During the TCA press panel for the Showtime hit Dexter, producers of the show revealed that the upcoming fifth season will depart from the one baddie a year formula as Dexter undergoes a process of “atonement” following the events of season four:
The show will also depart from having a single guest “bad guy,” along the lines of John Lithgow this past season, in favor of having Dexter interact with several guests stars on his road to atonement.
Source: Deadline TV