 Shearman and Pearson felt that the subject of vigilantism was a suitable one for the series, and that it had "been bubbling under the surface every since the concept of the Millennium Group ... was first mentioned"; however, they ultimately felt that the episode contained "very little to engage the brain".Bill Gibron, writing for DVD Talk, rated "The Judge" 4 out of 5, describing it as being "a fine, moody episode".However, Gibron felt that Marshall Bell's character may have been better suited to a recurring role, rather than being killed off during the episode.