Showtime is promoting the new season of its show Dexter, which is about a serial killer (Michael C. Hall), by dyeing water in city fountains blood-red.

In some cities, residents couldn't miss the promotion. Philadelphia's Love Park Fountain bubbled up good and bloody if you're into that sort of thing. Bostonist was skeptical because, as we all know, the city is sensitive, quakes at the phrase "viral marketing," and doesn't like anything that might freak people out.

We heard that Team Dexter would be setting up a fountain at Faneuil Hall, probably because tourists just love seeing caution tape and being reminded of serial killers. Instead of dyeing waters within the city red, the promoters had to make their own small fountain, which was easily obscured by the area's other attractions. Team Dexter, clad in lab coats and surrounding the caution-taped fountain, had clearly been warned not to make a mess, which was obvious based on the number of trash bags lining the base of the fountain.

However, the people promoting "Dexter" are quite pleasant, and they are handing out free DVDs if you want to see the first two episodes of this season's "Dexter." They'll be at Faneuil Hall until 5.

Photo by Caroline Roberts.