When it was announced that Showtime had renewed “Dexter” for two more seasons I immediately suggested it was time to define a definitive series finale. You just can’t continue to string viewers along, expect Deborah (Jennifer Carpenter) to continue to be blind to Dexter’s (Michael C. Hall) misadventures, and water down what ultimately should be an epic conclusion.

Showtime Entertainment President David Nevins talked with EW about the season finale and the potential build for the forthcoming two seasons:

“Coming back for two more years gives us clarity about how and when it will go out,” Nevins said at Showtime’s annual holiday party in Los Angeles on Thursday night. “There [are] things that are going to happen [this season] that will set up a very clear endgame that will take two seasons to tell. You have got to be there for the last two [Season Six] episodes.”

Asked if Dexter will therefore absolutely conclude in the eighth season, Nevins added, “I’m never going to say ‘never,’ but everybody is operating under that assumption. Things could take a turn creatively where they come to us and say they need more time.”

This is both nerve-racking and exciting. It’s nice to know they are actually building towards something, but it concerns me that they’re still thinking about leaving the door open for more. By an eighth season you’re doing your fans a disservice by pushing too hard; look at what happened with “X-Files”.