 Although reception to individual seasons has varied, the overall response to "Dexter" has been positive.The first, second, fourth, and seventh seasons received critical acclaim, the third and fifth seasons received generally positive reviews, while the sixth and eighth seasons received mixed to negative reviews.While remarking on some of the show's more formulaic elements (quirky detective, hero with dense workmates, convenient plot contrivances), Tad Friend of "The New Yorker" remarked that when Dexter is struggling to connect with Rita or soliciting advice from his victims, "the show finds its voice."