The CW may be the go-to network of today’s youth, but its freshmandramedy Reaper could benefit from beefed-up screen time for its oldestcharacter. Indeed, episode four — a definite improvement on lastweek’s humdrum hour — was at its best whenever Ray Wise’s Satan was inthe mix. When an angry driver shouted "Go to hell, jerk!" out hiswindow, the Devil’s response — "I’ll meet you there, Bruce!" — andfollow-up explanation to Sam ("The little thing on his neck — not afreckle") nailed the absurd, mean-spirited humor that’s made me a fastfan of the show. Here’s a question: Since Sam’s family and two of hisfriends already know he’s Satan’s bounty hunter, why not let theminteract with El Diablo, too?
On a happy note, this week’s episode expanded the options for whatconstitutes a demon-catching vessel, as Sam’s weekly delivery fromSatan contained a cooing white dove instead of the electronic equipmentwe’ve come to expect. The fact that Ben (the terrific Rick Gonzalez)bonded with said bird — naming him Winston, feeding him snacks, andcuddling him inside his jacket — made it all the more amusing when thecreature morphed into a swarm of ravens, descended onto the fiend ofthe week, and sucked him up in a flurry of blood and feathers. Sure,the climactic event looked pretty similar to last week’s bug storm, butI’m guessing the F/X budget for Reaper is probably less than thehairspray budget for America’s Next Top Model.
What did you think of last night’s Reaper? Are you rooting for aSam-Andi hookup, or like me, are you hoping our hero shakes things upand develops a new workplace crush? And finally, was that a rhesus monkeyon the inspirational "Believe" poster in Ted’s office? If it was…random!
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I agree last night’s episode was an improvement – the show is 3 for 4.
As far as Sam and Andi – I think they should let her in on the bounty hunter thing.
The Ben character is becoming invaluable — just like Soc. It was wierd that he didn’t get hurt this time though (except maybe emotionally). Its funny because he was never mentioned in any of the preview articles but the rest of the cast, including the parents, were.
The funniest part was when the DMV lady rolled her eyes after Ben gave her the bird treats and then stuffed Winston head first down into the delivery tube.
I agree that the “will they/won’t they” thing with Sam and Andi is already getting old. Tell her the deal already!
I totally agree with the others–bring Andi in on the secret! I’m thinking she’s up for it (and Sam might finally do something about the fact that she’s now asked him out on a date three different times). This show’s easily my favorite of all the new shows. It’s just too much fun, and the characters are all fantastic. And Ray Wise’s devil? Best thing since sliced bread, man.
Why does Sam have to always be so sullen. He looks pathetic all the time. I understand his circumstance, but jeez – try and make him a little more happy that he has his friends, girl and a kick-a** job defeating demons. Also, he has the actual devil to talk to and confide in. And he’s hilarious!!!
Heck, I would love this job.
Andi is going to give up on Sam if he keeps this up…she needs to know the secret and I think she’ll totally bring a lot to the “team.”
Oh, poo. I watched Ep 3 after adoring Ep. 1 and gave up on it because it sucked so badly. Now I have to go back and catch Ep. 3 somehow. (And it was amazing how bad last week’s show — it really really really really needs Kevin Smith)
You would love knowing your going to hell when you die? You would love constantly being in danger? I love this show, and I think the character of Sam acts like I would expect someone to act in his situation.
You’re missing the funniest line in the whole episode!! When Sam asked the Devil how he could find the magician, the Devil says, “I’m not google, Sam.”…. hysterical.
Adding my love for last night’s ep – much better than last week.
When the Devil smiled at Andi, I got chills.
As for the romance, one of the characters needs to step up their game. I think Andi needs to dump Sam’s fanny. Either he’ll get it in gear, or find some other woman to moon over.
Really like this show. I’m a big fan of Bret Harrison who plays Sam, ever since I was virtually the ONLY person who watched the Fox sitcom The Loop. And I only watched it because of him. I normally don’t watch shows on The CW because they suck, but this one is really good. It’s not only funny, but a little sad when you know Sam can never live a normal life. But mostly it’s really funny!
Last night was the first time I’d had a chance to catch the show (no DVR, still in the dark ages). I liked it alot, and I’ll give it a chance. Having come in green, I think there was just the right amount of Devil in the episode. I think it could get tired if he’s featured too prominently.
I completely agree that Andi should be let in on the secret. It would be fun for her to know and deal with her feelings for him as well him being owned by the devil…
AND MORE RAY WISE!!!
No AJ you weren’t the only one who watched The Loop… Philip Baker Hall was priceless as his boss. Great show. I liked Bret on Grounded For Life; his schtick is being the put-upon nice guy, and it works well in this show, since how much more put-upon can you be than to have to work for the devil? Ray Wise is great as well. A little too great…
I’m enjoying Reaper too, although I’d like to see them change things up a bit – perhaps a season long arc would work to keep the tension up. I keep thinking when I’m watching it that it would make a great partner for Supernatural, far better than boring old Smallville. They’re both funny and although Supernatural is much darker, I think they’d compliment each other nicely.
Last night’s episode was vastly improved from last week, althought I have enjoyed all of them so far. But anytime a Criss Angel-looklalike gets devoured by angry birds, I’m on board.
My vote on more “devil face time:” Part of what makes Sam’s relationship with Satan so isolating/endearing is that Sam is the only one that interacts with him. I think letting everybody talk to him would cheapen that. But I’m loving Ray Wise. He seems born for this part.
Favorite line: “Winston, you’re one freaky bird. Thanks to you, I will be never comfortable around birds again.”
Lovin’ the show. Bret Harrison was great in Grounded for Life and The Loop; love the kid’s chops and timing. Sock and Ben are perfect sidekicks, hilariously done.
Yeah, we could use some more Ray Wise – what show couldn’t?
And the only thing that bothers me about the show is keeping him and Andi apart. Aside from the fact that she’s maybe TOO perfect, there’s no reason Sam shouldn’t have a little bit of happiness, right? His job sucks, and his other job sucks with the power of hellfire. C’mon, throw the dude a bone! I wanted to punch my TV last night after he tried to save her but couldn’t tell her why it ultimately cost them their date. Dammit.
But overall, LOVIN’ the show.
I love Ray Wise too, but his is a supporting char. It’s a little tedious that you keep asking for more. It’s like saying you love cinnamon, so make the whole cake cinnamon. It’s nice and cinnamony now & still is a cake. Overall, really happy w/the show, but they are dragging the girl thing out way too much. Include her or cut her loose.
Thanks, freckles: anytime a Criss Angel-looklalike gets devoured by angry birds, I’m on board.
Word!
I loved last night’s episode so much that I watched it twice once when it aired and again on my DVR…the whole Ben/ Winstom bonding was so cute and of course El Diablo shined as bright as he does every week… and show didn’t love Sock’s painted Bull-ride!! The whole Andy and Sam thing is a little annoying to me though, but Bret Harrison takes the edge off for me a little with his devoted awkwardness and witty nature…I loved him Grounded for Life and I love him on this show… All of the guys, including the evil one himself have been perfectly cast…one complaint though Rick Gonzalez is too hot to have his hair look so disastrous on the show… I know he’s not playing the hot guy, but come on Guys!!
I’m going to keep watching Reaper because I love Sam, Socks, Ben and the fabulous Devil but the show has not returned to the glory of its first episode. Also, what happened to Sam’s telekinetic powers? Was that just a one-episode thing? What happened to Sam’s brother? Why aren’t Sam’s parents the least bit curious or worried about their son working for the Devil. What was up with Sam’s parents not being able to find the Devil contract? At first I thought it was a joke, like the Devil had made them forget where they put the contract so Sam couldn’t “read the fine print” but then after searching in two places the flaky mom finds it. In the pilot Sam felt good about putting a bad soul back in Hell but now he whines all the time. I’m also bored with the monster-a-week device. I think Sam’s hellish duties should expand. I like Andi but her “romance” with Sam is yawn-inducing. I’ll keep tuning in but Reaper needs to step up its game. Bring back Kevin Smith! Hell needs him!
I love this show. Even though yes – last weeks was a little subpar – we’re only on the 4th episode folks! Of a sophmore show! That just started three episodes ago. This show is so tangent from everything else on tv these days that we shouldn’t hold such high expectations for each episode just because the pilot was killer. Slacken up a bit and enjoy it twisted, off beat humour
Love this show. I’ll take a little bit of the devil over a lot of “Chuck” any day.
I actually liked last week’s episode better than this week’s so I guess I’m in the minority here. I also disagree with the post before mine. Believe me, I’ve lowered my expectations for most of the shows on TV but Reaper has so much potential. The show has a great concept and a great cast and the episodes should be getting better and better but they’re not. Yeah, I know we’re only a few episodes in but that’s why the show needs to step it up so viewership can build. Two of my favorite shows ever [X-Files and Lost] hooked me in with that first episode and kept reeling me in. Reaper isn’t reeling me in. The pilot was flawless, fresh and funny. I called up family and friends and insisted they tune in. Their response after the last few episodes? “Yeah it’s cute, but…” So yeah I’ve got high expectations for the show–because I know it can be so much better. So yeah I’m complaining–because I’m hoping the writers and creators of the show might read this.
The episode was written by Kevin Murphy. Is that the same Kevin “Tom Servo” Murphy from “Mystery Science Theater 3000″? Cause if it was….cooooool!
i love, love, love this show! yeah, it’s not perfect, but it’s still enjoyable b/c it’s so darn funny! has anyone seen the reaper commercial with ray wise twirling around while that song ‘it’s the most wonderful time of the year’ plays (for halloween, of course)? it’s SO great!
Sam’s mother doesn’t really look old enough. They don’t show enough of Sam’s family life. And how old is he supposed to be? I thought he was early to mid 20’s but maybe he’s only supposed to be like 18 or something.
Three things:
1. My wife and I love the show. She now quotes Ray Wise’s line from the first episode, “I’m the Devil”, whenever the mood suits her.
2. EW: TV Watch this show please. Not sure what conditions a show must meet to be “TV Watched”, but bestow Reaper anyway.
3. While you’re at it, My Name is Earl too.
Sam is 21. He finds out on his 21st birthday that his soul was sold and his duties are to begin….
I kinda thought the magician looked liked a hagard Billy Zane in a terrible long-haired wig!! LOL Oh but seriously, the Devil is simply the MAN with the BEST lines! The freckle one was good but “TAKE SOME ECSTASY!” I was liked, OMG did he really JUST say that????
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