Reviews of the pilot were generally positive. David Hinckley of the "New York Daily News" called it "bold, different and exciting, with a central character and performance that take your breath away". Hinckley praised Hall's dynamic Emmy-worthy performance, and the "indispensable and haunting" narration. Maureen Ryan of the "Chicago Tribune" claimed "to deny yourself the engrossing "Dexter" based on its subject matter would be to miss out on one of television's most fiendishly intelligent new dramas". Ryan enjoyed the series' black comedy aspects, which she thought were "infused with the most pitch-dark irony on television". Matthew Gilbert of "The Boston Globe" was impressed by Hall's grand performance, especially in his ability to make Dexter likable. Gilbert praised the set designers, comparing the crime scenes to a "Vanity Fair" photo spread.