Reception
"Born Free" was the most-watched original series telecast on Showtime since 2004, when the Nielsen ratings started separating the channel's ratings from Showtime Plex, the package of Showtime channels offered by most cable and satellite systems. The finale drew an audience of 1.1 million American viewers, a significant increase over the series premiere, which attracted slightly more than 600,000 viewers. The first season attracted on average 1.96 million American viewers, including live and DVR viewing off the premium channel's main feed. "Born Free" brought in 589,000 viewers on its first free-to-air broadcast in Australia. Hall submitted the episode for consideration for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor - Drama Series, but was not ultimately nominated.
Eric Goldman of IGN said that "Born Free" was "an intense episode that brought the Ice Truck Killer story to a satisfying conclusion." He felt that the "biggest shock of all" was the reveal of Rudy as Dexter's brother, and described their confrontation as "riveting". Goldman gave the episode an "incredible" rating of 9.5 out of 10. Paula Paige of TV Guide was "impressed" by Michael Hall's "incredible acting ability," praising his ability to transform from a "stoic killer to overwrought brother in a matter of moments." She said that the series went "from being a good show to a fantastic show in the course of one season," and hoped that "the sophomore season will be just as terrific." Jonathan Toomey of TV Squad felt that it would be a "shame" if Hall did not win a Golden Globe, saying that he "certainly deserves it." He understood why Rudy wanted to make Debra the brothers' first victim together; Rudy was jealous of the life that Dexter received and killing Debra was the symbol of that life dying. Although Toomey said that the episode was "really well written," he was troubled that no one made the connection between Dexter and Rudy when all they had to do was read Rudy's file, but Toomey speculated that it could be discovered the next season.
Read more about this topic: Born Free (Dexter)
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