied ten fold, and a roar of gasps thunder through the crowd.

Deb tries to call the station, and a sharp “No!” escapes Dexter’s lips as he starts toward her.

The presumption, of course, is that Debra Morgan will survive to see the rest of season seven, though Jennifer Carpenter will neither confirm nor deny this. The actors are coy with the details of the upcoming season, but two things become clear. Deb will be navigating a minefield of confusion and uncertainty, and Dexter will be learning the fine craft of manipulation in new ways.

We learn little about Yvonne Strahovski’s new character, save for her name: Hannah McKay. She has only been on the set for a few days, but the cast has welcomed her with open arms. New guests bring with them fresh energies, transforming the show year after year, and the cast and crew relish the new dynamic.

Michael C. Hall is witty and friendly, and delivers quite a few laughs. He also delivers his name card to the event’s host to give to an eager, waiting fan.

Writer Wendy West receives an unexpected surprise: the sister of an old friend is asking a question from the audience. Wendy’s slack-jawed response draws a chuckle from the crowd, and her enthusiasm is delightful. She discusses the joy of writing for Masuka, seemingly in awe of a character who can make anything sound dirty.

It seems that I am not the only one infected by Deb’s colorful language. Jennifer Carpenter admits to swearing too much, and Michael C. Hall has to stop her from doing so again in the panel. He playfully points to the rules on the back of her name card, and they have a laugh at her “fucking” faux pas. The audience doesn’t mind, of course; Dexter has never been a show for children.