Lately it seems as though abnormality has become the norm on television. Case in point, Showtime’s popular series “Dexter.”

Increasingly characters have eccentric personality traits or support themselves through unorthodox means. It’s evident that audiences are ready to embrace characters who are complex and even a bit twisted.

“Dexter,” now entering its fourth season is the perfect example. What is so intriguing about the show is that it focuses on a character that is deviant not only in his work but also in the type of person he is. Dexter is a serial killer who helps solve crimes for the Miami police department and satisfies his urge to kill by offing Miami’s most hardened criminals. One of the most prominent members of Dexter’s team is Angel Batista, a detective with a quick wit and a dry sense of humor, played by actor David Zayas.

Having worked as a New York City police officer for many years, Zayas is no stranger to fighting crime. Before landing his current role on “Dexter,” he appeared on several network shows, including “Law and Order,” “NYPD Blue” and, demonstrating versatility, as Enrique Morales, an inmate on “Oz.”

HOMBRE: How did you become involved with “Dexter”?
David Zayas: Well, they were having auditions for this new series on Showtime, I auditioned for it and I guess they liked me because they called me back. I went to California to test for it and got the part. 　

H: How has been your experience of working on the show?
DZ: It’s been a pleasure for me as an actor. It’s a great cast, great crew, great writers, great characters…it’s been wonderful.

H: You played an inmate on “Oz,” how does it feel to play a character on the other side of the law?
DZ: It’s been refreshing. I like to play a bad guy. Since I was a cop, it’s cool to play someone on the other side. But it doesn’t matter to me what it is as long as it’s an interesting role. Between “Oz” and “Dexter” I’ve had some interesting roles, and it’s been a lot of fun.

H: Have you always wanted to be an actor?　
DZ: Well I’ve always wanted to be an actor but I didn’t really start until I was almost 30. I was a New York City cop for 15 years and then decided I wanted to try acting. I went to school for it and joined the theater company LAByrinth where we did a lot of plays in New York in the 90’s. Then I got small parts in “Law and Order,” “NYPD Blue;” and worked on a show that had the same writers as “Oz” and when the show finished I was cast on “Oz.” Then I auditioned for “Dexter” and got my current role.　

H: You’re Puerto Rican, how has your Latino background influenced your work?
DZ: A lot of what I project as an actor comes from my family. I come from a big, eccentric family, so my background definitely has had influence.　

H: Who were some of your role models growing up?
DZ: Raul Julia was a big one. I remember growing up watching him in the theater and hearing about him a lot.

H: One of the main principles of “Dexter” is the concept of　taking　one　life　for the good of others. What　do you think of this idea?
DZ: It’s not really my job to judge, but it’s interesting to have a look inside the mind of a sick individual and try to figure out what he’s thinking. I never really judge any character that I do or any project that I’m in, I just look at what attracts me to a certain role. People ask me if I have any moral issues doing the show and I say, absolutely not! As an artist you should be able to express whatever ideas you have and your take on what is out there in the world.

H: Has being on the show sparked any interest in forensics?
DZ: Not really, being a New York City cop I’ve seen my fair share of blood and stuff.

H: What　are your plans for the future?
DZ: To keep working on as many projects as I can!

H: What is some advice you would give someone who wants to follow in your footsteps as an actor?
DZ: Do as much as you can, as many projects as possible. Remember that it’s a lot of sacrifice. And surround yourself with positive people who are going to support you.